ASPEN NEWS  

A Monthly Guide to Trends, Insights, and Solutions in Equipment Finance 

March - 2025

February Industry Highlights

U.S. Tariffs and Trade Policies Shake Up Equipment Costs

Equipment finance leaders are closely watching new U.S. trade policies and tariffs affecting imports from Canada, Mexico, China, and the EU.

A recent Monitor Daily report warns that these tariffs could increase equipment acquisition costs, pushing businesses to explore alternative sourcing strategies or

shift toward leasing over purchasing to manage capital expenditures more efficiently.

Used Class 8 Truck Market Heats Up

The transportation sector is seeing strong momentum, with ACT Research reporting a 16% month-over-month surge in January sales of used Class 8 trucks.

The trend suggests that fleet operators are increasingly turning to the secondary market, navigating fluctuating new truck pricing and availability. This rise in demand could have implications for truck valuations and lending dynamics in the coming months.

In a recent press release, Mitsubishi HC Capital America outlined key trends anticipated to shape the equipment finance industry in 2025:

Tighter Credit for Small Businesses: Traditional lenders are expected to adopt more

conservative approaches, making it more challenging for small enterprises to secure financing.

Increased Financing for Advanced Technologies: As companies invest in AI and high-performance computing, there's a projected rise in demand for specialized financingsolutions tailored to these sectors.

Supply Chain Realignments: Ongoing reshoring efforts and shifts in supply chains are likely to boost domestic financing requirements, as businesses adapt to new operational landscapes.

Growth of Sustainable and As-a-Service Models: There's a growing trend toward

sustainability initiatives and Equipment-as-a-Service (EaaS) offerings, reflecting a shift in how businesses approach equipment ownership and usage.

These insights suggest a move toward specialized lending and alternative financing

structures as companies navigate evolving economic conditions.

February 2025 Industry Events Recap

SFNet's Asset-Based Capital Conference (ABCC)

(Las Vegas, NV – Feb 11-12)

This conference brought together top leaders in asset-based lending and middle-market finance, focusing on capital markets, deal structures, and economic trends. It provided key insights into how lenders are adapting to market shifts and managing risk in the current financial environment.

deBanked CONNECT Miami

(Miami, FL – Feb 20)

A major networking event for brokers, funders, and commercial finance professionals, deBanked CONNECT Miami featured discussions on alternative lending, fintech trends, and business growth strategies. The "Broker Battle" was a standout session, showcasing the expertise of top brokers in various financing categories.

ARA Show 2025

(Las Vegas, NV – Jan 30 - Feb 1)

Hosted by the American Rental Association (ARA), this is one of the largest trade shows for the equipment and event rental industry. It featured new product showcases, industry trend discussions, and networking with manufacturers and suppliers. This year’s event highlighted innovations in construction, general tool, and event rental equipment.

ELFA Equipment Management Conference & Exhibition

(Las Vegas, NV – Feb 23-25)

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) hosted this annual event, bringing together industry professionals to discuss equipment leasing trends, asset management, and valuations. Attendees had the chance to participate in hands-on equipment tours and hear from experts on how evolving market conditions are impacting leasing strategies.

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