Discussion Paper

Spike in 2019Q1 Leverage Ratios: The Impact of Operating Leases


Abstract: In this note, we show that the key driver of the 2019:Q1 increase in the leverage ratio appears to be a change in accounting rules – which requires the inclusion of operating leases as financial liabilities on U.S. corporations' balance sheets – and also provide a methodology for adjusting the leverage ratio to allow for cleaner historical comparisons.

https://doi.org/10.17016/2380-7172.2464

Access Documents

Authors

Bibliographic Information

Provider: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.)

Part of Series: FEDS Notes

Publication Date: 2019-12-13

Number: 2019-12-13-2