01The contract creates a decision surface
Return-by dates, notice windows, residual values, component requirements, cosmetic standards, and purchase options can all change the correct action.
- Timing creates penalty exposure.
- Missing components create avoidable charges.
- Ownership determines which alternatives are even permitted.
02The answer is often not “return”
Extension, buyout, repair, redeployment, component sourcing, negotiation, sale, or recycling may dominate under different assumptions.
- Compare full costs and opportunity values.
- Apply enterprise demand and market recovery.
- Keep authorization separate from model ranking.
03The decision should survive to settlement
Lease economics are only useful if the approved path remains connected to final costs, recovery, penalties, and close.
- Preserve the original basis.
- Record variance causes.
- Use the outcome to evaluate the original decision.