Topic 7 DQ 1

The three main types of leases: combination leases, operating leases, and finance leases. Below, I will discuss their advantages and disadvantages. I'll provide a formal and informative response. 1. Operating Lease : usually ends much sooner than the expected economic life of the asset. [ CITATION Bri20 \l 1033 ]  Advantages :  Lower upfront costs: Typically, no down payment or minimal upfront costs are required.  Flexibility: Allows for shorter lease terms, providing the lessee with the option to upgrade to newer equipment.  Off-balance-sheet financing: Leased assets may not be recorded on the lessee's balance sheet, reducing financial leverage.  Disadvantages :  Higher overall cost: Over the long term, operating leases tend to be more expensive than other lease types.  Limited control: The lessee does not own the asset, which means they have limited control and can't make alterations.  No ownership benefits: Unlike finance leases, there is no option to purchase the asset at the end of the lease term. 2. Finance Lease : Finance leases are sometimes called capital leases , but FASB prefers the term "finance lease." [ CITATION Bri20 \l 1033 ]  Advantages :  Ownership benefits: The lessee has the option to purchase the asset at the end of the lease term at a predetermined price.  Fixed payments: Payments are predictable and often lower than purchasing the asset outright.  Tax advantages: Depending on tax regulations, some lease payments may be tax- deductible.  Disadvantages :  Higher upfront costs: Typically requires a significant down payment or initial investment.  Long-term commitment: The lessee is committed to the asset for the lease term and may face penalties for early termination.  On-balance-sheet financing: The leased asset is usually recorded on the lessee's balance sheet, affecting financial ratios.

3. Combination Lease :  Advantages :  Flexibility: Combines elements of both operating and finance leases, allowing for a tailored agreement.  Asset ownership choice: Offers the lessee the option to purchase the asset or return it at the end of the lease term.  Disadvantages :  Complexity: Can be more complex to negotiate and administer due to its customized nature.  Potentially higher costs: Depending on the terms chosen, it may have higher costs compared to a pure operating lease. Now, considering the lowest risk, it largely depends on your specific circumstances. Generally, operating leases tend to have lower risk because they offer flexibility and lower upfront costs. You can avoid the long-term commitment and the financial leverage associated with finance leases. However, the right choice depends on your financial goals, the type of asset, and your long-term plans. In a formal context, it's essential to consult with a financial advisor or accountant to assess which lease type aligns best with your specific needs and risk tolerance in your finance course. References Brigham, E. F., & Ehrhardt, M. C. (2020). Financial Management: Theory and Practice (16 ed.). Boston, MA, United States: Cengage Learning, Inc. Retrieved August 03, 2023