WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORP
For the period ended Jun 30, 2024. Filed Aug 2, 2024.
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Jun 30, 2024 · Filed Aug 2, 2024
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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2024
Unless the context requires otherwise, references to the “Company,” “WLFC,” “we,” “us” or “our” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q refer to Willis Lease Finance Corporation and its subsidiaries.
- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The significant accounting policies of the Company were described in Note 1 to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Form 10-K”). There have been no significant changes in the Company’s significant accounting policies for the six months ended June 30, 2024.
(a)Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), consistent in all material respects with those applied in the 2023 Form 10-K, for interim financial information and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Therefore, they do not include all information and footnotes normally included in annual consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the 2023 Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting principally of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Statements of Income, Statements of Comprehensive Income, Statements of Redeemable Preferred Stock and Shareholders’ Equity, and Statements of Cash Flows for such interim periods presented. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that can be expected for a full year.
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year presentation to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported total revenue, income from operations, or net income. The following is a summary of the changes to the presentation in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the six months ended June 30, 2023:
Maintenance services revenues predominately represent fleet management, engine and aircraft storage and repair services, and revenue related to management of fixed base operator services. In prior years, these revenues were included in Other revenue. For the three months ended June 30, 2023, the reclassification resulted in an increase of $5.8 million in Maintenance services revenues and a decrease of $5.8 million in Other revenue. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the reclassification resulted in an increase of $10.5 million in Maintenance services revenues and a decrease of $10.5 million in Other revenue.
Cost of maintenance services predominately represent the costs of fleet management, engine and aircraft storage and repair services, and the management of fixed base operator services. In prior years, these expenses were predominately included in General and administrative expense. For the three months ended June 30, 2023, the reclassification resulted in a net increase of $4.8 million in Cost of maintenance services, a decrease of $6.6 million in General and administrative expense, and a net increase in Technical expense of $1.8 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the reclassification resulted in a net increase of $8.8 million in Cost of maintenance services, a decrease of $12.1 million in General and administrative expense, and a net increase in Technical expense of $3.3 million.
In accordance with GAAP, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. In preparing these financial statements, management has made its best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality. These estimates and judgments are based on historical experience and other assumptions that management believes are reasonable and take into account the economic implications of the current high interest rate and inflationary environment on the Company’s critical and significant accounting estimates. However, application of these accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results could differ materially from these estimates. The significant estimates made in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include certain assumptions related to intangible assets, long-lived assets, equipment held for sale, allowances for doubtful accounts and credit losses, inventory, deferred in-substance fixed payment use fees included in Unearned revenue on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and estimated income taxes. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Given the uncertainty in the current high interest rate and inflationary environment, the Company will continue to evaluate the nature and extent of the impact to its business, results of operations and financial condition.
(b)Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including variable interest entities (“VIEs”), where the Company is the primary beneficiary in accordance with consolidation guidance. The Company first evaluates all entities in which it has an economic interest to determine whether for accounting purposes the entity is either a VIE or a voting interest entity. If the entity is a VIE, the Company consolidates the financial statements of that entity if it is the primary beneficiary of such entity’s activities. If the entity is a voting interest entity, the Company consolidates the financial statements of that entity when it has a majority of voting interests in such entity. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
(c)Risks and Uncertainties
Given the uncertainty in the rapidly changing market and economic conditions related to the current high interest rate and inflationary environment, we will continue to evaluate the nature and extent of the impact on the Company’s business and financial position. The ultimate extent of the effects of the current high interest rate and inflationary environment on the Company will depend on future developments, and such effects could exist for an extended period of time.
(d)Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Pronouncements To Be Adopted by the Company
In August 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-05, “Business Combinations – Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and Initial Measurement.” The amendments in this ASU apply to the formation of a joint venture, and under this ASU, a joint venture formation is the creation of a new reporting entity that would trigger a new basis of accounting. This ASU requires net assets contributed to the joint venture in a formation transaction to be measured at fair value at the formation date. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all joint ventures within the ASU’s scope that are formed on or after January 1, 2025, with early adoption permitted. Joint ventures formed on or after the effective date of ASU 2023-05 will be required to apply the new guidance prospectively. Joint ventures formed before the ASU’s effective date are permitted to apply the new guidance (1) retrospectively if they have “sufficient information” to do so or (2) prospectively if financial statements have not yet been issued (or made available for issuance). The Company expects to adopt this accounting standard update effective January 1, 2025 and is currently evaluating the potential effects on the consolidated financial statements.
