Bridgend Asset Management Limited Renamed to Willis Mitsui & Co. Asset Management LimitedCOCONUT CREEK, Fla., June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), a leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and global provider of aviation services, announced today the successful close of its previously reported sale of Bridgend Asset Management Limited (“BAML”), its consultancy and advisory arm, to Willis Mitsui & Co. Engine Support Limited (“WMES” ...

Company Overview - RTX Corporation, formerly Raytheon Technologies, specializes in avionics, mission systems, and advanced defense technologies, including aircraft engines, air and missile defense, smart weapons, sensors, and cybersecurity tools [9] - The company has seen its stock reach all-time highs, outperforming the market with a year-to-date increase of over 28% [8] Financial Performance - RTX has a strong track record of exceeding earnings estimates, with a trailing four-quarter average earnings beat of 9.9% [11] - Analysts project a 4.2% increase in earnings for RTX in 2025, with expected revenues of $84.1 billion [11] - The company has a substantial backlog of $92 billion as of Q1, indicating solid revenue growth prospects for its defense business [12] Industry Context - RTX is part of the Zacks Aerospace – Defense industry group, which ranks in the top 28% out of approximately 250 industry groups, suggesting a favorable environment for defense stocks [10] - Defense stocks, such as RTX, are viewed as a means to mitigate volatility associated with geopolitical conflicts [16]

Future flight-testing targets 30% improved fuel efficiency for regional turbopropsPARIS, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney Canada announces a new milestone in the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator project, by testing the integrated propulsion system and batteries to full power. While ground testing of the hybrid-electric propulsion system continues in Longueuil, Quebec, Pratt & Whitney Canada has selected AeroTEC to support future flight testing of the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 experi ...

Core Insights - Advanced aerospace and defense technologies are increasingly attractive for investment due to a booming commercial aviation sector and rising global defense budgets amid intensifying threats [1] - Companies like RTX Corporation (RTX) and L3Harris Technologies (LHX) are well-positioned to benefit from growing demand in missile defense, cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and space systems [1] Company Profiles - RTX is recognized for advanced aircraft engines, missiles, radars, sensors, hypersonic, and space-based systems, while LHX specializes in tactical communication systems, ISR systems, space payloads, propulsion, and missile defense systems [2] - RTX has a diversified portfolio that includes a strong presence in commercial aviation, while LHX has divested its commercial aviation segment to focus on defense [9] Financials and Growth Catalysts - As of March 31, 2025, RTX reported $5.16 billion in cash and cash equivalents, with long-term debt of $38.24 billion and current debt of $3.06 billion, indicating strong short-term liquidity [4] - L3Harris, as of March 28, 2025, held only $0.22 billion in cash against long-term debt of $10.98 billion and current debt of $1.28 billion, reflecting limited financial flexibility [5] - The proposed 13% increase in the U.S. defense budget to $1.01 trillion for fiscal 2026 is expected to benefit both companies, particularly in space systems [6] - A $175 billion allocation for the Golden Dome missile defense system positions both companies to secure contracts, with LHX's HBTSS and RTX's AN/TPY-2 radar showcasing their technological advancements [7] Market Performance - RTX has underperformed LHX over the past three months, with RTX up 6.9% compared to LHX's 19.7%, but RTX has outperformed LHX over the past year with a 26.2% increase versus LHX's 7.2% [15] - RTX is trading at a forward earnings multiple of 21.22X, slightly below LHX's 21.53X, indicating a more attractive valuation for RTX [16] Challenges - Supply-chain disruptions and labor shortages pose significant challenges for both companies, with RTX potentially more adversely impacted due to its commercial aerospace exposure [10][11] - The aerospace-defense industry faces high turnover rates, with attrition among AIA members averaging 13%, which could affect operational efficiency for both RTX and LHX [12] Conclusion - RTX is considered a more compelling stock due to its diversified growth avenues, better earnings outlook, and attractive valuation despite its higher debt load [20][21]

Core Viewpoint - Willis Lease Finance Corporation has appointed Z. Clifton ("Clif") Dameron as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, succeeding Dean M. Poulakidas, who has stepped down to pursue other opportunities [1][2]. Company Overview - Willis Lease Finance Corporation is a leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and provides global aviation services, including leasing large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units, and aircraft to various clients worldwide [3]. - The company integrates its leasing activities with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools, and asset management services through Willis Asset Management Limited, along with end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials via Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. [3]. Leadership Transition - Clif Dameron joined WLFC in 2024 as a Senior Vice President and has a strong background in aviation and corporate law, having previously served as Chief Legal Officer at Carlyle Aviation Partners and held roles at other notable firms [2]. - Dameron expressed his commitment to building upon the achievements of his predecessor and emphasized the market opportunities ahead for WLFC [3].

COCONUT CREEK, Fla., May 08, 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 it has entered into an agreement to sell Bridgend Asset Management Limited, the consultancy and advisory arm of WLFC, to Willis Mitsui & Co. Engine Support Limited (“WMES”), its longstanding joint venture with Mitsui & Co., Ltd (“Mitsui”). This strategic move reflects WLFC’s ...