Our Customers say it best

“Working with Mazuma Capital allowed us to ride the tailwind of our newly signed service contracts with the right equipment in place.  The flexibility Mazuma offered us was refreshing and it was a great fit for our needs,” said the CEO of the Services Company. “The team at Mazuma did not feel like your typical lender/banker, their business is relationship based on every level.  The dynamic throughout Mazuma’s staff was one of professionalism with an added level of personalized service. Working with a top notch lender that provided exactly what we needed was a great experience.”

Kevin, CEO Ground Reclamation Services

“As our company searches for more opportunities for lease financing, I received a call from Mazuma Capital Corp. As I laid out to Mazuma and other companies what we were looking for in the way of lease financing, Mazuma came through with the best over all cost of funds as well as meeting our needs and time schedules. I have enjoyed working with Mazuma Capital Corp, because of their willingness to be flexible and the way they keep me updated on all that happens through the process. Everyone there is so easy to work with and I will continue to work with them on an ongoing basis. My experience was well within what I hoped for from a lease financing company.”

–Tom, VP of Finance & CFO

Mazuma Capital Funds Hires David M. Eckman as Vice President of Vendor Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-

DRAPER, UTAH SEPTEMBER 23, 2011–Mazuma Capital Corp announced that David M. Eckman has joined Mazuma Capital as the Vice President, of Vendor Services. The Vendor Services division will provide turnkey financing services to vendors, manufacturers and distributors seeking $100,000- $20,000,000.

David brings phenomenal expertise to Mazuma Captial through his extensive background in diversified management and finance.  Prior to joining Mazuma David worked with several financial institutions including Orix Credit Alliance, where he maintained the integrity of transaction fundings and regulatory processes.  David holds a B.S. Business Administration / Finance degree from, Oregon State University.

Mazuma Capital CEO Jared Belnap said, “We are excited about adding David to head up our Vendor Services division.  This division will provide a wide range of customized programs, turnkey solutions, and outstanding service.  David has a strong customer base and process history of developing these programs into successful ventures from his years at Orix and we’re thrilled to see him parlay this expertise into meaningful production, adding to Mazuma’s strong brand and market presence.”

 “I am very excited to join the Mazuma Capital team, and look forward to the continued growth and success of the Vendor Program.   Mazuma has the knowledge, expertise, and resources to position itself strategically into a formidable competitor in Vendor Origination and I’m thrilled to be at the helm in this endeavor.  I look forward to building on Mazuma’s already impeccable reputation as a dependable funding source with the highest level of hands on service.”  Said David M. Eckman, VP of Vendor Services.

About Mazuma: Mazuma Capital is committed to our client’s success. Our unique capabilities and innovative product offerings provide solutions accelerating financial growth. Servicing both rising companies and established businesses, Mazuma continues to secure its position as the middle-market industry leader. We build long-term relationships by delivering on our commitments. Mazuma co-authored the Utah Best Practices Alliance and subscribes to the ELFA Code of Fair Business Practices.

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Media Contact: Julie Fuchs, 801-816-0800 Ext. X291, jfuchs@mazumacapital.com

Made in America: Manufacturing Jobs Are Coming Home

The tale of American manufacturing has long been one of woeful decline. Just about a year ago, China replaced the U.S. as the world’s No. 1 maker of things, and that seemed a sure sign that the glory days had faded for good. But all of a sudden the talk is of a “manufacturing renaissance,” to quote a new study by the Boston Consulting Group.
The BCG study, “The Return of U.S. Manufacturing,” makes an interesting case. China’s wages are rising by 15 to 20 percent a year, while its productivity will improve at half that rate. The yuan is gaining in value, too, and Chinese-made products are destined to become more expensive. There is a shortage of skilled workers even in major manufacturing centers such as Shanghai and Tianjin.
In the U.S., wage increases have been minimal for years and will remain at 3 percent or so annually. U.S. productivity will remain higher than China’s by a wide margin, and government incentives are also a factor in attracting U.S. manufacturers back home. “Reinvesting in the U.S. will accelerate,” the study says, “as it becomes one of the cheapest locations for manufacturing in the developed world.”
The math that went into this study is impressive, and it works like this: Right now, labor costs in China are slightly less than half those of the U.S. when the difference in productivity is factored in. In five years’ time, labor costs on the mainland will be 70 percent of the U.S. figure. Counting costs such as inventory and shipping, the study says, the Chinese cost advantage will drop to single digits or disappear entirely.
It’s a convergence theory of a kind, and one forecasted result is that outsourcing jobs to China will turn out to have a beginning, middle, and end. “China will no longer be the default low-cost location for supplying the U.S. market,” the BCG study asserts. “The economics are becoming marginal for many products.”
Some interesting figures support the study’s argument. U.S. manufacturing grew at an estimated annual rate of 9.1 percent in the first quarter of this year, compared with a disappointing 1.8 percent for the economy as a whole. There are also some curious cases of prodigal industrial companies already returning home:

• Caterpillar, which has a major presence in China, is building its next plant to make excavating equipment in Texas, tripling its capacity for such equipment in the U.S.
• Ford is repatriating 2,000 jobs from China after reaching an agreement with the United Auto Workers that it says it can live with.
• NCR has already brought its production of automated teller machines back from China to shrink the time from production to market, to stitch divisions closer together and lower operating costs.
• The toy maker Wham-o (and this is my favorite) is repatriating half of its production of Hula Hoops and Frisbees, most from China, some from Mexico.

