UBS Group AG trimmed its stake in shares of Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ:WLFC – Free Report) by 35.1% during the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 59,821 shares of the transportation company’s stock after selling 32,373 shares during the quarter. UBS Group AG’s holdings in Willis Lease Finance were worth $8,114,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.
A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in WLFC. Millennium Management LLC increased its stake in Willis Lease Finance by 1,498.3% in the 3rd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 66,008 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $9,049,000 after acquiring an additional 61,878 shares during the last quarter. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC bought a new position in Willis Lease Finance in the 2nd quarter worth about $8,073,000. M3F Inc. increased its stake in Willis Lease Finance by 6.9% in the 3rd quarter. M3F Inc. now owns 606,026 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $83,080,000 after acquiring an additional 39,085 shares during the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP increased its stake in Willis Lease Finance by 357.4% in the 2nd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 40,289 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $5,752,000 after acquiring an additional 31,480 shares during the last quarter. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in Willis Lease Finance by 951.4% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 27,346 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $3,904,000 after acquiring an additional 24,745 shares during the last quarter. 93.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.
Insider Transactions at Willis Lease Finance
In other news, Chairman Charles F. Iv Willis sold 9,727 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $170.09, for a total value of $1,654,465.43. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman directly owned 933,234 shares in the company, valued at approximately $158,733,771.06. This represents a 1.03% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Austin Chandler Willis sold 3,400 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, April 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $173.55, for a total value of $590,070.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 183,475 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $31,842,086.25. The trade was a 1.82% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Insiders sold a total of 19,397 shares of company stock valued at $3,333,181 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 53.32% of the company’s stock.
Willis Lease Finance Price Performance
Willis Lease Finance (NASDAQ:WLFC – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 5th. The transportation company reported $4.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $3.02 by $1.01. Willis Lease Finance had a return on equity of 19.22% and a net margin of 15.72%.The firm had revenue of $194.35 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $175.00 million.
Willis Lease Finance Dividend Announcement
The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 22nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 11th will be issued a $0.40 dividend. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, May 11th. Willis Lease Finance’s dividend payout ratio is presently 9.72%.
Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth
A number of equities analysts have weighed in on WLFC shares. Weiss Ratings upgraded Willis Lease Finance from a “hold (c+)” rating to a “buy (b-)” rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 6th. Freedom Capital lowered Willis Lease Finance from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of “Moderate Buy”.
Check Out Our Latest Research Report on WLFC
About Willis Lease Finance
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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