Total new leasing volumes reported by the sample of firms are almost €16 billion, a 0.7% drop from the volumes reported in Q3/12. According to the survey results, there has been a general trend of decline in new business since the start of the Index time series. The portfolio of outstanding contracts decreased (-3.3%), as did risk-weighted assets (-2.8%).

The Leaseurope Index tracks key performance indicators of a sample of 17 European lessors on a quarterly basis. The Q3/13 is the eleventh edition of the survey.

Additional survey findings:

The weighted average ratios for Q3/13 have improved compared to the same quarter of the previous year, with the exception of cost of risk and profitability. These weighted averages are, however, highly affected by one outlier company, which is currently undergoing restructuring.

Total pre-tax profit of the companies in the sample continued its recovery in Q3/13, increasing by 8.5% compared to Q3/12.

Compared to the same period a year ago, operating income increased (3.5%), while operating expenses decreased (3.4%). This resulted in an improvement of the average cost/income ratio in Q3/13 to 46.6%, which is lower than the level seen in Q3/12.

Loan loss provisions increased in Q3/13 compared to Q3/12, although it is still an improvement on the highs seen last quarter. The average annualized cost of risk underwent a slight deterioration in Q3 compared to the same period last year and reached 0.75% (0.68% in Q3/12).

RoA and RoE improved in Q3/13 compared with the third quarter of the previous year, growing from 0.9% to 1.0% and from 107 to 116, respectively.

Companies participating in the survey were ABN AMRO Lease, ALD Automotive, Arval, Banca Agrileasing, BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, Caterpillar S.A.R.L., Credit Agricole Leasing & Factoring, De Lage Landen, DnB NOR Finans, ING Lease, Leaseplan, Leasint, Nordea Finance, UniCredit Leasing, Société Générale Equipment Finance, UBI Leasing, Xerox Financial Services Europe.

For full survey results click here.