“It’s very early days, but this trend’s beginning,” says Hal Sirkin, a senior partner at Boston Consulting. “It’s all based on simple economics: wage rates, relative exchange rates, and productivity levels. Over four or five years, manufacturers will be indifferent to producing in China or the U.S. If it’s for the Chinese market, make it in China; if they’re producing for U.S. consumption, make it in the U.S.” 
A couple of myths seem about to explode. One was that manufacturing is finished in the U.S., another that we live in a post-industrial economy. The first is patently untrue—though manufacturing as a share of GDP has been declining for half a century, and steeply for the past decade. As to the second, there is no such thing, in my view, as a post-industrial economy. No one survives without making things.
President Obama is entirely on the right track in declaring a revival of industrial production as one of his economic priorities. But the Boston Consulting study starts to look more than a touch rosy (and too statistics-driven) when you consider a few of the harder facts:

• Recent growth in manufacturing is due partly to a come-from-behind context. True, the U.S. has added 250,000 manufacturing jobs since the start of 2010. Also true: It lost almost 6 million jobs in the past decade, including a third of all employment in manufacturing. 
• Growth in industrial production is concentrated in a few sectors such as oil and computers. “The Case for a National Manufacturing Strategy,” a new study by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a Washington public-policy group, indicates that 15 of 19 sectors, accounting for almost 80 percent of U.S. industrial output—apparel, metals fabrication, machinery, printing, and so on—declined over the past decade.
• The U.S. strategy, such as it has one, is fundamentally different from those of Europe and Japan. Their manufacturing sectors are stable or better because they have automated drastically (Japan) or gone into high-end production (much of Europe). The U.S., by contrast, has lagged in capital investment and appears set to compete primarily by way of low wages and often costly packages of tax breaks and other incentives.

The question is obvious: Do Americans want to make their country a low-cost production platform? Ford is coming (fractionally) home because it can pay auto workers $14 an hour—about 10 bucks less than it paid them when it eliminated those jobs. Henry Ford famously thought his workers should be able to afford the products they made; he believed in a vital middle class. So other questions are obvious, too: What will a manufacturing renaissance, if it arrives, do for this country’s middle-income wage-earners? What will a decade or so of intense outsourcing have cost them in net terms when the jobs come home?
Related Links:
Manufacturing Is Expected to Return to America as China’s Rising Labor Costs Erase Most Savings from Offshoring (Boston Consulting Group)
The Case for a National Manufacturing Strategy (Information Technology and Innovation Foundation)
U.S. Manufacturing Rebound Is a Myth (The Market Oracle)
China Poised to Eclipse U.S. Manufacturing (Open Salon)

Mazuma Capital Funds Multimillion Dollar Transaction for Environmentally Conscience Ground Clearing and Reclamation Services Provider

DRAPER, UT, MAY 25, 2011–Mazuma Capital, an elite national direct lender, announces it has funded a $2.5 million dollar transaction for a privately owned services company. The company is a prominent national player in the ground clearing and reclamation services industry.  Well known for administering environmentally friendly solutions in order to maintain a miniscule ecological footprint.
With major growth and expansions over the past 18 months the company sought funding for new equipment.  The equipment was engineered with superior fuel efficiency in mind; as well as being able to withstand extreme stress and tough terrain while performing its functions. The equipment was vital as it was needed to accommodate the large amount of growth and expanding service contracts in the oil and gas sector, while still providing a level of environmental responsibility. 
The company had obtained new contracts throughout the country to work with utility providers in need of reclamation and mulching services.  The challenge was finding a structure to meet the needs of the company's growth and financial requirements, while not requiring personal guarantees. Mazuma Capital Corp provided a lease structure to procure the ground clearing and mulching equipment for the company.
Mazuma Capital’s experienced underwriters brought their ability to think outside the box, using innovation and their proven track record in securing funding for growing companies to the table. Mazuma was able to structure the lease to meet the company's needs while ensuring it would foster the current growth and help to facilitate new growth.
“Working with Mazuma Capital allowed us to ride the tailwind of our newly signed service contracts with the right equipment in place.  The flexibility Mazuma offered us was refreshing and it was a great fit for our needs,” said the CEO of the Services Company. “The team at Mazuma did not feel like your typical lender/banker, their business is relationship based on every level.  The dynamic throughout Mazuma’s staff was one of professionalism with an added level of personalized service. Working with a top notch lender that provided exactly what we needed was a great experience.”
About Mazuma: Mazuma Capital is committed to our client’s success. Our unique capabilities and innovative product offerings provide solutions accelerating financial growth. Servicing both rising companies and established businesses, Mazuma continues to secure its position as the middle-market industry leader. We build long-term relationships by delivering on our commitments. Mazuma co-authored the Utah Best Practices Alliance and subscribes to the ELFA Code of Fair Business Practices.

