COCONUT CREEK, Fla., March 30, 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 that it has amended and extended its existing revolving credit facility, increasing total commitments from $1.0 billion to $1.75 billion and extending the maturity to April of 2031. The amended facility was oversubscribed, with approximately $1.0 billion in excess lender ...

Core Insights - The company reported record pre-tax income of $160.6 million and record revenue of $730.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, reflecting a significant growth compared to 2024 [1][6]. Financial Performance - Total revenue increased by 28.3% to $730.2 million in 2025 from $569.2 million in 2024 [1][6]. - Core lease rent and maintenance reserve revenues reached $523.6 million, up 15.8% from $452.1 million in 2024, driven by strong demand in the aviation marketplace [1][6]. - Lease rent revenue rose by $53.4 million, or 22.4%, to $291.6 million in 2025 from $238.2 million in 2024, attributed to a larger portfolio and increased utilization [2][6]. - Maintenance reserve revenue increased by $18.1 million, or 8.4%, to $232.0 million for 2025 from $213.9 million for 2024 [3][6]. - Spare parts and equipment sales surged by $68.4 million, or 252.3%, to $95.5 million compared to $27.1 million for 2024, reflecting high demand for surplus materials [4][6]. - The gain on sale of leased equipment was $54.0 million in 2025, an increase of 19.9% from $45.1 million in 2024 [5][6]. Operational Metrics - Average portfolio utilization improved to 84.9% in 2025 from 82.9% in 2024 [6]. - The book value of lease assets was $3,614.5 million as of December 31, 2025 [7]. Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Adjusted EBITDA for 2025 was approximately $459.1 million, up 16.6% from $393.7 million in 2024 [11][10].

Core Insights - Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) has appointed Marilyn Gan as Head of Origination for Asia Pacific, aiming to enhance its origination efforts in the region [1][3] Company Overview - WLFC is a leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and provides a range of aviation services globally, including leasing large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines and aircraft to various stakeholders [4] - The company integrates its leasing activities with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools, asset management services, and end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials [4] Leadership and Experience - Marilyn Gan has extensive experience in aviation finance, having previously served as Head of Asia Pacific at Vmo Aircraft Leasing and held senior roles at MUFG and DVB Bank SE [2][3] - Her background includes a strong focus on structuring debt and equity transactions and building strategic partnerships within the aviation industry [1][2] Strategic Goals - Marilyn Gan expressed enthusiasm about joining WLFC at a pivotal stage, emphasizing the intention to expand the company's presence and deepen customer partnerships while delivering innovative solutions in the aviation sector [4]

Company Overview - GE Aerospace, based in Evendale, Ohio, is a global leader in aircraft propulsion, avionics, and aviation services, with a market cap of $355.4 billion [1] - The company operates through two main segments: Commercial Engines and Services, and Defense and Propulsion Technologies [1] Market Position - GE Aerospace is categorized as a "mega-cap stock" due to its market cap exceeding $200 billion, indicating its substantial size and influence in the aerospace and defense industry [2] - The company's competitive advantage lies in its long-term revenue from jet engines, which create a recurring cash flow through certified parts, proprietary maintenance, and service contracts [2] Stock Performance - GE stock reached a 52-week high of $346.80 recently and has gained 17.5% over the past three months, although it has underperformed compared to the State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR), which gained 26.5% in the same period [3] - Year-to-date, GE Aerospace's stock has climbed 12.2% and 73.9% over the past year, but still lags behind XAR's 17.3% increase in 2026 and 75% over the last 52 weeks [4] Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, GE reported an 18% year-over-year revenue increase to $12.7 billion, with adjusted EPS growing 19% to $1.57, both exceeding expectations [6] - Orders surged by 74% to $27 billion, indicating strong demand for commercial engines and high-margin aftermarket services [6]

Core Viewpoint - Bristow Group Inc. has appointed Anne Rappold as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, effective immediately, following her role as Acting Chief Legal Officer since August 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Leadership Appointment - Anne Rappold has been recognized for her exceptional guidance in the Legal and Government Affairs organization, supporting Bristow's global operations [2]. - Rappold will continue to oversee the Company's legal, compliance, and government affairs activities, collaborating closely with the executive leadership team to support strategic priorities [2]. Group 2: Background of Anne Rappold - Rappold joined Bristow in June 2023 as Deputy General Counsel, Americas and Global Risk Management [3]. - Prior to Bristow, she served as Vice President of Government Affairs, Risk & Compliance at Freeport LNG and practiced insurance defense law in New Orleans [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Bristow Group Inc. is a leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, primarily serving offshore energy companies and government entities [4]. - The Company offers a range of aviation services, including personnel transportation, search and rescue, medevac, fixed-wing transportation, unmanned systems, and ad hoc helicopter services [4]. - Bristow's customers are located in various countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, and the United States, among others [5].

