10/15/2026
Most business equipment in America isn't bought outright.
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation estimates that about 57.7% of U.S. equipment and software investment in 2023 was financed rather than paid for in cash, with an even higher share among private-sector purchases specifically.
That makes financing the norm for how businesses acquire machinery, vehicles and technology, not an exception reserved for companies in a cash crunch.
With most equipment purchases financed rather than paid in cash, that approach helps preserve the working capital businesses need for payroll and inventory. When you're ready to add equipment, it's worth comparing financing terms the same way you'd compare any other business expense.