Willis Lease Finance stock gains on USD 35 million DBJ deal

Willis Lease Finance Corporation (US96988D1090) trades at USD 54.74 on September 22, 2026, with the stock up 22.44 percent year to date. The company announced a USD 35 million preferred stock investment from the Development Bank of Japan, giving investors a concrete financing catalyst.

DBJ commits USD 35 million

According to GlobeNewswire on September 22, 2026, Willis Lease Finance entered into the agreement with the Development Bank of Japan on September 16, 2026. The transaction covers 1,750,000 shares of 8.09 percent Series B Preferred Stock for USD 35 million.

The financing provides preferred equity rather than ordinary-share proceeds, while the company links the investment to global business growth. The announcement also identifies the planned Willis Engine Repair Center in Johor, Malaysia, as part of that expansion program.

Growth funding carries a fixed rate

The USD 35 million transaction implies a preferred investment of USD 20 per Series B share, calculated from the announced amount and 1,750,000 shares. The 8.09 percent rate is the key financing term and distinguishes the capital from a conventional common-stock issuance.

The new agreement extends DBJ's relationship with Willis Lease Finance. According to StockTitan on September 22, 2026, a 2024 transaction refinanced USD 50 million of earlier Series A preferred stock and expanded the combined Series A investment to USD 65 million. The new USD 35 million commitment is therefore smaller than that earlier preferred series by USD 30 million, but it adds fresh capital for the current expansion plan.

Stock is up 22.44 percent in 2026

Willis Lease Finance stock stands at USD 54.74 on September 22, 2026, according to the available market snapshot, and has gained 22.44 percent since the start of the year. The same snapshot records a decline of about 22 percent over the past 90 days, creating a sharp contrast between the year's positive return and the recent pullback.

That comparison puts the financing announcement in a wider valuation context. The market has rewarded the stock over the full year, while the three-month performance indicates that investors are still weighing execution risks around newer projects, including the Malaysia repair hub.

Stock price stays at USD 54.74

Willis Lease Finance stock is quoted at USD 54.74 on Nasdaq as of September 22, 2026. The dated market value and the USD 35 million preferred investment provide the clearest current reference points for assessing the financing announcement.

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