Willis Lease Finance Shares Surge 35% with $1.6B in New Funding Deals
Willis Lease Finance’s shares rose 35.3% in six months versus industry’s 21.8%, driven by firm lease rates and a portfolio of 354 engines, 20 aircraft. In December 2025 and January 2026, it secured a $600 million Liberty Mutual finance pact and a $1 billion Blackstone leasing deal.
1. Share Performance and Asset Portfolio
Willis Lease Finance’s stock has outpaced its peers with a 35.3% gain over six months versus the industry’s 21.8%, underpinned by firm lease rates. Its portfolio comprises 354 engines, 20 aircraft, one marine vessel and related equipment leased to 69 customers across 37 countries.
2. Institutional Financing Partnerships
In December 2025, the company partnered with Liberty Mutual Investments to deploy up to $600 million into engine loans and loan-like financings. In January 2026, it formed a strategic engine leasing alliance with Blackstone Credit & Insurance targeting over $1 billion of deployments over two years.
3. Operational Capabilities and Service Agreements
Recent operational initiatives include launching an in-house engine restoration shop and collaborating on CFM56 life-extension programs. A multi-year ConstantThrust agreement for seven CFM56-7B engines and a 40¢ per share quarterly dividend further reinforce recurring revenue streams.
4. Financial Challenges and Valuation
Net interest expenses have risen due to higher debt and new securitizations, while Q3 equipment write-downs totaled $10.2 million and depreciation costs increased. The stock trades at 5.02X trailing 12-month EV/sales, below the industry average of 7.4X, indicating relative undervaluation.