Changing your thought process and definition of success can be simple, positive and fun – and inspire you to reboot your self-image. Linda P. Kester provides tips for conquering negativity and creating a new belief system.... read more

2014

Empowered by growing confidence in the economy and their own company performance, 94% of CFOs say they plan to pursue new growth strategies in 2014. But creating momentum doesn’t mean throwing caution to the wind.... read more

May/Jun 2014

Based on a fourth quarter 2013 survey conducted by the National Center for the Middle Market, GE Capital’s Eric Dusch tells us that investing is on the minds of CFOs, but they are worried that the economy and revenue growth may falter. But the greater danger, he says, may be delaying investment in the business and missing out on opportunities.... read more

May/June 2014

While he believes the direction the FASB is taking will be good news for the vendor leasing segment, Bill Bosco laments the IASB seems stuck in its views that all leases are the same, despite a majority of negative comments that are viewed as an “inconvenient truth.”... read more

May/June 2014

CIT Equipment Finance’s Nicholas Small discusses how cloud technologies, while increasingly popular, are catching more than a few companies off guard as a result of unexpected costs. He explains why using traditional financing approaches will not work for cloud solutions, and advises companies to plan ahead and develop flexible financing in order to make the transition a smooth ride.... read more

May/June 2014

The intricacies of automobile financing are like a microcosm of the larger vendor finance world. So how do you distinguish the key players? Dexter Van Dango discusses the roles of captive finance companies, banks, independents and brokers and how each competes in the field.... read more

May/June 2014

The Monitor asked the heads of the leading vendor finance companies to reflect on what the environment was like to do business in 2013 and comment on what their expectations are – both positive and negative — as they look ahead. We thank Jeff Berg at De Lage Landen, Brian Madison at Key Equipment Finance, Paul Omohundro at Banc of America Leasing, Tim Reese at Wells Fargo Financial Leasing and Nicholas Small at CIT Vendor Finance. ... read more

May/June 2014

Weaving in the quirky personalities of Alice in Wonderland characters, Kenneth Weinberg discusses the nuances behind purchase money security interests and discerning the “what” and “when” arguments for filing within the applicable period.... read more

March/April 2014

The Monitor's resident lease accounting expert Bill Bosco brings us current on the first 2014 meeting of the FASB and IASB. Offering his commentary on key aspects of the deliberation, he notes that the boards are far apart on lessee accounting and certain lessor issues, but both agree that they should reduce the complexity and cost to comply wherever possible.... read more

March/April 2014

Drawing on her experience and the wisdom of other industry veterans, Linda Kester asks the question: What is the best use of your time, and are you being productive or merely active? In this article, Kester explores the underlying reasons why activity alone does not necessarily translate into productivity.... read more

March/April 2014

IT leasing veteran Rick Bueti offers frank advice to equipment lessors that claim to provide “custom, innovative, tailored solutions” — forgo marketing clichés and execute simple, honest customer service. ... read more

March/April 2014

Despite a rocky and, at times, bleak outlook, some independents are now in a position to choose between continuing on the path of organic growth and forging a strategic partnership with a bank. Charles Wendel of Financial Institutions Consulting provides insights into the benefits of sticking to the status quo versus those of joining the “enemy.”... read more

March/April 2014

Despite, or perhaps due to, increased competition, tightened spreads, stretched structures and other challenges, this year’s buy-desk participants report an overall positive feeling about their individual results for 2013. However, unless or until interest rates rise and/or economic growth accelerate, the consensus seems to be we can expect more of the same in 2014.... read more

March/April 2014 2014

While the still-sluggish economy continually weighs on the minds of equipment finance executives, this year’s funding source roundtable participants express mixed sentiments towards deal flow, supply/demand factors and credit availability, as well as closing deals in today’s environment. Overall, they each remain optimistic for higher levels of activity in 2014.... read more

March/April 2014

Attorney Lesley Anne Hawes examines a recent Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals opinion reaffirming the established principle that secured creditors' liens pass through bankruptcy unaffected. She notes that the decision is helpful to secured creditors because it confirms at the federal circuit level this important attribute of lienholder status in bankruptcy cases.... read more

Jan/Feb 2014