On January 1, 20X0, Roland Inc. issued $125 million of 8% bonds at par. The bonds pay interest semiannually on June 30 and December 31 of each year, and they mature in 15 years. On December 31, 20X1 (before the interest payment is made), the bonds are trading at a market yield of 12% plus accrued interest.

Required:

1. Suppose that Roland repurchased the entire $125 million bonds for cash at the market price on December 31, 20X1. Using a 21% corporate tax rate, how much gain or loss would the company record on this transaction?

2. Why might the company want to retire the debt early?