advertisement

---

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) recently released its top 10 list of equipment acquisition trends for 2012.

“Growth, uncertainty and numerous end-user benefits underlie many of the trends that businesses acquiring equipment this year can expect,” ELFA officials said in a prepared statement.
 
The top 10 trends, which association officials believe will help businesses with their strategic equipment acquisition plans, are:
 
1. New equipment acquisition will gradually, but steadily improve (the equipment finance industry is forecasting 9 percent growth in investment in equipment and software for 2012).
 
2. Replacement needs will continue to drive new equipment acquisitions due to aging equipment.
 
3. Uncertainty over proposed changes to lease accounting will prompt businesses to play a waiting game.
 
4. Used equipment prices will rebound in many, but not all, market segments.
 
5. Equipment finance companies will enhance customer relationship and support capabilities to build competitive advantages.
 
6. Credit availability will support equipment acquisitions for eligible businesses.
 
7. Organizations that are seeking ways to cut costs and increase operational efficiencies will seek technology innovations.
 
8. The continuation of limited bonus depreciation will enable businesses to plan for equipment upgrades or expansions.
 
9. Global financial pressures will continue to add uncertainty to U.S. equipment investments.
 
10. Individual equipment markets will register steady growth slightly below 2011 rates.

ELFA represents the interests of companies involved in the $628 billion equipment finance sector, including financial services and capital goods financing firms.