Answer: No gain or loss will be recognized since the exchange lacks commercial substance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the information given, the amount of gain that John will recognize on the exchange will be nothing.
In this case, we are given the information that the exchange lacks commercial substance. Commercial substance refers to the transaction which brings about the change in the cash flow of the entity.
In this case, since there isn't ant commercial substance involved, then there will be no gain or loss recognized.