Applying IFRS

Leases

New standard on leases

is taking shape
April 2015

Contents
Overview.......................................................................................... 4
1.

Identifying a lease ..................................................................... 6

1.1 Scope and scope exclusions ................................................ 6
1.2 Definition of a lease ............................................................ 6
1.3 Cancellable leases ............................................................. 11
1.4 Short-term leases ............................................................. 11
1.5 Leases of small assets....................................................... 12
1.6 Identifying and separating lease and non-lease
components and allocating contract consideration ........... 13
1.7 Lease modifications .......................................................... 15
1.8 Contract combinations ...................................................... 16
1.9 Portfolio approach ............................................................ 16

2.

Key concepts .......................................................................... 17

2.1 Lease commencement and inception date......................... 17
2.2 Lease term........................................................................ 17
2.3 Lease payments ................................................................ 18
2.4 Discount rate .................................................................... 22
2.5 Initial direct costs .............................................................. 23
2.6 Economic life .................................................................... 24
2.7 Fair value of the underlying asset...................................... 24

3.

Lease classification ................................................................. 25

3.1 Lease component with right to use more than one
interrelated asset.............................................................. 26
3.2 Residual value guarantees included in lease classification . 26
3.3 Reassessment ................................................................... 26

4.

Lessee accounting .................................................................. 27

4.1 Initial recognition and measurement ................................. 27
4.2 Subsequent measurement ................................................ 27
4.3 Other lessee matters......................................................... 29
4.4 Presentation ..................................................................... 31
4.5 Disclosure ......................................................................... 31

April 2015

Applying IFRS New standard on leases is taking shape

5.

Lessor accounting ................................................................... 33

5.1 Finance leases .................................................................. 33
5.2 Operating leases ............................................................... 35
5.3 Presentation ..................................................................... 36
5.4 Disclosure ......................................................................... 36

6.

Other considerations ............................................................... 39

6.1 Subleases ......................................................................... 39
6.2 Business combinations ...................................................... 40
6.3 Sale and leaseback transactions........................................ 42

7.

Effective date and transition ................................................... 45

7.1 Effective date ................................................................... 45
7.2 Transition ......................................................................... 45

Appendix A: Summary of lessee and lessor reassessment

requirements ................................................................................. 48
Appendix B: Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP............... 49

April 2015

Applying IFRS New standard on leases is taking shape

What you need to know

The IASB and the FASB have substantially completed redeliberations on
new leases standards that, when issued, would require lessees to
recognise assets and liabilities for most leases.

Lessees applying IFRS would have a single recognition and measurement

model for all leases (with certain exemptions).

Lessors applying IFRS would classify leases using the principle in IAS 17;
in essence, lessor accounting would not change.

The Boards have made different decisions about lease classification and
the recognition, measurement and presentation of leases for lessees. In
some cases, these differences would result in similar transactions being
accounted for differently under IFRS and US GAAP.

The Boards will set effective dates before issuing the new standards. We
expect the Boards to issue the standards in the second half of 2015.

April 2015

Applying IFRS New standard on leases is taking shape

Overview
The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the Financial
Accounting Standards Board (FASB) (collectively, the Boards) have substantially
completed redeliberations on new standards that would significantly change the
accounting for leases and could have far-reaching implications for a companys
finances and operations.

The new standard could

affect companies
decisions about whether
to lease or buy assets.

The standards the IASB and the FASB plan to issue would require lessees
to recognise most leases on their balance sheets as lease liabilities with
corresponding right-of-use assets. For IFRS reporters, lessor accounting, in
essence, would not change. The standards would incorporate feedback the
Boards received from constituents on their 2013 exposure draft1 (2013 ED).
As with IAS 17 Leases, the standard the IASB plans to issue (the new
standard) would require lessors to classify most leases into two types. During
redeliberations, the Boards referred to the two types of leases as Type A
and Type B. However, given the IASBs decision to retain the principle and,
essentially, the accounting in IAS 17, for purposes of this publication we will
refer to the IASBs two types of lessor leases as they are in IAS 17, i.e., finance
and operating leases.
Lessees, however, would apply a single model for all recognised leases and
would have the option not to recognise and measure leases of small assets and
leases with a lease term of 12 months or less. The standard the FASB plans to
issue would require both lessees and lessors to classify most leases as either
Type A (generally todays finance/sales-type and direct financing leases) or
Type B (generally todays operating leases) leases using a principle generally
consistent with IAS 17.
Lease classification under both the IASBs and FASBs new standards would
determine how and when a lessor would recognise lease revenue and what
assets a lessor would record. Under the FASBs new standard, classification also
would determine how and when a lessee would recognise lease expense.
Generally, the profit or loss recognition pattern for lessors would not be
expected to change. For lessees, however, interest and amortisation expense
would be recognised separately in the statement of profit or loss.
For lessees, recognising lease-related assets and liabilities could have significant
financial reporting and business implications, such as:

Key balance sheet metrics could change

Debt covenants and borrowing capacity might be affected
Decisions about whether to lease or buy significant assets might change

The IASB has not yet discussed an effective date, but plans to address it in
drafting the new standard. Given the current timeline, an effective date of
1 January 2018 or later is becoming likely.

See the Exposure Draft: Leases on the IASBs website.

April 2015

Applying IFRS New standard on leases is taking shape

Companies would adopt the new standard using either a full retrospective or a
modified retrospective approach. Under the modified retrospective approach,
lessees of leases previously classified as operating leases would not restate
comparative figures, but, instead, would recognise the cumulative effect of
initially applying the new standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of
retained earnings (or some other component of equity, as appropriate) at the
date of initial application. Neither lessees nor lessors would change their
accounting for finance leases existing at the date of initial application of the new
standard, nor would lessors of leases previously classified as operating leases
(with the exception of subleases).
This publication discusses how the IASBs standard would be applied and is
intended to help companies consider the effects of adopting it. Please note that
our publication is based on available information regarding the IASBs decisions
in redeliberations. Until a new standard is issued, these decisions are tentative.
The IASB may also clarify its decisions in the new standard. The discussions and
illustrations in this publication also represent our preliminary thoughts.

April 2015

Applying IFRS New standard on leases is taking shape

1. Identifying a lease
1.1 Scope and scope exclusions
The IASBs new standard would apply to leases of all assets, except for the
following, which would be specifically excluded:

Lessors leases of intangible assets

Leases of biological assets

Leases to explore for or use natural resources (e.g., minerals, oil, natural
gas and similar non-regenerative resources)

Service concession arrangements within the scope of IFRIC 12 Service

Concession Arrangements

Lessees leases of intangible assets would not be required to be accounted for

as leases under the IASBs new standard.
Leases of property that meet the definition of investment property in
IAS 40 Investment Property would be included in the scope of the new standard.
In addition, the new standard would require a lessee to measure right-of-use
assets arising from leased property in accordance with the fair value model in
IAS 40 if the leased property meets the definition of investment property and
the lessee elects the fair value model in IAS 40 as an accounting policy. This
represents a change from the existing scope of IAS 40. Under existing
requirements, this is an election that is available on a property-by-property
basis.

How we see it
Although lessees leases of intangibles would not be required to be
accounted for as leases, this leaves open the possibility that an entity could
choose, as an accounting policy election, to account for leases of intangible
assets under the new leases standard.

Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP

The FASBs new standard would exclude both lessors and lessees leases of
intangible assets from its scope.
Refer to Appendix B for a summary of the key differences between IFRS and
US GAAP.

1.2 Definition of a lease

A lease would be defined as a contract (i.e., an agreement between two or more
parties that creates enforceable rights and obligations) that conveys the right to
use an asset (i.e., the underlying asset) for a period of time in exchange for
consideration. To be a lease, a contract would have to meet both of the
following criteria:

Fulfilment of the contract depends on the use of an identified asset

The contract conveys the right to control the use of the identified asset

April 2015

Applying IFRS New standard on leases is taking shape

1.2.1 Identified asset

A lease conveys the right

to control the use of an
identified asset.

The IASB indicated that a contracts dependence on an identified asset is

fundamental to the definition of a lease. This concept is generally consistent
with the specified asset concept in IFRIC 4 Determining whether an
Arrangement contains a Lease. Under the new standard, an identified asset
could be either implicitly or explicitly identified in a contract and could be a
physically distinct portion of a larger asset (e.g., a floor of a building). However,
a capacity portion of an asset that is less than substantially all of that assets
capacity (e.g., 60% of a pipelines capacity) would not be an identified asset
because it is not physically distinct from the remaining capacity of the asset.
Illustration 1 Identified asset
Scenario A
Assume that Customer X enters into a 12-year contract for the right to use a
specified capacity of a suppliers data transmission within a fibre optic cable
between New York and London. The contract identifies three of the cables 20
fibres. The three fibres are dedicated solely to Customer Xs data for the
duration of the contract term.
Analysis: The three fibres would be identified assets because they are specified
in the contract and are physically distinct from the other 17 fibres in the cable.
Whether the arrangement would constitute a lease would further depend on
whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of the identified
assets, as discussed in section 1.2.2 below.
Scenario B
Assume the same facts as in Scenario A, except that the supplier is free to use
any of the cables 20 fibres, at any time during the contract term, to transmit
any of its customers data, including Customer Xs data.
Analysis: The fibres are not identified assets because the contract allows the
supplier to use any of the cables 20 fibres to fulfil its obligations to
Customer X, whose portion of the cables capacity is not physically distinct
from the cables remaining capacity.
A contract would not involve the use of an identified asset if a supplier has
the substantive right to substitute the asset used to fulfil the contract.
A substitution right would be substantive if both of the following conditions
are met:

The supplier has the practical ability to substitute the asset

The supplier can benefit from exercising the right to substitute the asset

A customer would presume that fulfilment of a contract depends on the use of

an identified asset when it is impractical for the customer to evaluate either of
these conditions. No presumption for suppliers is necessary because they
generally have sufficient information to make such a determination.
Contract terms that allow or require a supplier to substitute other assets only
when the underlying asset is not operating properly (e.g., a normal warranty
provision) or when a technical upgrade becomes available would not create a
substantive substitution right.

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Applying IFRS New standard on leases is taking shape

The IASB intends for the conditions above to mitigate the risk that customers
and/or suppliers would structure arrangements with non-substantive
substitution clauses to avoid applying lease accounting.
Illustration 2 Substitution rights
Scenario A
Assume that an electronic data storage provider (supplier) provides services
through a centralised data center that involve the use of a specified server
(Server No. 9). The supplier maintains many identical servers in a single,
accessible location and is permitted to and can easily substitute another server
without the customers consent. Further, the supplier would benefit from
substituting an alternative asset, because it allows the supplier flexibility to
optimise the performance of its network while incurring only nominal cost.
Analysis: Fulfilment of this contract would not depend on the use of an
identified asset. Specifically, the supplier has the practical ability to substitute
the asset and would benefit from such a substitution.
Scenario B
Assume the same facts as in Scenario A except that Server No. 9 is
customised, and the supplier would not have the practical ability to substitute
the customised asset. Additionally, the supplier would not obtain any benefits
from sourcing a similar alternative asset. For example, the server may contain
the customers confidential information, requiring the destruction of the
assets primary components (e.g., hardware, software) adding significant costs
to the supplier without benefiting the supplier, if substituted.
Analysis: Because it is not practical for the supplier to substitute the asset and
the supplier would not benefit from substituting the asset, the substitution
right would be non-substantive, and Server No. 9 would be an identified asset.
In this scenario, neither of the conditions is met, but it is important to note
that both conditions must be met for the supplier to have a substantive
substitution right. Whether the arrangement would constitute a lease would
further depend on whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of
the identified asset as discussed in section 1.2.2 below.

How we see it
The requirement that a substitution right must benefit the supplier in order
to be substantive is a new concept that will bring added scrutiny to this
evaluation.
1.2.2 Right to control the use of the identified asset
A contract would convey the right to control the use of an identified asset if,
throughout the contract term, the customer has the right to both:

Direct the use of the identified asset

Obtain substantially all of the potential economic benefits from directing the
use of the identified asset

Requiring a customer to have the right to direct the use of an identified asset
would be a change from IFRIC 4. A contract may meet IFRIC 4s control criterion
if, for example, the customer obtains substantially all of the output of an
underlying asset. Under the new standard, these arrangements would no longer

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Applying IFRS New standard on leases is taking shape

be considered leases unless the customer also has the right to direct the use of
the identified asset.
1.2.2.1 Right to direct the use of the identified asset
A customer has the right to direct the use of an identified asset whenever it
has the right to direct how and for what purpose the asset is used, including
the right to change how and for what purpose the asset is used, throughout
the period of use.