In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, “Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative.” The ASU amends the disclosure or presentation requirements related to various subtopics in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”), the purpose of which is to update and simplify disclosure requirements. The effective dates of the ASU will depend, in part, on whether an entity is already subject to the current disclosure requirements of the SEC. For such entities and those that must “file or furnish financial statements with or to the SEC in preparation for the sale of or for purposes of issuing securities that are not subject to contractual restrictions on transfer,” the effective date for each amendment will be the date on which the SEC’s removal of that related disclosure requirement from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective, with early adoption prohibited. For all other entities, the amendments will be effective two years after the date of such removal. Entities must apply the amended content to financial statements issued after the ASU’s effective date. For each of the Codification subtopics that the Company is already subject to, the Company expects to adopt the accounting standard update on each of the removal dates of the related disclosure requirements. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effects on the consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” Under the ASU, public business entities must annually (1) disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and (2) provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold (if the effect of those reconciling items is equal to or greater than five percent of the amount computed by multiplying pretax income or loss by the applicable statutory income tax rate). The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company expects to adopt this accounting standard update for the year ended December 31, 2025 and is currently evaluating the potential effects on the consolidated financial statements.
- Equipment Held for Operating Lease and Notes Receivable
As of June 30, 2024, the Company had $2,317.9 million of equipment held in our operating lease portfolio, $115.5 million of notes receivable, $25.5 million of maintenance rights, and $6.2 million of investments in sales-type leases, which represented 344 engines,12 aircraft, one marine vessel, and other leased parts and equipment. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $2,112.8 million of equipment held in our operating lease portfolio, $92.6 million of notes receivable, $9.2 million of maintenance rights, and $8.8 million of investments in sales-type leases, which represented 337 engines,12 aircraft, one marine vessel, and other leased parts and equipment.
The following table disaggregates equipment held for operating lease by asset class (in thousands):
| June 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Value | Accumulated Depreciation | Net Book Value | Gross Value | Accumulated Depreciation | Net Book Value | |
| Engines and related equipment | $2,763,631 | $(591,694) | $2,171,937 | $2,535,148 | $(569,596) | $1,965,552 |
| Aircraft and airframes | 144,427 | (9,112) | 135,315 | 157,616 | (21,409) | 136,207 |
| Marine vessel | 14,367 | (3,716) | 10,651 | 14,366 | (3,288) | 11,078 |
| $2,922,425 | $(604,522) | $2,317,903 | $2,707,130 | $(594,293) | $2,112,837 | |
Notes Receivable and Investments in Sales-Type Leases
During the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded interest revenue related to the notes receivable and investments in sales-type leases of $2.3 million, each respectively, and $4.6 million and $4.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The effective interest rates on our notes receivable and investments in sales-type leases ranged from 7.1% to 12.2% as of June 30, 2024 and 2023.
- Investments
In 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. to participate in a joint venture formed as a Dublin-based Irish limited company, Willis Mitsui & Company Engine Support Limited (“WMES”) for the purpose of acquiring and leasing jet engines. Each partner holds a 50% interest in the joint venture, and the Company uses the equity method in recording investment activity. As of June 30, 2024, WMES owned a lease portfolio, inclusive of 47 engines andone aircraft with a net book value of $299.6 million.
