COCONUT CREEK, Fla., Jan. 06, 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 the establishment of Willis Aviation Capital (“WAC”), a new division that will focus on the management of third-party assets and capital through discretionary funds. WLFC will manage engine and aviation asset portfolios primarily funded by third-party capital. The platfor ...

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]

Core Insights - Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) has appointed David Hooke as Senior Vice President of Mergers & Acquisitions to enhance its global strategy and portfolio growth [1][2][3] Company Overview - WLFC is a leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and provides a range of aviation services, including leasing large and regional spare engines, auxiliary power units, and aircraft to various clients worldwide [6] - The company integrates its leasing activities with end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. [6] Leadership and Experience - David Hooke brings over a decade of investment banking experience from Bank of America, where he served as Managing Director, advising on mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, and capital markets transactions [3] - Hooke has a military background as a KC-130J Aircraft Commander in the United States Marine Corps, where he held various leadership roles [4][5] Strategic Goals - The appointment of Hooke is aimed at accelerating growth through strategic acquisitions and partnerships that will strengthen WLFC's global platform [2][3]

Core Insights - Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) reported a quarterly pre-tax income of $43.2 million and total revenue of $183.4 million for Q3 2025, reflecting a 25.4% increase compared to Q3 2024 [1][5] - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share, up from $0.25 per share, to be paid on November 26, 2025 [1] Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q3 2025 was $183.4 million, a 25.4% increase from $146.2 million in Q3 2024 [2][3] - Core lease rent and maintenance reserve revenues reached $152.6 million, up 33.1% from $114.7 million in the same period last year [2][3] - Lease rent revenue increased by $11.6 million, or 17.9%, to $76.6 million compared to $64.9 million in Q3 2024 [4][5] - Maintenance reserve revenue saw a significant increase of 52.8%, reaching $76.1 million [5][14] - The company recognized $29.5 million in long-term maintenance revenue, a substantial rise from $1.2 million in Q3 2024 [6] Operational Highlights - The gain on the sale of leased equipment was $16.1 million, reflecting the sale of 10 engines and other parts, compared to a gain of $9.5 million from 13 engines sold in Q3 2024 [7] - The lease portfolio's book value was $3,302.6 million as of September 30, 2025 [8] - The lease portfolio consisted of $2,888.5 million in assets, including 354 engines and 20 aircraft [9] Market Context - The growth in revenue was primarily driven by the strong aviation marketplace, as airlines utilized WLFC's extensive portfolio of in-demand engines and maintenance capabilities [2][4] - The company’s CEO highlighted that the cost of new engines continues to drive demand for their leasing model [4]

Core Viewpoint - Willis Lease Finance Corporation announced a new $750 million revolving credit facility for its joint venture, Willis Mitsui & Co. Engine Support Limited, enhancing financial flexibility and supporting strategic growth initiatives [1][2][3]. Group 1: Credit Facility Details - The new credit facility is a five-year revolving credit agreement, available until October 31, 2030, with the option for WMES to request an extension [2]. - Proceeds from the credit facility can be utilized for general corporate purposes, with loans bearing interest based on a floating rate (Term SOFR) plus a margin [2]. Group 2: Company Background and Operations - Willis Lease Finance Corporation is a leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and provides various aviation services, including engine and aircraft leasing, trading, and asset management [4]. - The company operates through several service offerings, including engine maintenance, aircraft disassembly, and sustainable fuel projects aimed at decarbonizing aviation [4]. Group 3: Management Statements - The Treasurer of WLFC expressed satisfaction with the completion of the credit facility, highlighting the confidence of lenders in the joint venture [3]. - The Chairperson of WMES emphasized the importance of the credit agreement in capitalizing on new opportunities following a recent acquisition [3].

Core Viewpoint - Willis Lease Finance Corporation will release its financial results for Q3 2025 on November 4, 2025, before market opening, followed by a conference call with executive management [1]. 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 aviation stakeholders [3]. - The company integrates its leasing activities with end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. [3]. - Service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO, and ground and cargo handling services [3]. - Willis Sustainable Fuels aims to develop projects to decarbonize aviation [3]. Conference Call Details - The conference call will take place on November 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, with dial-in numbers provided for U.S., Canada, and international participants [2]. - A digital replay of the conference call will be available two hours after its completion on the company's website [2].