Determining when a
customer has the right
to direct the use of the
identified asset may
require judgement.

The determination of whether a customer has the right to direct how and for
what purpose an asset is used would focus on whether the customer has the
right to make the decisions that most significantly affect the economic benefits
that can be derived from the use of the underlying asset. This right may include
directing how, when, whether and where the asset is used and what it is used
for throughout the contract term. Importantly, this right would permit the
customer to change its decisions throughout the contract term without approval
from the supplier. The customer would not necessarily need to have the right
to operate the underlying asset to have the right to direct its use. That is, the
customer may direct the use of an asset that is operated by the suppliers
personnel.
If neither the customer nor the supplier directs how and for what purpose the
asset is used throughout the period of use (e.g., when the contract specifies
how and for what purpose the asset is used or when decisions are made jointly
throughout the period of use), the customer would have the right to direct the
use of the identified asset in either of the following circumstances:

The customer has the right to operate the asset or direct others to operate
the asset in a manner that it determines, with the supplier having no right to
change those operating instructions

The customer designed the asset, or caused it to be designed, in a way that

predetermines how and for what purpose the asset will be used or how the
asset will be operated

A suppliers protective rights, in isolation, would not prevent the customer from
having the right to direct the use of an identified asset. The IASB believes that
protective rights typically define the scope of the customers use of the asset
without removing the customers right to direct the use of the asset. Protective
rights are intended to protect a suppliers interests (e.g., its interests in the
asset, its personnel, compliance with laws and regulations) and may take the
form of a specified maximum amount of asset use or a requirement to follow
specific operating instructions.

How we see it
We understand that the IASB does not intend for the assessment of

whether a customer has the right to direct how and for what purpose
an asset is used to be two separate determinations. Instead, the
assessment would be holistic, encompassing how, when, whether and
where an asset is used and what it is used for (including the right to
change these decisions) throughout the period of its use.

We still have questions about how the definition would be applied to

certain arrangements. For example, in contracts that include significant
services, we believe that determining whether the contract conveys the
right to direct the use of an identified asset may be challenging.

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Applying IFRS New standard on leases is taking shape

Illustration 3 Right to direct the use of an asset

Customer enters into a contract with Supplier to use Automobile A for a
three-year period. Automobile A is specified in the contract. Supplier cannot
substitute another vehicle unless Automobile A is not operational (e.g., it
breaks down).
Under the contract, Customer operates Automobile A (i.e., drives the vehicle)
or directs others to operate Automobile A (e.g., hires a driver). Customer
decides how to use the vehicle (within contractual limitations, discussed
below). In addition, Customer decides where Automobile A goes, as well as
when or whether it is used, and what it is used for, throughout the period of
use. Customer can also change its decisions throughout the period of use.
Under the contract, Supplier provides scheduled maintenance services and
specifies that Customer can use Automobile A for a maximum of 12,000 miles
per year without a substantive penalty. In addition, Supplier prohibits certain
uses of Automobile A (e.g., moving it overseas) and modifications of
Automobile A to protect its interest in the asset.
Analysis: Customer has the right to direct the use of Automobile A. Customer
has the right to direct how the vehicle is used, when or whether the vehicle is
used, where the vehicle goes and what the vehicle is used for. Customer also
has the right to change the aforementioned decisions.
Suppliers limits on annual mileage and certain uses for the vehicle are
considered protective rights that define the scope of Customers use of the
asset but do not affect the assessment of whether Customer directs the use
of the asset within that scope.
1.2.2.2 Right to obtain substantially all of the potential economic benefits
from directing the use of the identified asset
A customers right to control the use of an identified asset also depends on its
right to obtain substantially all of the potential economic benefits from directing
the use of the asset during the contract term. The customer can obtain
economic benefits either directly or indirectly through the assets primary
outputs (i.e., goods or services) and any by-products (e.g., renewable energy
credits). However, other tax benefits, such as those related to the ownership of
the asset (e.g., excess tax depreciation benefits), would not be considered
potential economic benefits of use.

How we see it
The term substantially all was not defined in the 2013 ED and was not
addressed during redeliberations. However, entities might consider the term
similarly to how it is used in IAS 17 to classify a lease.
The IASB decided against including an additional requirement that, for a
contract to contain a lease, a customer must have the ability to derive benefits
from directing the use of an identified asset on its own or together with other
resources (e.g., goods or services) that are either sold separately by the
supplier or any other supplier or can be sourced in a reasonable period of time.
Some members of the IASB indicated that such a requirement would have made
applying the definition more complex, and the costs would have outweighed the
benefits. They also noted that the IASBs staff was unable to identify

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Applying IFRS New standard on leases is taking shape

10

arrangements in which the conclusion would change as a result of the

additional requirement.

1.3 Cancellable leases

The new standard would apply to contracts that are referred to as cancellable,
month-to-month, at will, evergreen, perpetual or rolling if they create
enforceable rights and obligations. Any non-cancellable periods in contracts
meeting the definition of a lease would be considered part of the lease term.
See section 2.2 below.
For example, consider an agreement with an initial non-cancellable period of
one year and an extension for an additional year if both parties agree. The initial
one-year non-cancellable period would meet the definition of a contract because
it creates enforceable rights and obligations. However, the one-year extension
period would not be a contract because either party could unilaterally elect not
to extend the arrangement without incurring a substantive penalty.

1.4 Short-term leases

Lessees could make an accounting policy election, by underlying asset class, to
apply a method similar to current operating lease accounting to leases with a
lease term of 12 months or less (short-term leases). To evaluate whether a
lease qualifies for this accounting, the lease term would be determined in a
manner consistent with the lease term of all other leases. For example, the
lease term would only include periods covered by lease renewal options that a
lessee is reasonably certain to exercise and would also include periods covered
by lease termination options that a lessee is reasonably certain not to exercise.
See section 2.2 below.
Illustration 4 Short-term lease
Scenario A
A lessee enters into a lease with a nine-month non-cancellable term with an
option to extend the lease for four months. At the lease commencement date,
the lessee concludes that it is reasonably certain to exercise the extension
option because the monthly lease payments during the extension period are
significantly below market rates.
Analysis: The lease term is greater than 12 months (i.e., 13 months).
Therefore, the lessee may not account for the lease similar to operating lease
accounting under IAS 17 today.
Scenario B
A lessee enters into a lease with a nine-month non-cancellable term with an
option to extend the lease term for four months. At the lease commencement
date, the lessee concludes that it is not reasonably certain to exercise the
extension option because the monthly lease payments during the optional
extension period are at market rates and there are no other factors that would
make exercise of the renewal option reasonably certain.
Analysis: The lease term is 12 months or less (i.e., nine months). Therefore,
the lessee may, subject to its accounting policy, by class of underlying asset,
account for the lease in a manner similar to an operating lease under IAS 17
today.

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Applying IFRS New standard on leases is taking shape

The short-term lease accounting policy election is intended to reduce the cost
and complexity of applying the new standard. Lessees making the election
would recognise lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Although such leases would not be recognised on the balance sheet, they
would still meet the definition of a lease. As such, certain disclosures would
be required for short-term leases if a lessee makes such a policy election.

How we see it
In its 2013 ED, the IASB proposed making the short-term lease

accounting policy election available to lessees and lessors. However,

given the IASBs decisions on lessor accounting, we believe the election
will not be available to lessors in the new standard.

Also under the 2013 ED, any lease that contains a purchase option
would not be considered a short-term lease. Because the IASB did not
discuss this provision during redeliberations, it appears that such leases
would not be short-term leases under the new standard.

1.5 Leases of small assets

The IASBs new standard would include an exemption from its recognition and
measurement provisions for leases of small assets for lessees. It would specify
that the exemption only applies to leases of assets that are not dependent on,
or highly interrelated with, other leased assets. The Basis for Conclusions of the
new standard would include a discussion of the quantitative threshold the IASB
considers appropriate in applying the exemption. In its redeliberations, the
IASB discussed a threshold of US$5,000. This was intended to help preparers
determine what is meant by small and would be expressed in terms of the value
of the underlying asset when new. The IASB does not expect the application of
the exemption for leases of small assets to give rise to the omission of material
assets and liabilities when a quantitative threshold is used.
Although such leases would not be recognised on-balance sheet, they would still
meet the definition of a lease. As such, certain disclosures would be required.

How we see it
Although not specified in the IASBs deliberations, we believe lessees would
recognise lease expense associated with leases of small assets on a
straight-line basis over the lease term, or another systematic basis that
better represents the pattern of the lessees benefit from the use of the
leased asset.

Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP

The FASBs new standard would not include an exemption for lessees leases
of small assets.
Refer to Appendix B for a summary of the key differences between IFRS and
US GAAP.

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1.6 Identifying and separating lease and non-lease components

and allocating contract consideration
1.6.1 Identifying and separating lease from non-lease components of
contracts
Many contracts contain a lease coupled with an agreement to purchase or
sell other goods or services (non-lease components). For these contracts, the
non-lease components would be identified and accounted for separately from
the lease component (except when a lessee applies the practical expedient,
as discussed in section 1.6.1.1 below). The non-lease components may
be accounted for as executory arrangements by lessees (customers) or
as contracts subject to the new revenue recognition standard (i.e.,
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers) by lessors (suppliers).

How we see it
Identifying non-lease components of contracts may change practice for some
lessees. Today, entities may not focus on identifying lease and non-lease
components because their accounting treatment (e.g., the accounting for
an operating lease and a service contract) is often the same. However,
because most leases would be recognised on the balance sheet under the
new standard, lessees may need to put more robust processes in place to
identify the lease and non-lease components of contracts.
Activities or lessor costs in a contract that do not provide the lessee with
an additional good or service would not be considered lease or non-lease
components, and lessees and lessors would not allocate contract consideration
to these activities or costs (discussed in section 1.6.3 below). An example would
be administrative costs a lessor charges a lessee. However, activities or lessor
costs such as a lessor providing services (e.g., maintenance, supply of utilities)
or operating the underlying asset (e.g., vessel charter, aircraft wet lease) would
generally represent non-lease components.
1.6.1.1 Practical expedient lessees

Lessees could make

a policy election to
account for the lease and
non-lease components
as a single lease
component.

The new standard would provide a practical expedient that would permit
lessees to make an accounting policy election, by class of underlying asset, to
account for the lease and non-lease components of a contract as a single lease
component. The IASB expects the practical expedient to be used most often
when the non-lease components of a contract are not significant when
compared with the lease components of a contract.
Lessees that make the policy election to account for the lease and non-lease
components of contracts as a single lease component would allocate all of the
contract consideration to the lease. Therefore, the initial and subsequent
measurement of the lease liability and right-of-use asset would be higher than
if the policy election were not applied. See section 4 below for a discussion of
measurement of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets.
1.6.2 Identifying and separating lease components
For contracts that contain the rights to use multiple assets (e.g., a building and
equipment), the right to use each asset would be considered a separate lease
component if both of the following criteria are met:

13

The lessee can benefit from the use of the asset either on its own or together
with other readily available resources (i.e., goods or services that are sold

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Applying IFRS New standard on leases is taking shape

or leased separately, by the lessor or other suppliers, or that the lessee has
already obtained from the lessor or in other transactions or events)

The underlying asset is neither dependent on, nor highly interrelated with,
the other underlying assets in the contract

If one or both of these criteria are not met, the right to use multiple assets
would be considered a single lease component.
Illustration 5 Identifying and separating lease components
Scenario A
Assume that a lessee enters into a lease of a warehouse and the surrounding
parking lot that is used for deliveries and truck parking. The lessee is a local
trucking company that intends to use the warehouse as the hub for its
shipping operations.
Analysis: The contract contains one lease component. The lessee would be
unable to benefit from the use of the warehouse without also using the parking
lot. Therefore, the warehouse space is dependent upon the parking lot.
Scenario B
Assume the same facts as in Scenario A, except that the contract also conveys
the right to use an additional plot of land that is adjacent to the parking lot.
This plot of land could be developed by the lessee for other uses (e.g., to
construct a truck maintenance facility).
Analysis: The contract contains two lease components: a lease of the
warehouse (together with the parking lot) and a lease of the adjacent plot of
land. Because the adjacent land could be developed for other uses
independent of the warehouse and parking lot, the lessee can benefit from the
adjacent plot of land on its own or together with other readily available
resources. The lessee can also benefit from the use of the warehouse and
parking lot on its own or together with other readily available resources.
1.6.3 Allocating contract consideration
1.6.3.1 Allocating contract consideration
Lessees that do not make an accounting policy election to use the practical
expedient to account for a lease and non-lease components of a contract as a
single lease component would allocate contract consideration to the lease and
non-lease components on a relative standalone price basis. Lessees would use
observable standalone prices (i.e., prices that the lessor or a similar supplier
would charge separately for a similar lease, good or service component of a
contract) when available. If observable standalone prices are not available,
lessees would be permitted to estimate standalone prices. In doing so, lessees
would be required to maximise the use of observable information and to apply
estimation methods in a consistent manner. This would be similar to how
lessees allocate contract consideration under current IFRS.
Lessors would be required to apply IFRS 15 to allocate contract consideration
between the lease and non-lease components of a contract.

