1. WLFC subsidiary plans to offer $393 million in fixed-rate notes. 2. Notes are secured by 47 aircraft engines and 2 airframes. 3. Proceeds will be used for debt repayment and corporate purposes. 4. Notes not registered, available to qualified institutional buyers. 5. Forward-looking statements include risks from industry and economic factors.
FAQ
Why Bullish?
Offering new notes indicates strong demand and financial maneuverability, likely positively impacting WLFC.
How important is it?
The financing indicates company growth and resilience, which is critical for investor confidence.
Why Short Term?
Capital influx can enhance liquidity quickly, affecting stock price in the coming months.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) Unveils Offering of $392.9 Million in Fixed Rate Notes
COCONUT CREEK, Fla., Dec. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC), a prominent lessor of commercial jet engines, has announced significant financial moves through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Willis Engine Structured Trust IX (WEST). The company intends to offer a total of $392.9 million in Fixed Rate Notes, comprising $337.4 million in Series A Notes and $55.5 million in Series B Notes.
Details of the Note Offering
The Initial Series A and Series B Fixed Rate Notes will be secured by WEST’s interests in a portfolio that includes 47 aircraft engines and 2 airframes. These assets will be acquired from WLFC or its subsidiaries through an asset purchase agreement. Proceeds from the offering will primarily be utilized for:
- Paying associated fees and expenses related to the note offering.
- Depositing initial amounts in various reserve accounts for security and maintenance expenses.
- Compensating WLFC for the aircraft engines and airframes during a 270-day delivery period.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation plans to use any net proceeds it receives to pay down debt secured by the assets and for general corporate purposes.
Regulatory Notes and Offer Conditions
The Fixed Rate Notes offered by WEST will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or any other securities laws. Consequently, they cannot be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons unless an exemption from registration applies. The notes are exclusively available to “qualified institutional buyers” as defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act, as well as non-U.S. persons, in alignment with Regulation S.
This announcement serves as a preliminary notice and does not represent an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy the notes in any jurisdiction where such actions would be unlawful.
Forward-Looking Statements and Risks
Willis Lease Finance Corporation emphasizes that this release may include forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties which are inherent in the airline industry, global economic conditions, changing market dynamics, and other factors. Potential risks that could cause actual results to differ include:
- The impact of geopolitical events like war and terrorism.
- Fluctuating oil prices and rising inflation.
- Trends within the airline sector and the ability to stay competitive.
- Challenges in managing and leasing jet engines and aircraft.
- Regulatory changes that might affect operations.
For a comprehensive understanding of the company's financial health and the potential risks, stakeholders are encouraged to review the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and ongoing SEC filings.
Contact Information
For further inquiries, please contact:
Scott B. Flaherty
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Email: sflaherty@willislease.com
Phone: 561.413.0112