IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Blank Capital Research ("BCR") is a technology platform, not a registered investment advisor or broker-dealer. The algorithmically generated signals, scores, and rankings provided on this site ("God Mode" Signals) are for informational and research purposes only and do not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or an offer to sell or solicit an offer to buy any securities.
HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS: The "timing scores" and "regime signals" displayed are based on quantitative models. Hypothetical or simulated performance results have certain inherent limitations. Unlike an actual performance record, simulated results do not represent actual trading. Also, since the trades have not actually been executed, the results may have under-or-over compensated for the impact, if any, of certain market factors, such as lack of liquidity.
RISK OF LOSS: Trading in financial markets involves a high degree of risk and may result in the loss of your entire investment. Data provided by third-party sources (Intrinio, Snowflake) is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed for accuracy or completeness. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
© 2026 Blank Capital Research. All rights reserved. System Version: Aegis V8 (God Mode).
Verdict
Quantitative factor alignment verified for current market regime.
Quant Score
Rank
#2919
Positioning
Market Dominance
Wholesale Trade
Wholesale
$934M
Austin C. Willis
Willis Lease Finance Corporation operates as a lessor and servicer of commercial aircraft and aircraft engines. The company operates through two segments, Leasing and Related Operations, and Spare Parts Sales. As of December 31, 2021, it had a total lease portfolio of 304 engines, 12 aircraft, one marine vessel, and other leased parts and equipment.
Get full access to institutional-quality research tools with Blank Capital Pro.
Upgrade to ProStarting at $19.99/mo
Get full access to institutional-quality research tools with Blank Capital Pro.
Upgrade to ProStarting at $19.99/mo
Dates updated upon official exchange announcement.
Get full access to institutional-quality research tools with Blank Capital Pro.
Upgrade to ProStarting at $19.99/mo
Get full access to institutional-quality research tools with Blank Capital Pro.
Upgrade to ProStarting at $19.99/mo
Get full access to institutional-quality research tools with Blank Capital Pro.
Upgrade to ProStarting at $19.99/mo
X-AXIS: EV/EBITDA (LOWER = CHEAPER) | Y-AXIS: ROE (HIGHER = ELITE) | RED CIRCLE = WLFC ANALYSIS TARGET
| Stock | Rating | Score▼ | Quality | Value | Momentum | P/E | EV/EBITDA | ROE | ROA | Gross Mgn | Op Mgn | Net Mgn | Rev Growth | Div Yield | D/E | Mkt Cap | AUDIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$ITRN Ituran Location & Control Ltd. | 74 | 95 | 97 | 62 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | $0 | VS | |
$COR Cencora, Inc. | 70 | 84 | 77 | 70 | 21.1x | 11.8x | 161.7% | 3.9% | 3.6% | 1.1% | 0.9% | 8.6% | 0.7% | 416.0x | $58.1B | VS | |
$CENT CENTRAL GARDEN & PET CO | 70 | 84 | 95 | 48 | 5.9x | 3.5x | 20.3% | 8.5% | 34.5% | 14.1% | 9.9% | -3.6% | 0.0% | 75.0x | $2.2B | VS | |
$SNX TD SYNNEX CORP | 67 | 80 | 93 | 57 | 13.5x | 6.2x | 13.1% | 2.9% | 7.2% | 2.5% | 1.5% | 6.6% | 1.2% | 50.0x | $12.2B | VS | |
$HLF HERBALIFE LTD. | 65 | 60 | 75 | 96 | 5.0x | 1.4x | -32.4% | 6.3% | 77.7% | 9.9% | 3.4% | 2.7% | 0.0% | - | $870M | VS | |
$GIC GLOBAL INDUSTRIAL Co | 65 | 82 | 60 | 62 | 18.7x | 12.5x | 24.0% | 12.5% | 35.6% | 7.4% | 5.3% | 3.3% | 2.8% | 0.0x | $1.4B | VS | |
$JXG JX Luxventure Group Inc. | 63 | 84 | 75 | 88 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | $0 | VS | |
$FERG Ferguson Enterprises Inc. /DE/ | 63 | 74 | 48 | 67 | 21.4x | 14.3x | 39.4% | 12.6% | 30.7% | 9.4% | 7.0% | 5.1% | 1.3% | 68.0x | $48.9B | VS | |
$SYY SYSCO CORP | 60 | 68 | 49 | 65 | 22.7x | 9.2x | 89.9% | 5.9% | 18.3% | 3.3% | 1.9% | 3.0% | 2.9% | 595.0x | $35.3B | VS | |
$DXPE DXP ENTERPRISES INC | 60 | 58 | 55 | 79 | 21.6x | 8.5x | 25.1% | 6.2% | 31.4% | 8.5% | 4.2% | 8.6% | 0.0% | 128.0x | $1.9B | VS | |
$WLFC WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORP | 44 | 31 | 42 | 62 | 11.1x | 15.9x | 19.3% | 3.7% | 93.0% | 18.3% | 17.8% | 21.3% | 0.7% | 344.0x | $934M | ||
| SECTOR BENCH | - | - | - | - | - | 19.1x | 8.2x | 8.6% | 3.4% | 27.4% | 3.4% | 1.4% | 3.6% | 0.6% | 0.6x | - | REF |
WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORP (WLFC) receives a "Reduce" rating with a composite score of 44.3/100. It ranks #2919 out of 7,333 stocks in our coverage universe and carries a 2-star rating. Ratings are driven by a 6-factor quantitative model measuring quality, value, momentum, investment, stability, and short interest.
