Is there a new interpretation of FASB 13 that would lead to the
elimination of operating lease treatment, specifically for IT
equipment?  I checked the FASB.org site and couldn't find anything, but
then again I'm impatient.

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Request for Question Clarification by omnivorous-ga on 10 Jul 2003 11:07 PDT

Mollydog --

There are some new rules regarding SPEs or "special purpose
enterprises," which encompass some leasing companies.  However, your
query sounds as if you're seeking a special interpretation of FASB
rules rather than new guidelines.  If you are, that will be much
tougher to find and is likely to be in a specialty publication that
isn't available at no charge on the Internet.

I'd be glad to provide links to information on SPEs as an answer, if
that helps.

Best regards,

Omnivorous-GA

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Clarification of Question by mollydog-ga on 10 Jul 2003 13:18 PDT

Well it could be a new rule or an interpretation of FASB 13. I was
looking specifically for info specific to IT Equipment and also from
the lessee's perspective.  But now that you asked for clarification I
guess new rules that would impact leasing companies that would prevent
them from offering operating lease treatment would be an acceptable
answer as well.  Thanks

FASB has a special group called the Emerging Issues Task Force (EIFT)
which addresses the FASB statements that may have interpretive issues.
 I took a quick look, but FASB Statement 13 does not appear to be one
of the open issues.

http://www.fasb.org/eitf/eitfissu.shtml

Is there something that has led you to believe there is a new
interpretation of of FASB 13.  If so, it may be helpful to a
researcher to post the source.

Yes.  I have heard from some IT vendors that "the changes in
interpretation of FASB 13 will move clients to "on-demand" service
offerings such as IBM's capacity on demand or HP's offering".