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1.6.3.2 Allocating contract consideration reassessment

Lessees would be required to reallocate consideration upon either:

A contract modification that is not accounted for as a separate, new lease

A reassessment of the lease term or a lessees purchase option (i.e.,
whether the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise the option)

How we see it
Although the IASB decided to require lessees to reallocate contract
consideration upon the reassessment of the lease term or a lessees
purchase option, we believe the IASB intended for lessees to reallocate
contract consideration only when a reassessment results in a change
to either the lease term or the lessees conclusion about whether it is
reasonably certain that the lessee will exercise a purchase option. This
means that when reassessment does not result in a change to either the
lease term or the lessees conclusion about whether it is reasonably certain
that it will exercise a purchase option, no reallocation of consideration
would be required.
Lessors would be required to reallocate contract consideration upon a
modification that is not accounted for as a separate, new lease.
Modifications resulting in a separate, new lease for lessors and lessees would
require consideration to be allocated to the lease and non-lease components,
as applicable, as with any new lease (see section 1.7 below).
Refer to Appendix A for a summary of lessee and lessor reassessment
requirements.

1.7 Lease modifications

The new standard would define a lease modification as any change to the
contractual terms and conditions of a lease that was not part of the original
terms and conditions of the lease.
Lessees and lessors would account for a lease modification as a separate, new
lease when both of the following conditions are met:

The modification grants the lessee an additional right of use (e.g., an

additional underlying asset, the same underlying asset for an additional
period of time not contemplated by a renewal option) not included in the
original lease

The additional right of use is priced commensurate with its standalone price

This type of modification would result in a lessee and lessor accounting for two
separate leases, the unmodified original lease and the new lease.
For a lease modification that does not result in a separate, new lease, lessees
would generally remeasure the existing lease liability and right-of-use asset
without affecting profit or loss. However, for a modification that decreases the
scope of a lease (e.g., reducing the square footage of leased space, shortening a
lease term), lessees would remeasure the lease liability and recognise a
proportionate reduction (e.g., the proportion of the change in the lease liability
to the pre-modification lease liability) to the right-of-use asset. Any difference
between those adjustments would be recognised in profit or loss.

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For lessors, a modification that is not a separate, new lease would be accounted
for, as follows:

A modification to an operating lease would be, in effect, a new lease. The lease
payments would be equal to the remaining lease payments of the modified
lease, adjusted for any prepaid or accrued rent from the original lease.

A modification to a finance lease would be accounted for in accordance with

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments.

1.8 Contract combinations

The new standard would require that two or more contracts entered into at or
near the same time with the same counterparty (or related party) be considered
a single transaction if either of the following is met:

The contracts are negotiated as a package with a single commercial objective

The amount of consideration to be paid in one contract depends on the
price or performance of the other contract

These criteria are intended to address the IASBs concern that separately
accounting for multiple contracts may not result in a faithful representation of
the combined transaction. SIC 27 Evaluating the Substance of Transactions
Involving the Legal Form of a Lease will be removed from IFRS upon transition
to the new standard.

1.9 Portfolio approach

Many constituents had expressed concerns that the cost of applying the 2013
ED would exceed the benefits for leases involving a large number of assets that
have similar characteristics (e.g., leases of a fleet of similar cars). In response,
the IASB acknowledged that lessees and lessors would be able to use a portfolio
approach, rather than a lease-by-lease approach, when they reasonably expect
that doing so would not result in a material difference from accounting for the
leases on an individual basis. The new standard would not define reasonably
expect and material. However, the IASB decided to include guidance on the
portfolio approach in the Application Guidance of the new standard.
Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP
The FASB decided to include a discussion of the portfolio approach in the
Basis for Conclusions (i.e ., a non-authoritative section) of its new standard.
Refer to Appendix B for a summary of the key differences between IFRS and
US GAAP.

How we see it
The IASB decided to include the portfolio approach to be consistent with
IFRS 15. A decision to use the portfolio approach would be similar to a
decision some entities make today to expense, rather than capitalise, certain
assets when the accounting difference is, and would continue to be,
immaterial to the financial statements.

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16

Key concepts

Lessees and lessors would generally apply the same key concepts when they
identify, classify, recognise and measure lease contracts, and both lessees and
lessors would apply the concepts consistently.

2.1 Lease commencement and inception date

The lease commencement date would be the date on which the lessor makes an
underlying asset available for use by the lessee. Lessees and lessors (for finance
leases) would initially recognise and measure lease-related assets and liabilities
on the commencement date (except for lessees that apply the small asset and
short-term lease exemptions). Entities would consider other standards to
determine how to account for and disclose the existence of other rights or
obligations created between the lease inception date (i.e., the date on which
the principal terms of the lease are agreed to) and the commencement date.

2.2 Lease term

2.2.1 Determining the lease term
The lease term would be determined at the lease commencement date based on
the non-cancellable term of the lease, together with both of the following:

The periods covered by an option to extend the lease if the lessee is

reasonably certain to exercise that option

The periods after the exercise date of an option to terminate the lease if
the lessee is reasonably certain not to exercise that option

The phrase reasonably certain is used in IAS 17 and, as such, the IASB does
not anticipate a change in practice.
Purchase options would be assessed in the same way as options to extend
the lease term or terminate the lease. The IASB reasoned that purchasing an
underlying asset is economically similar to extending the lease term for the
remaining economic life of the underlying asset. When a lease contains a
purchase option and the lessor believes the lessee is reasonably certain to
exercise that option, the lessor would classify the lease as a finance lease
(see section 3 below).
2.2.2 Evaluating lease renewal, termination and purchase options
When initially evaluating the lease term and lease payments (discussed in
section 2.3 below), the new standard would require lessees and lessors to
consider any factors associated with exercising lease renewal, termination and
purchase options. The evaluation of whether it is reasonably certain that those
options will be exercised would consider all contract, asset, entity and
market-based factors, including:

17

The existence of a purchase option or lease renewal option and its pricing
(e.g., fixed rates, discounted rates, bargain rates)

The existence of a termination option and the amount of payments for

termination or non-renewal

Contingent amounts due under residual value guarantees

Significant customisation (e.g., leasehold improvements), installation costs

or relocation costs

Costs of returning the asset in a contractually specified condition or to a

contractually specified location

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Applying IFRS New standard on leases is taking shape

The importance of the leased asset to the lessees operations

A sublease term that extends beyond the non-cancellable period of the head
lease (e.g., a head lease that has a non-cancellable term of five years with a
two-year renewal option, and the sublease term is for seven years)

Illustration 6 Determining the lease term

Scenario A
Assume that Entity P enters into a lease for equipment that includes a
non-cancellable term of four years and a two-year market-priced renewal
option. There are no termination penalties or other factors indicating that
Entity P is reasonably certain to exercise the renewal option.
Analysis: At the lease commencement date, the lease term would be four
years.
Scenario B
Assume that Entity Q enters into a lease for a building that includes a
non-cancellable term of four years and a two-year market-priced renewal
option. Before it takes possession of the building, Entity Q pays for leasehold
improvements. The leasehold improvements are expected to have significant
value at the end of four years, and that value can only be realised through
continued occupancy of the leased property.
Analysis: At lease commencement, Entity Q determines that it is reasonably
certain to exercise the renewal option because it would suffer a significant
economic penalty if it abandoned the leasehold improvements at the end of
the initial non-cancellable period. At lease commencement, Entity Q would
conclude that the lease term is six years.
2.2.3 Reassessment of the lease term
After lease commencement, lessees would monitor leases for significant
changes that could trigger a change in the lease term. Lessees would be
required to reassess the lease term upon the occurrence of significant events
or significant changes in circumstances that are within the lessees control (i.e.,
market-based events or changes would not trigger a reassessment). The IASB
expects that such events, and the related assessment, would occur infrequently.
If the lease term changes, a lessee would remeasure the lease liability, using
revised inputs (e.g., discount rate, allocation of contract consideration) at the
reassessment date, and would adjust the right-of-use asset. However, if the
right-of-use asset is reduced to zero, a lessee would recognise any remaining
amount in profit or loss.
Lessors would not be required to reassess the lease term after lease
commencement.
Refer to Appendix A for a summary of lessee and lessor reassessment
requirements.

2.3 Lease payments

Lease payments would be payments, made by a lessee to a lessor, relating to
the right to use an underlying asset during the lease term. The present value of
the lease payments (excluding lease incentives received by the lessee) would be
recognised as a lease liability by lessees or as part of the net investment in the
lease by lessors in finance leases, as discussed in sections 4 and 5 below.

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Lease payments would include:

Variable lease payments

that depend on an index
or rate would be included
in lease payments; other
variable lease payments
would not.

Fixed lease payments, less any lease incentives received or receivable from
the lessor

Variable payments that depend on an index or a rate

Payments for penalties for terminating a lease, if the lease term reflects the
lessee exercising an option to terminate the lease

Amounts expected to be payable under residual value guarantees (lessee

only)

Fixed payments structured as residual value guarantees (lessor only)

In-substance fixed lease payments structured as variable payments

The exercise price of a purchase option if the lessee is reasonably certain to
exercise that purchase option

Lease payments would not include payments allocated to the non-lease

components of a contract, except when the lessee makes an accounting policy
election to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease
component (as described in section 1.6 above).
2.3.1 Variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate
Variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate would be included in
the lease payments using the prevailing index or rate at the measurement date
(e.g., lease commencement date for initial measurement). The IASB reasoned
that despite the measurement uncertainty associated with changes to index or
rate-based payments, the payments meet the definition of an asset (lessor) and
a liability (lessee) because they are unavoidable. These types of variable lease
payments are treated differently from other contingent lease payments that do
not depend on an index or rate (e.g., lease payments based on usage) because
contingent lease payments that do not depend on an index or rate are generally
avoidable. See section 2.3.7 below.
Under the new standard, lessees would be required to reassess variable lease
payments that depend on an index or rate when the lease liability is remeasured
for other reasons (e.g., due to a change in the lease term) and upon a change
in the cash flows resulting from a change in the reference index or rate (i.e.,
when an adjustment to the lease payments takes effect). For example, if the
contractual lease payments change every two years and the change is linked to
a change in the consumer price index (CPI) during the two-year period, a lessee
would reassess the lease liability every two years when the contractual
payments change, not each time the CPI changes.
If a reassessment results in a remeasurement of the lease liability, a lessee
would use revised inputs at the reassessment date and would adjust the
right-of-use asset, except that:

19

The amount of the remeasurement arising from a change in an index or a

rate that is attributable to the current period would be recognised in profit
or loss

If the right-of-use asset is reduced to zero, a lessee would recognise any

remaining amount in profit or loss

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Applying IFRS New standard on leases is taking shape

Illustration 7 Variable lease payment that depends on an index or rate

Assume that Entity A enters into a 10-year lease of property. The lease
payment for the first year is CU1,000. The lease payments are linked to the
annual change in CPI. The CPI at the beginning of the first year is 100. At the
end of year 1, the CPI is 105.
Analysis: At the lease commencement date, the lease payments would be
CU1,000 for 10 years. Entity A does not take into consideration the potential
changes in the index. At the end of year 1 when the lease payments change,
Entity A updates the remaining nine lease payments to CU1,050 (CU1,000 /
100 * 105).
Lessors would not be required to reassess variable lease payments that depend
on an index or rate.
Refer to Appendix A for a summary of lessee and lessor reassessment
requirements.
Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP
Under the FASBs new standard, lessees would reassess variable lease
payments that depend on an index or rate only when the liability is
remeasured for other reasons (e.g., due to a change in the lease term).
Refer to Appendix B for a summary of the key differences between IFRS and
US GAAP.
2.3.2 In-substance fixed lease payments structured as variable payments
Some lease agreements include payments that are described as variable but are
in-substance fixed payments because the contract terms ensure that the
payment of a fixed amount is unavoidable. Such payments would be included in
the lease payments at lease commencement and thus used to measure entities
lease assets and lease liabilities.
2.3.3 The exercise price of a purchase option
Entities would consider the exercise price of asset purchase options included
in lease contracts consistently with the evaluation of lease renewal and
termination options (see section 2.2 above). That is, if the lessee is reasonably
certain to exercise a purchase option, the exercise price would be included as
a lease payment.
2.3.4 Payments for penalties for terminating a lease
The determination of whether to include lease termination penalties as lease
payments would be similar to the evaluation of lease renewal options. If it is
reasonably certain that the lessee will not terminate a lease, the lease term would
be determined assuming that the termination option would not be exercised, and
any termination penalty would be excluded from the lease payments. Otherwise,
the lease termination penalty would be included as a lease payment.
2.3.5 Amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee
lessees only
A lessee may provide a guarantee to the lessor that the value of the underlying
asset it returns to the lessor at the end of the lease will be at least a specified
amount. Such guarantees represent enforceable obligations that the lessee has
assumed by entering into the lease. Uncertainty related to a lessees guarantee
of a lessors residual value affects the measurement of the obligation rather
than the existence of an obligation.

