If the times interest earned ratio increased from 3.0 to 3.5,
a. Debtholders have decreased protection regarding the company's ability to make its interest payments.
b. Debtholders have increased protection regarding the company's ability to make its interest payments.
c. Debtholders have decreased protection regarding the company's ability to meet its premium payments.
d. Debtholder protection regarding the company's ability to meet its interest obligation remains the same.