Key Points
- Chairman Charles Iv Willis sold 19,300 shares of Willis Lease Finance at an average price of $55.87, generating approximately $1.08 million. He retained 2,565,643 shares, representing a 0.75% reduction in his position.
- WLFC shares opened at $55.09 after falling 4.1%; the stock trades below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages and has a 12-month range of $38.00 to $81.54.
- The company exceeded quarterly expectations, reporting EPS of $1.31 versus the $0.90 consensus and revenue of $194.02 million versus $175 million expected. Analysts maintain an overall “Buy” rating with a consensus price target of $71.00.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ:WLFC - Get Free Report) Chairman Charles Iv Willis sold 19,300 shares of Willis Lease Finance stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.87, for a total value of $1,078,291.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman owned 2,565,643 shares in the company, valued at approximately $143,342,474.41. This represents a 0.75% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website.
Willis Lease Finance Stock Down 4.1%
WLFC stock opened at $55.09 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.82 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a current ratio of 1.63, a quick ratio of 1.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.27. Willis Lease Finance Corporation has a 12 month low of $38.00 and a 12 month high of $81.54. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $70.22 and a 200-day moving average price of $65.64.
Willis Lease Finance (NASDAQ:WLFC - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 4th. The transportation company reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $0.90 by $0.41. The business had revenue of $194.02 million during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $175.00 million. Willis Lease Finance had a net margin of 11.80% and a return on equity of 14.11%.
Willis Lease Finance Cuts Dividend
The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 21st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 11th will be paid a dividend of $0.133 per share. This represents a $0.53 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 11th. Willis Lease Finance's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 13.28%.
Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth
A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Weiss Ratings lowered shares of Willis Lease Finance from a "buy (b-)" rating to a "hold (c+)" rating in a report on Tuesday, August 11th. UBS Group set a $71.00 target price on shares of Willis Lease Finance in a report on Wednesday, August 12th. Finally, Freedom Capital upgraded shares of Willis Lease Finance from a "hold" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Willis Lease Finance has an average rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of $71.00.
Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on WLFC
Hedge Funds Weigh In On Willis Lease Finance
Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC bought a new stake in Willis Lease Finance in the second quarter valued at approximately $526,000. Navellier & Associates Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Willis Lease Finance in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $229,000. Empowered Funds LLC acquired a new position in shares of Willis Lease Finance in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $6,350,000. Capstone Investment Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Willis Lease Finance in the 2nd quarter valued at $321,000. Finally, Philadelphia Financial Management of San Francisco LLC bought a new stake in Willis Lease Finance during the second quarter valued at $16,648,176,000. 93.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
About Willis Lease Finance
(
Get Free Report)
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) is an independent global provider of aircraft engine leasing, trading and aftermarket services. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in the United States, the company specializes in offering short- and long-term operating leases for jet engines and auxiliary power units. Through its broad engine portfolio, Willis Lease Finance supports a wide range of commercial aircraft across various operators, including major airlines, regional carriers and other leasing companies.
In addition to leasing solutions, Willis Lease Finance offers comprehensive engine trading and asset management services.
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