Air Lease (US:AL) ZACKSยท2025-05-06 19:05Core Viewpoint - Air Lease Corporation (AL) reported strong first-quarter 2025 results, with earnings and revenues exceeding expectations, driven by increased rental revenues and aircraft sales, despite higher interest expenses [1][2]. Financial Performance - Quarterly earnings per share (EPS) reached $1.51, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.24, marking a 15.3% year-over-year improvement [1]. - Total revenues amounted to $738.3 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $710.8 million, and grew 11.3% year over year [2]. Revenue Breakdown - Revenues from the rental of flight equipment increased by 5% year over year to $645 million, attributed to fleet growth, although offset by a $12.7 million decrease in end-of-lease revenue [4]. - Revenues from aircraft sales, trading, and other sources surged by 90% year over year to $93 million, driven by heightened sales activity, including $61 million in gains from the sale of 16 aircraft [4]. Operating Expenses and Financial Position - Operating expenses rose by 13.4% year over year to $598.6 million [5]. - As of March 31, 2025, Air Lease owned 487 aircraft with a net book value of $28.6 billion, and the total fleet size was 804 [5]. - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the first quarter were $456.62 million, down from $472.55 million in the previous quarter, while debt financing decreased to $19.8 billion from $20.2 billion [6]. Management Commentary - The CEO highlighted a strong quarter characterized by fleet expansion, significant sales gains, and insurance settlements related to aircraft in Russia, while noting no aircraft deliveries to countries with reciprocal tariffs [3]. - The company continues to benefit from robust global aircraft demand amid significant supply constraints [3].