WSF remains committed to the aviation industry's transformation to a more sustainable future by investing in, developing and producing scalable solutions to decarbonize aviation. For more information on WSF, visit www.willissustainablefuels.com. COCONUT CREEK, Fla., March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ:WLFC) ("WLFC" or the "Company"), the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and global provider of aviation services, today announced that its subsidiary, Willis ...

Group 1 - The article discusses Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) and its stock performance, which was noted as unsatisfactory in the previous year [1] - The analysis is part of a broader investment research service focused on the aerospace, defense, and airline industries, aiming to identify investment opportunities [1] - The author emphasizes the importance of data-informed analysis in understanding the complex dynamics of the aerospace sector and its growth prospects [1] Group 2 - The investing group provides access to data analytics monitors, enhancing the ability to track industry developments and their potential impact on investment strategies [1]

COCONUT CREEK, Fla., March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Air India Express ("AIX"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India, has signed definitive engine sale and leaseback agreements with Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ:WLFC) ("WLFC" or the "Company") for 26 CFM56-7B engines installed on 13 of its Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The engines will be covered under WLFC's ConstantThrust® program providing enhanced reliability and significant cost savings compared to traditional MRO shop visits. This program i ...

COCONUT CREEK, Fla., March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Air India Express (“AIX”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India, has signed definitive engine sale and leaseback agreements with Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”) for 26 CFM56-7B engines installed on 13 of its Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The engines will be covered under WLFC’s ConstantThrust® program providing enhanced reliability and significant cost savings compared to traditional MRO shop visits. This program ...

Core Viewpoint - Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) has announced a joint venture with Global Engine Maintenance (GEM) to establish Willis Global Engine Testing (WGET), aimed at addressing the shortage of engine test cell facilities in North America [1][2][3] Company Overview - WLFC is a leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and provides aviation services globally, including leasing large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units, and aircraft [4] - GEM specializes in CFM56 engine overhauls and offers a range of maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, emphasizing flexibility and rapid turnaround times [6] Joint Venture Details - The joint venture, WGET, will build an engine test cell facility in West Palm Beach, Florida, initially servicing CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engines, with plans to accommodate newer generation engines in the future [3] - The facility aims to improve turnaround times for engine servicing, benefiting WLFC, GEM, and third-party customers [3] Market Context - There is a significant shortage of engine test cell facilities in North America, which has been hindering the efficiency of returning engines to service [2][3] - The collaboration between WLFC and GEM combines their respective expertise to enhance service offerings in the global engine MRO market [3]

Liquidity and Financial Flexibility - The company requires sufficient liquidity to meet operational obligations and maintain flexibility, with restricted cash unavailable for general corporate purposes [131]. - The company’s assets are largely pledged to creditors, which may limit financial flexibility and recovery options in adverse situations [150]. - As of December 31, 2024, the company was in compliance with financial covenants for the WEST facilities, but future compliance is uncertain [160]. - The company has $914.9 million of outstanding variable rate debt, with an estimated $4.9 million increase in annual interest expense for every 1% rise in interest rates [244]. Revenue and Market Risks - Approximately 69% of the company's lease rent revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024, was generated from foreign customers, exposing it to international regulatory risks [134]. - 69% of total lease rent revenues in 2024 came from non-U.S. domiciled lessees, which poses currency devaluation risk [246]. - The company faces risks related to geopolitical and economic conditions in the Asia-Pacific and European regions, which could affect lessees' ability to meet obligations [138]. - The company is subject to intense competition from larger firms with greater resources, which could adversely affect revenues and market position [146][148]. Operational and Expansion Risks - Future acquisitions or expansions may involve additional debt and operational risks, impacting financial stability [152]. - The company may struggle to manage operational expansion effectively, which could adversely affect financial results and cash flows [151]. - Management's focus may be diverted due to potential acquisitions, leading to risks such as unanticipated costs and loss of key employees [161]. Cost and Pricing Pressures - Inflationary pressures have increased costs of labor and goods, potentially reducing profit margins if price increases do not keep pace with inflation [132]. - Substantially all leases require payments in U.S. dollars, which may pose risks if foreign currencies devalue against the dollar, affecting lessees' ability to pay [136]. - The company’s lease rates may be adjusted based on market rates, affecting operating margins due to interest costs [244]. Governance and Control - The company has a significant concentration of ownership, with one principal stockholder controlling approximately 42% of the common stock, potentially impacting decision-making and stock price [156]. - The company’s amended charter requires an 80% super majority vote for certain acquisitions, complicating potential changes in control [163]. - The rights agreement with Development Bank of Japan Inc. could discourage mergers or proxy contests [163]. Servicing and Administrative Risks - The company receives monthly fees of 11.5% as servicer and 2.0% as administrative agent for the WEST facilities, with 8.0% for WWFL engines [159]. - The company may face increased expenses if removed as servicer or administrative agent, impacting financial condition and cash flows [160]. - Hedging activities are employed to protect against interest rate fluctuations, but may limit benefits from decreasing rates [245].

