Willis Lease Finance (NASDAQ:WLFC) Reaches New 12-Month High – Time to Buy?

Willis Lease Finance Co. (NASDAQ:WLFC) shares hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $180.80 and last traded at $180.00, with a volume of 8113 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $174.85.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Willis Lease Finance from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 21st.

Willis Lease Finance Stock Up 6.4 %

The company has a quick ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 1.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.95. The firm has a market cap of $1.22 billion, a PE ratio of 13.59 and a beta of 1.09. The firm’s 50 day moving average is $119.10 and its 200-day moving average is $82.91.

Willis Lease Finance (NASDAQ:WLFC) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The transportation company reported $6.21 EPS for the quarter. Willis Lease Finance had a net margin of 18.16% and a return on equity of 19.51%. The firm had revenue of $151.12 million during the quarter.

Willis Lease Finance Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, August 21st. Investors of record on Monday, August 12th were given a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.54%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 12th. Willis Lease Finance’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 7.77%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Robert J. Keady sold 1,225 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.08, for a total transaction of $112,798.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 27,905 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $2,569,492.40. This represents a 0.00 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, insider Robert J. Keady sold 1,225 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.08, for a total value of $112,798.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 27,905 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $2,569,492.40. This represents a 0.00 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Robert J. Keady sold 2,528 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, August 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $91.08, for a total transaction of $230,250.24. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 22,478 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $2,047,296.24. The trade was a 0.00 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 38,903 shares of company stock valued at $4,123,692. Insiders own 57.02% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Willis Lease Finance

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. ProShare Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Willis Lease Finance during the 2nd quarter valued at $27,000. Innealta Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Willis Lease Finance during the 2nd quarter valued at $44,000. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Willis Lease Finance during the 2nd quarter valued at $69,000. Hillsdale Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Willis Lease Finance during the 1st quarter valued at $114,000. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC acquired a new stake in Willis Lease Finance during the 3rd quarter valued at $146,000. 93.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Willis Lease Finance

Willis Lease Finance Corporation operates as a lessor and servicer of commercial aircraft and aircraft engines worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Leasing and Related Operations, and Spare Parts Sales. The Leasing and Related Operations segment engages in acquiring and leasing commercial aircraft, aircraft engines, and other aircraft equipment, as well as the purchase and resale of commercial aircraft engines and other aircraft equipment, and other related businesses.