Willis Lease Announces Pricing of $336.7 Million in Fixed Rate Notes

Rhea-AI Summary

Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) announced the pricing of $336.7 million in fixed-rate notes through its subsidiary, Willis Engine Structured Trust VI (WEST). The notes include Series A ($278.6 million, 3.104% coupon), Series B ($38.7 million, 5.438% coupon), and Series C ($19.4 million, 7.385% coupon). The notes will be secured by a portfolio of 29 aircraft engines and one airframe. The closing date is set for May 17, 2021. These notes are targeted at qualified institutional buyers and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933.

Positive

• Successfully priced $336.7 million in fixed-rate notes.
• Secured by a diverse portfolio of 29 aircraft engines and one airframe.

Negative

• None.

COCONUT CREEK, Fla., May 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“Willis”), a leading lessor of commercial jet engines, announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Willis Engine Structured Trust VI (“WEST”), has priced $336.7 million in aggregate principal amount of fixed rate notes (the “Notes”). As previously announced, the Notes will be issued in three series, with the Series A Notes to be issued in an aggregate principal amount of $278.6 million, the Series B Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $38.7 million and the Series C Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $19.4 million. The Notes will be secured by, among other things, WEST’s direct and indirect interests in a portfolio of 29 aircraft engines and one airframe. The planned closing date is May 17, 2021.

The Series A Notes will have a fixed coupon of 3.104%, an expected maturity of approximately eight years, an expected weighted average life (based on certain modeling assumptions) of 6.9 years and a final maturity of 25 years, the Series B Notes will have a fixed coupon of 5.438%, an expected maturity of approximately eight years, an expected weighted average life (based on certain modeling assumptions) of 6.9 years and a final maturity of 25 years and the Series C Notes will have a fixed coupon of 7.385%, an expected maturity of approximately eight years, an expected weighted average life (based on certain modeling assumptions) of 4.0 years and a final maturity of 25 years. The Series A Notes will be issued at a price of 99.99481% of par, the Series B Notes will be issued at a price of 99.99996% of par and the Series C Notes will be issued at a price of 99.99869% of par.

The Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. The Notes are being offered only to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, the Notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

This news release is being issued pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 135c under the Securities Act.

Willis Lease Finance Corporation

Willis Lease Finance Corporation leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair and overhaul providers in 120 countries. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services supported by cutting edge technology through its subsidiary, Willis Asset Management Limited, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through its subsidiary, Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc.

Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements, which give only expectations about the future and are not guarantees. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: the effects on the airline industry and the global economy of events such as terrorist activity, changes in oil prices and other disruptions to the world markets; trends in the airline industry and our ability to capitalize on those trends, including growth rates of markets and other economic factors; risks associated with owning and leasing jet engines and aircraft; our ability to successfully negotiate equipment purchases, sales and leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and to control costs and expenses; changes in interest rates and availability of capital, both to us and our customers; our ability to continue to meet changing customer demands; regulatory changes affecting airline operations, aircraft maintenance, accounting standards and taxes; the market value of engines and other assets in our portfolio; and risks detailed in Willis’ Annual Report on Form 10-K and other continuing reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT:	Scott B. Flaherty
	Chief Financial Officer
	(561) 349-9989

FAQ

What are the details of the fixed-rate notes issued by WLFC?

Willis Lease Finance Corporation issued $336.7 million in fixed-rate notes, including Series A ($278.6 million at 3.104%), Series B ($38.7 million at 5.438%), and Series C ($19.4 million at 7.385%).

When is the closing date for WLFC's fixed-rate notes?

The closing date for the fixed-rate notes is set for May 17, 2021.

Who is the issuer of the notes for WLFC?

The notes are issued by Willis Engine Structured Trust VI (WEST), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Willis Lease Finance Corporation.

What is the purpose of the fixed-rate notes issued by WLFC?

The fixed-rate notes are secured by 29 aircraft engines and one airframe, aimed at raising capital for Willis Lease Finance Corporation.