What characterizes an operating lease?

An operating lease is characterized by the fact that the lessee uses the asset without taking ownership. This type of lease typically involves shorter terms compared to capital leases, and at the end of the lease term, the asset is usually returned to the lessor. The key feature here is that the lessee does not have any ownership interest or title to the asset; instead, they are renting or leasing it for a specific period while retaining the right to use it.

This distinction is important because it affects financial reporting and accounting treatment. Operating leases are often treated as off-balance-sheet financing, meaning they do not appear as liabilities on the lessee's balance sheet, contrasting with capital leases, where the asset and liability are recorded.

While other options refer to attributes such as ownership transfer, long-term commitments, or capital expenditure classification, these do not describe the essence of an operating lease. The focus is specifically on the use of the asset by the lessee while ownership remains with the lessor.