Following declines in new business volume in 2008 and 2009, the equipment finance industry began to regain volume in 2010, according to the 2011 Survey of Equipment Finance Activity (SEFA) released today by the Washington, D.C.-based Equipment Leasing and Finance Association.

The survey reported an overall 3.9% increase in volume in 2010, compared to a significant 30.3% decline reported in 2009 and a 2.2% decline reported in 2008. The metal and machinery segment outperformed the average with 4.3% growth, matching last year’s figures. The SEFA, which is based on responses from 108 ELFA member companies, covers key statistical, financial and operations information for the $US521 billion US equipment finance industry.

“Through 2010, the equipment finance industry showed gradual but steady growth,” said William G. Sutton, ELFA President and CEO. “Although uncertainty about the broader economy continues, more recent data collected in the first two quarters of 2011 suggests the trend toward an improved equipment finance industry is continuing.”

The SEFA is a broad compendium of industry data, comprising a representative cross-section of equipment lease and loan origination by product, structure and origination. It provides a baseline and benchmark for companies operating in the equipment finance space through a voluntary survey of ELFA member companies. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP managed the 2011 survey.

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