ELA recently released the results of the Monthly Leasing Index (MLI) for April 2005. The key metrics highlighted in the April MLI indicate a strong opening to the second quarter.

New business volume increased from March's $3.8 billion to $4.7 billion in April, an increase of 24%. Delinquencies (net of unearned income billed but not yet received) decreased very slightly for the under-30 days category to 98.0% in April compared to 98.46% in March. Credit approval ratios, however, decreased to 76.3% over March's 83.2%. Average charge-offs also decreased, coming in at 0.36% from March's 0.53%. The total number of employees increased 2.1% in April to 9,259 compared to 9,072 in March, continuing the upward trend in employment.

Because the same companies participate in the study each month, the MLI provides a fairly reliable and consistent trend analysis of current industry activity. Results of each MLI are posted on the ELA website and Equipment Leasing Today magazine.

This MLI is conducted monthly by the ELA, which provides a variety of studies, reports, and market analyses covering the $220 billion equipment leasing and finance industry. To access this and other industry information, visit the ELA website at http://www.elaonline.com/IndustryData or call Dean Frutiger at (703) 516-8380.

Participants in the April 2005 Monthly Leasing Index:

• ADP Credit Corporation
• Amsouth Leasing Corporation
• Bank of America
• Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
• CIT
• De Lage Landen Financial Services
• First American Equipment Finance
• GreatAmerica Leasing
• Hitachi Credit America Corp.
• HP Financial Services
• John Deere Credit Corporation
• Key Equipment Finance
• LaSalle National Leasing Corporation
• Marlin Leasing Corporation
• RBS Citizens
• Siemens Financial Services
• U.S. Bancorp Leasing & Financial
• Verizon Capital Corporation
• Wells Fargo Equipment Finance