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Published by: Asia Case Research Centre, The University of Hong Kong
Originally published in: 2022
Version: 14 January 2022

Abstract

This case explores the accounting treatment for the 'rent concessions' offered by lessors to lessees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The protagonist company is Xiabuxiabu Catering Management (China) Holdings Co, Ltd (Xiabuxiabu or the Group, HKEx: 520). Xiabuxiabu was one of the hot-pot restaurant chains with the highest relevant market share in mainland China. As the Group had been serving retail customers in its retail branches, the newly promulgated 'COVID-19 Related Rent Concessions' had a significant impact on lease accounting for its branches. During the pandemic, many lessees had obtained rent concessions granted by lessors in numerous forms, such as a rent payment (lease payment) holiday, a reduction in rent payments for certain period of time, a deferral of rent payments, and a change to the lease term etc. In May 2020, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued 'COVID-19-Related Rent Concessions' as a 'practical expedient' to lessees. This expedient came as an 'optional' relief to lessees from the mandatory application of IFRS 16. As such, lessees had the option of not accounting for rent concessions as 'lease modifications'. This greatly simplified lease accounting particularly during the pandemic. Xiabuxiabu had chosen to adopt such an expedient since the financial year 2020.

Geographical setting

Region:
Asia
Country:
China

About

Abstract

This case explores the accounting treatment for the 'rent concessions' offered by lessors to lessees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The protagonist company is Xiabuxiabu Catering Management (China) Holdings Co, Ltd (Xiabuxiabu or the Group, HKEx: 520). Xiabuxiabu was one of the hot-pot restaurant chains with the highest relevant market share in mainland China. As the Group had been serving retail customers in its retail branches, the newly promulgated 'COVID-19 Related Rent Concessions' had a significant impact on lease accounting for its branches. During the pandemic, many lessees had obtained rent concessions granted by lessors in numerous forms, such as a rent payment (lease payment) holiday, a reduction in rent payments for certain period of time, a deferral of rent payments, and a change to the lease term etc. In May 2020, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued 'COVID-19-Related Rent Concessions' as a 'practical expedient' to lessees. This expedient came as an 'optional' relief to lessees from the mandatory application of IFRS 16. As such, lessees had the option of not accounting for rent concessions as 'lease modifications'. This greatly simplified lease accounting particularly during the pandemic. Xiabuxiabu had chosen to adopt such an expedient since the financial year 2020.

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Geographical setting

Region:
Asia
Country:
China

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