Willis Lease Finance Signs $35M Preferred Stock Deal with Development Bank of Japan

Key Facts

1Willis Lease Finance entered into an agreement with the Development Bank of Japan for the sale of 1.75 million shares of Series B Preferred Stock.

2The total value of the agreement is $35 million with a dividend rate of 8.09%.

In a move aimed at bolstering liquidity and supporting the company's financial standing, Willis Lease Finance Corporation announced a strategic agreement with the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ). The agreement entails the sale of 1.75 million shares of Series B Preferred Stock, with a total value of $35 million. According to reports, these shares will be issued with a fixed dividend rate of 8.09%, reflecting the company's drive to diversify its capital sources.

This step comes as aviation finance firms seek to secure stable cash flows to meet financial obligations. Based on available data, the issuance of preferred stock provides the company with financing flexibility in exchange for specific dividend commitments, a common tool in the capital asset finance sector. This partnership with a major Japanese financial institution like DBJ signals confidence in the company's business model and its ability to attract international institutional investment.

Regarding stock performance, WLFC shares stood at $54.74 (close September 21, 2026), with a daily trading range between $54.21 and $55.13 per market data. Investors are monitoring how this new capital raise will impact leverage and profitability levels in upcoming quarters, especially as global market volatility continues to affect the aviation sector.