Contrasting Box Ships (OTCMKTS:TEUFF) and Willis Lease Finance (NASDAQ:WLFC)

Willis Lease Finance (NASDAQ:WLFC) and Box Ships (OTCMKTS:TEUFF) are both transportation companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, valuation, dividends, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, earnings and profitability.

Risk & Volatility

Willis Lease Finance has a beta of 0.78, suggesting that its stock price is 22% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Box Ships has a beta of -1.54, suggesting that its stock price is 254% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

93.7% of Willis Lease Finance shares are held by institutional investors. 57.0% of Willis Lease Finance shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

This table compares Willis Lease Finance and Box Ships’ net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
Willis Lease Finance	17.79%	20.58%	3.52%
Box Ships	N/A	N/A	N/A

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Willis Lease Finance and Box Ships”s revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
Willis Lease Finance	$569.22 million	2.42	$108.61 million	$16.70	12.12
Box Ships	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Willis Lease Finance has higher revenue and earnings than Box Ships.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for Willis Lease Finance and Box Ships, as provided by MarketBeat.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
Willis Lease Finance	0	1	0	0	2.00
Box Ships	0	0	0	0	0.00

Given Box Ships’ higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Box Ships is more favorable than Willis Lease Finance.

Summary

Willis Lease Finance beats Box Ships on 8 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Willis Lease Finance

Willis Lease Finance Corporation operates as a lessor and servicer of commercial aircraft and aircraft engines worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Leasing and Related Operations, and Spare Parts Sales. The Leasing and Related Operations segment engages in acquiring and leasing commercial aircraft, aircraft engines, and other aircraft equipment, as well as the purchase and resale of commercial aircraft engines and other aircraft equipment, and other related businesses. The Spare Parts Sales segment purchases and resells after-market engine parts, whole engines, engine modules, and portable aircraft components. The company also focuses on engine management and consulting business. It serves commercial aircraft operators, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul organizations. As of December 31, 2023, it had a total lease portfolio of 337 engines, 12 aircraft, one marine vessel, and other leased parts and equipment, and with 74 lessees in 42 countries; and managed a total lease portfolio of 198 engines, aircraft, and related equipment for other parties. The company was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Coconut Creek, Florida.

About Box Ships

Box Ships Inc. provides commercial management services to shipping companies worldwide. The company was founded in 2010 and is based in Voula, Greece.