Core Points - Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring (CAL&F) has completed the acquisition of 100% of Merca Leasing, enhancing its position in the German leasing market [2][3] - The acquisition aligns with CAL&F's development strategy and aims to accelerate growth in the dynamic German leasing sector [2][5] - Merca Leasing, founded in 1989, is one of the top ten independent leasing companies in Germany, specializing in tailored leasing solutions for SMEs [4][10] Company Overview - CAL&F is a subsidiary of the Crédit Agricole group and has been a significant player in leasing and factoring for over 60 years [8] - The company operates in 10 European countries, providing specialized financing and responsible mobility solutions to a diverse customer base [9] - Key figures for CAL&F at the end of 2024 include 260,400 customers, 2,769 employees, and €34 billion in outstandings [10] Merca Leasing Overview - Merca Leasing focuses on financing business-critical movable equipment, particularly production machinery [11] - The company reported new sales of €309 million and actual outstandings of €472 million at the end of 2024 [12]

Core Insights - Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) shares have declined 9.5% since reporting earnings for Q1 2025, underperforming the S&P 500 index which dipped only 0.2% during the same period [1] - The company reported a net income of $2.21 per share for Q1 2025, down from $3.00 per share in Q1 2024, despite achieving record revenues of $157.7 million, a 32.5% increase from $119.1 million in the prior year [2][3] - Net income attributable to common shareholders fell 22.5% to $15.5 million from $20 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to increased operating and finance costs [2] Revenue and Operating Highlights - Lease rent revenue increased by 28.1% year over year to $67.7 million, while maintenance reserve revenues rose 25% to $54.9 million, contributing to a total of $122.6 million in core recurring revenues, up from $96.8 million a year earlier [3] - Spare parts and equipment sales surged to $18.2 million from $3.3 million, partly due to a one-time $7 million transaction [3] - Interest revenues climbed 73.4% to $3.9 million, but gains on the sale of leased equipment dropped 51.8% to $4.4 million due to fewer profitable asset dispositions [3] Cost and Expense Analysis - Total expenses rose 45.7% year over year to $133.8 million, driven by a 61.3% increase in general and administrative costs to $47.7 million, largely due to consulting fees for the sustainable aviation fuel initiative [4] - Interest expense surged nearly 40% year over year to $32.1 million, reflecting higher debt levels and cost of capital [6] - Costs related to spare parts and equipment sales grew more than sixfold to $15.3 million, contributing to a 19.2% drop in net income [6] Management Commentary - CEO Austin Willis highlighted the company's strategic positioning within a recovering aviation industry, emphasizing confidence in long-term fundamentals despite market volatility [5] - The high cost of new engines is reinforcing leasing demand, with WLFC's maintenance and leasing solutions providing value to cost-conscious airlines [5] Other Developments - During the quarter, WLFC recorded $2.2 million in equipment sales related to one engine and $4.4 million in gains from the sale of seven engines and one airframe [7] - The company declared a second-quarter dividend of 25 cents per share, payable on May 22, 2025 [7]