Announcement of New Revolving Credit Facility
November 04 2024 - 5:20PM
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the
“Company”) today reported that on October 31, 2024, the Company
entered into a new, $1.0 billion, five-year, revolving credit
facility (the “Credit Agreement”) among WLFC, certain wholly-owned
subsidiaries of WLFC, as guarantors, the lenders party thereto from
time to time (the “Lenders”), and Bank of America, N.A., as
administrative agent, collateral agent, swing line lender, and
letter of credit issuer. The Credit Agreement replaced the existing
$500.0 million revolving credit agreement, dated as of June 7, 2019
(as amended and restated, the “Existing Credit Agreement”), among
WLFC, the lenders party thereto from time to time and MUFG Bank,
Ltd. as agent.
Under the Credit Agreement, WLFC may request an
additional increase of the aggregate commitments from time to time
up to an aggregate additional $250.0 million from the lenders, who
may elect to make such increase available, upon the satisfaction of
certain conditions.
Proceeds from the revolving credit facility may
be used for general corporate purposes. The credit facility will be
available on a revolving basis until October 31, 2029, and WLFC may
request to extend the maturity, subject to lender approval.
Loans under the Credit Agreement will bear
interest based on a floating rate (Term SOFR) plus a margin. In
addition, WLFC has agreed to pay Bank of America, N.A. an unused
line fee, quarterly in arrears, as well as pay other fees to Bank
of America, N.A. and to the Lenders as separately agreed upon in
writing.
The Credit Agreement also requires WLFC to
maintain, as of the last day of each Measurement Period (as defined
in the Credit Agreement), commencing with the last day of the
fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2024, a Consolidated Interest
Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of no less than
2.25 to 1.00, and a Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the
Credit Agreement ) of no greater than 4.25 to 1.00 through June 30,
2025 and no greater than 4.00 to 1.00 thereafter.
“We are very excited to have closed our new,
expanded revolving credit facility,” said Scott B. Flaherty, the
Company’s Chief Financial Officer. “Our new facility will provide
incremental capital to support the growth we are experiencing
across the WLFC platform.”
Willis Lease Finance
Corporation
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (“WLFC”) leases
large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary
power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers
and maintenance, repair and overhaul providers worldwide. These
leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading,
engine lease pools and asset management services through Willis
Asset Management Limited, as well as various end-of-life solutions
for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis
Aeronautical Services, Inc. Additionally, through Willis Engine
Repair Center®, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services
Limited, the Company’s service offerings include Part 145 engine
maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft
disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO and ground and cargo
handling services.
Except for historical information, the matters
discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements
that involve risks and uncertainties. Do not unduly rely on
forward-looking statements, which give only expectations about the
future and are not guarantees. Forward-looking statements speak
only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation
to update them. Our actual results may differ materially from the
results discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might
cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: the
effects on the airline industry and the global economy of events
such as war, terrorist activity and pandemics; changes in oil
prices, rising inflation and other disruptions to world markets;
trends in the airline industry and our ability to capitalize on
those trends, including growth rates of markets and other economic
factors; risks associated with owning and leasing jet engines and
aircraft; our ability to successfully negotiate equipment
purchases, sales and leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and
to control costs and expenses; changes in interest rates and
availability of capital, both to us and our customers; our ability
to continue to meet changing customer demands; regulatory changes
affecting airline operations, aircraft maintenance, accounting
standards and taxes; the market value of engines and other assets
in our portfolio; and risks detailed in the Company’s Annual Report
on Form 10-K and other continuing reports filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
CONTACT: |
Scott B.
Flaherty |
|
EVP & Chief Financial Officer |
|
561.413.0112 |
Willis Lease Finance (NASDAQ:WLFC)
Historical Stock Chart
From Nov 2024 to Dec 2024
Willis Lease Finance (NASDAQ:WLFC)
Historical Stock Chart
From Dec 2023 to Dec 2024