In 2014, the Company entered into an agreement with China Aviation Supplies Import & Export Corporation (“CASC”) to participate in a joint venture named CASC Willis Engine Lease Company Limited (“CASC Willis”), a joint venture based in Shanghai, China. Each partner holds a 50% interest in the joint venture, and the Company uses the equity method in recording investment activity. CASC Willis acquires and leases jet engines to Chinese airlines and concentrates on the demand for leased commercial aircraft engines and aviation assets in the People’s Republic of China. As of June 30, 2024, CASC Willis owned a lease portfolio offour engines with a net book value of $38.6 million.
| As of June 30, 2024 | WMES | CASC Willis | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | |||
| Investment in joint ventures as of December 31, 2023 | $40,047 | $17,997 | $58,044 |
| Earnings from joint ventures | 6,386 | 113 | 6,499 |
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | — | (558) | (558) |
| Other comprehensive loss from joint ventures | (220) | — | (220) |
| Investment in joint ventures as of June 30, 2024 | $46,213 | $17,552 | $63,765 |
“Other revenue” on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income includes $1.3 million and $0.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $2.7 million and $1.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, consisting of management fees related to the servicing of engines for the WMES lease portfolio.
During the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company sold three engines to WMES for $44.7 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, WMES soldone engine to the Company for $22.3 million, and the Company soldone engine to WMES for $15.5 million.
Unaudited summarized financial information for 100% of WMES is presented in the following tables:
| Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| (in thousands) · (in thousands) | ||||
| Revenue | $22,223 | $10,972 | $41,149 | $21,850 |
| Expenses | 14,751 | 11,387 | 28,512 | 22,552 |
| WMES net income (loss) | $7,472 | $(415) | $12,637 | $(702) |
| June 30,2024 | December 31,2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | ||
| Total assets | $310,149 | $236,732 |
| Total liabilities | 211,384 | 150,604 |
| Total WMES net equity | $98,765 | $86,128 |
The difference between the Company’s investment in WMES and 50% of total WMES net equity, as well as the difference between the Company’s income from WMES and 50% of total WMES net income or loss, is primarily attributable to the recognition of deferred gains, which are related to engines sold by WMES to the Company, and prior to the adoption of ASU 2017-05, related to engines sold by the Company to WMES.
- Debt Obligations
Debt obligations consisted of the following:
| June 30,2024 | December 31,2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | ||
| Credit facility at a floating rate of interest of one-month term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 3.10%, secured by engines, airframes, and loan assets. The facility has a committed amount of $500.0 million at June 30, 2024, which revolves until the maturity date of June 2025. | $412,155 | $353,000 |
| WEST VII Series A 2023 term notes payable at a fixed rate of interest of 8.00%, maturing in October 2048, secured by engines, airframes, and loan assets | 390,682 | 406,894 |
| WEST VI Series A 2021 term notes payable at a fixed rate of interest of 3.10%, maturing in May 2046, secured by engines, airframes, and loan assets | 248,147 | 252,986 |
| WEST VI Series B 2021 term notes payable at a fixed rate of interest of 5.44%, maturing in May 2046, secured by engines, airframes, and loan assets | 34,469 | 35,142 |
| WEST VI Series C 2021 term notes payable at a fixed rate of interest of 7.39%, maturing in May 2046, secured by engines, airframes, and loan assets | 11,186 | 12,361 |
| WEST V Series A 2020 term notes payable at a fixed rate of interest of 3.23%, maturing in March 2045, secured by engines | 233,041 | 240,371 |
| WEST V Series B 2020 term notes payable at a fixed rate of interest of 4.21%, maturing in March 2045, secured by engines | 32,464 | 33,485 |
| WEST V Series C 2020 term notes payable at a fixed rate of interest of 6.66%, maturing in March 2045, secured by engines | 9,399 | 10,695 |
| WEST IV Series A 2018 term notes payable at a fixed rate of interest of 4.75%, maturing in September 2043, secured by engines | 206,002 | 212,157 |
| WEST IV Series B 2018 term notes payable at a fixed rate of interest of 5.44%, maturing in September 2043, secured by engines | 28,181 | 29,024 |
| WEST III Series A 2017 term notes payable at a fixed rate of interest of 4.69%, maturing in August 2042, secured by engines | 168,276 | 175,705 |
| WEST III Series B 2017 term notes payable at a fixed rate of interest of 6.36%, maturing in August 2042, secured by engines | 22,594 | 23,592 |
| Willis Warehouse Facility LLC (“WWFL”) credit facility at a floating rate of interest of one-month term SOFR, plus 2.25%, maturing in May 2029, secured by engines, airframes, and loan assets | 115,160 | — |
| Note payable at a fixed rate of interest of 5.00%, maturing in February 2033, secured by an engine | 20,914 | — |
| Note payable at a fixed rate of interest of 4.59%, maturing in November 2032, secured by an engine | 22,355 | 22,610 |
| Note payable at a fixed rate of interest of 4.23%, maturing in June 2032, secured by an engine | 17,757 | 17,802 |
| Note payable at a fixed rate of interest of 3.18%, maturing in July 2024, secured by an aircraft | 175 | 1,235 |
| 1,972,957 | 1,827,059 | |
| Less: unamortized debt issuance costs and note discounts | (26,196) | (24,178) |
| Total debt obligations | $1,946,761 | $1,802,881 |
The Company plans to extend the maturity date of its credit facility that matures in June 2025 prior to this date through an amendment to the credit agreement. One-month term SOFR was 5.33% and 5.38% as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
In May 2024, WWFL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a secured credit agreement. The credit agreement provides for afive-year non-recourse, senior secured warehouse credit facility with an availability period oftwo years and an initial committed amount of up to $500.0 million.