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Media Contact: Julie Fuchs, 801-816-0800 Ext. X291, jfuchs@mazumacapital.com, http://mazumacapital.com

Revolvers Return, with Some Twists- Good news for credit-seekers as banks relax, a little.

If anything bodes well for the economy, this does: companies are opening up new revolving lines of credit and refinancing older instruments at reduced rates.

In 2010, lenders doubled their issuance of syndicated, revolving lines of credit, a staple of corporate finance, according to data from Thomson Reuters Loan Pricing Corp., with borrowings accelerating the second half of the year, to $381 billion.

During the financial crisis, banks cut their exposure to revolvers, downsizing instruments or flatly refusing to renew them. Now, individual banks are slowly raising the amount of untapped commercial-credit commitments they're willing to keep on their books, according to federal call reports.

As in the larger corporate-loan market, new issues are predominantly refinancings of debt set to mature in the next 12 months. In late February, for example, Avista Corp. replaced existing debt set to mature last April with a new $400 million facility that expires in 2015. Near the same time, FelCor Lodging Trust, an owner of 82 upscale hotels, closed on a $225 million instrument secured by 11 of its properties.

FelCor had terminated a line of credit in 2009 because covenants were getting tight, says Steve Schafer, FelCor's vice president of strategic planning. But once earnings rebounded, FelCor pursued a new revolver with a three-year maturity, a lower interest rate, and an option for a one-year extension to 2015.

"It's always good to push out maturities," says Schafer. "The lower interest rate [LIBOR plus 4.5%] improves our earnings, and a new [line] will help us manage liquidity better — we've been carrying excess cash because we didn't have a line of credit."

"With not as many strong credits, banks are eager to lend, and they are kind of bending some of the standards," says Richard M. Pollak, a practice group leader in lending and structured finance at Troutman Sanders LLP.

Companies with steady earnings can lengthen terms to five and, at the outside, seven years. "It's fairly typical of what we see entering a growth cycle," says Walter Owens, head of U.S. commercial banking at TD Bank. "But we're a bit surprised by some of the deals going out [five and seven years]. We've let some of these deals go because we didn't think the company deserved that type of facility."

Borrowers like being locked in. "They don't have to worry about waking up one morning and discovering that their lender is not so enamored of their business anymore," Pollak says.

So, could banks be under pricing risk again? While easing up on some loan conditions, banks are more disciplined at valuing the receivables, inventory, and real estate that secure lines of credit, says TD Bank's Owens. "Since loss and default rates were not as high as most banks anticipated, in the last six months banks have been more aggressive. But, from a historical perspective, they're still fairly conservative."

And companies are having to put up a lot of assets. For example, Delta Air Lines's new revolver is secured by accounts receivable, airport slots, ground-service equipment, spare parts, engines, and flight simulators, among other property. "Out of an abundance of caution, banks are taking a lot more collateral," says Pollak. So, while banks and institutional investors may be going long, they're definitely hedging their bets.

http://cfo.com/

Equipment Leasing Industry Find Companies Are Purchasing Equipment Again

(Reuters) - A key measure of U.S. business activity rose sharply in February from a year ago, as companies borrowed more to invest in their operations, but the reading was down slightly from the prior month and credit quality eased, a lender group told Reuters on Tuesday.

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) said U.S. businesses originated $4.1 billion in loans, leases and lines of credit in February to invest in everything from computer hardware to office furniture and machinery.

That was slightly below January's $4.2 billion total and well below December's $9 billion figure, but up 28 percent from a year ago, when the U.S. economy was beginning its gradual recovery.

February marked the 10th consecutive month of year-over-year gains, and the third straight month such gains were above 20 percent.

"It's a nice, steady trendline up," said ELFA President and CEO William Sutton. "Everything we are seeing throughout the economy (points to) steady, albeit slow, growth."

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/22/us-usa-economy-elfa-idUSTRE72L4Y120110322

Let Mazuma Capital Corp act as the lessor for your bank. Together we will deliver financing solutions to fit your client’s needs.

Strategic Partner Programs For Banks
In the current economy more and more middle market clients are being turned down when looking for equipment lease financing. New credit regulations present challenges that many banks are unable to overcome.   Mazuma Capital Corp is the solution for these challenges.

Mazuma Capital Corp Capital invites you to take part in our exclusive Strategic Partner Program.
By forging a strategic partnership we will integrate our services as an extension of your current offerings. Mazuma Capital Corp will carry the risk that you currently cannot, greatly benefiting you and your clients while maximizing innovative solutions.
This will allow you to enter the leasing arena (or offer additional services if you already offer leasing) with ease and expertise.  You can offer customized leasing products to your clients and prospective clients with instant credibility.  Mazuma Capital Corp is a leader in best practices when it comes to lease structuring, documentation, syndication and sales.
For loan applications requesting loan amounts or other terms that are outside your traditional parameters, Mazuma Capital Corp offers innovative flexible solutions that meet the budgetary needs and goals of your clients, making you a turnkey service provider.

