What drove WLFC's strong earnings performance in 2024?

Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) experienced a robust earnings performance in 2024, driven by several key factors: 1. **Revenue Growth**: The company's total revenues reached $569.22 million, up significantly from the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by a 30.4% increase in core lease rent and maintenance reserve revenues, reflecting strong demand for aviation services. 2. **Lease Portfolio Expansion**: WLFC's lease portfolio grew to $2.87 billion by the end of 2024, up from $2.22 billion in 2023. This expansion, coupled with a strategic focus on high-demand engines and aircraft, positioned the company to capitalize on a robust aviation market. 3. **Efficient Asset Management**: The company's ability to "profitably deploy nearly $1 billion" in high-demand assets, as stated by CEO Austin C. Willis, was instrumental in achieving strong financial results. This highlights effective asset management and strategic investments in fuel-efficient engines, such as the purchase of Pratt & Whitney's GTF engines. 4. **Dividend Growth**: WLFC declared its third consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share in February 2025, reflecting confidence in its financial stability and commitment to shareholder value. 5. **Market Conditions**: The aviation market's robust demand, coupled with WLFC's strategic positioning and operational efficiency, created a favorable environment for the company to grow its revenues and profitability. In summary, WLFC's strong earnings performance in 2024 was driven by revenue growth, efficient asset management, strategic investments, and favorable market conditions.