Problem:
Home Depot, Inc. (HD) had 1.70 billion shares of common stock outstanding in 2008; whereas Lowes Companies, Inc. (LOW) had 1.46 billion shares outstanding. Assuming Home Depot's 2008 interest expense is $696 million, Lowes' interest expense is $239 million, and a 36 percent tax rate for both firms, what is their break-even level of operating income (i.e., the level of EBIT where EPS is the same for both firms)?
The EBIT indifference level is? Please provide step by step solution and show all work.