Answer:
times interest ratio = EBIT / interest expense
1)
Kringle: TIE ratio = ($40,870 - $10,300 - $350) / $350 = 86.34
Leihman: TIE ratio = ($46,320 - $12,080 - $2,000) / $2,000 = 16.12
2)
Kringle was better able to cover its interest expenses since its TIE ratio is much higher than Leihman's (more than 5 times higher). This means that it is much easier for Kringle to pay off the interests on its debt.