In the 5-way DuPont deconstruction, which of the following would lead to a DECREASE in Return on Equity (ROE), all else kept equal? (Be mindful that some ratios have a counterintuitive effect on ROE or may be just one part of a DuPont ratio.)

a. an increase in the asset turnover ratio

b. an increase in the interest burden ratio used in DuPont analysis

c. an increase in gross margin

d. a decrease in the marginal tax rate for the firm

e. a decrease in leverage