Core Insights - Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) has appointed Pascal Picano as Senior Vice President of Aircraft Leasing & Trading to enhance its aircraft leasing portfolio and support investment in next-generation aviation assets [1][3][4] Company Overview - WLFC 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 aviation stakeholders [5] - The company integrates its leasing activities with end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. [5] Leadership Changes - Pascal Picano will report directly to CEO Austin C. Willis and collaborate with Marc Pierpoint, Senior Vice President, Head of Trading & Investments, to drive growth in WLFC's portfolio [2][3] - Picano brings over 25 years of experience in aviation finance, specializing in aircraft acquisition, leasing, and capital raising, having held senior roles at Avia Solutions Group and Carlyle Aviation Partners [4]

Core Insights - The company reported record pre-tax income of $74.3 million and record quarterly revenue of $195.5 million for Q2 2025, marking a 29.4% increase from $151.1 million in Q2 2024 [1][3][8] Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q2 2025 was $195.5 million, up 29.4% from $151.1 million in Q2 2024 [3][8] - Core lease rent and maintenance reserve revenues totaled $123.0 million, a 4% increase from $118.8 million in the same period last year [3] - Lease rent revenue reached $72.3 million, reflecting a 29.4% increase [8] - Maintenance reserve revenue was strong at $50.7 million, with short-term recurring maintenance reserve revenue up 9.5% [8] - Spare parts and equipment sales surged to $30.4 million, a significant increase from $6.2 million in Q2 2024, representing a 390.7% growth [5][8] Operational Highlights - The company generated $50.2 million in short-term maintenance revenues from engines on lease with "non-reimbursable" usage fees, up 9.5% from $45.9 million in Q2 2024 [4] - The gain on sale of leased equipment was $27.6 million, compared to $14.4 million in Q2 2024, marking a 91.2% increase [6][8] - The company sold its UK aviation consultancy business, Bridgend Asset Management Limited, to its WMES joint venture, resulting in a gain of approximately $43.0 million [7][8] Balance Sheet Overview - As of June 30, 2025, the company's lease portfolio was valued at $2,830.0 million, with total assets amounting to $3,946.4 million [8][16][17] - The company reported total liabilities of $3,265.2 million, with debt obligations at $2,800.6 million [17] - Shareholders' equity stood at $617.9 million, an increase from $549.3 million at the end of 2024 [17]

Core Points - Willis Lease Finance Corporation will release its financial results for Q2 2025 on August 5, 2025, before market opens [1] - A conference call will be hosted by the executive management team on the same day at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time [1] Company Overview - Willis Lease Finance Corporation is a leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and provides global aviation services [3] - The company leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units, and aircraft to various clients including airlines and maintenance providers [3] - Its services include engine maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking, storage, and ground handling services [3] - Willis Sustainable Fuels aims to develop projects to decarbonize aviation [3]

Core Insights - Willis Lease Finance Corporation has successfully closed the sale of Bridgend Asset Management Limited to Willis Mitsui & Co. Engine Support Limited, leading to the renaming of BAML to Willis Mitsui & Co. Asset Management Limited [1][2] - The transaction aims to enhance the capabilities and efficiency of the WMES platform by integrating technical consultancy and records management services [3] - The joint venture WMES, established in 2011, currently manages assets worth approximately $380 million, with expectations for growth due to expanded service offerings [3] Company Developments - The sale marks a significant milestone for WLFC and its partnership with Mitsui, indicating a step towards closer collaboration and growth within the joint venture [4] - WLFC retains a 50% ownership stake in WMES and plans to leverage its services to support leasing operations while focusing on strategic initiatives to expand its aviation portfolio [4] Industry Context - The integration of consultancy and advisory services into WMES is positioned to better meet the growing demands of the global aviation market, solidifying the joint venture's role in delivering comprehensive engine-related services [4]