Firms U and L both have a return on invested capital (ROIC) of 12% and each has the same amount of assets. Firm U is unleveraged, i.e., it is 100% equity financed, while Firm L is financed with 50% debt and 50% equity. Firm L's debt has an after-tax cost of 4.8%. Both firms have positive net income.

Which of the following statements is CORRECT?

a. Firm L has a lower ROA than Firm U.

b. Firm L has the higher times interest earned (TIE) ratio.

c. Firm L has a lower ROE than Firm U.

d. The two companies have the same times interest earned (TIE) ratio.

e. Firm L has a higher EBIT than Firm U.