We compared responses from Monitor readers to a survey of more than 1,400 middle-market CFOs conducted in 2023 that asked this question: What percentage of middle market CFOs have completed a lease vs. own analysis for CapEx in the last 10 years? 80%+60-80%40-59%20-39%0-19%Here are the results and analysis:What percentage of middle market CFOs have completed a lease vs. own analysis for CapEx in the last 10 years?80%+60-80%40-59%20-39%0-19%Poll ResultsAmong Monitor readers, the most common choice selected was 40-59% and the least common choice selected was 0-19%.The ResearchAccording to a survey of more than 1,400 middle-market CFOs in 2023, only 17% recall completing a lease vs. own analysis for CapEx in the last 10 years.*The ImplicationWith an average age of 44, the last time many CFOs in the sample lived in a climate where rates were this high, relative equipment costs were this elevated and budget environments were this tight, they may have been more interested in prom dates than profits.Nearly 20 years of incredibly low rates, strong cash reserves and free flowing capital combined with accounting rule changes have left operating lease economics unfavorable to most, shifting the default position to cash, revolvers or loans.But today is a new day. And with rates returning to a more historically normal level and capital access tightening for many, the return of the lease vs. own analysis may be upon us, creating a powerful opportunity for lessors that still have the expertise to conduct such analysis.* Data obtained from the Secured Research Study of Commercial Finance Activity 2023.We used to be the structuring cowboys and cowgirls of commercial finance. Read more below: edit post Economy Cowboys, Cowgirls and Putting the Equipment Back into Equipment Finance We know it’s crazy to imagine, but there was once a time when the equipment you financed played as big of a role in the structure of a deal as the rate or... Read more /*! elementor - v3.20.0 - 13-03-2024 */ .elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=".svg"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block} Data obtained from the Sawbux Study Of Commercial Finance Activity 2023. 2024 research will be delivered through the new Secured Research and Data Solutions pulse and market research of the secured finance sector.