Evaluation of restructuring alternatives. Baxter Manufacturing, Inc., has an outstanding note payable with a balance of $2,000,000. The note calls for 14 semiannual payments of $183,141 based on a 7% interest rate. The company has experienced declining markets and serious cash ?ow problems. In an attempt to improve cash ?ows, the company is negotiating a restructuring of the above note. The following alternatives are being considered:

a. Dispose of a parcel of land that the company had purchased as a future plant site. However, given current conditions, the likelihood of a relocation seems remote. The site has a book value of $400,000 and a current market value of $550,000. Transaction costs to dispose of the land are estimated to be $35,000. The net proceeds from the sale of the land would be used to reduce the note payable. The balance of the note would be restructured with 14 semiannual payments of $100,000 each.

b. Dispose of the parcel of land as set forth above and apply $300,000 of the net proceeds to reduce the note. The balance of the note would be restructured with 20 semiannual pay- ments of $90,000 each.

1. Assuming that current borrowing rates are 6%, compare the income statement and balance sheet effect of the two alternatives assuming (a) a nonbankruptcy approach and (b) a bank- ruptcy approach.

2. Given a nonbankruptcy approach and ignoring the effect on the ?nancial statements, discuss which alternative would be preferred.