The Foundation’s mission to focus a long-range view on potential challenges and future opportunities continues with industry resources that will help you and your business plan strategically for future growth.   

New for Q2, the Foundation is streamlining and updating its U.S. Economic Outlook report. Premiering in April, this update features a refreshed layout to improve readability. Each quarterly update to the annual report distills key economic and policy developments into concise insights tailored to the equipment leasing and finance industry.

The Foundation-Keybridge Momentum Monitors have also been reimagined with each vertical now receiving a dedicated page with enhanced charts, data tables, and visualizations. The Foundation consolidated several equipment verticals while also incorporating new types of equipment that have not previously been tracked. The number of verticals has been condensed from 12 to 7; Agriculture, Construction, Energy & Electrical, Industrial, Medical, Technology, and Transportation.

"In an era where market dynamics are rapidly evolving, our ability to adapt and strategically invest in our industry is paramount,” said David Normandin Foundation Research Committee Chair and President and Chief Executive Officer of Wintrust Specialty Finance. “The Foundation's Economic Outlook and Momentum Monitor provide essential insights that empower businesses to navigate these uncertainties and seize future opportunities."

Three New Vertical Market Outlook Reports 

The Foundation will add three new additions to its Vertical Market Outlook suite of reports in 2025. The reports will examine trends in healthcare, agricultural equipment, and data centers. The Vertical Market Outlook series provides an overview of macroeconomic factors, technological innovations, and challenges that will impact specific vertical markets in the next five years. The first of these new papers, on the healthcare industry, will be published in June 2025 with agricultural equipment and data centers to follow in the second half of the year.

Research Pipeline Update

In addition, the following are updates on studies announced in the Jan/Feb issue of EL&F:

• Tax Impact Study (100% Expensing Phase Out): This paper will identify trends that may influence the financial health of various sectors, ultimately informing the reader on the best strategies for equipment acquisition in current and future tax environments. This paper is due to be published in May 2025 to support ELFA’s advocacy efforts including the Capitol Connections legislative fly-in event.  
• Specialized Apps, Software, and Information Services 2.0: This study refreshes the original 'Specialized Apps, Software, and Information Services' report published in 2023, and is due to be published in fall 2025.

All industry research produced by the Foundation is 100% funded through individual and corporate donations. These donations are invested to strengthen and move our industry forward! You can learn more about the Foundation's latest research and how to support our efforts at www.leasefoundation.org.  

Foundation Celebrates a Record-Breaking Day of Giving

The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation successfully conducted its eighth annual “Day of Giving” on March 13, 2025, raising a record-breaking $296,854 from individual and corporate donors.

This officially kicks off the Foundation’s 2025 fundraising initiatives by bringing the industry together to help advance the mission to fund vital industry research and cultivate the next-generation workforce through scholarships, internships and university partnerships.

The overwhelming success of this year’s Day of Giving is a testament to the commitment of the equipment finance community to advance the industry forward.

With new research projects on the horizon, the Foundation is poised to continue making significant strides in shaping the future of equipment finance. To ensure this progress, the Foundation encourages industry professionals and organizations to continue supporting its mission through 100% tax-deductible donations. Every contribution, regardless of size, plays a vital role in advancing the Foundation’s work on behalf of the industry. Donate here.