What Segments of Equipment Leasing Have the Most Optomistic Outlook?

According to ELT Magazine there is considerable improvement in the industry overall from last year.  According to a recent study done by the ELFA the industry is returning to prerecession levels and a greater volume of equipment is expected to be leased in 2011.  So what industries are leading the comeback?  Here they are ranked from highest-rated to lowest-rated.
Medical
Oil/gas/energy
Machine tools
Truck/Trailers
Hi-Tech/Computers
Aircraft
Rail
Container
Construction
Telecom
Marine/Intercoastal
Automobiles
Plastic
FF&E
Printing

Medical Equipment has been leader of the pack when it comes to growth the last 6 years.  With the rising demand it is expected to be a 57 Billion dollar industry by 2017.  The medical industry's preference for leased equipment is fueled by the "baby-boomer" generation.  There are some challenges facing health care growth including the "reform" proposals, various potential reimbursement cuts, rules and other things aimed at the industry.  All of these factors make used equipment more and more attractive.

Oil/Gas/Energy markets are improving, due impart to optimism and opportunities for "clean energy" technology and equipment.  There is also a drilling boom in natural gas and oil that has given solid increased value to drilling rigs.

Machine Tools are up thanks to the turnaround in the domestic and international manufacturing sectors.  This market has seen an 85% growth, which is linked to the financing of smaller ticket sizes and one-off deals.  The secondary market demand for machine tools has also played a part in the growth of this sector.

Trucks/Trailers experienced  the greatest overall improvement from last year.  Both new and used trailers increased as the freight tonnage index steadily improves month over month.

Hi-Tech/Computers showed a small decline, but demand continues to grow.   The industry has low margins and demand for upgrades that were put off the past few years will begin to catch up and add to growth.

Aircraft has shown some growth in the commercial structure and the private sector demand is on the rise, particularly the business jet segment.  We will keep our eyes on this industry and measure the effects of the rising price of fuel and effects it will generate.

Rail is still soft, but the demand for over 300,000+ rail cars is creating some buzz.  This market should see a steady and consistent turnaround.

Containers seem to be experiencing tremendous growth as production volume has increased by 10 times over. Conditions for growth are strong and will remain so for the future.

Construction seems to be in a constant battle with the market.  The segment is still soft, although many resellers are experiencing shortage in used equipment.  New equipment is still slow and has seen a decline over the past two years.  The opportunity to buy low and sell high presents itself for the future.

Telecom equipment is turning the corner as demand expands.  With the increase of broadband capacity related to video and data transfer the industry is ramping up.  Long term evolution to accommodate 4G mobile phones will keep growth steady.

Marine/Intercoastal saw declines due mainly in part to supply and demand issues.  The container shipping segment is rapidly outpacing with deliveries of new container ships.

For more information on industry outlooks visit http://www.elfaonline.org/