Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) today reported pre-tax profit of $21.8 million and total revenues of $95.8 million in the second quarter of 2019. The Company’s second quarter 2019 pre-tax results were driven by continued revenue growth in its core leasing business and spare parts sales as well as gains associated with the active management of its portfolio. Aggregate lease rent and maintenance reserve revenues were $71.5 million for the second quarter of 2019.

“Our business continues to deliver in all verticals, producing strong cash flow and profitability, which we believe is an indication that the market recognizes the value of the entire Willis Platform,” said Charles F. Willis, Chairman and CEO. “We are also very pleased to have solidified a key funding source with the expansion and extension of our revolving credit facility to $1 billion with an accordion feature allowing for the facility to expand to $1.3 billion. As always, we appreciate the support of our great banking partners.”

“The Company continues to perform well in what has been a very active market for our products and services,” said Brian R. Hole, President. “And while traditional demand is strong, we are also leveraging our Platform and innovative ConstantAccess and ConstantThrust programs to support our customers’ strong preference to buy fewer spare engines and borrow engines on a programmatic basis instead.”

Second Quarter 2019 Highlights (at or for the periods ended June 30, 2019, as compared to June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2018):

Total revenue increased by 21.7% to $95.8 million in the second quarter of 2019 compared to $78.7 million in the same quarter of 2018.
Lease rent revenue was $45.0 million in the second quarter of 2019; 4.5% growth from $43.1 million in the same quarter of 2018.
Quarterly Maintenance reserve revenue increased by $4.4 million, or 20.1%, to $26.5 million in the second quarter of 2019, compared to $22.0 million in the same quarter of 2018.
Spare parts and equipment sales increased by 25.2% to $14.6 million in the second quarter of 2019, compared to $11.7 million in the same quarter of 2018.
Other revenue increased by $2.7 million to $4.6 million in the second quarter of 2019, compared to $1.9 million in the same quarter of 2018, primarily reflecting performance fees earned managing engines on behalf of a third party.
Earnings before tax were $21.8 million in the second quarter of 2019, compared to $11.6 million in the same quarter of 2018 and were $49.6 million year to date, compared to $21.2 million in the first half of 2018.
Average utilization for the second quarter of 2019 increased to 88% from 87% in the comparable prior year quarter.
Our equipment lease portfolio was $1.603 billion at June 30, 2019, compared to $1.673 billion at December 31, 2018.
The book value of lease assets we own directly or through our joint ventures was $2.0 billion at June 30, 2019. As of June 30, 2019, the Company also managed 475 engines, aircraft and related equipment on behalf of third parties.

The Company entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which increased its revolving credit facility from $890.0 million to $1.0 billion, incorporated an accordion feature that can expand the credit facility up to $1.3 billion, extended the maturity of the credit facility to June 2024 and provided for certain other amendments to covenants, interest rates and commitment fees.

The Company maintained $603 million of undrawn revolver capacity at June 30, 2019.

Under the Company's repurchase plan, the Company repurchased a total of 64,653 shares of common stock in the second quarter of 2019 for $3.3 million.
Diluted weighted average earnings per common share was $2.66 for the second quarter of 2019, up 111% when compared to the similar period in 2018.
Book value per diluted weighted average common share outstanding increased to $53.22 at June 30, 2019, compared to $47.43 at December 31, 2018.
Balance Sheet

As of June 30, 2019, the Company had a total lease portfolio consisting of 241 engines, 12 aircraft, 10 other leased parts and equipment and one marine vessel with a net book value of $1.603 billion. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had a total lease portfolio consisting of 244 engines and related equipment, 17 aircraft and 10 other leased parts and equipment, with a net book value of $1.673 billion.

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 the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other continuing reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.