During the past five years, leasing has grown mightily as a form of financing, and according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, leasing activity has exceeded overall business investment in equipment by a wide margin. Below is a breakdown showing what types of equipment companies are leasing. The percentages indicate new leasing business for the five-year period:
Computer systems 23.2%
Aircraft 14.7
Office machines 11.5
Construction equipment 8.1
Trucks/trailers 6.1
Manufacturing equipment 5.1
Medical equipment 4.8
Furniture/fixtures 4.6
Industrial equipment 4.4
Telecommunications equipment 3.8
Railroad equipment 3.1
Other 10.6
Source: American Association of Equipment Lessors, Survey of Industry Activity 1990.