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20

Illustration 8 Residual value guarantee included in lease payments

Entity R (lessee) enters into a lease and guarantees that Entity P (the lessor)
will realise CU15,000 from selling the asset to another party at the end of the
lease. At lease commencement, Entity P estimates that the underlying asset
will have a value of CU9,000 at the end of the lease.
Analysis: Entity R expects to pay the lessor CU6,000 under the residual value
guarantee and would include that amount as a lease payment.

How we see it
We expect the IASB to include in the new standard a provision of the 2013
ED that would require the remeasurement of a lessees lease liability and
adjustment of the right-of-use asset if the amounts expected to be payable
under residual value guarantees change during the lease term. If the
right-of-use asset is reduced to zero, the provision would require the
remaining adjustment to be recognised in profit or loss. The IASB did not
discuss this provision in redeliberations.
The residual value guarantee reassessment provision would not apply to lessors.
Refer to Appendix A for a summary of lessee and lessor reassessment
requirements.
2.3.6 Residual value guarantees lessors only
Lessors lease payments would generally exclude amounts receivable under
residual value guarantees (from either the lessee or a third party). However,
fixed lease payments structured as residual value guarantees (typically from the
lessee, but possibly from another party) would be included as lease payments.
For example, assume a lessor obtains a guarantee for the entire residual value
of the underlying asset from the lessee, also the contract states that the lessor
will pay to the lessee, or the lessee can retain, any difference between the
selling price of the underlying asset and the residual value guarantee specified
in the contract. In these cases, the lessee is exposed to all of the upside and
downside risks of changes in the value of the asset, and the lessor would receive
a fixed amount (i.e., the guarantee specified in the contract) at the end of the
lease. The amount the lessor would receive is economically similar to a fixed
balloon lease payment at the end of the lease. Consequently, such amounts
would be included as lease payments.
2.3.7 Variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or rate
Variable payments that do not depend on an index or rate, such as those based
on performance (e.g., a percentage of sales) or usage of the underlying asset
(e.g., the number of hours flown, the number of units produced), would not be
included as lease payments. These payments would be recognised in profit or
loss when they are incurred (lessee) or earned (lessor), in a manner similar to
todays accounting. For example, a variable payment based on the annual sales
of a leased store would not be included in the lessees right-of-use asset or lease
liability. Instead, the variable payment would be recognised as an expense (by
the lessee) and as income (by the lessor) as the sales at the store occur and an
obligation for the lessee to make the contingent payment is created.

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2.4 Discount rate

Discount rates would be used to determine the present value of the lease
payments, which are used to determine the lessors lease classification (finance
or operating see section 3 below) and to calculate the lessors net investment
in the lease (finance leases only) and the lessees lease liability. Under the new
standard, the rate the lessor charges the lessee would be defined as the rate
implicit in the lease. The rate implicit in the lease would reflect the nature and
specific terms of the lease and would be consistent with the current definition
in IFRS.
2.4.1 Lessors
Lessors would use the rate implicit in the lease that causes the sum of:

The present value of lease payments made by the lessee for the right to use
the underlying asset
And

The present value of the amount the lessor expects to derive from the
underlying asset at the end of the lease, excluding any amount included in
lease payments

To equal the sum of:

The fair value of the underlying asset

And

The lessors initial direct costs (in the case of finance leases without
recognised selling profit)

A lessors initial direct costs for finance leases with recognised selling profit
would be expensed at lease commencement. Therefore, they would be excluded
from the calculation of the rate implicit in the lease for those leases (see
section 5 below).
2.4.2 Lessees
Lessees would also use the rate implicit in the lease, as described above, if that
rate can be readily determined. When the lessee cannot readily determine that
rate, it would use its incremental borrowing rate. The lessees incremental
borrowing rate would be the rate of interest that the lessee would have to pay
to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of a similar value to the
right-of-use asset, over a similar term (i.e., consistent with the lease term) and
security (i.e., collateral) in a similar economic environment. This definition
would be generally consistent with the definition in IAS 17.

How we see it
The rate implicit in the lease would not necessarily be the rate stated in the
contract and would reflect the lessors initial direct costs and estimates of
residual value. Therefore, lessees may find it difficult to determine the rate
implicit in the lease.

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Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP

Under the FASBs new standard, lessees that are not public business entities
(as defined in the Accounting Standards Codification Master Glossary) would
be permitted to make an accounting policy election to use the risk-free rate
for the initial and subsequent measurement of lease liabilities.
Refer to Appendix B for a summary of the key differences between IFRS and
US GAAP.
2.4.3 Reassessment of the discount rate
Lessees would reassess the discount rate only upon a lease modification, a
change to the lease term or a change in whether the lessee is reasonably certain
to exercise an option to purchase the underlying asset.
If a reassessment results in a change to the discount rate, lessees would
remeasure the lease liability using a revised discount rate at the reassessment
date and would adjust the right-of-use asset. However, if the right-of-use asset is
reduced to zero, a lessee would recognise any remaining amount in profit or loss.
Lessors would not be required to reassess the discount rate unless a contract
modification results in a new lease.
Refer to Appendix A for a summary of lessee and lessor reassessment
requirements.

2.5 Initial direct costs

Initial direct costs would be costs such as commissions that would not have been
incurred if a lease had not been executed. Lessees and lessors would apply the
same definition of initial direct costs. From the lessors perspective, initial direct
costs would be consistent with the concept of incremental costs in IFRS 15.
The new standard would require lessors to include initial direct costs in the
initial measurement of their net investments in finance leases. However, initial
direct costs related to finance leases that include recognised selling profit would
be expensed at lease commencement. Lessors would recognise initial direct
costs associated with operating leases over the lease term on the same basis as
lease income.
The new standard would require lessees to include their initial direct costs in
their initial measurement of the rightof-use asset. Costs that a lessee incurs
in a lease modification that meet the definition of an initial direct cost would
be included in the measurement of the new right-of-use asset (i.e., for a
modification that results in a separate, new lease) or the adjustment to the
right-of-use asset (i.e., for a modification that does not result in a separate,
new lease).
The IASBs decision to clarify that only incremental costs would qualify as initial
direct costs is consistent with the May 2014 IFRS Interpretations Committee
discussions on incremental costs under IAS 17.

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2.6 Economic life

The new standard would define the economic life of an asset as either:

The period over which an asset is expected to be economically usable by

one or more users
Or

The number of production or similar units expected to be obtained from the

asset by one or more users

This definition of economic life is the same as the definition in IAS 17.

2.7 Fair value of the underlying asset

Under todays accounting, the fair value of leased assets is measured under
IAS 17, not IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement. Under the IASBs new standard,
leased assets will be in the scope of IFRS 13 as a result of consequential
amendments to IFRS 13. IFRS 13 provides a framework for measuring fair
value, defines fair value within that framework and establishes fair value
measurement disclosure requirements. Importantly, the general definitions of
fair value in IFRS 13 would apply for the purposes of lease classification and
measurement under the new standard.

How we see it
The definition of fair value in IFRS 13 is based on an exit price notion,

which is different from a transaction or entry price. Under IAS 17,

preparers have more flexibility to consider prices other than an exit price
when measuring fair value. The IASBs decision to include fair value
measurements related to lease transactions in the scope of IFRS 13
would result in more consistent measurement of fair value for amounts
recorded in financial statements.

It is unclear whether the new standard will contain a fair value

constraint that would set a maximum amount that could be used when
recording a right-of-use asset.

Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP

The general definitions of fair value in US GAAP would not apply to fair value
measurements for the purposes of lease classification and measurement
(with certain exceptions) under the FASBs new standard.
Refer to Appendix B for a summary of the key differences between IFRS and
US GAAP.

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24

3. Lease classification
Lessors would classify
leases using the principle
in IAS 17.

As discussed previously, lessees applying the IASBs new standard would use a
single recognition and measurement approach for all leases, with options not
to recognise and measure both leases of small assets and short-term leases.
Lessors, however, would classify all leases using the classification principle in
IAS 17. Consistent with IAS 17, the new standard would distinguish between
two types of leases: finance and operating. Lease classification would determine
how and when a lessor would recognise lease revenue and what assets are
recorded (i.e., the underlying leased asset for operating leases or the net
investment in finance leases), as it does today.
The classification of leases in IAS 17 is based on the extent to which the risks
and rewards incidental to ownership of a leased asset lie with the lessor or the
lessee. It depends on the substance of the transaction rather than the form of
the contract, and lists a number of examples that individually, or in combination,
would normally lead to a lease being classified as a finance lease:

The lease transfers ownership of the asset to the lessee by the end of the
lease term

The lessee has the option to purchase the asset at a price that is expected
to be sufficiently lower than the fair value at the date the option becomes
exercisable such that, at the inception of the lease, it is reasonably certain
that the option will be exercised (frequently called a bargain purchase
option)

The lease term is for the major part of the economic life of the asset even if
title is not transferred

At the inception of the lease, the present value of the minimum lease
payments amounts to at least substantially all of the fair value of the leased
asset

The leased assets are of a specialised nature, such that only the lessee can
use them without major modifications being made

In addition, IAS 17 lists the following indicators of situations that, individually or

in combination, also could lead to a lease being classified as a finance lease:

25

If the lessee can cancel the lease, the lessors losses associated with the
cancellation are borne by the lessee

Gains or losses from the fluctuation in the fair value of the residual fall to
the lessee (for example, in the form of a rent rebate that is equal to most of
the sale proceeds at the end of the lease)

The lessee has the ability to continue the lease for a secondary period at a
rent that is substantially lower than market rent

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3.1 Lease component with the right to use more than one
interrelated asset
If a lease component contains the right to use more than one interrelated asset,
the primary asset in the component would be used to determine lease
classification. The primary asset would be the predominant asset for which the
lessee has contracted the right to use. Any other assets in that lease component
would facilitate the lessees use of the primary asset. Entities would also refer
to the economic life of the primary asset when making lease classification
assessments.

3.2 Residual value guarantees included in lease classification

As noted above, for the purposes of determining lease classification, the new
standard would require lessors to include in the substantially all example the
full amounts of residual value guarantees provided by third parties unrelated to
the lessor, including the lessee.
Residual value guarantees would be treated differently when determining lease
payments. Lessors lease payments would generally exclude amounts receivable
under residual value guarantees (from either the lessee or a third party) unless
the residual value guarantee is, in substance, a fixed lease payment (see section
2.3 above).

3.3 Reassessment
Lease classification would not be reassessed after lease commencement. If a
contract modification results in a separate, new lease (see section 1.7 above),
that new lease would be classified using the criteria described above. Also, refer
to Appendix A for a summary of lessee and lessor reassessment requirements.
Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP
The Boards agreed that lessors would classify leases based on the concept
underlying existing US GAAP and IFRS lessor accounting, but they reached
different decisions on classification for lessees.
As discussed above, lessees applying the IASBs new standard would use a
single recognition and measurement model for all leases, with options not to
recognise and measure both leases of small assets and short-term leases.
However, lessees applying the FASBs new standard would use a dual model
to recognise and measure leases with an option not to recognise and measure
short-term leases.
The IASB members who favoured the single model indicated that it is more
conceptually sound because they believe that all leases contain a financing
element. Some IASB members also indicated that the single model would
be less costly to apply because preparers would not have to consider a
classification test. The FASB members who favoured the dual model indicated
that the FASBs new standard would be less costly for preparers to apply and
for users to understand, because it would use a lease classification principle
similar to the one in current US GAAP.
Refer to Appendix B for a summary of the key differences between IFRS and
US GAAP.