Sign in to join the discussion.
Outperforming peers — winners tend to keep winning over 3-12 months
Fair valuation relative to peers
Weak fundamentals — higher risk of value trap
Average volatility — neutral timing signal
Aggressive spending — empire-building risk, dilutive growth
Mid-range overall rating
Get full access to institutional-quality research tools with Blank Capital Pro.
Upgrade to ProStarting at $19.99/mo
Relative valuation derived from Wholesale Trade sector benchmarks. Model weights: EV/EBITDA (40%), P/B (35%), P/S (25%). Re-calculated daily.
Projection based on user-defined inputs. Re-calculated daily against current market data.
Reverse DCF Framework — Mauboussin Methodology
Institutional-grade Reverse DCF analysis. This model identifies the growth hurdles embedded in current market prices. When implied growth is significantly lower than historical or projected rates, a margin of safety may exist. Re-audited daily.
No analyst ratings for WLFC.
View All Ratings| Factor | Global | Sector | Tilt |
|---|---|---|---|
| PROFITABILITY | 31 | 22 | +9ALPHA |
| MOMENTUM | 62 | 73 | -11DRAG |
| VALUATION | 42 | 38 | +4NEUTRAL |
| INVESTMENT | 22 | 2 | +20ALPHA |
| STABILITY | 43 | 41 | +2NEUTRAL |
| SHORT INT | 34 | 23 | +11ALPHA |
Global = full universe. Sector = relative to industry peers. Positive tilt indicates idiosyncratic strength.
ROIC 0.9% vs WACC 4.2% (spread -3.4%)
GM 93% vs sector 27%, OM 18% vs sector 3%
Capital turnover 0.08x
Rev growth 21%, 10yr history
Interest coverage 1.1x, Net debt/EBITDA 33.4x
Composite assessment of profitability, capital efficiency, and financial strength. Top-tier entities demonstrate sustainable cash flow generation and elite competitive moats.
Profit generated per dollar of shareholder equity
Efficiency of asset utilization
Pricing power and cost efficiency
Core business profitability
Bottom-line profitability
The Quality factor evaluates the persistence and magnitude of realized cash flows. Companies with scores >70 exhibit superior pricing power and structural financial resilience through diverse economic regimes.
Our uncertainty rating tracks the predictability of future cash flows and potential for permanent capital loss. Moderate visibility with standard industry cyclicality.
We rate WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORP (WLFC) as a Reduce with a composite score of 44.3/100 at a current price of $204.44. The quantitative profile shows weakness across multiple dimensions, suggesting limited upside potential.
WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORP holds a top-quartile position (#0 of 50) within the Wholesale Trade sector, based on our composite quantitative scoring across quality, value, momentum, and stability factors. The composite score of 44.3/100 places it at rank #2919 in our full universe.
The near-term outlook is constructive, with revenue growing at 21% and momentum in the 62th percentile confirming positive market sentiment. The combination of strong top-line growth and favorable price dynamics suggests the company is executing well on its growth strategy.
No Moat
High
Poor
Fair Value
Gross margins of 93% signal strong pricing power.
Returns on equity of 19.3% exceed cost of capital.
Stable competitive position in a defensive sector.
Leverage of 344% D/E amplifies downside risk.
Below-average quality raises earnings sustainability concerns.
Vulnerability to macroeconomic shocks and interest rate volatility.
WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORP represents a reduce based on multi-factor quantitative performance.
WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORP receives a Reduce rating from our analysis, with a composite score of 44.3/100 and 2 out of 5 stars, ranking #2919 out of 7,333 stocks. WLFC's factor profile shows weakness across multiple dimensions, suggesting the stock may underperform going forward. Existing holders may want to consider trimming positions or tightening stop-losses.