Allow our team of experts to work with you to create a comprehensive approach to extend additional financing solutions to your clients. Together we can deliver leasing solutions that fit your client’s needs.

Mazuma Capital Corp Role:  We will manage the entire leasing and financing process.  We will assist your commercial bankers in meeting the capital equipment financing needs of clients seamlessly.
Bank Role: You will promote capital equipment financing to your clients and prospective clients and manage the overall banking relationship.

Strategic Partner Program Options:
White Label Solution:Mazuma Capital Corp works as private provider of services under partner. How it works- You submit application on behalf of your client and are main point of contact throughout the financing process with Mazuma Capital Corp.
Under your name or under Mazuma Capital Corp products and services will be provided. Either way Mazuma Capital Corp protects the relationships you have fostered with your clients.
Key Features:  Financing programs are offered under your brand.  All client materials are provided under this brand.  This may include, but is not limited to:  Marketing and Collateral Materials, Communications and Documents.
Turnkey Service Provider:Mazuma Capital Corp works directly with customer as an extension of services provided through partner.  How it works- Your customer submits an application; you are then contacted via emailed informing you that your customer submitted an application. Depending on your desired level of involvement we CC you and/or your designated contact on all email correspondence with your customer, so you are up-to-date at all times.
Vendor Programs:Whether you currently offer leasing products or not Mazuma Capital Corp can tailor additional solutions.  Mazuma Capital can work with you to provide vendor (manufacturers, dealers, distributors and resellers) financing programs.  We will work with you to support your commercial bankers’ efforts, enhance existing relationships and cross-sell additional banking products.
This will help you offer products that serve the needs of existing and/or prospective vendor customers.   The services will be an extension of your bank solidifying your relationships, generate new loans, develop new banking relationships and add to the bottom line.
Alternative Financing Solutions:  Mazuma Capital Corp works with you to incorporate you as a funding source for transactions that fit your banks lending criteria.
Mazuma Capital Corp works with you to determine your parameters for funding Mazuma Capital Corp transactions. Mazuma Capital submits credit application for transactions that meet your banks criteria and work with your bank to seemlessly meet the goals of our clients.
Key Features: Mazuma Capital Corp helps build your loan portfolio’s. Your bank becomes a key funding partner with Mazuma Capital Corp.

For more information please contact us at partners@mazumacapital.com
For the latest industry news and trends follow our Mazuma Capital Partner Blog

Banks In Need of Additional Reform

Economists are concerned that recent reform will not be enough to prevent the need for more bailouts.  In recent months, regulators around the world have taken steps to ensure that banks will be able to weather tough times. New international rules will require big global banks to hold more equity to protect their depositors and other creditors. In the U.S., lawmakers have adopted measures intended to mitigate risk at big banks and keep close tabs on potential threats throughout the financial system.

Over the past few days, though, economists here offered many reasons why the recent banking reforms fall short. Among their concerns: The new capital requirements aren't tough or simple enough, there is too much uncertainty about how governments will deal with distress at the biggest lenders. It seems that there has been little done to prevent the kind of crisis that could occur if trouble broke out at many smaller institutions, such as hedge funds.

Recent history suggests that a capital requirement of 7% won't be enough to fend off bailouts. Many banks that required government support during the latest crisis, including the Citigroup and Royal Bank of Scotland, whom both had capital levels exceeding 7% just before trouble hit in the third quarter of 2007.

Another issue is banks' excessive reliance on short-term borrowing to finance their activities. Tougher rules could push more financial activity away from banks into other areas that don't face the same regulations. The so-called shadow banking sector, which includes everything from hedge funds to derivative markets, already plays a larger role in credit markets than traditional banking.

New financial rules in the U.S. provide regulators with more power to oversee the shadow banking sector, and shed light on it by creating incentives to shift more derivatives trades into places where they can be monitored. But regulators have yet to work out exactly how they will identify dangerous situations in which many players have become exposed to similar risks.

Source: WSJ.com

*The capital equipment leasing sector offers attractive alternatives for those seeking finance options.  With tax incentives still available and many options to fit the financial goals of customers, leasing is something that is worth looking into for businesses of all sizes.  The economy has not been kind to businesses over the past few years.  There are many once profitable companies who are finding it harder and harder to secure financing, and banks can't look at the external factors that have left a mark on businesses. When seeking financing for new/used equipment many businesses look to Mazuma Capital.  A lease originator, Mazuma Capital is a funding source that works for businesses, promotes growth and profitability.

