Willis Lease (NASDAQ: WLFC) explores options for Willis Sustainable Fuels

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Willis Lease Finance Corporation reported that on January 6, 2026 it decided to pursue strategic alternatives for its subsidiary Willis Sustainable Fuels (UK) Limited, including a potential sale, after deciding to cease its investment in this initiative.

The company emphasizes that any forward-looking statements about these plans involve risks and uncertainties related to the airline industry, global economic conditions, regulation, asset values and other factors described in its Annual Report on Form 10-K and other SEC filings.

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

______________________________________________________________________

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 ______________________________________________________________________

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 9, 2026

Willis Lease Finance Corporation

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Delaware

001-15369

68-0070656

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

4700 Lyons Technology Parkway

Coconut Creek, FL 33073

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (561) 349-9989

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class

Trading Symbol

Name of exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

WLFC

Nasdaq Global Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Item 8.01 Other Events.

On January 6, 2026, Willis Lease Finance Corporation (the “Company”), made the determination to pursue strategic alternatives for Willis Sustainable Fuels (UK) Limited, including, a potential sale, which followed a decision to cease its investment in this initiative.

Forward-Looking Statements 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. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of inherent risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are subject to change in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed, either expressly or implicitly, 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 war, terrorist activity and natural disasters; changes in oil prices, rising inflation and other disruptions to world markets; trends in the airline industry and our ability to capitalize on those trends, including growth rates of markets and other economic factors, as well as the impact of new or increased tariffs; 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 the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other continuing and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is advisable, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in such filings. These statements constitute the Company’s cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereto duly authorized.

Dated: January 9, 2026

			WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION
			By:			/s/ Scott B. Flaherty
						Scott B. Flaherty
						Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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FAQ

What strategic decision did Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) disclose?

Willis Lease Finance Corporation disclosed that it has decided to pursue strategic alternatives for Willis Sustainable Fuels (UK) Limited, including a potential sale, following a decision to cease its investment in this initiative.

Which subsidiary is affected by WLFC’s January 2026 decision?

The decision affects Willis Sustainable Fuels (UK) Limited, a subsidiary for which Willis Lease Finance Corporation is pursuing strategic alternatives, including a potential sale.

What type of filing did WLFC use to report this decision?

Willis Lease Finance Corporation reported this decision in a Form 8-K, which is used to disclose significant current events.

When did WLFC decide to pursue strategic alternatives for Willis Sustainable Fuels (UK) Limited?

Willis Lease Finance Corporation decided on January 6, 2026 to pursue strategic alternatives for Willis Sustainable Fuels (UK) Limited.

What risks does WLFC highlight around its forward-looking statements?

Willis Lease Finance Corporation highlights risks and uncertainties including airline industry conditions, global economic factors such as war and natural disasters, changes in oil prices and interest rates, regulatory changes, market values of its assets, and other factors described in its Annual Report on Form 10-K and other SEC filings.

Does WLFC commit to updating its forward-looking statements?

Willis Lease Finance Corporation states that forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and that it undertakes no obligation to update them except as required by law.