Interest expense creates magnification of earnings through financial leverage because: a) the interest rate is variable. b) interest accompanies debt financing. c) the use of interest causes higher earnings. d) interest costs are cheaper than the required rate of return to equity owners. e) while earnings available to pay interest rise, earnings to residual owners rise faster.

e) while earnings available to pay interest rise, earnings to residual owners rise faster.

Explanation:

The interest expense is a fixed expense, it is not the distribution of profits and with that, there arises a tax benefit for the equity or common stockholders.

As there is no tax benefit on distribution of profits the proportionate earnings, accordingly increases.

As the interest is paid from earnings and assuming 30% tax rate and interest to be $100,000 then the effective interest payment is $70,000, because 30% tax benefit is there, that is with this 100,000 30% = $30,000 is decreased from earnings to be given to government and is now available for equity.

i'm pretty sure the answer is 60.