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26

4. Lessee accounting
The new standard would require lessees to recognise all leases on the balance
sheet, except for leases of small assets and short-term leases if they choose to
apply those exemptions. At the commencement date of a lease, a lessee would
recognise a liability to make lease payments (i.e., the lease liability) and an
asset representing the right to use the underlying asset during the lease term
(i.e., the right-of-use asset).

4.1 Initial recognition and measurement

Lessees would have a
single recognition and
measurement model (with
certain exemptions).

The lease liability would be initially measured based on the present value of
the lease payments to be made over the lease term. Lessees would apply the
concepts described in section 2 above to identify the lease components and
to determine the lease term, lease payments and discount rate as of the
commencement date of the lease.
The right-of-use asset would initially be measured at cost and would consist of
all of the following:

The amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability

Any initial direct costs incurred by the lessee (see section 2.5 above)

Any lease payments made to the lessor at or before the commencement

date, less any lease incentives received from the lessor (see section 4.3
below)

4.2 Subsequent measurement

4.2.1 Lease liabilities
The IASB believes that a lease liability should be accounted for in a manner
similar to other financial liabilities (i.e., on an amortised cost basis).
Consequently, the lease liability would be accreted using an amount that
produces a constant periodic discount rate on the remaining balance of the
liability (i.e., the discount rate determined at commencement, as long as a
reassessment and a change in the discount rate have not been triggered).
Lease payments would reduce the lease liability when paid.
4.2.2 Right-of-use assets
Amortisation of the right-of-use asset would be recognised in a manner
consistent with existing standards for non-financial assets that are measured
at cost. Lessees would amortise the right-of-use asset on a straight-line basis,
unless another systematic basis better represents the pattern in which the
lessee expects to consume the right-of-use assets future economic benefits.
The right-of-use asset would generally be amortised over the shorter of the
lease term or the useful life of the right-of-use asset. The amortisation period
would be the remaining useful life of the underlying asset if the lessee is
reasonably certain to exercise a purchase option or if the lease transfers
ownership of the underlying asset to the lessee by the end of the lease term.
Lessees would also have the option to revalue right-of-use assets and to
measure right-of-use assets that meet the definition of investment property at
fair value (see section 4.2.4 below).

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Illustration 9 Lessee accounting

Entity H (lessee) enters into a three-year lease of equipment. Entity H agrees
to make the following annual payments at the end of each year: CU10,000 in
year one, CU12,000 in year two and CU14,000 in year three. For simplicity,
there are no other elements to the lease payments (e.g., purchase options),
payments to the lessor before the lease commencement date, lease
incentives from the lessor or initial direct costs. The initial measurement of
the right-of-use asset and lease liability is CU33,000 (present value of lease
payments using a discount rate of approximately 4.235%). Entity H uses its
incremental borrowing rate because the rate implicit in the lease cannot be
readily determined. Entity H determines the right-of-use asset should be
amortised on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Analysis: At lease commencement, Entity H would recognise the lease-related
asset and liability:
Right-of-use asset

CU

33,000

Lease liability

CU

33,000

To initially recognise the lease-related asset and liability

The following journal entries would be recorded in the first year:
Interest expense

CU

1,398

Lease liability

CU

1,398

To record interest expense and accrete the lease liability using the interest
method (CU33,000 x 4.235%)
Amortisation expense

CU

11,000

Right-of-use asset

CU

11,000

To record amortisation expense on the right-of-use asset (CU33,000 3 years)

Lease liability

CU

10,000

Cash

CU

10,000

To record lease payment

A summary of the lease contracts accounting (assuming no changes due to
reassessment) is as follows:
Initial
Cash lease payments

Year 1
CU 10,000 CU

Year 2

Year 3

12,000 CU

14,000

1,033 CU

569

Lease expense recognised

Interest expense

CU

1,398 CU

11,000

11,000

CU 12,398 CU

12,033 CU

11,569

Right-of-use asset

CU 33,000 CU 22,000 CU

11,000 CU

Lease liability

CU (33,000) CU (24,398) CU (13,431) CU

Amortisation expense

11,000

Total periodic expense

Balance sheet

Because a consistent interest rate would be applied to the lease liability, which
decreases as cash payments are made during the lease term, more interest
expense would be incurred in the early periods and less would be incurred in the
later periods. This trend in the interest expense, combined with the straight-line
amortisation of the right-of-use asset, would generally result in a front-loaded
expense recognition pattern, which is consistent with the subsequent
measurement of finance leases under IAS 17.

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The separate recognition of interest and amortisation expense is consistent with

the IASBs view that all leases result in a lessee obtaining the right to use an
underlying asset and the provision of financing. That is, leases are financing
activities and create debt-like liabilities.
4.2.3 Changes in foreign currency exchange rates
Lessees would apply IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates
to leases denominated in a foreign currency. Lessees would remeasure the
foreign currency-denominated lease liability using the exchange rate at each
reporting date. Any changes to the lease liability due to exchange rate changes
would be recognised in profit or loss. Because the right-of-use asset is a
non-monetary asset measured at historical cost, it would not be affected by
changes in the exchange rate.
4.2.4 Alternative measurement bases for the right-of-use asset
A lessee would be required to measure right-of-use assets arising from leased
property in accordance with IAS 40 if the leased property meets the definition
of investment property in IAS 40 and the lessee elects the fair value model in
IAS 40 as an accounting policy.
A lessee would be permitted to measure right-of-use assets relating to a class
of property, plant and equipment at a revalued amount in accordance with
IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment if the lessee revalues all assets within
that class of property, plant and equipment.
Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP
The option to revalue right-of-use assets and to measure right-of-use assets
that meet the definition of investment property at fair value is not applicable
under US GAAP.
Refer to Appendix B for a summary of the key differences between IFRS and
US GAAP.

4.3 Other lessee matters

4.3.1 Lease incentives received or receivable at lease commencement
Lessees often receive incentives (e.g., an up-front cash payment for leasehold
improvements or relocation expenses) for entering into a new lease. Todays
operating lease accounting requires lessees to recognise lease incentives over
the lease term as a reduction of lease expense.
Under the new standard, lease incentives that are receivable from the lessor at
the commencement date (i.e., amounts are paid by the lessor after the lease
commencement date) would be deducted from the lease payments and the
corresponding lease liability and right-of-use asset. Separately, lease incentives
that a lessee receives from the lessor at or before lease commencement would
reduce the initial measurement of the right-of-use asset. Similar to the result
under current operating lease accounting, lease incentives would reduce lease
expense over the lease term.
4.3.2 Lease incentives not received or receivable at lease commencement
The 2013 ED did not address lease incentives that are contingently receivable
by the lessee at the lease commencement date (i.e., lease incentives that are
not received or receivable until the occurrence of an event subsequent to lease
commencement) nor were such incentives discussed during redeliberations.

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Examples include reimbursements for moving costs or leasehold improvements

that become receivable by the lessee when the lessee incurs these costs.

How we see it
It remains unclear whether and, if so, how incentives that are not received or
receivable at lease commencement would be considered in the recognition
and measurement of lessees' lease-related assets and liabilities.
4.3.3 Income tax accounting
The new standard would also affect lessees accounting for income taxes. For
lessees, the new standard would change the measurements of lease-related
assets and liabilities, including the recognition of amounts that are not on the
balance sheet today (i.e., amounts related to leases that are operating leases
today), and the expense recognition pattern. These changes would affect many
aspects of accounting for income taxes, such as:

Recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities

Assessment of the recoverability of deferred tax assets

4.3.4 Impairment
Lessees right-of-use assets would be subject to IAS 36 Impairment of Assets.
IAS 36 requires an impairment indicator analysis at each reporting period. If
any indicators are present, the entity is required to estimate the recoverable
amount of the asset (or the cash-generating unit of which the asset is a part
the CGU). The entity has to recognise an impairment loss if the recoverable
amount is less than the carrying amount of the asset (or the CGU). After an
impairment loss is recognised, the adjusted carrying amount of the
right-of-use asset would be its new basis for amortisation.
Subsequent reversal of a previously recognised impairment loss needs to be
assessed if there is any indication that an impairment loss recognised in prior
periods may no longer exist or may have decreased. In recognising any
reversal, the increased carrying amount of the asset must not exceed the
carrying amount that would have been determined, after depreciation or
amortisation, had there been no impairment.
Lessees currently apply the same impairment analysis to assets held under
finance leases. This analysis would be new for leases currently accounted
for as operating leases and could significantly affect the timing of expense
recognition.

How we see it
For leases that are not currently on the balance sheet, the requirement
to test right-of-use assets for impairment could accelerate expense
recognition (i.e., if an impairment occurs).

When performing an impairment test (assuming the CGU to which the

asset belongs consists solely of the right-of-use asset), we believe
lessees would consider the recoverable amount of the remaining
right-of-use asset without regard to the remaining lease payments.

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4.4 Presentation
While the new standard would change balance sheet presentation for lessees,
the statement of profit or loss and statement of cash flows presentation
requirements would be similar to the current requirements for finance leases.
The following table summarises how lease-related amounts and activities would
be presented in lessees financial statements:
Financial statement

Lessee presentation

Balance sheet

Right-of-use assets presented either:

Separately from other assets (e.g., owned assets)
Together with the corresponding underlying assets

as if they were owned, with disclosures of the

balance sheet line items that include right-of-use
assets and their amounts
Lease liabilities presented either:
Separately from other liabilities
Together with other liabilities, with disclosure of the
balance sheet line items that include lease liabilities
and their amounts
Statement of profit
or loss

Lease-related amortisation and lease-related interest

Statement of cash
flows

Cash payments for the principal portion of the lease liability

expense would be presented separately (i.e., lease-related

amortisation and interest expense could not be
combined).

would be presented within financing activities and cash

payments for the interest portion would be presented
based on an accounting policy election in accordance
with IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows.
Lease payments for leases of small assets and short-term
leases not recognised on the balance sheet and variable
lease payments not included in the lease liability would be
presented within operating activities.
Non-cash activity (e.g., initial recognition of the lease at
commencement) would be disclosed as a supplemental
non-cash item.

Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP

Under the FASBs new standard, cash paid for interest on Type A
leases would be presented within operating activities consistent with
ASC 230 Statement of Cash Flows; lease payments for Type B leases also
would be presented within operating activities.
Refer to Appendix B for a summary of the key differences between IFRS and
US GAAP.

4.5 Disclosure
The new standard
would expand lessees
disclosures and require
more judgement.

31

The objective of lessee disclosures would be to enable financial statement users

to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases.
Lessees would exercise judgement to determine the appropriate level at which
to aggregate, or disaggregate, disclosures so that meaningful information will
not be obscured by insignificant details or by groupings of items with different
characteristics.

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4.5.1 Quantitative disclosures

Lessees would be required to disclose the following quantitative information:

Amortisation of right-of-use assets, split by class of underlying asset

Small asset lease expense

Interest on lease liabilities

Short-term lease expense for such leases with a lease term greater than
one month

Variable lease expense

Income from sub-leasing right-of-use assets
Total cash outflow for leases
Additions to right-of-use assets
Gains and losses arising from sale and leaseback transactions
Closing carrying amount of right-of-use assets, split by class of underlying
asset

The new standard would require lessees to present all lessee disclosures in a
single note or separate section in its financial statements. All quantitative lessee
disclosures would be required to be presented in tabular format, unless another
format is more appropriate.
Lessees would also be required to disclose a maturity analysis of lease liabilities
in accordance with paragraphs 39 and B11 of IFRS 7 Financial Instruments:
Disclosures. Lessees would be required to disclose this maturity analysis
separately from the maturity analyses of other financial liabilities.
4.5.2 Qualitative disclosures
Lessees would be required to disclose sufficient additional information to satisfy
the overall disclosure objective. The new standard would supplement this
requirement with a list of specific disclosure objectives and illustrative examples
to demonstrate how a lessee might comply with this requirement.
Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP
The FASBs new standard would require specific qualitative disclosure
requirements, such as information about the nature of lease arrangements;
significant judgements and assumptions made in accounting for leases; and
the main terms and conditions of any sale and leaseback transactions.
The IASB and the FASB differ on specific lessee quantitative disclosure
requirements mainly because of differences in the lessee accounting models.
The FASBs new standard would require the disclosure of Type B lease
expense, which is not applicable under the IASBs single recognition and
measurement approach (with certain exemptions) in its new standard. In
addition, the FASB would not require a specific format for lessee quantitative
disclosures.
Refer to Appendix B for a summary of the key differences between IFRS and
US GAAP.

