The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation released the August 2020 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry (MCI-EFI). Overall, confidence in the equipment finance market is 48.4, an increase from the July index of 45.3.
The Foundation also released highlights of the COVID-19 Impact Survey of the Equipment Finance Industry, a monthly survey of industry leaders designed to track the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the equipment finance industry.
From 98 survey responses collected from August 3 to 14, results show that 89% of equipment finance companies have offered payment deferrals, including extensions, modifications or restructuring. 76% of companies expect that the default rate will be greater in 2020 than in 2019, 19% expect it to be the same, and 5% expect it to be lower. A majority (81%) of companies have not furloughed or laid off employees. Comments from survey respondents follow MCI-EFI survey comments below, and additional survey results are available.
When asked about the outlook for the future, MCI-EFI survey respondent Brian Madison, president, TrinityRail Leasing & Management Services, said, “To date, receivables have held up surprisingly well, which seems to indicate businesses were relatively healthy entering the crisis. The biggest concern is continued limited demand given the amount of uncertainty related to the spread of COVID-19.”
August 2020 Survey Results:
The overall MCI-EFI is 48.4, an increase from the July index of 45.3.
August 2020 MCI-EFI Survey Comments from Industry Executive Leadership:
Bank, Small Ticket
“Increased certainty following the presidential election this year will increase confidence as will more informed clarity regarding the COVID pandemic.” David Normandin, CLFP, president and CEO, Wintrust Specialty Finance
Bank, Middle-Ticket
“We are continuing to see opportunities in the marketplace. We have seen some delay on projects; however, we have also seen an increase in opportunities with customers who were considering paying for investments with cash and are now looking to finance.” Michael Romanowski, president, Farm Credit Leasing
“There are numerous industry sectors that are performing well during the pandemic and are requiring financing for new equipment needs. The pandemic continues to challenge our economy and no one knows for sure how long that will last, but we’ll continue to be there for our customers every day.” John Wolfe, Group Manager, M&T Commercial Bank
Executive Comments from COVID-19 Impact Survey of the Equipment Finance Industry
Independent, Small-Ticket
“I believe a lot of small undercapitalized companies will be out of business in the very short term. The industry will recover because there will always be a need for new equipment to run businesses. Lenders will be more careful and commit more due diligence in doing business and the providers of the business will need more lenders to be able to fund deals.” Steven Geller, CLFP, owner, Leasing Solutions
Captive, Small-Ticket
“The short term will see an increase in requests for financing. Corporations are looking to conserve cash, and lease financing is a great choice. Medium term will remain strong. The long term will be solid as corporations will see the continued benefit of conserving cash and matching cash flows with the utility of the equipment.” Walter Stranzl, President, OnPoint Capital LLC
Bank, Small-Ticket
“The short term will be challenging from a collection aspect. Certain industries continue to be depressed and I expect a rise in bankruptcies. I also expect asset values (revenue generating/hard assets) to further decline in value. A robust collection effort as well as strong partnerships with vendors and customers is required. Volume continues to be strong for well capitalized banks who wish to continue lending. There are opportunities for rate and loan growth in this time. The next one to three years should see a climb out of this situation; obviously an effective vaccine will have a huge impact on how the economy and people respond.” Dan Thompson, SVP, Credit & Risk Management, Midland Equipment Finance
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