A leveraged lease is a type of lease financing arrangement that involves three parties: a tenant, a lessor and a lender. It is a form of lease financing where the lender provides most of the capital required to purchase an asset, while the lessor and tenant provide a much smaller portion of the total investment. The loan is then secured by the asset that is being leased.

The tenant pays all the operating costs associated with the asset, including taxes. The tenant also receives the right to use and benefit from the asset during the term of the lease. The lessor is responsible for making sure the asset is maintained and that the tenant pays the agreed upon rent. The lender provides the majority of the financing and also takes on the risk associated with the asset in case the tenant defaults on their obligations.

The advantages of using leveraged leasing to finance the acquisition of an asset are numerous. It enables the tenant to acquire an asset without having to provide any upfront payment, and the lender typically charges a relatively low interest rate for the borrowing. In addition, the tenant is able to benefit from the appreciation in value of the asset over the duration of the lease. The lessor is also able to benefit from a steady stream of income (providing the tenant does not default on their obligations).

Leveraged leases also provide a tax benefit for the lessee/borrower. Since the tenant is only responsible for the rent payments, the interest payments are treated as a business deduction, thereby reducing the overall tax burden.

Despite the numerous advantages associated with leveraging leasing, there are some drawbacks. It is important to remember that the asset remains the property of the lessor, which can make the tenant feel less secure. In the event the tenant defaults on their obligations, the lessor could take back the asset, leaving the tenant with a significant financial loss. Finally, since the lender takes on the risk associated with the asset, they may require a higher interest rate in order to compensate for the possible default risk.

In conclusion, leveraged leases are an effective financial tool for businesses to acquire the assets they need without having to make a large upfront investment. Leveraged lease financing does require the tenant to assume certain risks, but the potential benefits make it attractive for many businesses. It is important to remember, however, that the lender will charge a higher interest rate to account for the risk associated with the asset, so it is important to ensure the tenant is able to make the payments on time and in full.