Willis Lease Finance Co. (NASDAQ:WLFC) Position Boosted by Empowered Funds LLC

Empowered Funds LLC lifted its stake in Willis Lease Finance Co. (NASDAQ:WLFC) by 4.9% in the fourth quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 34,628 shares of the transportation company’s stock after purchasing an additional 1,620 shares during the quarter. Empowered Funds LLC’s holdings in Willis Lease Finance were worth $7,187,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. SG Americas Securities LLC acquired a new position in Willis Lease Finance in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $146,000. Lakewood Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Willis Lease Finance in the fourth quarter worth $227,000. Precision Wealth Strategies LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Willis Lease Finance during the fourth quarter worth $257,000. Franklin Resources Inc. acquired a new stake in Willis Lease Finance during the third quarter valued at $283,000. Finally, Bleakley Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in Willis Lease Finance during the fourth quarter valued at $297,000. 93.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Insider Activity at Willis Lease Finance

In related news, Director Rae Ann Mckeating sold 500 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $194.32, for a total value of $97,160.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 16,500 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,206,280. The trade was a 2.94 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 57.02% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com downgraded Willis Lease Finance from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 6th.

Willis Lease Finance Price Performance

Shares of WLFC opened at $200.05 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.84, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 1.16. The firm has a market cap of $1.32 billion, a PE ratio of 14.18 and a beta of 1.10. The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $203.96 and its 200 day moving average price is $167.54. Willis Lease Finance Co. has a twelve month low of $46.70 and a twelve month high of $235.43.

Willis Lease Finance Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 21st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 12th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.50%. Willis Lease Finance’s dividend payout ratio is currently 7.09%.

Willis Lease Finance Profile

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.