Charles F. Willis IV, executive chairman and 10% owner of Willis Lease Finance Corp., sold approximately $2.54 million in company stock between August 20 and August 24, according to regulatory filings.
The transactions involved the disposal of 46,500 common shares at prices ranging from $53.9772 to $55.232 per share. The sales were executed under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan adopted by Willis on May 18, 2026, which allows pre-planned dispositions to avoid allegations of insider trading.
Willis Lease Finance, which operates in aircraft engine leasing and financing, reported a market capitalization of about $1.15 billion on Friday, with shares trading near $55.15. The company’s stock has declined roughly 19% over the past six months, though InvestingPro analysis indicates it remains undervalued at current levels.
Following the transactions, Willis retains direct ownership of 2,519,143 shares. His indirect holdings include 40,680 shares held by his spouse, Charlotte Montressor Willis, 6,402,445 shares through CFW Partners, and 1,752 shares held by the Wilder Grace Willis 2016 Trust.
The sales follow mixed financial performance in the second quarter, with revenue rising 9% year-over-year to $194 million, exceeding analyst expectations of $178 million. Earnings per share, however, fell short at $1.31, compared with a projected $3.26, as higher costs and financing charges weighed on profitability. Growth was supported by lease rent, asset sales, and management fees.
Separately, the company announced plans to acquire three commercial buildings in Coconut Creek, Florida, for $118 million to expand its corporate headquarters, spare parts operations, maintenance services, and engine storage facilities. Analysts at Freedom Broker upgraded the stock to "Buy" from "Hold" in August, citing engine sales momentum, while raising the price target to $71.00 from $73.33. Willis Lease Finance’s assets under management increased to $4.4 billion, up from $3.6 billion a year earlier.
