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Workout Waterfall Calculator

Workout proceeds flow through a priority waterfall. This calculator distributes by priority.

Gross proceeds

Workout costs

Senior debt

Mezz debt

Preferred equity

Senior recovery

$5,500,000

Mezz recovery

$750,000

Preferred recovery

How the math works

Net proceeds after costs flow senior → mezz → preferred. Each takes fill amount; residual passes down.

Senior is almost always made whole unless deal deeply underwater. Junior tranches should underwrite for 0-30% recovery in distress — price positions accordingly at origination.

Editorial noteMaintained by EveryCalc - Reviewed June 2026

EveryCalc calculators are designed for fast, practical estimates with transparent inputs and no required account. We use plain formulas, visible assumptions, and related tools so visitors can check the result from more than one angle.

Results are informational only. For financial, tax, legal, medical, construction, or other high-impact decisions, verify the output against primary sources or a qualified professional.

Learn more about our review process on the EveryCalc methodology page.

How this calculator works

What this page estimates

This Workout Waterfall Calculator is built to give a quick, browser-based estimate for workout waterfall. Workout proceeds flow through a priority waterfall. This calculator distributes by priority. The inputs stay on the page during normal use, and the result should be treated as an estimate for planning, comparison, or education rather than professional advice.

Calculation approach

The calculator applies the standard relationship implied by the inputs, then formats the answer so it can be checked and reused. For finance tools, the most important step is using consistent units, rates, time periods, and assumptions before comparing the result with another calculator or outside quote.

Example workflow

For example, start with a realistic value you already know, change one input at a time, and watch how the answer moves. That makes it easier to tell whether the result is being driven by the main amount, the rate, the time period, or a unit conversion.

Practical checks

Use current, real-world numbers when the result affects money, health, tax, or legal decisions.
Run a low, base, and high case when the inputs are estimates.
Check the related calculators below when the next decision depends on a different assumption.

How to interpret the workout waterfall result

Best use

Use the result as a planning number for comparing payments, rates, returns, tax reserves, or cash-flow choices before you request a quote or make a commitment.

Cross-check

Compare the answer with the contract, lender estimate, tax form, brokerage statement, payroll record, or invoice that will control the real-world outcome.

Watch for

Do not rely on a single optimistic rate, return, or fee assumption. Money pages work best when you run low, base, and high cases and keep professional advice separate from the estimate.

This page belongs to the Finance calculator library, so the answer should be read in the context of the decision you are modeling rather than as a universal rule.

Before relying on this workout waterfall estimate

Most calculator mistakes come from the inputs, not the arithmetic. Use this short audit before you reuse the answer in a spreadsheet, quote, application, or important conversation.

Confirm source numbers

Match balances, rates, fees, taxes, income, and payment dates against the lender quote, payroll record, tax form, statement, invoice, or contract.

Separate cash flow from total cost

A lower monthly payment can still cost more over time if fees, interest, taxes, or a longer term are hidden in the structure.

Run conservative cases

Test at least one higher-cost or lower-return case before using the output for a purchase, refinance, investment, loan, or tax decision.

Rerun this page when the rate, price, term, fee, tax rule, income, expense, or expected holding period changes.

How to Use

Enter gross proceeds.
Enter workout costs.
Enter senior debt.
Enter mezz debt.
Enter preferred equity.
Read each party's recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waterfall order?

1) Workout costs (legal, trustee). 2) Senior debt. 3) Mezz debt. 4) Preferred equity. 5) Common equity. Strict order; no skipping.

Typical outcome?

Senior usually recovers 85-95%. Mezz: 0-40%. Preferred equity: usually 0. Common: always 0. Junior tranches are wiped in most workouts.

Negotiation?

Junior tranches may demand hold-up payments ($100k-$500k) to avoid litigation. Sometimes cheaper than extended legal battle, but sets bad precedent.

When does a lender negotiate vs foreclose?

Lenders calculate their net recovery from foreclosure (asset value minus legal, time, and sale costs) and compare to any workout proposal. If your offer nets the lender more than foreclosure, and you present it with clear sources of capital, most lenders will engage. Bring a credible sponsor, documented sources, and a timeline — vague asks get declined. Build the relationship before distress, not after.