US businesses push back on lease accounting change

Here at Mazuma Capital Corp we have been talking a lot about the new lease accounting changes scheduled to be put into effect in 2011.  As a lease originator the big question is how detrimental will this change be on an already wounded economy and struggling industry?  Changes to off balance sheet accounting have been a topic of discussion for quite sometime, but many feel this is the wrong time to implement. The change could ultimately triple debt limits in loan agreements for some companies.

We hear that things are looking up and companies are beginning to hire, yet those in the trenches feel otherwise.  So what will happen to all of the U.S. businesses who currently have significant leases off the books? Is it a possibility for profitable companies to tank overnight due to this change?

It seems that business groups are gearing up to delay proposed accounting rules that would bring hundreds of billions of dollars in leases onto corporate balance sheets, even as backers say the revisions will give investors crucial information. Many companies - with the help of the leasing industry - have avoided putting leases on the books by structuring them to fall below the 90 percent threshold. Such leases are considered operating leases and only require a rental expense on the income statement.

At issue are rules proposed by U.S. and international standard setters. The changes are meant to address complaints that investors are not getting a complete picture of companies' debt because massive lease obligations are relegated to footnotes in financial statements. The changes could cause companies to avoid leases entirely.  The changes will be more complex, forcing many businesses to do things that hinder growth and development.

The lease accounting changes will take a few years to fully take effect, but there will be causalities. What will this mean for the leasing industry that have assisted in growth and profitability for U.S. businesses? The S & P reports that there is at least $549 Billion in lease liabilities lurking off balance sheets. That's $549 Billion that will be off the books one day and on the books the next day.  Here is a little information on what we can expect from businesses that currently use leases from Delta Airlines to McDonald’s.

Financial statements would change significantly at airlines, which lease many of their aircraft rather than owning them. Delta Air Lines, which had about $17 billion in long-term debt at year-end 2009, would see that number jump by roughly $8 billion.

McDonald's Corp, which leases about 14,000 restaurant locations and is a lessor for another 19,000, may have to spend as much as $100 million because of technology and staff resources required for the accounting change, the company said in a letter to rule-makers last month.

The new standards are a joint project of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, which sets U.S. accounting rules, and the International Accounting Standards Board, which sets international standards. The boards are holding public meetings through Jan. 6 before crafting a final rule.

Sources:

S& P

Reuters Business

2011 Looking Bright For U.S. Company Growth and Purchases

Companies are looking to expand and that means new equipment purchases in the near future.  This outlook is bright coming off of two tough years in the equipment leasing industry.  Slow growth combined with economic uncertainty was not a good combination for the leasing industry.  There seems to be a bright light at the end of this tunnel. Forecasts seem promising and the tax benefits for companies to buy are enticing.

Investment by U.S. companies in equipment and software in the third quarter was up 15% from a year earlier to $1.08 trillion, nearly matching prerecession levels, government data show.
Corporations received more incentives to invest Dec. 17, when President Obama signed into law a tax compromise reached by Congress that, among other things, lets companies deduct from taxable income 100% of certain types of investments in 2011.

It seems that big U.S. companies have cleaned up their balance sheets and, appear to be flush with cash.  These U.S. companies are open to using the cash in 2011 on factories, stores and even hiring. Companies worked hard the last few years and especially in 2010 to preserve cash, and are slowly coming around to spending it.  According to Bloomberg Business U.S. companies are turning around and starting to feel comfortable with the economic outlook.

The maker of specialty glass and ceramics is investing $300 million to expand its research and development center near its headquarters in Corning, N.Y., adding about 100 researchers and Ph.D.s. It also is spending $800 million on a liquid-crystal display factory in China and building more LCD capacity in Taiwan.

Engine maker Cummins Inc., meantime, plans to add about 2,500 U.S. jobs in 2011, many requiring engineering or other technical skills. In 2010, Cummins raised its U.S. employment by only 185 people. The company has about 14,800 U.S. employees.

At the end of the third quarter, cash held by 419 nonfinancial companies in the Standard & Poor's 500 list was up 49% from three years ago—before the start of the recession—while total debt was up a more modest 14%, according to an analysis by The Wall Street Journal.
The good news: The improvement in just the past year was even more pronounced: cash was up 10.6% from the 2009 level, while debt grew 2%.

Profits are higher, too, after companies slashed their work forces and closed less-efficient operations. Total U.S. corporate profits in 2010's third quarter rose 26% from a year earlier to $1.64 trillion, the highest in four years, according to government data.

With this stronger foundation, coupled with new confidence about the global economy, corporations are looking to expand.  Continued growth in the mining and energy businesses around the world is expected to fuel a wide range of U.S. companies. IT spending seems to be on everyones mind and will head up the priority spending list this new year.