As it relates to the $20.9 million, $22.4 million, and $17.8 million notes payable resulting from failed sale-leaseback transactions that are secured by engines, the Company has options to repurchase the engines in March 2032 for $18.4 million, January 2032 for $17.7 million, and July 2031 for $17.0 million, respectively.
Principal outstanding at June 30, 2024 is expected to be repayable as follows:
| Year | (in thousands) |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $36,005 |
| 2025 | 483,844 |
| 2026 | 270,922 |
| 2027 | 193,331 |
| 2028 | 239,289 |
| Thereafter | 749,566 |
| Total | $1,972,957 |
Virtually all of the above debt requires ongoing compliance with certain financial covenants, including debt/equity ratios, minimum interest coverage ratios, and other eligibility criteria including asset type, customer and geographic concentration restrictions. The Company also has certain negative financial covenant obligations that relate to such items as liens, advances, changes in business, sales of assets, dividends and stock repurchases. Compliance with these covenants is tested either monthly, quarterly or annually, as required, and the Company was in full compliance with all financial covenant requirements at June 30, 2024.
- Derivative Instruments
The Company periodically holds interest rate derivative instruments to mitigate exposure to changes in interest rates, predominantly one-month term SOFR, with $527.3 million and $353.0 million of variable rate borrowings at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. As a matter of policy, management does not use derivatives for speculative purposes. As of June 30, 2024, the Company hadtwo interest rate swap agreements. During 2021, the Company entered into four fixed-rate interest swap agreements, each having notional amounts of $100.0 million, two which matured during the six months ended June 30, 2024 andtwo with remaining terms of 19 months as of June 30, 2024. One interest rate swap agreement was entered into during 2019, having a notional amount of $100.0 million, which matured during the six months ended June 30, 2024. The derivative instruments were each designated as cash flow hedges at inception and recorded at fair value.
The Company evaluated the effectiveness of the swap agreements to hedge the interest rate risk associated with its variable rate debt and concluded at the swap inception dates that each swap was highly effective in hedging that risk. The Company evaluates the effectiveness of the hedging relationships on an ongoing basis and concluded there was no ineffectiveness in the hedges for the period ended June 30, 2024.
The Company estimates the fair value of derivative instruments using a discounted cash flow technique. Valuation of the derivative instruments requires certain assumptions for underlying variables and the use of different assumptions would result in a different valuation. Management believes it has applied assumptions consistently during the period. The Company applies hedge accounting and accounts for the change in fair value of its cash flow hedges through other comprehensive income for all derivative instruments that are effective and for which the related forecasted transaction is probable of occurring.
The net fair values of the interest rate swaps as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were $13.1 million and $16.5 million, respectively, each representing an asset and reflected within Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company recorded an adjustment to interest expense of $(3.1) million and $(5.7) million during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $(6.2) million and $(11.1) million during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, from derivative instruments.
