Short Interest in Willis Lease Finance Co. (NASDAQ:WLFC) Increases By 50.3%

Willis Lease Finance Co. (NASDAQ:WLFC - Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest during the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totalling 107,600 shares, an increase of 50.3% from the September 30th total of 71,600 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 32,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 3.4 days. Approximately 4.8% of the shares of the company are sold short.

Insider Transactions at Willis Lease Finance

In other news, insider Robert J. Keady sold 1,378 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $106.66, for a total transaction of $146,977.48. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 7,119 shares in the company, valued at approximately $759,312.54. This trade represents a 0.00 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, CFO Scott B. Flaherty sold 1,742 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $109.22, for a total transaction of $190,261.24. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 93,213 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,180,723.86. This trade represents a 0.00 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Robert J. Keady sold 1,378 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $106.66, for a total transaction of $146,977.48. Following the sale, the insider now owns 7,119 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $759,312.54. This represents a 0.00 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 38,903 shares of company stock worth $4,123,692. 57.02% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Willis Lease Finance

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. ProShare Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Willis Lease Finance in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Innealta Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of Willis Lease Finance during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $44,000. SG Americas Securities LLC bought a new stake in shares of Willis Lease Finance during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $146,000. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Willis Lease Finance during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $69,000. Finally, Ritholtz Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of Willis Lease Finance during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $312,000. 93.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Willis Lease Finance Stock Performance

Willis Lease Finance stock traded up $3.37 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $184.91. The company's stock had a trading volume of 30,633 shares, compared to its average volume of 18,830. Willis Lease Finance has a 1-year low of $41.53 and a 1-year high of $214.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.95, a current ratio of 1.80 and a quick ratio of 1.28. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $138.09 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $92.73. The company has a market cap of $1.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.30 and a beta of 1.09.

Willis Lease Finance (NASDAQ:WLFC - Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The transportation company reported $6.21 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $151.12 million during the quarter. Willis Lease Finance had a net margin of 18.16% and a return on equity of 19.51%.

Willis Lease Finance Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, August 21st. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 12th were given a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.54%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 12th. Willis Lease Finance's payout ratio is presently 11.52%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com cut shares of Willis Lease Finance from a "strong-buy" rating to a "buy" rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 21st.

Willis Lease Finance Company 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.