Source:

Standard & Poors Capital IQ

Bloomberg Business

Wall Street Journal

Mazuma Capital Announces Exlusive Broker Services Program

Draper, Utah December 16, 2010–Mazuma Capital announces a new extension of services to include an exclusive broker program.  The offering is part of Mazuma’s Strategic Development Program and provides innovative turnkey solutions for brokers and their clients. 
The broker program has been formed in conjunction with Mazuma Capital’s new affiliation with the NAELB (National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers).  The exclusive broker program is available to brokers whom seek funding from $100K to $10MM for qualified middle-market clients.  Through a private label solution or as a turn key service provider brokers may access this program to reduce turn-around time and streamline processes.
Mazuma Capital possesses financial backing that provides strength to fund transactions internally, allowing Mazuma to carry residual risk, fund projects over extended installation periods, and other capabilities that most of Mazuma’s competitors can’t match. By bringing together these unparalleled resources coupled with a unique approach to the market place, Mazuma Capital can deliver the quality, timing, strategy and strength that top brokers are seeking.
“We know and understand the competitive landscape of equipment leasing right now.  With the migration of the main stream banks, money centers and independent leasing companies to better credit markets, these sources continue to tighten as they stretch to find ways to reduce static loss, take less risk and strengthen their respective portfolios. This has made the “A” credit markets extremely competitive and left a gaping hole in the “B” credit markets.  Mazuma Capital, staying true to its niche`, has successfully funded more than $100MM in “B” credits since the start of the downturn.  This is due to our strategic partners who remain flush with capital and our own internal capital and expertise in being able to structure and carry equity risk on transactions that have merit.   As relationship continue to win deals, it is important for Mazuma to be an advocate for these companies, and the brokers that represent them.  By following best practices and delivering on our commitments we have created an amazing broker program that provides flexible lease options to meet the needs of brokers and their clients”, said Jared Belnap, Mazuma Capital CEO and President. “It is Mazuma’s goal to help promote these best practices and incorporate them into each leasing transaction and relationship we enter into”, said Belnap.
About Mazuma: Mazuma Capital is committed to our client’s and partner’s success. Our unique capabilities and innovative product offerings provide solutions accelerating financial growth. Servicing both rising companies and established businesses, Mazuma continues to secure its position as the middle-market industry leader. We build long-term relationships by delivering on our commitments. Mazuma co-authored the Utah Best Practices Alliance and subscribes to the ELFA Code of Fair Business Practices, and the NAELB Ethical Conduct Code.

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Media Contact – jfuchs@mazumacapital.com 801-816-0800 X291

CFOs Cautiously Optimistic About 2011- Leasing Provides Great Options For Purchasing

According to Barrons.com it seems most CFO's are cautiously optimistic about the coming year and how the Economy will play out (http://blogs.barrons.com/stockstowatchtoday/?mod=BOL_hpp_stw)
Some of the largest concerns we see lingering are CFO's trying to find cash to pay for items as they plan for new purchases. The danger in using existing bank/credit lines or current cash can be detrimental if an emergency arises, or as our economy lie in a state of limbo. So what can CFO’s do now in planning for those much needed purchases??

Now more than ever it is time for CFO's to look towards leasing options for new equipment purchases.  With the uncertainty of the economy more businesses are looking at the benefits of leasing. Mazuma Capital can help you make the best choice for you and your company. Some of the many reasons clients have chosen to lease their capital equipment from Mazuma Capital are:

• Obtain a fixed rate of capital
• Ability to match the stream of payments with the useful life of /revenue generated from the equipment
• Flexibility as to the deployment and use of equipment
• Equipment management and replacement strategy
• Preferential tax and accounting treatment
• Deploy cash to more vital areas such as payroll, M&A, inventory, etc vs. into a depreciating asset
• Avoid or eliminate technological obsolescence
• Access to an inexpensive cost of capital

Whether you’re a fortune 500 NYSE company with the goal of maximizing ROE and EPS, or a large insurance company looking to convert some of your non-admitted assets into cash for capital and surplus benefits, it is important to find a leasing structure that lends to the success of your financial goals. 

From health care and HIPPA compliance to GAAP and SAP it is important to have a team of experts on your side when choosing your options.  Mazuma collectively takes over 100 years of leasing experience when crafting flexible leasing options for you.  With so many rules, governance, and changes there are no guarantees that there is always a solution, but rest assured that we will exhaust all of our resources in an attempt to satisfy your objectives.

Solar Energy Industries Association Applauds Inclusion of Treasury Section 1603 Program Extension in Senate Tax Compromise

Extending program will drive U.S. solar industry growth and job creation in 2011

The 1603 tax credit has created flexibility for funding renewable energy projects and is fundamental for keeping the solar industry growing in America. The current program has facilitated the construction of more than 1,100 solar projects in 42 states. All of this has been at a minimal cost to the tax payer; the 1603 program has supported $18 billion in investment in new renewable energy projects throughout the country and has created tens of thousands of jobs.  The program has helped the solar industry to grow by over 100 percent in 2010, create enough new solar capacity to power 200,000 homes and double domestic solar employment to more than 93,000 Americans.

The TGP was created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Section 1603) to provide commercial solar installations with a cash grant in lieu of the 30 percent solar investment tax credit (ITC). President George W. Bush signed the 8-year ITC into law in 2008, but the economic conditions created by the global recession made it clear that few would be able to utilize the tax credit.

