Manufacturing has played a pivotal role supporting economic growth in the U.S. over the past year and a half, and the stage is set for this to continue. Manufacturing’s outsized contribution to growth, however, has not come from some Herculean strength in the sector. Ultimately, according to TD Bank economists James Marple and Alistair Bentley, until the housing and service sectors become more engaged in the recovery, manufacturing will reign supreme in underpinning it.... read more

June 2011

Today as equipment manufacturers recognize the strategic importance of providing financing options to increase market penetration and maintain the control of their customer base, The Alta Group’s Paul Frechette notes an evolving mindset among these manufacturers. More than just an aid to closing sales, these manufacturers look to their financing partners to meet the needs of an ever-savvier customer base.... read more

May/June 2011

The Monitor’s Most Active Vendor Leasing Companies enjoyed a turnaround year in 2010 with a majority reporting healthy gains in new business volume after two years of steady decline. ... read more

May/June 2011

In August 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a proposal that would require leases for equipment, corporate aircraft and real estate to be recognized on a lessee’s balance sheet. Although it is expected that the final standard won’t be released until later this year, it’s likely that companies’ financial performance metrics and ratios could be impacted. Nevertheless, the core benefits of leasing remain intact.... read more

May/June 2011

The last few years of market and credit swings have been enough to make even the most seasoned observer a bit seasick. GreatAmerica Leasing’s David Pohlman offers his point of view on the most effective approach in navigating the often-choppy waters of vendor finance relationships.... read more

May/June 2011

As an alternative to the traditional roundtable discussion format, the Monitor approached the leaders of four top vendor finance providers to discuss relevant issues facing those institutions that participate in this specialized market as well as to share their individual outlooks for 2011. The methodology was simple: each industry leader got a crack at a randomly assigned question as well as the opportunity to provide his or her take on what the future holds.... read more

May/June 2011

In March 2011, De Lage Landen reported an impressive 79% increase in 2010 year-over-year net profit as compared to 2009. The Monitor sat down with CEO Ronald Slaats to discuss the company’s extraordinary performance, the vendor finance business on the global front as well as his thoughts on the current conditions in the U.S. market.... read more

May/June 2011

This is the third of a six-part series on how the proposed lease accounting rules will impact six major market segments in the leasing industry. This segment will focus on municipal/not-for-profit business. IT/office equipment and vehicles were covered previously (see update to those articles below). Future segments will cover construction/material handling, large ticket and medical. The articles will cover lessee and lessor impacts.... read more

May/June 2011

The Monitor spent time with EverBank Commercial Finance’s chief operating officer Jeff Hilzinger and David D’Antonio, the recently appointed managing director of EverBank’s new lender finance unit. While the initial focus will be on equipment and specialty finance companies, both executives affirm this is the first of many undertakings EverBank Commercial Finance will take on in funding commercial finance companies.... read more

May/June 2011

With the advent of social media, every customer is a potential reporter, and leasing companies need to stay current. Yet, most businesses are afraid of social media. They think that it’s just for consumers not for business-to-business transactions.... read more

May/June 2011

More and more, we hear news of the genuine risk of insolvency for some local governments, increasing the likelihood that some may seek relief under Chapter 9 of the Bankruptcy Code. Lesley Hawes’ article provides a general overview of Chapter 9 and its unique provisions applicable to municipal bankruptcies.... read more

May/June 2011

The last edition of Dispatches From the Trenches generally discussed what kind of property and transactions are, and are not, subject to Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). This edition provides more detail on the various, highly defined collateral categories created by Article 9. ... read more

March/April 2011

Make no mistake, Andrew Alper warns, Perfection Land is not as perfect as the name suggests. In the following article, he provides clear direction and compelling case analysis aimed at helping lessors to avoid falling down a particularly expensive and time consuming rabbit hole.... read more

March/April 2011

In her inimitable way, Linda Kester correlates a lesson learned on a crowded flight to Philly to making effective sales calls to vendors. And from Kester’s point of view, her moment of self-actualization can lead to new ways of communicating and building relationships. But first, you have to find your own B-Shield…... read more

March/April 2011

Chances are good that you have heard the economy is improving. Wall Street confirms this with a steadily improving stock market — or at least a steadily improving market as of mid-February when this article was being written. Public companies are showing balance sheet strength and improving income statements, albeit — while hoarding cash and holding back on capital spending.... read more

March/April 2011