You work for a nuclear research laboratory that is contemplating leasing a diagnostic scanner (leasing is a common practice with expensive, high-tech equipment). The scanner costs $4,500,000, and it would be depreciated straight-line to zero over three years. Because of radiation contamination, it will actually be completely valueless in three years. Assume that the tax rate is 35 percent. You can borrow at 14 percent before taxes.
What would the lease payment have to be for both the lessor and the lessee to be indifferent about the lease? (Enter your answer in dollars, not millions of dollars, e.g., 1,234,567. Do not round intermediate calculations and round your answer to 2 decimal places, e.g., 32.16.)
Break-even lease payment $