Air Lease (AL) ZACKS·2025-04-08 18:15Company Overview - Air Lease Corporation (AL) reported its aircraft investments, sales, and financing activities for Q1 2025, with a fleet comprising 487 owned and 57 managed aircraft as of March 31, 2025 [1] - The company has commitments to purchase 255 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus for delivery through 2029 [1] Investment and Sales Activity - In Q1 2025, AL delivered 14 new aircraft, including four Airbus A220s, eight Boeing 737-8s, one Boeing 737-9, and one Boeing 787-10, and sold 16 aircraft to third-party buyers [2] - Total aircraft investments in Q1 2025 amounted to $800 million, primarily occurring in the latter half of March [2] - The company noted that steady fleet growth and increased sales activity are driving top-line growth [2] Earnings Outlook - AL is expected to release its Q1 2025 earnings report on May 5, after market close, following the positive fleet numbers reported [3] Market Position - Air Lease currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [4] - Investors in the Zacks Transportation sector may also consider Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) and Expeditors International of Washington (EXPD) as alternative investment options [5] Competitor Analysis - ATSG has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) with an expected earnings growth rate of 31% for the current year and a consistent earnings surprise history [6][7] - EXPD also carries a Zacks Rank of 2, with a 2.2% upward revision in the earnings consensus estimate for 2025 and a strong earnings surprise track record [8]