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Earnings in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
The following table provides additional information about the financial statement effects related to the cash flow hedges for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
| Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships | Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives(Effective Portion) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| (in thousands) · (in thousands) | ||||
| Interest rate contracts | $(2,380) | $645 | $(3,396) | $(6,020) |
| Total | $(2,380) | $645 | $(3,396) | $(6,020) |
The effective portion of the change in fair value on a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and is reclassified into earnings in the period during which the transaction being hedged affects earnings when it is determined to be improbable that the forecasted transaction will occur. The ineffective portion of the hedges, if any, is recorded in earnings in the current period.
Counterparty Credit Risk
The Company evaluates the creditworthiness of the counterparties under its hedging agreements. The counterparties for the interest rate swaps are large financial institutions that possess investment grade credit ratings. Based on these ratings, the Company believes that the counterparties are credit-worthy and that their continuing performance under the hedging agreements is probable and does not require the counterparties to provide collateral or other security to the Company.
- Income Taxes
Income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 was $15.3 million and $24.3 million, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 was 26.5% and 27.7%, respectively. Income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 was $5.2 million and $7.6 million, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 was 27.2% and 29.4%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rates differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to executive compensation exceeding $1.0 million as defined in Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).
The Company records tax expense or benefit for unusual or infrequent items discretely in the period in which they occur. The Company’s tax rate is subject to change based on changes in the mix of assets leased to domestic and foreign lessees, the proportion of revenue generated within and outside of California, the amount of executive compensation exceeding $1.0 million as defined in Section 162(m) of the Code, and numerous other factors, including changes in tax law.
- Fair Value Measurements
The fair value of a financial instrument represents the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties in contrast to a forced sale or liquidation. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information about the financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of judgment, and therefore cannot be determined with precision.
Accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value and also establishes the following three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables, and accounts payable: The amounts reported in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.
Notes receivable: The carrying amount of the Company’s outstanding balance on its Notes receivable as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was estimated to have a fair value of approximately $94.9 million and $90.3 million, respectively, based on the fair value of estimated future payments calculated using interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates at each period end (Level 2 inputs).
Investments in sales-type leases: The carrying amount of the Company’s outstanding balance on its Investments in sales-type leases as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was estimated to have a fair value of approximately $6.1 million and $8.7 million, respectively, based on the fair value of estimated future payments calculated using interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates at each period end (Level 2 inputs).
Debt obligations: The carrying amount of the Company’s outstanding balance on its Debt obligations as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was estimated to have a fair value of approximately $1,740.1 million and $1,598.5 million, respectively, based on the fair value of estimated future payments calculated using interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates at each period end (Level 2 inputs).
Assets Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis and a Nonrecurring Basis
As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company measured the fair value of its interest rate swap agreements based on Level 2 inputs, due to the usage of inputs that can be corroborated by observable market data. The Company estimates the fair value of derivative instruments using a discounted cash flow technique. The net fair values of the interest rate swaps as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were $13.1 million and $16.5 million, respectively, each representing an asset. The Company recorded an adjustment to interest expense of $(3.1) million and $(5.7) million during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $(6.2) million and $(11.1) million during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, from derivative instruments.
Goodwill is assessed for impairment annually, at each year end by comparing the fair values of the reporting units to their carrying amounts. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test.
The Company determines fair value of long-lived assets held and used, such as Equipment held for operating lease and Equipment held for sale, by reference to independent appraisals, quoted market prices (e.g. an offer to purchase) and other factors. An impairment charge is recorded when the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. The Company uses Level 2 inputs to measure write-downs of equipment held for lease and equipment held for sale.
| Total Losses | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| (in thousands) · (in thousands) | ||||
| Equipment held for lease | $— | $1,621 | $261 | $1,621 |
| Equipment held for sale | — | 50 | — | 50 |
| Total | $— | $1,671 | $261 | $1,671 |
Write-downs of equipment to their estimated fair values totaled $0.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, reflecting the adjustment of the carrying value ofone airframe.
- Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income, less preferred stock dividends and accretion of preferred stock issuance costs, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Treasury stock is excluded from the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share attributable to common stockholders is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and dilutive securities outstanding during the period. Dilutive securities are common stock equivalents that are freely exercisable into common stock at less than market prices or otherwise dilute earnings if converted. The net effect of common stock equivalents is based on the incremental common stock that would be issued upon the vesting of restricted stock using the treasury stock method. Common stock equivalents are not included in diluted earnings per share when their inclusion is antidilutive. Additionally, redeemable preferred stock is not convertible and does not affect dilutive shares.
There were approximately 3,000 anti-dilutive weighted shares excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average income per common share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024. There wereno anti-dilutive shares for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.
The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data):
| Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Net income attributable to common shareholders | $41,664 | $12,984 | $61,621 | $16,556 |
| Basic weighted average common shares outstanding | 6,570 | 6,354 | 6,479 | 6,239 |
| Potentially dilutive common shares | 144 | 88 | 208 | 210 |
| Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding | 6,714 | 6,442 | 6,687 | 6,449 |
| Basic weighted average income per common share | $6.34 | $2.04 | $9.51 | $2.65 |
| Diluted weighted average income per common share | $6.21 | $2.02 | $9.22 | $2.57 |
- Equity
Common Stock Repurchase
In October 2022, the Board of Directors approved the renewal of the existing common stock repurchase plan which allows for repurchases of up to $60.0 million of the Company’s common stock, extending the plan through December 31, 2024. Repurchased shares are immediately retired. No shares were repurchased during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.
Redeemable Preferred Stock
Dividends: The Company’s Series A-1 Preferred Stock accrued quarterly dividends at the rate per annum of 6.5% per share through October 15, 2023 and accrue at the rate per annum of 8.5% per share thereafter. The Series A-2 Preferred Stock accrue quarterly dividends at the rate per annum of 6.5% per share. During each of the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company paid total dividends of $1.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively, on the Series A-1 and Series A-2 Preferred Stock.
Redemption: The Preferred Stock has no stated maturity date, however the holders of the Preferred Stock have the option to require the Company to redeem all or any portion of the Preferred Stock for cash upon occurrence of any significant changes in operating results, ownership structure, or liquidity events as defined in the Preferred Stock purchase agreements. The redemption price is $20.00 per share plus dividends accrued but not paid. The Company is accreting the Preferred Stock to redemption value over the period from the date of issuance to the date first callable by the Preferred Stockholders (September 2024 for both of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock and Series A-2 Preferred Stock, as a result of the First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Designations, Preferences, and Relative Rights and Limitations of Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock dated as of September 26, 2023), such that the carrying amounts of the securities will equal the redemption amounts at the earliest redemption dates.
- Stock-Based Compensation Plans
The components of stock-based compensation expense were as follows:
| Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| (in thousands) · (in thousands) | ||||
| 2023 Incentive Stock Plan | $4,139 | $3,824 | $7,938 | $6,714 |
| Employee Stock Purchase Plan | 10 | 38 | 24 | 85 |
| Total Stock Compensation Expense | $4,149 | $3,862 | $7,962 | $6,799 |
Under the 2023 Incentive Stock Plan (the “2023 Plan”), stock-based compensation is in the form of restricted stock awards (“RSAs”). The RSAs are subject to either service-based vesting, which is typically betweenone andfour years, in which a specific period of continued employment must pass before an award vests, or performance-based vesting, which is typically betweenone andtwo years. The expense associated with these awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective vesting period, with forfeitures accounted for as they occur. For any vesting tranche of an award, the cumulative amount of compensation cost recognized is equal to the portion of the grant‑date fair value of the award tranche that is actually vested at that date.
As of June 30, 2024, the Company had granted 2,001,980 RSAs under the 2023 Plan and had 1,643,532 shares available for future issuance. The fair value of the RSAs equaled the stock price at the grant date.
