Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC)

In the past six months, WLFC's stock price has grown 35.3%, outperforming the industry's 21.8% growth. In March 2026, Willis Lease Finance's stock price target was increased by 18.75% to $193.80, the company reported record 2025 results, an insider sold shares, the company amended and extended its revolving credit facility, and closed two JOLCO financings. In February 2026, WLFC launched Willis Module Shop and partnered with CFM International. In January 2026, WLFC formed a strategic aircraft engine leasing partnership with Blackstone Credit & Insurance and announced a partnership with Liberty Mutual Investments. In November 2025, WLFC reported strong Q3 2025 results and reaffirmed its commitment to exercise options for CFM International LEAP spare engines.

The demand for aircraft leasing, particularly wet leasing, is influenced by seasonality, with airlines utilizing it to manage seasonal demand fluctuations. Dry leasing is generally not as impacted by short-term seasonal passenger travel habits, but rather by longer cycles. The broader aircraft leasing market is expected to grow due to changing tourism patterns and airlines' need for operational flexibility.

Willis Lease Finance Corp. (WLFC) specializes in leasing and supporting commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units, and aircraft. The company acquires and leases commercial aircraft engines, aircraft, and related aviation equipment under operating leases. It integrates its activities with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools, and comprehensive asset management services. WLFC also provides end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials and offers engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. The company operates through two main segments: Leasing and Related Operations, and Spare Parts Sales. Willis Lease Finance Corporation also has a focus on sustainable aviation, with Willis Sustainable Fuels intending to develop projects to decarbonize aviation.

Willis Lease Finance Corp. serves customers in over 120 countries worldwide, with the majority of lease rent revenue coming from the United States, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. The company is headquartered in Coconut Creek, Florida, with a technical service office in San Diego, California, and facilities at Teesside International Airport in the UK.

Willis Lease Finance Corporation is recognized as a long-established industry leader with a trusted reputation and global footprint. The company has been a pioneer and provider of aviation services for over 45 years. In March 2026, news surfaced about the Willis Lease Finance Board being investigated for breaches of fiduciary duties over executive compensation, which could potentially affect public perception.

Willis Lease Finance Corp. has a mixed ownership structure comprising institutional, retail, and individual investors. Approximately 26.21% to 44.52% of the company's stock is owned by institutional investors, while insiders hold around 63.42%. Major institutional owners include M3F, Inc., Dimensional Fund Advisors Lp, BlackRock, Inc., Renaissance Technologies Llc, and Vanguard Group Inc. Key individual owners include Charles F. Willis IV and Austin C. Willis.