Residual value refers to the estimated worth of an asset after the asset has fully depreciated. Generally, the length of an asset's lease period or useful life is inversely proportional to its residual value.
The residual value percentage rate represents the amount the lessor expects the vehicle to be worth at the end of the lease. Most vehicles are about 50 to 60 percent of their original MSRPs at the end of the lease term. Residual value is necessary for calculating depreciation and amortization.
A residual value or balloon payment is where an amount of the total value of the car is deferred or postponed to the end of the contract. For example, if you buy a car for R300 000 with a residual of 30% (R90 000), that R90 000, plus interest, is only due at the end of the contract.
The residual value, also known as salvage value, is the estimated value of a fixed asset at the end of its lease term or useful life. In lease situations, the lessor uses the residual value as one of its primary methods for determining how much the lessee pays in periodic lease payments.