Air Lease Corporation Class A (AL)

Air Lease Corp. stock has been impacted by news of its impending acquisition by a consortium including Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo, and Brookfield, expected to close by Q1 2026. Stockholders approved the merger on December 18, 2025. Q3 2025 results were reported on November 3, 2025, with non-GAAP EPS of $1.29, surpassing estimates, though revenue missed expectations. A Q4 2025 activity update on January 8, 2026, detailed the delivery of 10 new aircraft and the sale of 23 aircraft. Analyst sentiment is mixed, with a consensus "Hold" rating. Insider selling has been observed. The stock has shown strong performance, trading near its 52-week high in early February 2026 and surging 38.81% over the past year.

While specific demand seasonality is not detailed, Air Lease's long-term leasing strategy aims to generate stable rental income, insulating it from short-term seasonal fluctuations. Overall trends in air travel demand, airline capacity expansion, and fleet renewal cycles are key drivers for long-term demand. Supplier issues impacting aircraft deliveries positively influence companies like Air Lease amidst recovering post-pandemic demand, indicating strong underlying demand for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.

Air Lease Corporation (AL) is an American aircraft leasing company that purchases new commercial jet aircraft from manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus and leases them to airlines globally. The company also sells aircraft and offers fleet management services. As of March 2024, ALC owned 472 aircraft with 320 on order, and by December 31, 2025, its fleet included 490 owned and 45 managed aircraft, with 218 new aircraft on order through 2031.

Air Lease Corporation is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and has a global presence, leasing aircraft to airlines in regions including Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, Central America, South America, the United States, and Canada. The company serves over 90 airlines in more than 50 countries, and as of December 31, 2021, it had relationships with over 200 airlines in 70 countries. It also has offices in Dublin, Singapore, and Toulouse.

Air Lease Corporation has maintained a strong brand reputation due to its transparency, credit discipline, and customer service. Robust air travel demand and a focus on a young, fuel-efficient fleet drive strong lease rates and revenue growth. Strategic capital allocation and conservative financial management support consistent earnings growth. Aircraft supply shortages and rising air travel demand strengthen Air Lease's position. The pending acquisition validates the company's business model. However, some analysts express caution regarding future earnings growth due to the unlikelihood of recurring insurance recoveries and potential disappointment regarding future RoTCE prospects.

Air Lease Corporation has high institutional ownership, with 94.59% of its stock held by institutions including BlackRock, Inc. and Vanguard Group Inc. Individual ownership by insiders accounts for 6.64% of the stock, with key individual owners including Steven F. Udvar-Házy and John L. Plueger.