Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) has reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31 2026 and announced a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per common share. The dividend is scheduled to be paid on 22 May 2026 to shareholders on record as of the close of business on May 11 2026.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation reported strong first-quarter 2026 results, with total revenue increasing 23.2% year-on-year to US$194.3 million. Income from operations rose 41.4% to US$33.8 million, while pre-tax income climbed 45.9% to US$36.8 million. Diluted earnings per common share increased 47.5% to US$3.26, and net income attributable to common shareholders rose 52.9% to US$23.7 million. Adjusted EBITDA also improved 19.9% to US$123.8 million.
The company achieved record quarterly lease rent revenue of US$77.4 million, up 14.2%, alongside record maintenance services revenue of US$9.8 million, an increase of 74.9%. Gains from the sale of leased equipment rose 304.8% to US$18.0 million, while portfolio utilisation improved to 85.8% at quarter end, compared with 79.9% previously.
For the three months ended March 31 2026, total revenue increased 23.2% to US$194.3 million, compared with US$157.7 million during the same period in 2025. During the first quarter of 2026, combined core lease rent and maintenance reserve revenues reached US$132.9 million, up 8.4% from US$122.6 million in the corresponding period last year. The growth was primarily driven by stronger core lease and maintenance revenues, reflecting continued strength across the aviation market as airlines increasingly utilise the company’s extensive portfolio of in-demand engines, together with its parts and maintenance capabilities, to avoid lengthy and costly engine shop visits.
“In the first quarter we outperformed nearly every revenue and earnings metric compared to Q1 2025,” confirmed Austin Willis, CEO of WLFC, adding: “And, thanks to the capital strategy we executed, we are poised for significant growth.”
