A research analyst expects a companys PP&E to last for twice as long as what is implied in the companys current depreciation schedule. Therefore, she expects capital expenditure to be significantly lower than depreciation for the next 5 years. Given that working capital and PP&E account for all the companys assets, if earnings and net working capital are expected to grow at a low single-digit rate during this period, which of the following is most likely?

a. ROIC will increase

b. ROIC will decrease

c. ROIC will remain unchanged