Suppose Microsoft is considering the purchase of computer servers and network infrastructure to facilitate its move into cloud-based computing. In total, it will purchase $48.4 million in new equipment. This equipment will qualify for accelerated depreciation: 20% can be expensed immediately, followed by 32%, 19.2%, 11.52%, 11.52%, and 5.76% over the next five years.? However, because of the firm's substantial loss carryforwards, Microsoft estimates its marginal tax rate to be 10% over the next five years, so it will get very little tax benefit from the depreciation expenses.? Thus, Microsoft considers leasing the equipment instead. Suppose Microsoft and the lessor face the same 7.9% borrowing rate, but the lessor has a 35% tax rate. For the purpose of this question, assume the equipment is worthless after five years, the lease term is five years, and the lease qualifies as a true tax lease.
a. What is the lease rate for which the lessor will break even?
b. What is the gain to Microsoft with this lease rate?
c. What is the source of the gain in this transaction?