UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC Takes $897,000 Position in Willis Lease Finance Co. (NASDAQ:WLFC)

UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC bought a new stake in Willis Lease Finance Co. (NASDAQ:WLFC - Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 4,321 shares of the transportation company's stock, valued at approximately $897,000. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC owned 0.07% of Willis Lease Finance at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Willis Lease Finance by 15.5% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 142,100 shares of the transportation company's stock worth $29,493,000 after acquiring an additional 19,078 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in shares of Willis Lease Finance by 3.5% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 511,472 shares of the transportation company's stock worth $106,154,000 after buying an additional 17,500 shares during the last quarter. Apis Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Willis Lease Finance during the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,930,000. Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Willis Lease Finance during the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,819,000. Finally, Swiss National Bank acquired a new stake in Willis Lease Finance in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $1,204,000. 93.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Willis Lease Finance from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd.

Insider Activity

In other Willis Lease Finance news, Chairman Charles F. Iv Willis sold 11,250 shares of the company's stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $135.95, for a total transaction of $1,529,437.50. Following the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 987,046 shares in the company, valued at approximately $134,188,903.70. This represents a 1.13% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Scott B. Flaherty sold 5,026 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $184.50, for a total transaction of $927,297.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 79,270 shares in the company, valued at $14,625,315. This represents a 5.96% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 39,165 shares of company stock valued at $5,681,512. Insiders own 57.02% of the company's stock.

Willis Lease Finance Stock Down 2.3%

Shares of WLFC stock traded down $3.30 on Friday, reaching $142.41. 88,631 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 46,212. The company has a current ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.84. The business's 50 day moving average price is $140.61 and its 200 day moving average price is $174.75. The company has a market capitalization of $1.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.09 and a beta of 1.06. Willis Lease Finance Co. has a twelve month low of $58.63 and a twelve month high of $235.43.

Willis Lease Finance (NASDAQ:WLFC - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 6th. The transportation company reported $2.21 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $4.41 by ($2.20). Willis Lease Finance had a net margin of 18.56% and a return on equity of 20.62%. The company had revenue of $157.73 million during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $149.00 million.

Willis Lease Finance Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 22nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 12th were issued a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, May 12th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.70%. Willis Lease Finance's payout ratio is 6.85%.

About Willis Lease Finance

Willis Lease Finance Corporation operates as a lessor and servicer of commercial aircraft and aircraft engines worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Leasing and Related Operations, and Spare Parts Sales. The Leasing and Related Operations segment engages in acquiring and leasing commercial aircraft, aircraft engines, and other aircraft equipment, as well as the purchase and resale of commercial aircraft engines and other aircraft equipment, and other related businesses.