Difference between revisions of "Leases"
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| − | A '''lease''' is where equipment or property is rented by one person or business from another. A lease normally implies a longer term contractual term, whereas renting is often considered to be shorter term. Hence we rent cars for weekend trips but lease them for two years at a time. | + | A '''lease''' is where equipment or property is rented by one person or [[business]] from another. A lease normally implies a longer term contractual term, whereas renting is often considered to be shorter term. Hence we rent cars for weekend trips but lease them for two years at a time. |
A lessor is one who owns the asset to be leased and generates revenue from it. A lessee is the one who uses the asset and pays the owner for the privilege of doing so. | A lessor is one who owns the asset to be leased and generates revenue from it. A lessee is the one who uses the asset and pays the owner for the privilege of doing so. | ||
| − | Leases usually fall into one of two categories – operating or financial. An operating lease is such that it does not transfer significant risks and benefits of ownership to the lessee. A financial or capital lease is really a loan in disguise. | + | Leases usually fall into one of two categories – operating or financial. An operating lease is such that it does not transfer significant risks and benefits of ownership to the lessee. A financial or capital lease is really a loan in disguise. [[United States]] accounting rules require companies to account for a leased asset as if it were a purchase with a corresponding debt, if one of the following criteria are met: |
#The lease transfers ownership of the property at the end of the term to the lessee. | #The lease transfers ownership of the property at the end of the term to the lessee. | ||
Revision as of 22:11, October 15, 2007
A lease is where equipment or property is rented by one person or business from another. A lease normally implies a longer term contractual term, whereas renting is often considered to be shorter term. Hence we rent cars for weekend trips but lease them for two years at a time.
A lessor is one who owns the asset to be leased and generates revenue from it. A lessee is the one who uses the asset and pays the owner for the privilege of doing so.
Leases usually fall into one of two categories – operating or financial. An operating lease is such that it does not transfer significant risks and benefits of ownership to the lessee. A financial or capital lease is really a loan in disguise. United States accounting rules require companies to account for a leased asset as if it were a purchase with a corresponding debt, if one of the following criteria are met:
- The lease transfers ownership of the property at the end of the term to the lessee.
- The lease contains a bargain purchase option.
- The non-cancellable term of the lease is more than 75% of the estimated life of the property
- The Net Present Value of lease payments are equal to 90% of the fair value of the property.