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32

5. Lessor accounting
Todays lessor
accounting, in essence,
would not change.

Under the new standard, lessors would account for leases using the approach
in IAS 17.

5.1 Finance leases

5.1.1 Initial recognition and measurement
Upon commencement of a finance lease, lessors would:

Derecognise the carrying amount of the underlying asset

Recognise the net investment in the lease
Recognise, in profit or loss, selling profit or loss (if any)

5.1.1.1 Net investment in the lease

A lessors net investment in the lease would consist of the lease receivable and
residual asset:

Lease receivable The lease receivable would be the total lease payments
(see section 2.3 above) discounted using the rate implicit in the lease. Initial
direct costs incurred as part of finance leases without recognised selling
profit would be included in the lease receivable. However, initial direct costs
related to finance leases with recognised selling profit would be expensed at
lease commencement.

Residual asset The residual asset would be the lessors right to the
expected value of the leased asset at the end of the lease.

At the lease commencement date, lessors would apply the key concepts
described in section 2 above to determine the initial direct costs, lease term,
lease payments and discount rate.
5.1.1.2 Selling profit
Lessors would be able to recognise initial selling profit when the fair value of the
underlying asset is greater than its carrying amount. Profit is often present for
manufacturers and dealers who transact with customers at prices above their
cost to manufacture or obtain the underlying asset.

How we see it
Although a lessor's recognition of selling profit in a finance lease would be
the same as under IAS 17, a manufacturer or dealer lessor might recognise
profit earlier in a finance lease than in an outright sale under IFRS 15. This
could be the case when a third-party provides residual value support to the
lessor. Such third party support could preclude immediate recognition of
selling profit under IFRS 15, but would not under the new leases standard.
The difference in timing of recognition of selling profit between the new
leases standard and IFRS 15 could provide opportunities for accounting
arbitrage.

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Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP

The FASBs new standard would permit lessors to recognise initial selling
profit only if the lessee obtains control of the underlying asset, as that would
be defined in the FASBs new standard.
Refer to Appendix B for a summary of the key differences between IFRS and
US GAAP.
5.1.2 Subsequent measurement
After lease commencement, lessors would account for a finance lease, as
follows:

Recognise interest income in profit or loss over the lease term using the
rate implicit in the lease on the components of the net investment in the
lease

Reduce the net investment in the lease for lease payments received, net
of interest income calculated above

Separately recognise income from variable lease payments that are not
included in the net investment in the lease (e.g., performance-or usagebased variable payments) in the period in which that income is earned

5.1.3 Reassessment
Lessors would not be required to reassess the lease term, lease payments or the
discount rate after lease commencement. Refer to Appendix A for a summary of
lessee and lessor reassessment requirements.
5.1.4 Other lessor matters in finance leases
5.1.4.1 Sale of lease receivables
The new standard would require lessors to measure all lease receivables,
including those an entity intends to sell, at amortised cost. We expect the Basis
for Conclusions to indicate that it would be appropriate for lessors to apply the
financial asset derecognition requirements in IFRS 9 when lease receivables
are sold.
5.1.4.2 Impairment of net investment in the lease
In its 2013 ED, the IASB proposed requiring lessors to perform separate
impairment assessments for the lease receivable (under IAS 39 Financial
Instruments) and residual asset (under IAS 16). However, given the IASBs
decision to leave lessor accounting essentially unchanged from IAS 17, it is
not clear whether this separate assessment would be required or whether the
new standard would require lessors to apply the impairment requirements in
IFRS 9 to determine whether the net investment in the lease is impaired.
5.1.4.3 Classification of the underlying asset at the end of a lease
At the end of the lease term, lessors may receive the underlying asset back
from the lessee. Under the new standard, lessors would reclassify the carrying
amount of the residual asset to the applicable category of assets (e.g., property,
plant and equipment). Thereafter, lessors would account for the underlying
asset using other applicable accounting standards (e.g., IAS 16).

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5.1.4.4 Income tax accounting

While the IASB agreed not to make changes to todays lessor accounting
approach, differences between the key concepts (described in section 2 above)
under the new standard compared to IAS 17 could result in differences.
Therefore, the new standard could affect lessors accounting for income taxes.
Applying the new standard could change the recognition of lease-related assets
(i.e., net investment in the lease), the measurement of lease-related assets and
the derecognition of underlying assets for certain leases that are subject to
operating leases today. The new standard also could change the timing of
recognition of lease income for some leases. These changes could affect many
aspects of accounting for income taxes, such as:

Recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities

Assessment of the recoverability of deferred tax assets

5.2 Operating leases

Lessors would account
for operating leases as
they do today.

Lessors would account for operating leases as they do today. That is, they
would continue to recognise the underlying asset. Unlike for finance leases, at
lease commencement for operating leases, lessors would not recognise a net
investment in the lease (i.e., a lease receivable and residual asset) or initial
profit (if any). The underlying asset would continue to be accounted for in
accordance with applicable accounting standards (e.g., IAS 16).
Lessors would recognise lease payments from operating leases over the lease
term on either a straight-line basis or another systematic basis if that basis
better represents the pattern in which income is earned from the underlying
asset. Lessors in an operating lease would recognise initial direct costs as an
expense over the lease term on the same basis as lease income.
In some cases, another systematic basis of accounting might better represent
the pattern in which the lessor earns income. For example, variable lease
payments that are not based on an index or rate would be recognised as they
are earned (i.e., when the variable payments become receivable). Likewise,
stepped rent increases that are intended to compensate a lessor for expected
increases in market rental rates would be recognised based on the contractual
cash flows (i.e., as the stepped payments become receivable). In both examples,
revenue would be recognised on a basis other than straight line because it
better reflects the pattern in which the revenue is earned.
If lease payments are uneven for reasons other than to compensate the lessor
for expected increases in market rentals or changes in market conditions, the
lease revenue would be recognised on a straight-line basis. For example, lease
payments might be front-loaded or back-loaded or a lease might include a
rent-free period. The uneven pattern of these lease payments generally would
not be related to the way in which the lessor earns revenue. Therefore, they
would not support revenue recognition on a basis other than straight line.

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How we see it
Determining that lease payments in an operating lease should be recognised
on a basis other than straight line would likely require judgement. There
might not be a clear distinction between increases in scheduled lease
payments that reflect the pattern in which lease income is earned
(e.g., stepped increases intended to compensate the lessor for changes
in the market rentals or market conditions) and other scheduled increases
that do not.

5.3 Presentation
The following table summarises how lease-related amounts and activities would
be presented in lessors financial statements:
Financial statement

Lessor presentation

Balance sheet

Finance leases:
Lease assets (i.e., lease receivables and residual assets)
would be presented separately from other assets.

Lease receivables and residual assets could be

presented separately from each other, or, if presented

together (i.e., the net investment in the lease), they
would be separately disclosed in the notes.
Operating leases: Underlying assets would be presented
in accordance with applicable standards.
Statement of profit
or loss

Both types of leases: Income arising from leases would

Statement of cash
flows

Both types of leases: Cash lease payments received would

be presented separately from other activity, or disclosed

in the notes (along with the corresponding line item(s) in
the statement of profit or loss).
Finance leases:
Profit or loss recognised at the commencement
date would be presented in accordance with
IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements.
Interest on the net investment in the lease would
be presented as interest income.
be presented within operating activities.

5.4 Disclosure
The disclosures that would be required for lessors are intended to help
financial statement users understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of
lease-related cash flows. These disclosures would include the amounts of
recognised lease-related assets and liabilities; significant judgements and
assumptions about lease terms, payments, the existence of residual value
guarantees and options to extend or terminate a lease. Lessors would exercise
judgement to determine the level at which to aggregate, or disaggregate, the
disclosures. Disclosures would need to be aggregated or disaggregated at an
appropriate level so that the information is meaningful to the financial
statement users and is not obscured by insignificant details or by grouping
items with different characteristics.

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36

5.4.1 General disclosure requirements

Lessors would be
required to disclose more
information about how
they manage the risks
related to residual values
of assets under lease.

Lessors would be required to disclose information about the nature of leases,

such as:

A general description of the leases

The existence, and terms and conditions, of options to extend or terminate

the lease

The existence, and terms and conditions, of options for a lessee to purchase
the underlying asset

The basis, and terms and conditions, on which variable lease payments are
determined

As noted above, the new standard would also require lessors to disclose
information about the significant judgements and assumptions made in
accounting for leases. For example, a lessor might disclose information about
its judgements and assumptions associated with:

The determination of whether a contract contains a lease

The initial measurement of the residual asset included in the net investment
in the lease

The identification of the lease and non-lease components of a contract

The allocation of the consideration in a contract between the lease and
non-lease components

Lessors would also disclose information about activities used to manage risks
associated with the residual value of their leased assets. For example, a lessor
might disclose:

Its risk management strategy for residual assets

Any other means by which the lessor reduces its residual asset risk
(e.g., buyback agreements, variable lease payments for lessee use in excess
of specified limits)

Lessors would also disclose lease income recognised in the reporting period, in a
tabular format. The disclosure would include:

For finance leases:

Profit or loss recognised at the commencement date

The interest income on net investments in leases (i.e., lease receivables
and residual assets), either individually for each component of the net
investment or in the aggregate

For operating leases, lease income relating to lease payments

Lease income relating to variable lease payments not included in the
measurement of net investments in finance leases

5.4.2 Other quantitative and qualitative disclosures finance leases

Under the new standard, lessors would be required to qualitatively and
quantitatively explain significant changes in the balance of the net investment in
their finance leases during the reporting period.

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Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP

Under the FASBs new standard, lessors would be required to qualitatively
and quantitatively explain significant changes in residual values of assets
under Type A leases. However, disclosure of significant changes in the lease
receivable portion of the net investment would follow other US GAAP.
Refer to Appendix B for a summary of the key differences between IFRS and
US GAAP.
To help financial statement users understand and evaluate liquidity risks of
lease-related cash flows, lessors would be required to disclose a maturity
analysis of undiscounted cash flows to be received, on an annual basis, for five
years after the balance sheet date, and in total thereafter, that comprise
finance lease receivables and a reconciliation to lease receivables presented on
the balance sheet (or in the notes).
5.4.3 Other quantitative disclosures operating leases
Lessors would be required to provide a separate maturity analysis of the
undiscounted future lease payments to be received for operating leases, as of
the reporting date. The maturity analysis would include undiscounted cash flows
to be received, on an annual basis, for five years after the balance sheet date
and in total thereafter.
For assets leased under operating leases, lessors would be required to disclose
the same information that is currently required under IAS 16 for property, plant
and equipment (e.g., balances by major class, accumulated depreciation, a
general description of method of computing depreciation), separately from
owned assets that are held and used by the lessor.

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38

6. Other considerations
6.1 Subleases
Lessees often enter into arrangements to sublease a leased asset to a third
party while the original lease contract remains in effect. In these arrangements,
one party acts as both the lessor and lessee of the same underlying asset. The
original lease is often referred to as a head lease, the original lessee is often
referred to as an intermediate lessor and the ultimate lessee is often referred
to as the sub-lessee.
6.1.1 Intermediate lessor accounting
An intermediate lessor would account for the head lease as described in
section 4 above and the sub-lease as described in section 5 above. However,
an intermediate lessor would consider the lease classification criteria with
reference to the remaining right-of-use asset arising from the head lease when
classifying a sublease as finance or operating.
Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP
Under the FASBs new standard, intermediate lessors would consider the
underlying asset when determining the sublease classification.
Refer to Appendix B for a summary of the key differences between IFRS and
US GAAP.
An intermediate lessor generally would account for a head lease (as a lessee)
and a sublease (as a lessor) as two separate lease contracts. However, when
contracts are entered into at or near the same time, an intermediate lessor
would be required to consider the criteria for combining contracts (i.e., whether
the contracts are negotiated as a package with a single commercial objective
or the consideration to be paid in one contract depends on the price or
performance of the other contract) (see section 1.8 above for more
information). If either criterion is met, the intermediate lessor would account for
the head lease and sublease as a single combined transaction.
6.1.2 Presentation

Intermediate lessors
would generally present
sublease revenue on a
gross basis.

