This question: 1 point(s) possible Suppose a firm's tax rate is 25%. a. What effect would a $9.98 million operating expense have on this year's earnings? What effect would it have on next year's earnings? b. What effect would a $12.40 million capital expense have on this year's earnings if the capital is depreciated at a rate of $2.48 million per year for five years? What effect would it have on next year's earnings? a. What effect would a $9.98 million operating expense have on this year's earnings? Earnings would increase (decline) by $ million. (Round to two decimal places, and use a negative number for a decline.) What effect would it have on next year's earnings? (Select the best choice below.) A. Next year's earnings will be affected by an increase of $2.50 million. B. Next year's earnings will be affected by a decline of $2.50 million. C. Next year's earnings will be affected by the same amount. OD. There would be no effect on next year's earnings. b. What effect would a $12.40 million capital expense have on this year's earnings if the capital is depreciated at a rate of $2.48 million per year for five years? What effect would it have on next year's earnings? Earnings would be higher (lower) each year by $ million. (Round to two decimal places, and use a negative number for a decline.)