So far, the TGP has helped move forward more than 1,100 solar projects in 42 states. A report on the impact of the extension of the TGP by EuPD Research projected it would create 65,000 new U.S. jobs and 5,100 megawatts of solar capacity – enough to power more than 1 million households.

Mazuma Capital is committed to help the growth of renewable energy sources by breaking down financial barriers for companies looking to implement new technologies and green inititatives.
See more at http://mazumacapital.com/

Source Materials
SEIA policy overview of Treasury Grant Program: http://seia.org/cs/federal_issues/treasury_grant_program
Fact sheet on TGP and job creation: http://www.seia.org/galleries/FactSheets/Factsheet_TGP.pdf
Summary of solar projects awarded a Treasury Grant:
The Solar Foundation National Solar Jobs Census 2010: http://www.thesolarfoundation.org/sites/thesolarfoundation.org/files/Final%20TSF%20National%20Solar%20Jobs%20Census%202010%20Web%20Version.pdf

DIVERSIFIED ETHANOL ANNOUNCE PLANT TECHNOLOGY FINANCING PROGRAM THROUGH MAZUMA CAPITAL FOR CUSTOMERS

PASO ROBLES, Calif., & BURNSVILLE, Minn., Dec. 8, 2010 – Greenbelt Resources Corporation (Pink Sheets: GRCO) today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Diversified Ethanol Corporation ("Diversified") has established a business partnership with Mazuma Capital to offer leased equipment financing to qualified Diversified customers. Diversified designs,  constructs, monitors and operates highly efficient and cost effective small scale waste-to-ethanol conversion plants that utilize a wide range of organic wastes feedstocks including cellulosic material, by products of breads and grain processing, organic slurry, and other food and beverage waste from beer, wine, and sugar-based products.

            Mazuma Capital is a leading national direct lender and will provide third party financing for qualified Diversified customers. Dedicated to maintaining a portfolio that includes renewable energies, Mazuma provides a sophisticated selection of finance programs that offer the flexibility necessary to meet the range of Diversified customers’ needs. 

            "Providing strong financing options for our customer seeking to own an ethanol plant is a critical avenue to continue the growth of the green fuels industry,” said Darren Eng, CEO of Greenbelt Resources Corporation. “When a partner like Mazuma takes notice and brings their expertise and success to the table, it strengthens customer confidence that ethanol from waste is a viable investment.”

            “Our support for Diversified plant financing is another cornerstone for Mazuma in the renewable energy sector.  By carrying risk and providing solutions to overcome financial barriers on emerging green technologies, more and more middle-market companies can now implement green initiatives.  Promoting the adoption of emerging green technologies is a continued goal of Mazuma Capital and through our partner programs and extensive knowledge of new technology financing Mazuma will continue to enhance energy project offerings,” said Jared Belnap, Mazuma Capital’s President and CEO.

            Diversified currently operates a waste-to-ethanol plant in Paso Robles California that conducts pilot studies on various feedstocks to expand a database of information  to support continued growth of waste-to-ethanol plant production. Shareholders and prospective investors can register for email updates on company financial and operations announcements at www.greenbeltresources.com/investors.About Greenbelt Resources Corporation
            Greenbelt Resources Corporation™ is committed to developing and implementing technology that makes alternative fuel reliable, practical, and efficient. The company is dedicated to delivering business solutions with integrity and perpetually high quality control through intelligent support services. Greenbelt Resources subsidiary Diversified Ethanol Corporation™ provides end-to-end waste-to-ethanol solutions designed to establish a highly efficient installed network of customer-owned modular ethanol plants providing localized processing of locally generated waste into locally consumed ethanol. The company's ethanol plants are built around the award winning Butterfield Closed Cycle System™. Founded in 2001, Greenbelt Resources Corporation is a public company trading under the symbol GRCO.PK. For more information including how to contact the company, visit Greenbelt Resources on the web at http://www.blogger.com/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/OLKE4/www.greenbeltresources.com.

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Stepping Inside the Shoes of Medical/Healthcare CFO's- new challenges they face with proposed accounting changes

Mazuma Capital Company offers it's employees an extensive cross training program to become familiar with all aspects of the leasing industry.  Last week we had an accounting expert come in and discuss the proposed accounting changes, and how that will impact businesses and leasing experts. As a followup to our training I reached out to professionals in industries across the board.  Below is a summary of what challenges face CFO's in the medical/health care arena. I wanted to share his insights with you on the proposed accounting changes, and how they are preparing. I think it is critical for us to be thinking outside of the box on how to approach these CFO’s by understanding their mindset.  I hope you find it helpful…

Thanks for your questions regarding the proposed accounting changes, and how they will affect medical/health care purchases going forward.  Yes we have discussed the change concerning leases and how they will all be shown as Capital leases on the Balance sheet. It is a particular concern to us and other facilities like us that have large loans on their existing property and have to maintain Debt covenants per their loan documents. For example like Debt Service Coverage and Long term debt to capitalization. This will most definitely put expansions and additions planned for facilities on hold.  Being able to maintain certain grants and financial benefits through the government come to us by keeping facilities profitable.  By adding debt to our books, we will have to re-think our strategies to maintain these benefits we currently receive.

