Willis Lease renews buyback for up to $200M
The dividend increased 12.8% from the prior August distribution, while the repurchase program runs through December 31, 2031.
Sentiment and the balance of points
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Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Willis Lease Finance Corporation declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share of common stock outstanding, expected to be paid November 25, 2026, to stockholders of record at the close of business November 16, 2026. The company said this is its 10th consecutive quarterly dividend and a 12.8% increase from its prior August distribution.
The board renewed and increased the share repurchase program, permitting repurchases for an aggregate purchase price of up to $200.0 million through December 31, 2031. Repurchases may be made at management’s discretion in the open market, with or without a 10b5-1 plan, or through privately negotiated transactions. The company is not obligated to repurchase any particular number of shares and may suspend, modify or discontinue the program at any time.
Positive
- Minor pointQuarterly dividend increased 12.8% from the prior August distribution.
Negative
- None.
8-K Event Classification
2 items: 8.01, 9.01
2 items
Item 8.01
Other Events
Other
Voluntary disclosure of events the company deems important to shareholders but not covered by other items.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, or exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Quarterly dividend: $0.15 per share
Dividend increase: 12.8%
Consecutive quarterly dividends: 10
+4 more
7 metrics
Quarterly dividend
$0.15 per share
Per share of common stock outstanding
Dividend increase
12.8%
Increase from the prior August distribution
Consecutive quarterly dividends
10
The company said this is its 10th consecutive quarterly dividend
Repurchase program aggregate purchase price
Up to $200.0 million
Renewed and increased program through December 31, 2031
Dividend record date
November 16, 2026
Stockholders of record at the close of business
Expected dividend payment date
November 25, 2026
Quarterly dividend
Repurchase program extension
Through December 31, 2031
Share repurchase program
Key Terms
10b5-1 plan, aggregate purchase price, stockholders of record, privately negotiated transactions
4 terms
10b5-1 plan regulatory
"in the open market (either with or without a 10b5-1 plan)"
A 10b5-1 plan is a pre-arranged strategy that allows company insiders to buy or sell their shares at predetermined times and prices, even while they are aware of confidential information. It acts like a scheduled appointment for trading, helping ensure transactions happen transparently and legally, which can reassure investors that trades are not based on insider knowledge.
aggregate purchase price financial
"for an aggregate purchase price of up to $200.0 million"
The aggregate purchase price is the total amount a buyer pays to acquire a company, assets or securities, including the headline payment plus any assumed debt, fees, taxes and contractually required adjustments. It matters to investors because it shows the true cost of a deal and how much value must be realized after the sale — like knowing the full price of a house once you add closing costs, repairs and outstanding mortgage obligations.
stockholders of record financial
"to stockholders of record at the close of business"
Stockholders of record are the people or entities whose names appear on a company's official shareholder list on a specific cutoff date set by the company or its transfer agent; only those listed are entitled to receive dividends, vote at shareholder meetings, or participate in other corporate actions. Think of it like a guest list for an event: being on the list on the set day determines who gets the benefits and rights, so investors must own shares before the cutoff to qualify.
privately negotiated transactions financial
"or through privately negotiated transactions"
Privately negotiated transactions are deals made directly between parties without involving a public marketplace or open auction. They are like private sales between two individuals rather than items sold at a busy marketplace open to everyone. For investors, these transactions can offer more tailored terms and privacy, but they may also carry different risks and less transparency compared to public exchanges.
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What dividend did WLFC declare, and when is it payable?
WLFC declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share, expected to be paid November 25, 2026, to stockholders of record at the close of business November 16, 2026. The company said the dividend is a 12.8% increase from its prior August distribution.
How much can WLFC repurchase under its renewed program?
WLFC’s board renewed and increased the share repurchase program, permitting repurchases for an aggregate purchase price of up to $200.0 million through December 31, 2031. Purchases may be made at management’s discretion in the open market, with or without a 10b5-1 plan, or through privately negotiated transactions; the company is not obligated to repurchase any particular number of shares.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
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): October 28, 2026
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) | ||||||||||||
(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:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol | Name of exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
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.
Common Stock Dividend
On October 28, 2026, the Company’s Board of Directors declared the Company’s quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share of common stock outstanding. The dividend is expected to be paid on November 25, 2026, to stockholders of record at the close of business on November 16, 2026. A copy of the news release announcing the quarterly dividend is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
Share Repurchase Program
In addition, the Company today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the renewal and increase of its share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of up to $200.0 million (the “Share Repurchase Program”). Share repurchases may be made at management’s discretion from time to time in the open market (either with or without a 10b5-1 plan) or through privately negotiated transactions. The actual number of shares of common stock repurchased, and the timing and price of any repurchases, will depend on market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The Company is not obligated to acquire any particular number of shares of common stock. The Share Repurchase Program has been extended through December 31, 2031, but also may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements & Exhibits.
| Exhibit No. | Description | |||||||
| 99.1 | News Release issued by Willis Lease Finance Corporation dated October 30, 2026. | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | |||||||
2
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 duly authorized officer.
Dated: October 30, 2026
| WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Scott B. Flaherty | |||||||
| Scott B. Flaherty | ||||||||
| Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
3
Exhibit 99.1
CONTACT: | Scott B. Flaherty | |||||||
| NEWS RELEASE | Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer | |||||||
| 561.413.0112 | ||||||||
Willis Lease Finance Corporation Declares Fourth Quarter 2026 Dividend and Renewal and Increase of Share Repurchase Plan
COCONUT CREEK, FL — October 30, 2026 — Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), announced today the Company’s quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share of common stock outstanding. The dividend is expected to be paid on November 25, 2026, to stockholders of record at the close of business on November 16, 2026. This will be the Company’s 10th consecutive quarterly dividend and reflects a 12.8% increase from our prior August distribution. In addition, the Company today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the renewal and increase of its share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of up to $200.0 million (the “Share Repurchase Program”) through December 31, 2031.
About Willis Lease Finance Corporation
Willis Lease Finance Corporation leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools, and asset management services through Willis Mitsui & Co. Asset Management Limited, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Through Willis Engine Repair Center®, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services Limited, the Company’s service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO and ground and cargo handling services.
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 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.
The Company’s 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 war, terrorist activity and the COVID-19 pandemic; changes in oil prices, rising inflation and other disruptions to world markets; trends in the airline industry and the Company’s 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; the Company’s 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 the Company and its customers; the Company’s 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 the Company’s 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.