How Lessors Report Capital Leases Classified as Direct Financing
Capital leases are treated by the lessee as though the asset was purchased and financed by the seller. For the lessor, however, the accounting treatment depends on whether the lease is classified as direct financing or as a sales-type lease.
If the present value of future lease payments is equal to the asset’s cost (i.e. there is no profit) the lease is treated as direct financing, and the income statement treatment is financing in nature (interest revenue.) The value of the asset will not be inculded as a “sale,” nor would there be a related cost of goods sold.
On the balance sheet, the value of the asset is eliminated, and replaced by a lease receivable of equal value.
For more information, see all articles on: Accounting, Financial Statement Analysis, Fundamental Analysis, Ratio Analysis See also:
The Intelligent Investor: The Classic Text on Value Investing
Financial Statement Analysis: A Practitioner's Guide, 3rd Edition
Managing Investment Portfolios: A Dynamic Process (CFA Institute Investment Series)