The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity during the six months ended June 30, 2024:
| Shares | |
|---|---|
| Balance of unvested shares as of December 31, 2023 | 465,856 |
| Shares granted | 410,180 |
| Shares forfeited | (916) |
| Shares vested | (308,983) |
| Balance of unvested shares as of June 30, 2024 | 566,137 |
Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), as amended and restated effective November 2021,425,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance. Eligible employees may designate no more than 10% of their base cash compensation to be deducted each pay period for the purchase of common stock under the ESPP. Participants may purchase the lesser of 1,000 shares or $25,000 of common stock in any one calendar year. Each January 31 and July 31, shares of common stock are purchased with the employees’ payroll deductions from the immediately precedingsix months at a price per share of 85% of the lesser of the market price of the common stock on the purchase date or the market price of the common stock on the date of entry into an offering period. During the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023,5,532 and 5,506 shares of common stock, respectively, were issued under the ESPP. The Company issues new shares through its transfer agent upon an employee stock purchase.
- Reportable Segments
The Company hastwo reportable segments: (i) Leasing and Related Operations, which involves acquiring and leasing, primarily pursuant to operating leases, commercial aircraft, aircraft engines, and other aircraft equipment, and the selective purchase and resale of commercial aircraft engines and other aircraft equipment, and other related businesses and (ii) Spare Parts Sales, which involves the purchase and resale of after-market engine parts, whole engines, engine modules, and portable aircraft components.
The Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) is Austin Willis, Chief Executive Officer. The CODM evaluates the performance of and allocation of resources to each of the segments based on income or loss from operations. While the Company believes there are synergies between thetwo business segments, the segments are managed separately because each requires different business strategies.
The following tables present a summary of the reportable segments (in thousands):
| Three months ended June 30, 2024 | Leasing and Related Operations | Spare Parts Sales | Eliminations | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue: | ||||
| Lease rent revenue | $55,866 | $— | $— | $55,866 |
| Maintenance reserve revenue | 62,897 | — | — | 62,897 |
| Spare parts and equipment sales | 209 | 5,977 | — | 6,186 |
| Interest revenue | 2,284 | — | — | 2,284 |
| Gain on sale of leased equipment | 14,428 | — | — | 14,428 |
| Maintenance services revenue | 6,781 | — | — | 6,781 |
| Other revenue | 2,598 | 139 | (59) | 2,678 |
| Total revenue | 145,063 | 6,116 | (59) | 151,120 |
| Expenses: | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | 22,148 | 19 | — | 22,167 |
| Cost of spare parts and equipment sales | 21 | 5,416 | — | 5,437 |
| Cost of maintenance services | 5,671 | — | — | 5,671 |
| General and administrative | 34,035 | 652 | — | 34,687 |
| Technical expense | 4,518 | — | — | 4,518 |
| Net finance costs: | — | |||
| Interest expense | 24,562 | — | — | 24,562 |
| Total finance costs | 24,562 | — | — | 24,562 |
| Total expenses | 90,955 | 6,087 | — | 97,042 |
| Income from operations | $54,108 | $29 | $(59) | $54,078 |
| Three months ended June 30, 2023 | Leasing and Related Operations | Spare Parts Sales | Eliminations | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue: | ||||
| Lease rent revenue | $54,416 | $— | $— | $54,416 |
| Maintenance reserve revenue | 35,415 | — | — | 35,415 |
| Spare parts and equipment sales | 254 | 4,296 | — | 4,550 |
| Interest revenue | 2,258 | — | — | 2,258 |
| Gain on sale of leased equipment | 4,461 | — | — | 4,461 |
| Maintenance services revenue | 5,849 | — | — | 5,849 |
| Other revenue | 1,888 | 228 | (69) | 2,047 |
| Total revenue | 104,541 | 4,524 | (69) | 108,996 |
| Expenses: | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | 22,472 | 22 | — | 22,494 |
| Cost of spare parts and equipment sales | 43 | 3,015 | — | 3,058 |
| Cost of maintenance services | 4,843 | — | — | 4,843 |
| Write-down of equipment | 1,671 | — | — | 1,671 |
| General and administrative | 30,706 | 1,021 | — | 31,727 |
| Technical expense | 6,676 | — | — | 6,676 |
