Core Insights - Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) has launched an industry-first program in collaboration with CFM International to extend the operational life of CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engines [1][2] - The program focuses on restoring core components of the engines instead of full disassembly, allowing for longer service life [2] - WLFC is the first commercial aircraft engine lessor to partner with the OEM for this initiative, demonstrating its commitment to extending engine lifecycles [2] Company Overview - WLFC specializes in leasing large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines and aircraft to various clients, including airlines and maintenance providers [4] - The company's services include engine and aircraft trading, asset management, and end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials [4] - WLFC operates through various service offerings, including Part 145 engine maintenance and ground handling services [4] Leadership Statements - The CEO of WLFC, Austin C. Willis, emphasized that the new program represents a significant evolution in engine asset management, aiming to provide high-quality products at reasonable prices [3] - CFM International's CEO, Gaël Méheust, noted that the partnership will enhance the reliability and longevity of CFM56 engines for WLFC's customers [3] Future Plans - WLFC has identified an initial group of engines for the program and plans to expand participation across additional assets over time [3]

COCONUT CREEK, Fla., Feb. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and a global provider of aviation services, today announced a purchase and leaseback agreement with Nauru Airlines (“Nauru”) for seven CFM56-7B engines. The agreement will provide Nauru with reliable ConstantThrust® support for the airline’s entire modern fleet of CFM56-7B engines powering Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 aircraft for s ...

Company Overview - Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) is a leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and a global provider of aviation services [1][3] - The company engages in leasing large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines and aircraft to various clients, including airlines and maintenance providers [3] Recent Appointment - Steven Bridgland has been appointed as Head of Investor Relations & Capital Markets for Willis Aviation Capital, the company's newly announced asset manager [1] - In his role, Bridgland will manage existing investor relationships, develop new ones, and support capital deployment efforts [1] Experience and Expertise - Bridgland brings over three decades of experience in equity and debt capital markets, investor relations, and aviation finance [2] - His previous roles include senior positions at Deucalion Aviation, DVB, RBC Capital Markets, and Greenwich NatWest, with a strong focus on structuring aviation funds and joint ventures [2] Leadership Statement - Brian R. Hole, Global Head of Managed Funds & Credit at WLFC, expressed excitement about Bridgland's appointment, highlighting his trustworthiness and integrity [3]

Core Viewpoint - Willis Lease Finance Corporation announced a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share, reflecting the strength of its business and commitment to long-term shareholder value [1][2]. Company Overview - Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) is a leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and provides global aviation services, including leasing large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines and aircraft to various stakeholders [3]. - The company's services are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools, asset management services, and end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials [3]. - WLFC also offers maintenance services through its subsidiaries, including Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, and ground handling services [3].

Company Overview - Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) is an independent aircraft engine leasing and servicing company, operating as a fully integrated aviation ecosystem with $3.4 billion in owned and managed assets [2] - Founded in 1985, the company is controlled by the Willis family, which holds approximately 60% of the business [3] - WLFC provides a range of services including leasing, engine repairs, used serviceable materials, end-of-life planning, airframe maintenance, and in-house consulting [2][3] Investment Thesis - The investment case for WLFC is based on two main pillars: lack of analyst coverage and minimal institutional ownership, leading to compressed valuation multiples despite strong fundamentals [4] - WLFC's stock has increased by approximately 300% year-to-date, yet it still trades at a significant discount compared to its closest peer, FTAI, despite having a larger engine fleet and broader service capabilities [4] - The company is well-positioned to benefit from industry tailwinds such as OEM delivery delays, next-generation engine durability issues, and a global shortage of MRO capacity, which have increased demand for spare engines and repairs [5] Financial Performance and Outlook - WLFC has experienced strong post-COVID growth in lease rents and maintenance reserves, with improving visibility and multiple catalysts for growth [6] - The author suggests that a rerating towards peer multiples could support a significant upside, with a base case price target near $300 [6] - The company's in-house repair centers and used serviceable materials inventory reduce reliance on external MROs and OEMs, lowering costs and improving turnaround times [5]

Core Viewpoint - The analysis indicates a cautious approach towards Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC), highlighting a preference for fundamental analysis and identifying investment opportunities that offer a favorable risk/reward trade-off [1]. Group 1: Company Overview - WLFC has been evaluated multiple times over the past few years, but the analyst has chosen not to invest due to the perceived discount to net asset value (NAV) compared to other investment options [1]. Group 2: Investment Strategy - The investment strategy employed includes fundamental analysis, focusing on individual issues and asset classes that are currently out of favor [1]. - The analyst utilizes options strategies, such as covered calls on overvalued companies and writing puts on stocks that are desired at lower prices [1].

