The estimated worth of an asset at the end of a lease term is a crucial factor in determining lease payments. This predetermined value represents what the leasing company anticipates the item, typically a vehicle, will be worth when the lease concludes. For instance, a car with an original price of $40,000 might have an expected value of $20,000 after a three-year lease. This figure directly impacts the monthly payment, as the lessee is essentially paying for the depreciation of the asset over the lease period.
Understanding this predetermined value is essential because it influences the total cost of leasing. A higher figure results in lower monthly payments, but the lessee might have to pay more if they choose to purchase the item at the end of the lease. Conversely, a lower value increases monthly payments but potentially allows for a more favorable purchase option. Historically, these estimations were based on industry data and market analysis to mitigate risk for the leasing company.