Intermediate lessors would not be permitted to offset lease liabilities and lease
assets that arise from a head lease and a sublease, respectively, unless those
liabilities and assets meet the requirement of IAS 32 Financial Instruments:
Presentation for offsetting financial instruments. Intermediate lessors would
apply the principal-agent requirements from IFRS 15.B34 B38 to determine
whether sublease revenue should be presented on a gross or net basis
(i.e., reduced for head lease expenses). The IASB expects that intermediate
lessors would generally present sublease revenue on a gross basis.

How we see it
Various aspects of the new standard (e.g., the principal-agent considerations
for sublease revenue) would align with IFRS 15. Lessors should familiarise
themselves with IFRS 15 because it could also influence their accounting for
leases. In addition, lessors should monitor developments as the IASB
considers amending IFRS 15.

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6.1.3 Disclosure
In addition to the lessee and lessor disclosure requirements discussed
previously, the new standard would require an intermediate lessor to disclose
the following information relating to its subleases:

A general description of the leases

The existence, and terms and conditions, of options to extend or terminate

the lease

The existence, and terms and conditions, of residual value guarantees

provided by the sub-lessee

The restrictions or covenants imposed by leases (e.g., those related to

dividends or incurring additional financial obligations)

The basis, and terms and conditions, on which variable lease payments are
determined

6.2 Business combinations

6.2.1 Classification as finance or operating
The new standard would require an acquirer to classify acquired lessor leases as
either finance or operating leases using the contractual terms and conditions at
the commencement date of the lease. If the contractual terms and conditions
of a lease are modified as part of the business combination, the acquirer would
classify the new lease based on the contractual terms and conditions of that
new lease.

How we see it
Under the new standard, no lease assets and liabilities would be

recognised for acquired lessee leases that have a remaining term of

12 months or less at the acquisition date. We believe the acquirer would
generally recognise lease payments on a straight-line basis over the
remaining lease term following the business combination.

It is unclear whether the acquirers accounting for leases with a

remaining term of 12 months or less would preclude the recognition of
assets and liabilities for off-market contract terms on in-place leases.
Precluding the recognition of these assets and liabilities would be
inconsistent with the principles in IFRS 3 Business Combinations that
typically result in the recognition of assets and liabilities for the
off-market terms of contracts.

6.2.2 Acquiree in a business combination is a lessee

6.2.2.1 Initial measurement of a lease
Consequential amendments to IFRS 3 would specify the initial measurement
requirements for leases that are acquired in a business combination. However,
subsequent measurement requirements for an acquired lease liability and
right-of-use asset would be the same as the requirements for any other existing
lease arrangement.
The acquirer would measure the acquired lease liability as if the lease contract
were a new lease at the acquisition date. That is, the acquiree would apply the
new standards initial measurement provisions, using the present value of the
remaining lease payments at the acquisition date. The acquirer would follow the
requirements for determining the lease term, lease payments and discount rate.

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40

The right-of-use asset would be measured at an amount equal to the recognised

liability, adjusted to reflect both of the following:

Favourable or unfavourable terms of the lease, relative to market terms

Any other intangible asset associated with the lease, which may be
evidenced by market participants willingness to pay for the lease even if it
is at market terms (e.g., a lease of gates at an airport, a lease of retail space
in a prime shopping area that provides entry to the market or other future
economic benefits that qualify as an intangible asset)

Because the off-market nature of the lease would be captured in the right-of-use
asset, the acquirer would not separately recognise an intangible asset or liability
for favourable or unfavourable lease terms relative to market.
6.2.2.2 Subsequent measurement of a lease
The subsequent measurement of an acquired lease liability and right-of-use asset
would be determined using the subsequent measurement requirements for
pre-existing lease arrangements (refer to section 4 above).
6.2.3 Acquiree in a business combination is a lessor
6.2.3.1 Initial measurement of a lease when the acquiree is a finance lessor
The acquirer would measure a lease receivable as if the lease contract were a
new lease at the acquisition date (i.e., measured at the present value of the
remaining lease payments). The acquirer would use the key concepts described
in section 2 above to determine the lease term, lease payments and discount
rate. A residual asset would be initially measured as the difference between
the acquisition date fair value of the underlying (acquired) asset and the
initial measurement of the lease receivable. The acquirer would take into
consideration the terms and conditions of the lease (e.g., off-market terms)
when calculating the acquisition date fair value of the underlying asset. An
acquirer would not recognise a separate intangible asset or liability for
favourable or unfavourable terms, relative to market.
6.2.3.2 Initial measurement of a lease when the acquiree is an operating
lessor
Underlying assets subject to operating leases would remain on the lessors
balance sheet. Therefore, when an acquiree is a lessor, an underlying asset
subject to an operating lease would be recognised on the acquirers balance
sheet and initially measured at fair value. The acquirer would consider the terms
and conditions of the lease (e.g., off-market terms) when measuring the fair
value of the underlying asset (e.g., a building). No separate intangible asset or
liability for favourable or unfavourable terms relative to market would be
recognised.
6.2.3.3 Subsequent measurement of a lease
The subsequent measurement of the net investment in a finance lease would be
determined using the subsequent measurement requirements for pre-existing
lease arrangements (see section 5 above). The subsequent measurement of the
underlying asset subject to an operating lease would be determined using other
applicable accounting standards (e.g., IAS 16).

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6.3 Sale and leaseback transactions

To determine how to
account for a sale and
leaseback transaction,
a seller-lessee would
consider the control
criteria in IFRS 15.

Because lessees would recognise most leases on the balance sheet (i.e., all
leases except for leases of small assets and short-term leases depending on the
lessees accounting policy elections), sale and leaseback transactions would no
longer provide lessees with a source of off-balance sheet financing.
A seller-lessee would use the definition of a sale in IFRS 15 to determine whether
a sale has occurred in a sale and leaseback transaction. The seller-lessee would
assess whether the buyer-lessor has gained control of the underlying asset.
Control of an underlying asset refers to the ability to direct the use of the asset
and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the asset.
If control of an underlying asset passes to the buyer-lessor, the transaction
would be accounted for as a sale and a lease by the lessee. If not, the
transaction would be accounted for as a financing.
The IASB decided to retain the requirement in the 2013 ED that a buyer-lessor
would account for the purchase of the underlying asset consistent with the
standard that would apply to any other purchase of a non-financial asset (i.e.,
without the presence of the leaseback).

How we see it
The new determination of whether a sale has occurred in a sale and
leaseback transaction would be a significant change from current practice
for seller-lessees. IAS 17 focuses on whether the leaseback is an operating
or finance lease, and does not explicitly require the seller-lessee to
determine whether the sale and leaseback transaction meets the condition
for the sale of the asset. Under the new standard, seller-lessees would have
to consider IFRS 15. We generally expect fewer transactions to be accounted
for as sales and leasebacks under the new standard than under todays
standard.
6.3.1 Ability to direct the use of an underlying asset

It may not be clear

whether a seller-lessees
repurchase option is
substantive.

While the concepts of control in the new standard and IFRS 15 are similar, a
key difference exists. Under the new standard, the right to control the use of an
underlying asset would involve the right to direct how and for what purpose the
asset is used throughout the period of its use. Under IFRS 15, control is based
on a broader consideration of rights with respect to the asset over its entire
useful life.
The presence of a leaseback, in and of itself, would not preclude a sale.
However, the IASB decided that a sale and purchase would not occur if the
seller-lessee has a substantive option to repurchase the underlying asset
because the buyer-lessor would not obtain control of that asset, consistent with
IFRS 15. In contrast, the presence of a non-substantive repurchase option (e.g.,
an option that is exercisable only at the end of the underlying assets economic
life) would not preclude sale accounting.

How we see it
In a sale and leaseback transaction, it is unclear whether options to extend a
lease for the remaining economic life of the underlying asset would be
evaluated in the same manner as purchase options under IFRS 15.

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42

Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP

Under the FASBs new standard, no sale would occur when the leaseback is a
Type A lease from the seller-lessees perspective, nor when the seller-lessee
has a substantive repurchase option. The FASBs new standard would specify
that a repurchase option would not preclude sale accounting when all the
following conditions are met:

The option is exercisable only at the prevailing fair market value of the
underlying asset at the time of the exercise

The underlying asset is a non-specialised asset

The underlying asset is readily available in the market place

The IASBs new standard is not expected include this additional guidance.
Refer to Appendix B for a summary of the key differences between IFRS and
US GAAP.
6.3.2 Transactions in which the buyer-lessor obtains control of the
underlying asset
6.3.2.1 Accounting for the sale
When the seller-lessee transfers control of the underlying asset to the
buyer-lessor in a sale and leaseback transaction, the seller-lessee would do each
of the following:

Derecognise the underlying asset

Recognise a loss, if any, immediately (adjusted for off-market terms)

Recognise the remaining gain (i.e., related to the leaseback) as a reduction

to the initial measurement of the seller-lessees right-of-use asset and thus
reflected as a reduction in amortisation of the right-of-use asset over the
term of the leaseback

Recognise a lease liability and right-of-use asset for the leaseback (subject
to the optional exemptions for leases of small assets and short-term leases)

Recognise a gain only on the portion related to the buyer-lessors residual

asset (i.e., the residual interest in the underlying asset transferred to the
buyer-lessor)

A seller-lessee would recognise a smaller immediate gain on a leaseback

covering a large portion of the life of the underlying asset compared with a
similar transaction with a shorter leaseback of the same asset.
Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP
Under the FASBs new standard, the seller-lessee would recognise a full gain
(if any) immediately.
Refer to Appendix B for a summary of the key differences between IFRS and
US GAAP.
6.3.2.2 Accounting for the leaseback
When a sale occurs, both the seller-lessee and the buyer-lessor would account
for the leaseback in the same manner as any other lease (i.e., in accordance
with the lessee and lessor requirements, respectively, with adjustments for any
off-market terms).

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6.3.2.3 Adjustment of off-market terms

The sale transaction and the lease that follows are generally interdependent and
negotiated as a package. Consequently, in some cases, the transaction could be
structured with a negotiated sales price above fair value and with lease payments
above the then-current market rates, or vice versa. Under either scenario,
the off-market terms could distort the gain on sale (or disposition) and the
recognition of lease expense for the related lease. To ensure that the gain or loss
on disposition and the lease-related assets and liabilities associated with such
transactions are neither understated or overstated, the IASB decided to require
adjustments for any off-market elements of sale and leaseback transactions.
The off-market adjustments would be determined using the fair value of the
underlying asset or the market lease payments, whichever provides the more
readily determinable evidence. Entities would be expected to maximise the use
of observable prices and information when determining which measure is the
most appropriate to use.
When the sale price is (or the total lease payments are) less than the underlying
assets fair value (or the total market lease payments), a seller-lessee would
increase the initial measurement of the right-of-use asset. This treatment would
be similar to the accounting for lease prepayments under the new standard.
When the sale price is (or the total lease payments are) greater than the
underlying assets fair value (or the total market lease payments), a seller-lessee
would decrease the initial measurement of the right-of-use asset.
Buyer-lessors would also be required to adjust the purchase price of the
underlying asset for any off-market terms. Such adjustments would be
recognised as lease prepayments made by the seller-lessee or as additional
financing provided to the seller-lessee.
6.3.3 Transactions in which the buyer-lessor does not obtain control of the
underlying asset
When the seller-lessee does not transfer control of the underlying asset to the
buyer-lessor, the seller-lessee would not derecognise the underlying asset.
Instead, both parties would account for the failed sale and leaseback transaction
as a financing. That is, the seller-lessee would recognise a financing liability in
accordance with applicable accounting standards for financial liabilities.
Similarly, the buyer-lessor would not recognise the underlying asset and would,
instead, recognise the amounts paid to the seller-lessee as a receivable in
accordance with other applicable accounting standards.
6.3.4 Disclosure
A seller-lessee in a sale and leaseback transaction would be required to disclose
any gains or losses arising from the transaction separately from gains or losses
on disposals of other assets.