Core Viewpoint - The analysis indicates a cautious approach towards Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC), highlighting a preference for fundamental analysis and identifying investment opportunities that offer a favorable risk/reward trade-off [1]. Group 1: Company Overview - Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) has been evaluated multiple times over the past few years, but the investment has been passed on due to perceived discounts to NAV compared to other investment options [1]. Group 2: Investment Strategy - The investment strategy employed includes fundamental analysis, focusing on individual issues and asset classes that are currently out of favor [1]. - Options strategies are utilized, such as covered calls on overvalued companies and writing puts on stocks that are desired at lower prices [1].

Core Viewpoint - Four Tree Island Advisory LLC expresses concerns about the material undervaluation of Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) shares and its significant underperformance compared to public comparables FTAI Aviation and AerCap [1][3] Group 1: Stockholder Communication and Engagement - The company seeks enhancements in stockholder communication, investment community engagement, and corporate governance [1] - Four Tree Island Advisory has made efforts to encourage improvements through private discussions and constructive research but has faced reluctance from WLFC to implement necessary changes [4] Group 2: Financial Performance and Valuation - WLFC experienced a -34% total shareholder return in 2025, significantly lagging behind FTAI Aviation and AerCap by approximately 72% and 85%, respectively [3] - The gap between WLFC's underlying value and its market valuation has expanded, leading to a belief that the company should trade at a materially higher valuation [2][3] Group 3: Call for Public Discussion - Four Tree Island Advisory believes it is time for a broader public discussion regarding WLFC's potential and the steps needed to realize it [4] - The advisory firm has released an open letter to the board to facilitate dialogue among stockholders and interested parties [5]

Core Viewpoint - Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) and Blackstone Credit & Insurance (BX) have formed a strategic partnership focused on aircraft engine leasing, planning to invest over $1 billion in the next two years in both current and next-generation aircraft engines and select aircraft [1] Group 1: Partnership Details - The partnership combines WLFC's expertise in aircraft engine leasing with Blackstone's extensive private credit capabilities, specifically targeting the engine asset class [1] - WLFC is recognized as a pioneer in aircraft engine leasing and is expanding its asset management platform [1] Group 2: Investment Strategy - WLFC has identified a seed portfolio and a near-term pipeline of high-quality engine assets that are expected to be integrated into the partnership, which will provide immediate scale and diversification across various engine types and airline customers globally [1]

Core Insights - The establishment of Willis Aviation Capital (WAC) aims to manage third-party assets and capital, generating recurring management fees and supporting balance sheet deleveraging for Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) [1][3] Group 1: Company Overview - WLFC is a leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and provides global aviation services, including leasing large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines and auxiliary power units [5] - The company integrates its leasing activities with end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. [5] Group 2: New Division and Partnerships - WAC will manage engine and aviation asset portfolios primarily funded by third-party capital, including partnerships with Blackstone Credit & Insurance ($1 billion) and Liberty Mutual Investments (up to $600 million) [3] - WAC will also oversee existing joint ventures with Mitsui & Co. and China Aviation Supplies Company, as well as select third-party aviation assets [3] Group 3: Leadership and Structure - Brian R. Hole has been appointed as Global Head of Managed Funds and Credit for WAC, bringing extensive experience from his previous roles at WLFC [4] - Dan Coulcher has been named Senior Vice President of Joint Ventures, reporting to Mr. Hole [4] Group 4: Strategic Goals - The WAC structure is designed to enhance WLFC's return profile and leverage the company's industry-leading leasing and services platform to attract partners [2][5] - The initiative aims to create durable income streams and recurring revenue from institutional funds and joint ventures, driving shareholder value [7]