Company Overview - Garmin is a diversified company involved in various sectors including aviation services, marine electronics, automotive equipment, and wearables, not just fitness and GPS [2] - The company reported record revenue of $6.3 billion for fiscal year 2024, marking a 20% increase, with all five business segments achieving all-time highs [3] Financial Performance - Operating income for Garmin surged 46% to $1.59 billion, indicating strong financial health [3] - In Q3 2025, the fitness segment revenue increased by 30%, while the outdoor segment generated $498 million, despite a 5% decline due to previous year's product launches [4] - Garmin raised its revenue guidance for the full year to $7.1 billion, reflecting robust growth across its segments [4] Upcoming Earnings Report - Wall Street anticipates Garmin to report Q4 2025 earnings of $2.39 per share on revenue of approximately $2.01 billion, representing a 10.4% year-over-year increase [6] - The stock is currently trading around $205, significantly below its 52-week high of $261.69, and has a market cap of $39 billion [7] Investment Considerations - The price-to-earnings ratio stands at 23, with earnings growth projected at 11%, suggesting a fair valuation for consistent growth [9] - Caution is advised when buying stocks before earnings reports, as seen in October when Garmin's stock dropped 11.5% after missing revenue estimates by a small margin [8] - A strategy of partial investment now, with additional purchases if the stock dips post-report, is recommended for long-term investors [10][11]

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].

Core Insights - Berkshire Hathaway's Service and Retailing operations are crucial for its long-term growth strategy, significantly contributing to revenues, earnings stability, and diversification [1][4] Group 1: Service and Retailing Operations - The service group includes various businesses such as NetJets, FlightSafety, TTI, Dairy Queen, XTRA, CORT, Charter Brokerage, Business Wire, IPS-Integrated Project Services, and WPLG [2] - The service sub-segment contributes approximately 13-15% to total revenues and about 48% to segment earnings, with revenues showing continuous improvement despite fluctuations in earnings [3][8] - Service businesses benefit from recurring demand and long-term contracts, providing predictable cash flows and enhancing customer relationships, which supports reinvestment and disciplined acquisitions [4][8] Group 2: Competitive Position and Market Performance - Berkshire Hathaway's shares (BRK.B) have gained 12.6% over the past year, outperforming the industry [7] - The company trades at a price-to-book value ratio of 1.54, slightly above the industry average of 1.49, indicating a relatively expensive valuation [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BRK.B's EPS for the fourth quarter of 2025 and first quarter of 2026 has remained unchanged, with revenue estimates indicating year-over-year increases while EPS estimates show a decline [11][12]

Investment Partnership Announcement - Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) has closed an investment partnership with Liberty Mutual Investments (LMI) to invest up to $600 million to support WLFC's credit strategy [1] - The partnership is backed by a warehouse debt facility from Bank of America N.A. and will focus on loan and loan-like engine financings, a sector WLFC pioneered in 2021 [1] Strategic Goals and Expertise - WLFC aims to accelerate the growth of its asset management business through this partnership, leveraging LMI's long-term capital and sector expertise [2] - LMI's investment emphasizes its capability to provide comprehensive financing solutions and support strong business growth in aviation finance [3] Company Overview - WLFC specializes in leasing commercial aircraft engines and related services, including maintenance and end-of-life solutions for aviation materials [4] - The company also aims to develop projects to decarbonize aviation through its Willis Sustainable Fuels initiative [4] Liberty Mutual Investments Overview - LMI is the investment arm of Liberty Mutual Group, managing over $117 billion in long-term capital globally, focusing on building enduring businesses and driving economic growth [5]