What does GAAP say about bargain purchase options?

Under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), a bargain purchase option in a lease allows the lessee to purchase the leased asset at a price significantly lower than its expected fair market value at the end of the lease term. This feature indicates that the lease may be classified as a capital lease rather than an operating lease. As a capital lease, the lessee must recognize both the asset and the liability on their balance sheet, reflecting the asset's fair value and the present value of lease payments. This approach ensures that the financial statements accurately represent the lessee's financial obligations and rights to the leased asset.