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The Impact of IFRS 16 on Key Financial Ratios: A New Methodological Approach

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  • José Morales-Díaz
  • Constancio Zamora-Ramírez

Abstract

In January 2016, the International Accounting Standards Board issued a new standard for lease accounting: International Financial Reporting Starndard (IFRS) 16. IFRS 16 will lead to the capitalisation of the majority of current operating leases by lessees. We analyse the impact of the new accounting model on entity’s key financial, contributing to research by making significant changes in the Imhoff et al. [(1991). Operating leases: Impact of constructive capitalization. Accounting Horizons, 5(1), 51–63. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=9604010111&site=ehost-live; (1997). Operating leases: Income effects of constructive capitalization. Accounting Horizons, 11(2), 12–32. Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.fama.us.es/docview/208896121?accountid=14744] methodology used by previous authors. We change how the lease term is estimated (more aligned with the final approved standard), and how the discount rate is obtained. Furthermore, we use a more comprehensive sample (646 quoted European companies). In line with previous research we find important systematic impacts on key balance sheet financial ratios (mainly leverage ratios), on a magnitude that depends on the operating lease intensity of the sector in which the entity operates. Our estimated impact is generally higher than that obtained in previous studies. The most affected sectors are retail, hotels and transportation. We do not find a consistent result with regard to the effect on profitability ratios.

Suggested Citation

  • José Morales-Díaz & Constancio Zamora-Ramírez, 2018. "The Impact of IFRS 16 on Key Financial Ratios: A New Methodological Approach," Accounting in Europe, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(1), pages 105-133, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:acceur:v:15:y:2018:i:1:p:105-133
    DOI: 10.1080/17449480.2018.1433307
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ely, Km, 1995. "Operating Lease Accounting And The Markets Assessment Of Equity Risk," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(2), pages 397-415.
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    9. Vivien Beattie & Keith Edwards & Alan Goodacre, 1998. "The impact of constructive operating lease capitalisation on key accounting ratios," Accounting and Business Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(4), pages 233-254.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ireneusz Górowski & Bartosz Kurek & Marek Szarucki, 2022. "The Impact of a New Accounting Standard on Assets, Liabilities and Leverage of Companies: Evidence from Energy Industry," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-15, February.

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