What does it mean when a lease is considered "at risk"?

A lease is considered "at risk" primarily because there is a potential loss of the lessor’s investment. When a lease is classified in this manner, it indicates that the lessee may struggle to meet their payment obligations, thus exposing the lessor to the risk of financial loss should the lessee default or fail to fulfill the lease's terms.

This concept can arise from various factors, including the financial stability of the lessee, the type of leased equipment, or market conditions that might affect the lessee's ability to generate revenue. Recognizing that a lease is at risk allows the lessor to make informed decisions about how they manage the lease, including the possibility of requiring additional guarantees or adjusting terms to mitigate potential losses.

Such scrutiny is essential in maintaining the integrity of the lessor's investment and minimizing losses due to defaults or early termination of the lease.