Air Lease Corp. (AL) leases commercial aircraft to airlines around the world. Air Lease owns 221 planes, with 372 new planes worth about $29 billion on order. This is in anticipation of increased demand from U.S. and European airlines for more fuel-efficient models to replace their aging fleets, and the need for more lift in emerging markets. Aircraft demand remains strong, led by passenger traffic growth (up 5.8% through November 2014) and healthy customer profit margins. Revenues (+24% through the third quarter of 2014) and EPS (+41%) are growing as its fleet builds. Air Lease has greater than 65% of leases placed through 2016, providing predictable cash flows, and a well-capitalized balance sheet to generate a long “runway” of profitable growth. We believe Air Lease is trading cheaply compared to its potential earnings power. (David Goldsmith)
From Ron Baron (Trades, Portfolio)'s Baron Partners Fund Fourth Quarter 2014 Commentary.
