The debate on rented assets capitalization: The economic impact on family firms

• Some family firms have complained about the new draft concerning lease accounting.
• The impact on financial ratios of operating lease capitalization affects family firms.
• Changes in leverage ratios are always stronger for family firms.
• The retail goods and retail services sectors are most affected.
• Family firms would react by modifying their financial structures to minimize the effects of new regulation.

International accounting regulators wish to include “rented” assets and future payment commitments on their balance sheets. This article shows how such a proposal would affect family enterprises. Because the literature on family firms suggests that they have particular finance structures and tend to avoid excessive debt levels, a significant effect is expected. We build on the capitalization method and look for consequences on firms’ business analyses. Additionally, we run a regression analysis to determine the “family nature” effect. The results show that family firms would be significantly affected, particularly with respect to leverage. When sector is considered, the retail sector is the most affected.