WLFC's quality score of 31/100 is below average, suggesting challenges with profitability or capital efficiency. The company reports a return on equity of 19.3% (sector avg: 8.6%), gross margins of 93.0% (sector avg: 27.4%), net margins of 17.8% (sector avg: 1.4%). Investors should examine whether management is actively addressing these weaknesses or if they reflect structural industry headwinds.
With a value score of 42/100, WLFC appears somewhat expensive relative to its fundamentals. Key valuation metrics include a P/E ratio of 11.13x, an EV/EBITDA of 15.90x, a P/B ratio of 2.15x. Investors paying a premium here are likely betting on above-average growth or margin expansion to justify current prices.
WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORP's investment score of 22/100 suggests limited reinvestment activity. Key growth metrics include revenue growth of 21.3% vs. a sector average of 3.6% and a return on assets of 3.7% (sector: 3.4%). While this can be positive for mature, cash-generative businesses returning capital to shareholders, it may also signal a lack of growth opportunities or management conservatism.
WLFC demonstrates moderate momentum with a score of 62/100, suggesting a neutral price trend without strong directional conviction. Revenue growth stands at 21.3% year-over-year, while a beta of 1.30 reflects its sensitivity to broader market moves. Moderate momentum may indicate the stock is consolidating or transitioning between trends, warranting close monitoring of upcoming catalysts.
WLFC's stability score of 43/100 signals elevated volatility and/or leverage concerns. Key stability metrics include a beta of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 344.00x (sector avg: 0.6x). Investors should be prepared for wider-than-average price swings and consider position sizing accordingly to manage portfolio risk.
WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORP's short interest score of 34/100 reveals significant bearish positioning, suggesting institutional investors are actively betting against the stock. Specific risk factors include above-average market sensitivity (beta: 1.30), elevated leverage (D/E: 344.00x), small-cap liquidity risk. At $934M (small-cap), WLFC carries meaningful risk and is best suited for investors with high risk tolerance who have thoroughly evaluated the bear thesis.
WLFC offers a modest dividend yield of 0.7%. This compares to a sector average dividend yield of 0.6%. While the income contribution is relatively small, even a small dividend signals management's commitment to shareholder returns and can serve as a signal of financial discipline.
WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORP is a small-cap company in the Wholesale Trade sector, ranked #0 of 50 in its sector (100th percentile) and #2919 of 7,333 overall (60th percentile). Key comparisons include ROE of 19.3% exceeding the 8.6% sector median and operating margins of 18.3% above the 3.4% sector average. This top-quartile standing reflects exceptional competitive strength relative to Wholesale Trade peers.
While WLFC currently exhibits a REDUCE profile, superior opportunities exist within the WHOLESALE TRADE sector. Our model identifies several "Strong Buy" candidates with higher quality scores and more attractive valuations among direct industry competitors.
View Top Wholesale Trade Alpha →Quant Factor Profile
Upgrade catalyst
Improvement in Investment (22) would have the largest impact on the composite score.
EV/EBITDA 94% ABOVE SECTOR MEDIAN
ROE 125% ABOVE SECTOR MEDIAN (FAVORABLE)
Gross Margin 240% ABOVE SECTOR MEDIAN (FAVORABLE)
Above 50MA
37.18%
Net New Highs
+51081
Successful inaugural engine restoration demonstrates strong EGT margin recovery and supports fleet transition strategyCOCONUT CREEK, Fla., Feb. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and a global provider of aviation services, today announced the successful completion of its first core engine restoration at its U.S.-based Willis Engine Repair Center®. This new, in-house engine modul
COCONUT CREEK, Fla., Feb. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC”) plans to announce its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025 on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. WLFC plans to hold a conference call led by members of WLFC’s executive management team on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2025 results. Individuals wishing to participate in the conference call should dia
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) announced a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share, payable on February 20, 2026 to shareholders of record as of February 11, 2026. CEO Austin C. Willis stated the dividend reflects the company's business strength and commitment to delivering long-term shareholder value.
Willis Lease Finance reported record Q2 2025 revenue of $195.5 million, significantly beating estimates, driven by strong leasing demand and substantial one-time gains from asset and business sales.
Fresh look at Willis Lease Finance after recent share moves Willis Lease Finance (WLFC) has been drawing attention after a strong run over the past 3 months, prompting investors to reassess how its engine leasing and parts business lines up with current expectations. See our latest analysis for Willis Lease Finance. The recent 56.88% 3 month share price return and 46.71% year to date share price return suggest momentum has picked up, while the 3 year total shareholder return of about 2.5x...