Four Tree Island Advisory LLC Acquires Shares of 78,381 Willis Lease Finance Co. (NASDAQ:WLFC)

Four Tree Island Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in Willis Lease Finance Co. (NASDAQ:WLFC - Free Report) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 78,381 shares of the transportation company's stock, valued at approximately $16,268,000. Willis Lease Finance comprises approximately 11.2% of Four Tree Island Advisory LLC's investment portfolio, making the stock its 5th biggest holding. Four Tree Island Advisory LLC owned about 1.19% of Willis Lease Finance at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in WLFC. Barclays PLC increased its stake in shares of Willis Lease Finance by 221.7% in the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 3,738 shares of the transportation company's stock worth $556,000 after acquiring an additional 2,576 shares during the last quarter. Navellier & Associates Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Willis Lease Finance during the 3rd quarter worth $525,000. Jane Street Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Willis Lease Finance during the 3rd quarter worth $531,000. Empowered Funds LLC grew its holdings in shares of Willis Lease Finance by 39.4% during the 3rd quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 33,008 shares of the transportation company's stock worth $4,912,000 after purchasing an additional 9,326 shares during the period. Finally, Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Willis Lease Finance during the 3rd quarter worth $4,136,000. 93.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com cut Willis Lease Finance from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Wednesday, November 6th.

Willis Lease Finance Trading Down 0.6 %

Shares of NASDAQ WLFC traded down $1.19 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $192.62. 28,291 shares of the company's stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 33,607. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.65 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.84, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 1.16. Willis Lease Finance Co. has a 52-week low of $46.70 and a 52-week high of $235.43. The company's 50-day moving average is $203.36 and its 200-day moving average is $168.68.

Willis Lease Finance Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 21st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.52%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 12th. Willis Lease Finance's dividend payout ratio is presently 7.09%.

Insider Activity at Willis Lease Finance

In other Willis Lease Finance news, Director Rae Ann Mckeating sold 500 shares of Willis Lease Finance stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $194.32, for a total value of $97,160.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 16,500 shares of the company's stock, valued at $3,206,280. The trade was a 2.94 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 57.02% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Willis Lease Finance Profile

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.