Finance Leases vs. Operating Leases: Understanding the Differences and ASC 842

Table of contents:

• What is a finance lease?
• What is an operating lease?
• Key Characteristics of an Operating Lease
• Finance Leases vs. Operating Leases
• Understanding finance leases and operating leases
• How does ASC 842 impact lease classification?
• What is the Expense Profile for Operating vs. Finance Leases?

Finance leases and operating leases are two common types of lease arrangements that businesses encounter. With the introduction of the ASC 842 accounting standard, the classification and treatment of leases have evolved. In this blog post, we will delve into the distinctions between finance leases and operating leases and discuss how ASC 842 impacts the accounting for these lease types.

What is a finance lease?

A finance lease, also known as a capital lease, is a type of lease agreement in which one party, typically a lessor, allows another party, the lessee, to use and control a specific asset for an extended period of time in exchange for lease payments. A finance lease is structured so that the lessee essentially assumes many of the economic benefits and risks associated with owning the leased asset.

Key Characteristics of a Finance Lease

1. Ownership Transfer: Finance leases often include an option for the lessee to purchase the asset at the end of the lease term for a nominal amount, commonly referred to as the “bargain purchase option.”
2. Long-Term Commitment: : Finance leases are generally long-term agreements, often spanning a substantial portion of the asset’s useful life. They are typically structured to match the asset’s economic life.
3. Risk and Rewards: In a finance lease, the lessee usually takes on the risks and rewards associated with the leased asset. This includes responsibilities like maintenance, insurance, and any potential residual value.
4. Accounting Treatment: In financial accounting, finance leases are recorded on the lessee’s balance sheet as both an asset and a liability. This is because the lessee is considered to have acquired a significant portion of the economic ownership of the asset.

Finance Leases vs. Operating Leases

Finance leases and operating leases differ significantly in their characteristics and accounting treatment. In a finance lease, the lessee often has the option to purchase the asset at the end of the lease term through a “bargain purchase option,” and they take on the risks and rewards of ownership. These leases are typically long-term and are recorded on the lessee’s balance sheet as both assets and liabilities. On the other hand, operating leases are short-term, with the lessor retaining ownership of the asset throughout the lease term. Lease payments for operating leases are generally treated as operating expenses and do not appear on the lessee’s balance sheet. The choice between these two lease types can have a significant impact on a company’s financial statements and decision-making processes.

Defining Operating Leases

An operating lease is a type of lease agreement in which one party, known as the lessor (the owner of the asset), allows another party, the lessee, to use and control a specific asset for a defined period of time without transferring ownership of the asset. Operating leases are often used for short-term or non-core assets and typically have more flexibility compared to finance leases.

What is an operating lease?

Short-Term: Operating leases are generally short-term agreements, covering a fraction of the asset’s total economic life. They do not typically extend for the entire useful life of the asset.

Ownership Retained: In an operating lease, the lessor retains ownership of the leased asset throughout the lease term. The lessee does not usually have the option to purchase the asset at the end of the lease period.

Maintenance and Risk: The lessor is typically responsible for maintaining the asset and bearing the risks associated with ownership, such as changes in the asset’s value.

Accounting Treatment: From an accounting perspective, operating leases are generally not recognized as assets and liabilities on the lessee’s balance sheet. Instead, lease payments are typically recorded as operating expenses.

Finance Leases vs. Operating Leases

Finance leases and operating leases differ significantly in their characteristics and accounting treatment. In a finance lease, the lessee often has the option to purchase the asset at the end of the lease term through a “bargain purchase option,” and they take on the risks and rewards of ownership. These leases are typically long-term and are recorded on the lessee’s balance sheet as both assets and liabilities. On the other hand, operating leases are short-term, with the lessor retaining ownership of the asset throughout the lease term. Lease payments for operating leases are generally treated as operating expenses and do not appear on the lessee’s balance sheet. The choice between these two lease types can have a significant impact on a company’s financial statements and decision-making processes.

Understanding finance leases and operating leases.

Under the previous ASC 840 standard, capital leases were categorized as financing arrangements and were recorded on the balance sheet, while operating leases were treated as a right to use the asset and remained off-balance sheet. However, this off-balance sheet accounting approach led to concerns, prompting the transition to the ASC 842 standard.

How does ASC 842 impact lease classification?

ASC 842 mandates that both finance leases and operating leases be recognized on the balance sheet. This change ensures greater transparency in lease accounting.

• In ASC 842, finance leases are now considered right-of-use assets, categorized as intangible assets. Instead of being expensed, these assets are amortized over their useful life. Finance leases also entail the recognition of separate interest expenses, which decline over time as the lease liability decreases.
• Similar to finance leases, operating leases under ASC 842 involve the recognition of right-of-use assets as intangible assets. However, the key distinction lies in expense recognition. Operating leases are expensed using a straight-line method, where lease payments are evenly distributed over the lease term. This results in a consistent lease expense throughout the lease duration.

What is the Expense Profile for Operating vs. Finance Leases?

The expense profile for finance leases differs from that of operating leases. Finance leases have higher expenses in the initial months and progressively decrease as the lease term progresses. On the other hand, operating leases maintain a constant expense level throughout the lease duration.

Understanding the differences between finance leases and operating leases is essential for businesses navigating lease accounting under ASC 842. With both types of leases now recognized on the balance sheet, organizations can provide more transparent financial reporting. By grasping the nuances of these lease classifications and their respective expense profiles, businesses can comply with accounting standards and make informed decisions regarding lease arrangements.