Calculate the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for Company DEF, which reported net income of $1.5 million, interest expense of $200,000, taxes of $300,000, depreciation expense of $150,000, and amortization expense of $50,000. Explain the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) as a measure of a company's operating performance, indicating its profitability before accounting for interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Discuss the significance of EBITDA in financial analysis and its implications for operational efficiency.