Company Z is making an investment in a new plant and equipment. They had originally expected to depreciate the assets over a 10-year basis, but then found that they could depreciate over 7 years instead (thereby increasing the amount depreciated each year). If Company Z depreciates over 7 years, which of the following would occur?

	a.	The firm's operating income (EBIT) would increase.
	b.	The firm's taxable income would increase.
	c.	The firm's reported net income would increase.
	d.	The firm's tax payments would increase.
	e.	The higher depreciation expense would create a tax shield for the corporation.