Willis Lease Finance (WLFC) Q4 2024 Earnings Call March 10, 2025 05:32 PM ET Company Participants Austin Willis - CEOScott Flaherty - Executive VP & CFOEric Gregg - Founder and PrincipalWilliam Waller - Portfolio Manager Conference Call Participants Louis Raffetto - Research AnalystNone - AnalystSergey Glinyanov - Investment Research Analyst Austin Willis you. Willis has historically been a company of industry first. In the early 1980s, Charlie Willis created the first independent engine leasing platform. I ...

Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ:WLFC) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call March 10, 2025 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Austin Willis - Chief Executive Officer Scott Flaherty - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Louis Raffetto - Wolfe Research Eric Gregg - Four Tree Island Advisory Sergey Glinyanov - Freedom Broker William Waller - M3F, Inc. Operator Good day, and welcome to the Willis Lease Finance Corporation Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Call. Today's conference is being recorded ...

Financial Performance - The company reported record total revenues of $569.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, a 36.0% increase from $418.6 million in 2023[1] - Pre-tax income reached $152.6 million in 2024, up 127.4% compared to $67.1 million in 2023[2] - Core lease rent and maintenance reserve revenues were at an all-time high of $452.1 million, reflecting a 30.4% increase from $346.8 million in 2023[1] - Lease rent revenue increased by $25.1 million, or 11.8%, to a record $238.2 million in 2024[2] - Maintenance reserve revenue was $213.9 million, a 60.0% increase from $133.7 million in 2023[2] - Diluted weighted average income per common share was $15.34 for 2024, compared to $6.23 in 2023[2] - Spare parts and equipment sales increased to $27.1 million in 2024, reflecting a 33.1% increase from $20.4 million in 2023[2] Asset and Liquidity Management - The book value of lease assets increased to $2,872.3 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $2,223.4 million as of December 31, 2023[3] - The company refinanced and expanded its credit facility to $1.0 billion in October 2024, enhancing liquidity for growth[2] Dividends - The company declared and paid a recurring quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share in February 2025, marking its third consecutive dividend[2]

Core Insights - Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) reported record annual total revenues of $569.2 million and pre-tax income of $152.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, marking a significant increase from the previous year [1][3] - The growth in revenues was primarily driven by core lease rent and maintenance reserve revenues, which reached an all-time high of $452.1 million, up 30.4% from $346.8 million in 2023 [1][3] Financial Performance - Pre-tax income increased by 127.4% to $152.6 million in 2024, compared to $67.1 million in 2023 [3][9] - Lease rent revenue rose by 11.8% to $238.2 million in 2024, up from $213.1 million in 2023 [3][7] - Maintenance reserve revenue reached $213.9 million, a 60.0% increase from $133.7 million in 2023, reflecting the growth in the lease portfolio [3][7] - Spare parts and equipment sales increased to $27.1 million in 2024, compared to $20.4 million in 2023, driven by demand for surplus materials [3][7] Asset and Equity Growth - The company's lease portfolio value increased to $2,872.3 million as of December 31, 2024, up from $2,223.4 million in 2023 [3][4] - The book value of lease assets, including joint ventures, rose to $3,238.4 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $2,495.4 million in 2023 [3][4] - Diluted weighted average income per common share was $15.34 for 2024, compared to $6.23 in 2023 [3][9] - The company declared and paid a recurring quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share in November 2024 and February 2025 [3][10] Strategic Initiatives - The company leveraged strong earnings to reinvest nearly $1 billion in high-demand engines and aircraft, reflecting its ability to maximize asset value [2] - In October 2024, WLFC refinanced and expanded its credit facility from $500 million to a new five-year, $1.0 billion facility, enhancing liquidity for continued growth [3][10]