With that said we may have to look at delaying purchase of larger capital items and end up trying to pay cash for them. Smaller Capital items we will definitely pay cash.

Remember too that we operate several hundred Critical Access Hospitals (under 25 beds) that can take advantage of being reimbursed by Medicare at cost. Prospective payment hospitals cannot take advantage of that so it may even be more difficult for larger facilities when looking to purchase larger items, such as MRI and X-Ray machines.

Those are just a few of my thoughts.  We will be interested to see what leasing companies put together as an offering for facilities like ours.  Right now we are going with cash, but if there is a product that arises, I know that CFO’s all over the country will welcome it, if it can help the balance sheet.

Proposed Accounting Changes...What is next for businesses?

The big question looming over the proposed accounting changes, is how will big business deal with the disappearance of operating leases? 
I'm not an expert, however I can tell you a few things for certain. First, most companies lessors and lessees are hiring accountants with heavy international experience in real estate. Second, the financial accounting impact is not going to result in competitive disadvantage since all companies must comply. Third, there will be differences in the overall adjustments experienced depending on how mature the leases are with respect to tenant occupying the space.

The valuation topic will pick up more steam and perhaps the number of options to renew included in the original lease will be reduced, basically the leases may be written differently. Overall there will be more transparency as to financing strategy in companies who have chosen to lease all locations rather than invest in capital assets - the wirelesss telecom industry generally leases all tower locations or builds to suit on leased land. There are many discussion brewing within this industry regarding how to move froward with new tower locations.

Most important at this moment is to prepare the shareholders for drastic changes in reported numbers. Applying the proposed changes will mean putting most of your leased assets on balance sheet, which will result in changes of businesses financial performance indicators, such as ROI. It will also affect the structure of earnings statement, as the expenses will be moving lower in your income statement. It is also important that some bank covenants may be affected. The preparation for such changes requires careful management of expectations, from both, shareholders and banks.

Bottom line, business will adjust and continue on, still exercising the option to pay cash or lease. The leasing industry will continue to grow and evolve with the changes likely to be put into effect (Mid- 2011).  New products and offerings will still add value for businesses and will continue to be a great option to keep operating cash clear, as well

What will 2011 hold for Equipment Finance?

Looking towards 2011 we are asking a lot of questions.  What will the equipment leasing industry do, how will it adapt? Will Money Come Back into Equipment Finance?

We are already seeing a large number of banks bid aggressively for middle-market and larger small-ticket transactions. Some of the national banks have been going up to $250,000 and $300,000 on an application-only basis for bank customers on equipment and industry sectors they like.

There are a few new entrants into the small-ticket application-only market, including the broker market (on a selective basis). This trend will probably continue in 2011 and pricing will be very aggressive on quality transactions.

This is a mixed bag for syndicators of transactions. On one hand, there will be more sources of capital available. On the other hand, there may be a large rate differential between walking down the street to Wells Fargo and getting financed at 4% and selling a broker transaction with points - so the syndicator world will continue to be predominantly "B" and "C" deals, not true "A" deals.

Lots of Smaller Banks will Continue to Fail and Shed Assets
The FDIC will begin to press weaker banks to shed assets and shut down now that there is ample liquidity in the overall system. As such, we see opportunities to purchase portfolios and leasing companies from banks next year. There will, however, be lots of bidders for those assets.  In general, we will see greater separation of the "haves" and the "have nots" in the funding world and the "haves" are going to be buying market share.

What will 2011 Hold?
We are coming out of a very deep recession, and tangible recovery is only just begging. For many leasing companies it is still going to be a difficult year. Overall equipment demand - especially for small businesses - is still weak (even though it is better). There are just not enough good deals to go around.  The next year is going to require huge amounts of hard work to be profitable.

More Competitive
Even small leasing companies are in a world market. Large companies like GE, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, etc. are constantly investing in new technology. These companies do collections from India at a much lower cost than small companies in the US. The large companies are run by smart people who are out to crush us all (Yikes!). In 2011 this trend will continue (as it will in 2012 and 2013 and forever). You had better be ready to compete.  You had better add some value or you are done.

Banks Will Still Be Banks
Having said that large institutions and especially banks are going to continue to be big competitors, there is an opposite side of the coin. The banks are struggling with increased regulation (unlikely all of it will be repealed even with a Republican House) and they are generally not interested in small, complex areas of the economy. Thus, we see that value will continue to be added by focusing on the complex and focusing on "niche" markets.

People Will Wake Up to Accounting Change
Radical accounting changes are coming. The smaller the borrower the less effect the changes will have. However, it will open up real opportunity for lessors willing to take big residual risk in the future as companies will be interested in shedding liabilities from the balance sheet. We will be back to having lessors who are actually in the equipment business. Change will not likely come until 2013, but next year is only two years away!