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44

7. Effective date and transition

7.1 Effective date
The IASB has not yet discussed an effective date, but plans to address it later
in 2015.

7.2 Transition
A new standard is not
likely to be effective
before 1 January 2018.

Companies would adopt the new standard using either a full retrospective or a
modified retrospective approach. Under the modified retrospective approach,
lessees of leases previously classified as operating leases would not restate
comparative figures, but, instead, would recognise the cumulative effect of
initially applying the new standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of
retained earnings (or some other component of equity, as appropriate) at the
date of initial application. Neither lessees nor lessors would change their
accounting for finance leases existing at the date of initial application of the
new standard, nor would lessors of leases previously classified as operating
leases (with the exception of subleases).
Entities would not be required to reassess existing contracts under the
definition of a lease contained in the new standard. Instead, entities would be
permitted to account for transactions that do not contain a lease under IAS 17
and IFRIC 4 as they are today (i.e., generally as services). Likewise, an entity
would be permitted to account for contracts that contain a lease under IAS 17
and IFRIC 4 as containing a lease when applying the new standard. The IASB
believes the cost relief to preparers outweighs any benefit to be gained from
reassessment.
If an entity chooses this option, it would be applied to all contracts that are
ongoing at the date of initial application (i.e., an entity would not be permitted
to apply the option on a lease-by-lease basis) and that fact would be disclosed.

How we see it
Because the current accounting for operating leases and service contracts is
similar, determining whether an arrangement is a lease or service contract
might not have been a focus for many entities. Given the consequences of
the new standard, the effects of treating an arrangement as a service
instead of a lease may be material when it may not have been material in the
past. This may require some entities to revisit the assessments made under
current standards.
7.2.1 Leases previously classified as finance leases
An entity would not change its accounting for finance leases existing at the date
of initial application of the new standard.
7.2.2 Lessees - Leases previously classified as operating leases
For leases previously classified as operating leases, lessees would be permitted
to choose either a full retrospective approach or a modified retrospective
approach on initial application of the new standard. The approach must be
applied consistently across a lessees entire operating lease portfolio.
Under the modified retrospective approach, the lessee would:

45

Not restate comparative figures

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Applying IFRS New standard on leases is taking shape

Recognise the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard as

an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings (or other
component of equity, as appropriate) at the date of initial application

Measure the lease liability at the present value of the remaining lease
payments, discounted using the lessees incremental borrowing rate at the
date of initial application

Measure the right-of-use asset on transition in one of two ways, chosen on a

lease-by-lease basis:

As if the new standard had always been applied, but using a discount
rate based on the lessees incremental borrowing rate at the date of
initial application

At an amount equal to the lease liability, adjusted for previously

recognised prepaid or accrued lease payments

Be permitted to:

Apply a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with similar

characteristics

Adjust the right-of-use asset for any previously recognised onerous

lease provisions

Apply a recognition and measurement exemption for leases for which

the term ends within 12 months or less of the date of initial application

Exclude initial direct costs in the measurement of the right-of-use asset

Use hindsight, such as in determining the lease term if the contract
contains options to extend or terminate the lease

Lessees also would be required to make specific disclosures to help users

understand the effect of the new standard compared to IAS 17. Instead of
the requirements of paragraph 28(f) of IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in
Accounting Estimates and Errors, lessees would be required to disclose the
following:

The weighted average incremental borrowing rate at the date of initial

application

Explanation of any differences between:

The result of discounting the operating lease commitments reported

under IAS 17 at the end of the annual reporting period preceding the
date of initial application; and

Lease liabilities recognised on the balance sheet immediately after

posting the cumulative catch-up adjustment on the date of initial
application

First-time adopters of IFRS would also be able to use a modified retrospective

approach, but with some exceptions to the approach described above.

How we see it
The additional transition reliefs for lessees with existing operating leases
address many of the concerns constituents raised about the cost and
complexity of applying the transition provisions contained in the 2013 ED.

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Applying IFRS New standard on leases is taking shape

46

7.2.3 Lessors Leases previously classified as operating leases

With the exception of subleases described below, lessors would continue to
apply their current accounting for any operating leases that are ongoing at the
date of initial application.
7.2.4 Subleases
An intermediate lessor (i.e., an entity that is both the lessee and lessor of the
same underlying asset) must reassess each existing operating sublease at the
date of initial application to determine whether it is classified as an operating
lease or a finance lease under the requirements of the new standard. This
reassessment would be based on the remaining contractual terms of the head
lease and the sublease with reference to the right-of-use asset associated with
the head lease and not the underlying asset.
If a sublease was classified as an operating lease under IAS 17 and is a finance
lease under the new standard, the intermediate lessor would account for the
sublease as a new finance lease entered into on the date of initial application.
Any gain or loss arising on the sublease arrangement would be included in the
cumulative catch-up adjustment to retained earnings (or other component of
equity, as appropriate) at the date of initial application.
7.2.5 Sale and leaseback transactions
Seller-lessees would be prohibited from reassessing historical sale and leaseback
transactions to determine whether a sale occurred in accordance with IFRS 15.
Seller-lessees would not perform any retrospective adjustments to sale and
leaseback transactions on transition to the new standard. Instead, the leaseback
would be accounted for on transition in the same way as any other operating or
finance lease ongoing at the date of initial application, subject to the following:

For sale and leaseback transactions previously classified as finance leases,

any gain on the sale would continue to be amortised in the same way as
under IAS 17

For sale and leaseback transactions previously classified as operating

leases, any deferred losses or gains relating to off-market terms at the date
of initial application would be adjusted against the right-of-use asset

The partial gain recognition approach discussed in section 6.3 above would only
apply to new sale and leaseback transactions entered into after the date of
initial application.
Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP
The IASBs new standard would permit entities to choose either a full
retrospective transition approach or a modified-retrospective approach on
initial application of the new standard. The FASB would prohibit full
retrospective application of its new standard.
Although the FASB would require adoption of its new standard using a
modified retrospective approach and the IASB would permit such an approach,
the IASB and the FASB would require the modified retrospective approach to
be applied differently and would provide different types of transition relief.
Refer to appendix B for a summary of the key differences between IFRS and
US GAAP.

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Appendix A: Summary of lessee and lessor reassessment requirements

Allocating contract
consideration

Lessee

Lessors

Reallocate contract consideration upon

either of the following events:

Reallocate contract consideration upon

a contract modification that is not
accounted for as a separate, new lease.

A contract modification that is not

accounted for as a separate, new lease

A reassessment of the lease term or

whether the lessee is reasonably
certain to exercise an option to
purchase the underlying asset

Lease term

Reassess upon the occurrence of

significant events or changes in
circumstances that are within the lessees
control (i.e., market-based events or
changes would not trigger a
reassessment).

No requirement to reassess after lease

commencement.

Variable lease payments

that depend on an index
or rate

Reassess when the lease liability is

remeasured for other reasons (e.g., due to
a change in the lease term) and upon a
change in the cash flows resulting from a
change in the reference index or rate (i.e.,
when an adjustment to the lease payments
takes effect).

No requirement to reassess after lease

commencement.

Amounts expected to be
payable under residual
value guarantees

Remeasure the lease liability and adjust the

right-of-use asset if the amounts expected
to be payable under residual value
guarantees change during the lease term.

Not applicable for lessors because lease

payments would generally exclude
amounts receivable under residual value
guarantees (from the lessee or a third
party).

Recognise the remaining adjustment in

profit or loss if the right-of-use asset is
reduced to zero.
Discount rate

Reassess upon a lease modification, a

change to the lease term or a change to
the assessment of whether a lessee is
reasonably certain to exercise an option to
purchase the underlying asset.

No requirement to reassess after lease

commencement.

Lease classification

Not applicable as there is no lease

classification for lessees.

No reassessment after lease

commencement.

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48

Appendix B: Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP

IFRS (IASB)

US GAAP (FASB)

Scope and exclusions

The scope of the new standard would not

apply to lessors leases of intangible
assets. However, lessees of intangible
assets could apply the new standard, but
would not be required to do so.

The scope of the new standard would not

apply to leases of intangible assets.

Leases of small assets

For lessees only recognition and

measurement exemption for leases of
certain low-value assets (i.e., small
assets).

No exemption for leases of small assets.

Portfolio approach

Guidance would be included in the

Application Guidance of the new
standard.

Guidance would be included in the

non-authoritative Basis for Conclusions.

Variable lease payments

that depend on an index
or rate lessee
reassessment

Reassess upon remeasurement of lease

liability for other reasons (e.g., due to a
change in the lease term) and upon a
change in the cash flows resulting from a
change in the reference index or rate
(i.e., when an adjustment to the lease
payments takes effect).

Reassess only when lease liability is

remeasured for other reasons.

Discount rate lessees

(US GAAP only)

No accounting policy election for lessees

to use the risk-free rate for initial and
subsequent measurement of lease
liabilities.

Accounting policy election for lessees

that are not public business entities to
use the risk-free rate to determine the
present value of lease payments (for all
leases).

Fair value of the

underlying asset

The measurement and disclosure

requirements of IFRS 13 would apply to
lease transactions within the scope of the
new standard.

Definition of fair value in ASC 820 Fair

Value Measurement would not apply to
fair value measurements for the
purposes of lease classification and
measurement (with certain exceptions).

Lease classification
lessees

Leases (with optional exemptions for

leases of small assets and short-term
leases) would be accounted for under a
single recognition and measurement
model.

Leases (with an optional exemption for

short-term leases) would be classified as
Type A or Type B, and there would be no
initial measurement difference between
them.
Differences would result in the
recognition, measurement and
presentation of leases for lessees.

Alternative measurement
bases for right-of-use
asset lessees

Lessees have the option to revalue

right-of-use assets under IAS 16 and to
measure right-of-use assets that meet
the definition of investment property at
fair value under IAS 40.

Not applicable under US GAAP.

Presentation statement
of cash flows lessees

Cash paid for interest would be

presented consistent with the entitys
policy election under IAS 7.

Cash paid for interest on Type A leases

and lease payments for Type B leases
would be presented within operating
activities.

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IFRS (IASB)

US GAAP (FASB)

Disclosure qualitative
disclosures lessees

Would not include specific qualitative

disclosure requirements.

Would include a specific list of qualitative

disclosure requirements.

Disclosure quantitative
disclosures lessees

The IASB and FASB differ on specific lessee quantitative disclosure requirements
mainly because of differences in the lessee accounting models. For example, the
FASBs new standard would require disclosure of Type B lease expense, which is
not applicable under the IASBs new standard (under which all recognised leases
would be accounted for under a single model).

The IASB would require the disclosures to be made in a tabular format unless
another format is more appropriate, and all lessee disclosures to be presented in
a single note or separate section of the financial statements. However, the FASB
would not require a specific format for lessee quantitative disclosures.

Determining whether to
defer or recognise selling
profit lessor initial
recognition of selling
profit in finance leases

Recognise initial selling profit for all

finance leases with selling profit.

Recognise initial selling proift only if

lessee obtains control of the underlying
asset, as that would be defined in the
new standard.

Other quantitative and

qualitative disclosures
finance leases lessors

Qualitative and quantitative disclosure of

significant changes in the net
investment.

Qualitative and quantitative disclosure of

significant changes in the residual value
component of the net investment.

Intermediate lessor
accounting
classification of a
sublease

For purposes of lease classification, the

intermediate lessor would consider its
right-of-use asset as the leased asset.

For purposes of lease classification, the

intermediate lessor would consider the
underlying asset as the leased asset.

Sale and leaseback

transactions
determining whether a
sale has occurred

No sale occurs when the seller-lessee has

a substantive repurchase option, with no
further guidance for non-specialised
assets that are readily available in the
marketplace.

No sale occurs when either:

Leaseback is a Type A lease.

Sale accounting is not prohibited for any

leaseback because all recognised lessees
leases are accounted for under a single
model.

Sale and leaseback

transactions accounting
for gains

Recognition of gain would be limited to

the portion related to the residual asset.
The remaining gain would be recognised
as a reduction to the initial measurement
of right-of-use asset, thus reflected as a
reduction in amortisation of the
right-of-use asset over term of the
leaseback.

April 2015

Seller-lessee has a substantive

repurchase option.

Fair value (date of exercise)

repurchase options for
non-specialised assets that are
readily available in the market
place would not preclude a sale
(i.e., option would be
non-substantive).

Recognise gain in full.

Applying IFRS New standard on leases is taking shape

50

IFRS (IASB)
Transition

51

US GAAP (FASB)

The IASBs new standard would permit entities to choose either a full
retrospective transition approach or a modified-retrospective approach on initial
application of the new standard. The FASB would prohibit full retrospective
application of its new standard.

Although the FASB would require adoption of its new standard using a modified
retrospective approach and the IASB would permit such an approach, the IASB
and the FASB would require the modified retrospective approach to be applied
differently and would provide different types of transition relief.

April 2015

Applying IFRS New standard on leases is taking shape

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