ELFA Research FAQ

• Does ELFA have data on the size of the equipment finance industry?

  Yes. Please view our size of the industry page.

• Where can I find a monthly snapshot of the equipment finance industry?

  

  ELFA’s Monthly Leasing and Finance Index (MLFI-25) reports economic activity from 25 companies representing a cross section of the equipment finance sector. Data include new business volume, aging of receivables, average losses, credit approval ratios and total number of employees.

   

• What are the hottest equipment markets?

  

  ELFA’s “What’s Hot/What’s Not: Equipment Market Forecast“ reveals industry perceptions of 15 equipment markets based on a survey of 100 ELFA members. This annual report compiles and rates secondary market outlooks for selected categories of equipment that are commonly financed by leasing and asset-based lending companies.

• How can I track state laws and taxes impacting equipment finance?

  

  When you are doing business in a particular state, it’s important to stay on top of statutes, regulations and taxes affecting equipment finance in that state.

   

  • ELFA’s State Law Compendium is a 50-state guide highlighting unique legal issues you need to be aware of in each state. Discover how to comply with selected state statutes and regulations deemed problematic by attorneys who practice in those commercial jurisdictions and businesspeople who operate in them.
  • The State Tax Manual from ELFA and Vertex is a reference guide designed to aid equipment finance companies in tax compliance and planning. It provides state-by-state analysis of sales and property taxes.

   

• What is the economic impact of equipment finance in each state?

  

  Visit ELFA’s Economic Impact webpage for a state-by-state breakdown of the $1 trillion equipment finance industry. Use the interactive map of the United States and download fact sheets illustrating specific industry information for each state. See total business volume, percent change year-over-year and state rankings.

• Does ELFA collect data on credit and collections in the equipment finance industry?

  

  Yes. The association’s Credit Manager Survey examines the current and forecasted state of credit and collections within the equipment finance industry. The survey results are based on feedback from 211 ELFA credit, collections and executive management leaders and covers a wide array of topics including: credit process, credit scoring, turnaround times, policy changes, regulations, deferrals and modifications, application thresholds, unfavorable industries and the macroeconomic environment at bank, captive and independent leasing companies.

  The Collection Manager Survey provides benchmarking for collections effectiveness information for member companies, including such topics as delinquency trends, productivity, new technology trends and implementation.

• Where can I access the most data and statistics on the equipment finance industry?

  

  ELFA’s Survey of Equipment Finance Activity (SEFA) is the largest, most important source of data available on the $1 trillion equipment leasing and finance industry. This treasure trove provides key statistical, financial and operations information for the industry based on a comprehensive survey of more than 100 equipment finance companies. Search by volume size, organization type, market segment and business model.

  Tap into multiple SEFA resources to get the data you need:

  • Full SEFA Report - A 300-page PDF document that offers comprehensive performance metrics for 125+ equipment finance companies. The companion Small-Ticket SEFA Report delves into small-ticket portfolios.
  • Interactive SEFA Dashboard - A powerful online dashboard that showcases executive summary data from a decade of SEFA reports. Drill down into the data you care about – in just a few clicks. Free and available to all ELFA members.
  • MySEFA - A personalized data tool that lets SEFA survey respondents track their own operational and performance statistics and compare them against their peers. Only available to companies that participate in the SEFA.
• Where can I access data on industry pay?

  

  The Equipment Leasing & Finance Compensation Survey from ELFA and McLagan measures compensation rates reported by more than 75 equipment finance companies representing a cross section of the equipment finance sector. It includes data for more than 90 executive, front-office and support positions.

   

  The Small & Medium Enterprise Compensation Survey from ELFA and Vault Consulting covers more than a dozen specialized revenue and support positions within the bank, captive and independent equipment finance companies, along with information on benefits and bonus/commission practices.

• I have a question about the equipment finance industry. Where can I turn?

  ELFA’s Industry Information Help Desk is the industry and business information source for ELFA members. It’s a help desk for industry information, staffed by the ELFA’s research and industry services team, who stand ready to answer your questions about the equipment finance industry.  This member-dues-supported service is available exclusively to ELFA members. Submit your industry question by contacting Bill Choi, VP of Research and Industry Services, at 202-238-3413 or bchoi@elfaonline.org.  

• Does ELFA offer data and analysis on the equipment finance industry’s use of technology?

   

  Yes. ELFA hosts Innovation Roundtables with TomorrowZone. Find out what is on the mind of your peers, share ideas, and discover new approaches for tackling your innovation challenges. Find upcoming sessions here.
• Where can I access the latest information about industry hot topics?

  Start by visiting the Industry Topics pages on the ELFA website. These pages are a “one-stop-shop” showcasing information on more than a dozen key topic areas. These dynamic pages allow you to take advantage of unique resources and industry information from ELFA and the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation. You’ll discover links to the latest research, articles, events, expert committees and more, all focused on specific topic areas.