What is the change in portfolio yield year‑over‑year and what drivers contributed to the increase? | AL (Aug 06, 2025) | Candlesense

What is the change in portfolio yield year‑over‑year and what drivers contributed to the increase?

Answer

Air Lease reported that its portfolio yield rose year‑over‑year in the second quarter of 2025.

The press release does not give a precise percentage point change, but it makes clear that the yield increased relative to the same quarter in 2024.

Drivers behind the year‑over‑year portfolio‑yield increase

Driver How it contributed to a higher yield
New aircraft deliveries Adding fresh, higher‑value jets to the fleet improves the overall return on the assets that are being leased or sold, lifting the weighted‑average yield.
Healthy gains on sales Realising strong margins on aircraft sales (both outright sales and “sale‑lease‑back” transactions) adds higher‑margin cash flow, which is reflected in a higher portfolio yield.
Increasing portfolio yield (as a stated focus) Management highlighted that the portfolio composition is being steered toward higher‑yield assets, such as newer, in‑demand models and longer‑term lease structures, which naturally raises the average yield.
Significant Russia‑insurance recoveries Recoveries from insurance claims related to the Russian market (e.g., aircraft that were grounded or seized) provide a one‑off cash boost that improves the overall return on the portfolio for the quarter.
Robust demand for aircraft (leasing and sales) A strong market environment allows Air Lease to negotiate better lease rates and secure premium sales prices, both of which feed into a higher yield.

Summary

  • Portfolio yield: Up year‑over‑year (the exact basis‑point change was not disclosed in the excerpt).
  • Key contributors: New aircraft deliveries, solid sales margins, a strategic shift toward higher‑yield assets, sizable insurance recoveries from the Russian exposure, and a healthy, sustained demand environment for both leasing and sales.

These factors together created a “strong quarter” that enabled Air Lease to expand its margin and improve the overall profitability of its aircraft portfolio.