| Net finance costs: | ||||
| Interest expense | 19,085 | — | — | 19,085 |
| Total finance costs | 19,085 | — | — | 19,085 |
| Total expenses | 85,496 | 4,058 | — | 89,554 |
| Income from operations | $19,045 | $466 | $(69) | $19,442 |
| Six months ended June 30, 2024 | Leasing and Related Operations | Spare Parts Sales | Eliminations | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue: | ||||
| Lease rent revenue | $108,747 | $— | $— | $108,747 |
| Maintenance reserve revenue | 106,767 | — | — | 106,767 |
| Spare parts and equipment sales | 293 | 9,181 | — | 9,474 |
| Interest revenue | 4,553 | — | — | 4,553 |
| Gain on sale of leased equipment | 23,629 | — | — | 23,629 |
| Maintenance services revenue | 12,008 | — | — | 12,008 |
| Other revenue | 4,742 | 380 | (97) | 5,025 |
| Total revenue | 260,739 | 9,561 | (97) | 270,203 |
| Expenses: | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | 44,616 | 37 | — | 44,653 |
| Cost of spare parts and equipment sales | 30 | 8,112 | — | 8,142 |
| Cost of maintenance services | 11,245 | — | — | 11,245 |
| Write-down of equipment | 261 | — | — | 261 |
| General and administrative | 62,221 | 2,047 | — | 64,268 |
| Technical expense | 12,773 | — | — | 12,773 |
| Net finance costs: | ||||
| Interest expense | 47,565 | — | — | 47,565 |
| Total finance costs | 47,565 | — | — | 47,565 |
| Total expenses | 178,711 | 10,196 | — | 188,907 |
| Income (loss) from operations | $82,028 | $(635) | $(97) | $81,296 |
| Six months ended June 30, 2023 | Leasing and Related Operations | Spare Parts Sales | Eliminations | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue: | ||||
| Lease rent revenue | $107,636 | $— | $— | $107,636 |
| Maintenance reserve revenue | 58,913 | — | — | 58,913 |
| Spare parts and equipment sales | 309 | 9,293 | — | 9,602 |
| Interest revenue | 4,304 | — | — | 4,304 |
| Gain on sale of leased equipment | 4,328 | — | — | 4,328 |
| Maintenance services revenue | 10,508 | — | — | 10,508 |
| Other revenue | 3,017 | 326 | (103) | 3,240 |
| Total revenue | 189,015 | 9,619 | (103) | 198,531 |
| Expenses: | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | 44,989 | 54 | — | 45,043 |
| Cost of spare parts and equipment sales | 51 | 7,506 | — | 7,557 |
| Cost of maintenance services | 8,770 | — | — | 8,770 |
| Write-down of equipment | 1,671 | — | — | 1,671 |
| General and administrative | 57,496 | 2,062 | — | 59,558 |
| Technical expense | 11,018 | — | — | 11,018 |
| Net finance costs: | ||||
| Interest expense | 37,474 | — | — | 37,474 |
| Total finance costs | 37,474 | — | — | 37,474 |
| Total expenses | 161,469 | 9,622 | — | 171,091 |
| Income (loss) from operations | $27,546 | $(3) | $(103) | $27,440 |
| Leasing and Related Operations | Spare Parts Sales | Eliminations | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total assets as of June 30, 2024 | $2,836,303 | $85,353 | $— | $2,921,656 |
| Total assets as of December 31, 2023 | $2,602,907 | $49,437 | $— | $2,652,344 |
- Related Party Transactions
Joint Ventures
“Other revenue” on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income includes management fees earned of $1.3 million and $0.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, and $2.7 million and $1.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, related to the servicing of engines for the WMES lease portfolio.
During the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company sold three engines to WMES for $44.7 million, which resulted in a net gain of $12.0 million for the Company. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, WMES soldone engine to the Company for $22.3 million, and the Company soldone engine to WMES for $15.5 million, which resulted in a net gain of $2.8 million for the Company.
Other
During the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company paid approximately $66 thousand expense to Mikchalk Lake, LLC, an entity in which our Executive Chairman retains an ownership interest. These expenses were for lodging and other business-related services and were approved by the Board’s Independent Directors.
- Subsequent Events
On July 29, 2024, the Willis Lease Finance Corporation Board of Directors declared the Company’s first regular quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share of common stock outstanding. The dividend is expected to be paid on August 21, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 12, 2024.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.