Although memories of a weakened U.S. material handling industry are all too recent, the future is one of renewed strength. However, headwinds, such as the fragile economic recovery, uncertain monetary policy and Chinese brands entering the North American market, present challenges. ... read more
Nov/Dec 2013
The 2013 Construction Executive Survey by Wells Fargo Equipment Finance reveals a distinct improvement in sentiment about the U.S. construction industry compared to a year ago. Executives at contracting firms and equipment distribution houses report increased construction activity and a stronger intent to hire new employees over the next six months. ... read more
Nov/Dec 2013
With business aviation's most economically challenging years in the past, NBAA president Ed Bolen sees promise in recent incremental growth. However, he notes that the industry is likely several years away from getting back to the high levels seen in 2007 and the first three quarters of 2008.When the recession hit the United States in 2008, the business aviation industry was among the sectors affected most by the sluggish economy. However, recent data from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reveals some good news. ... read more
Nov/Dec 2013
Business aviation has become ever more highly regulated and complicated. David Mayer and David Norton identify five significant issues facing the industry: Residual-collateral value risk, state sales and use taxes, compliance with FAA operating rules, federal excise taxes and non-citizen trusts.... read more
Nov/Dec 2013
Juergen Rochert and Martin Daum share their thoughts with the Monitor regarding Freightliner's success and Daimler Truck Financial’s role in supporting the Class-8 market's leading brand.... read more
Nov/Dec 2013
Remaining optimistic about near-term industry forecasts, John Flynn, CEO of Fleet Advantage, explains how the rapidly changing dynamics of the trucking industry are converging with more traditional indicators — like current fleet age and replacement demand — to drive the market.... read more
November/December 2012
The construction industry is on its way to recovery, with pockets of life in certain construction sub-industries, says John Crum, of Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Construction Group. But, he warns, the "usual suspects" — lingering European debt crisis and a looming fiscal cliff — could disrupt this growth.... read more
November/December 2012
The asset managers assembled for this year's Monitor roundtable saw in 2011 a stuttering economic recovery as they led their respective institution's equipment management activities. During the slow and bumpy ride, they experienced a rise in equipment values, favorable end-of-term residual realization, increased used equipment sales, strong competition for desirable deals and a proliferation of government regulations. And, at the dawn of 2012, these leaders forecast more of the same mindful that certain factors could bring about the winds of change at any given moment. ... read more
January/February 2012
Buying or leasing a corporate jet can help businesses operate more efficiently and is sometimes cheaper than relying on commercial airlines. But to reap those benefits, executives must carefully structure aircraft financing that suits their company’s near- to medium-term business needs. ... read more
November/December 2011
Many restaurants operate within the franchisor/franchisee business model, and these relationships have become particularly strained in the current economy. When times are tough, franchisees typically respond by taking steps to improve operations and preserve the bottom line across stores. These changes can range from minor belt-tightening moves to closing one or more unprofitable locations. Unfortunately, many restaurant franchisees do not currently have the flexibility needed to make changes at the local level due to strict and complex franchise agreements.... read more
October 2011
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September/October 2011
The IT leasing and financing marketplace remains one of the more vibrant sectors with reasonable growth prospects through 2015. Even with the moderate economic growth forecast, IDC expects companies will continue to invest in technology that improves efficiency and helps them expand their reach into new markets — sustaining IT spending demand — and IT leasing and financing requirements. ... read more
September/October 2011
When it comes to reselling equipment, no matter how much research you do or how prepared you are, ultimately it’s the marketplace that determines the outcome of the sale. Understanding the marketplace, effective marketing strategies and the flexibility of your business all contribute to the success of liquidating equipment … both today and in years to come.... read more
September/October 2011
Equipment markets can’t seem to get a break. After losing 37% of its workforce during the economic downturn, the construction equipment industry has suffered through a jobless recovery plagued by uncertainty surrounding long-term federal infrastructure investments. Given the outsized role the federal government plays in driving equipment purchases to build infrastructure projects, this uncertainty has constrained growth.... read more
September/October 2011
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September/October 2011