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Effect of Capitalizing Operating Leases on Credit Ratings:Evidence from Japan

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  • Masaki Kusano

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of constructively capitalizing operating leases on credit ratings in Japan. In particular, this study investigates whether and how a credit rating agency considers operating lease information when determining credit ratings. First, this study shows that constructively capitalized operating leases are associated with credit ratings. Second, this study finds that the associations between credit ratings and operating leases versus finance leases are not substantially different. However, when operating lease disclosures are less reliable, this study finds that operating leases are not associated with credit ratings and that the risk relevance of operating leases is substantially different from that of finance leases. This study reports that the reliability of accounting information has significant effects on the risk relevance of operating leases. These results indicate that a credit rating agency considers operating lease information in determining credit ratings to the extent that this information is reliable. This study contributes to the literature on the usefulness of operating lease disclosures and to the discussions on the global convergence of accounting standards.

Suggested Citation

  • Masaki Kusano, 2017. "Effect of Capitalizing Operating Leases on Credit Ratings:Evidence from Japan," Discussion papers e-16-016, Graduate School of Economics , Kyoto University.
    • Handle: RePEc:kue:epaper:e-16-016
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    Cited by:

    1. Alessandro Mechelli & Riccardo Cimini, 2021. "The effect of corporate governance and investor protection environments on the value relevance of new accounting standards: the case of IFRS 9 and IAS 39," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 25(4), pages 1241-1266, December.
    2. Ons Triki & Fathi Abid, 2022. "Contingent convertible lease modeling and credit risk management," Financial Innovation, Springer;Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, vol. 8(1), pages 1-29, December.
    3. Kusano, Masaki, 2020. "Does recognition versus disclosure affect risk relevance? Evidence from finance leases in Japan," Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, Elsevier, vol. 38(C).
    4. George-Aurelian Tudor, 2022. "Leasing As A Form Of Financing In Romania. From Theory To Practice," Annals - Economy Series, Constantin Brancusi University, Faculty of Economics, vol. 3, pages 91-102, June.
    5. Kusano, Masaki, 2023. "Does recognition versus disclosure of pension liabilities affect credit ratings? Evidence from Japan," Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, Elsevier, vol. 50(C).
    6. Nafiz Fahad & Tom Scott, 2022. "The Impact of Lessee and Lessor Accounting in Local Councils," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 32(3), pages 388-395, September.
    7. Kusano, Masaki & Sakuma, Yoshihiro, 2019. "Effects of recognition versus disclosure of finance leases on audit fees and costs: Evidence from Japan," Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 15(1), pages 53-68.
    8. Brasch, Annika & Eierle, Brigitte & Jarvis, Robin, 2022. "Research and development investments, development costs capitalization, and credit ratings: Exploratory evidence from UK R&D-active private firms," Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, Elsevier, vol. 48(C).
    9. Nafiz Fahad & Tom Scott, 2022. "The Effect of Capitalising Operating Leases On Charities," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 32(1), pages 141-148, March.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Constructive Capitalization; Operating Leases; Risk Relevance; Reliability;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • M48 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Government Policy and Regulation

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