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NNI vs WLFC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Nelnet (NNI) vs. Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- NNI (Nelnet) is a diversified education-finance and payments company, while WLFC (Willis Lease Finance) is a commercial aircraft engine lessor — two businesses with very different drivers and risk profiles.
- Both companies reported record full-year 2025 results, but WLFC saw earnings-per-share (EPS) growth stall in recent quarters, whereas NNI delivered a sharp year-over-year profit increase.
- WLFC has shown greater recent price volatility, declining sharply after earnings, while NNI has displayed more moderate, lower-beta price behavior.
- Both companies are actively reshaping their businesses: NNI is expanding loan servicing and exiting solar construction, while WLFC is scaling asset management and winding down its sustainable aviation fuel project.
- Dividend-oriented and lower-volatility investors may find NNI more suitable, while growth-focused investors comfortable with cyclical aviation exposure may find WLFC more compelling.
Introduction
Comparing NNI and WLFC places two structurally different financial-services companies side by side. Nelnet operates in education finance, loan servicing, payments, and banking, while Willis Lease Finance operates in aviation equipment leasing and services. Despite operating in separate industries, both stocks appeal to investors seeking cash-generative businesses with expanding service offerings. This stock comparison is most relevant to traders and investors evaluating relative performance, market positioning, and risk across a defensive, diversified financial name and a higher-beta, cyclical aviation name in the current market environment.
NNI Overview and Recent Performance
Nelnet (NNI), headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska, traces its roots to student loan servicing in the 1970s and has since evolved into a diversified platform spanning loan servicing and systems, education technology services and payments, asset generation and management, and Nelnet Bank. The company services hundreds of billions of dollars in government-owned and private loans for millions of borrowers.
Recent market activity has reflected solid operating momentum. Nelnet reported record earnings for 2025, with a sharp year-over-year increase in net income driven by strength across its core businesses and certain one-time gains. In recent quarters, revenue growth has been supported by new servicing contracts, portfolio conversions, and cost-management initiatives. Nelnet also announced an agreement to acquire a Canadian student loan servicing business, expanding its international footprint, while divesting its underperforming solar construction segment. Analysts have largely maintained a "Hold" stance, with a modest average price target, and the stock has traded in a relatively contained range with a beta near 0.8, indicating lower sensitivity to broad market swings.
WLFC Overview and Recent Performance
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC), based in Coconut Creek, Florida, leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines and aircraft to airlines, engine manufacturers, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers worldwide. Its platform also includes parts sales, engine repair, aircraft disassembly, and asset management services.
Recent performance has been strong on the top line but more mixed on the bottom line. WLFC reported record full-year 2025 revenue, up roughly 28% year over year, and record annual adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), driven by robust aviation demand, high portfolio utilization, and persistent aircraft and engine supply-chain constraints. However, rising depreciation, general and administrative expenses, equipment write-downs, and higher interest costs have pressured margins in recent quarters, and EPS declined year over year in the most recent period. The company raised its quarterly dividend and secured large institutional partnerships to fund growth, but it also discontinued its sustainable aviation fuel initiative. The stock has been notably more volatile, pulling back sharply after recent earnings prints.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most fundamental contrast between these two stocks is sector exposure. NNI is anchored in education finance and payments, a business tied to interest rates, federal policy, and borrower repayment trends. WLFC, by contrast, is a cyclical aviation leasing business whose fortunes depend on global air travel demand, engine supply constraints, and asset residual values.
On growth, both companies have expanded revenue meaningfully in recent periods, but the quality of that growth differs. WLFC's growth has been strong yet accompanied by rising costs and compressed margins, while NNI has benefited from cost discipline and improving servicing economics. From a risk standpoint, NNI carries lower market beta and a steadier dividend, while WLFC offers higher beta and greater sensitivity to both aviation demand and financing costs. Market sentiment has favored NNI's stability recently, even as WLFC retains a strong multi-year growth narrative.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings stability, and relative market positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward NNI in the current environment. Nelnet's lower volatility, record profitability, and steadier price behavior suggest a more consistent trend profile than WLFC's, which has experienced sharper post-earnings pullbacks and margin pressure. That said, the verdict is probabilistic rather than definitive: if aviation demand and engine-supply constraints persist, WLFC's higher-beta growth profile could regain momentum. Traders should weigh their own risk tolerance and time horizon when interpreting this comparison.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is NNI is a Buy and WLFC is a Hold.
NNI's RSI Oscillator climbs out of oversold territory
The RSI Oscillator for NNI moved out of oversold territory on October 01, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 21 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 17 of the 21 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 81%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for NNI just turned positive on October 06, 2026. Looking at past instances where NNI's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 35 of 52 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
The 10-day moving average for NNI crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 8 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
Following a +1.33% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NNI advanced for three days, in 150 of 291 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 29 of 61 cases where NNI's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 48%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 22, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on NNI as a result. In 43 of 95 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 45%.
NNI moved below its 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where NNI declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 45%.
NNI broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for NNI entered a downward trend on October 01, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 17 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 78, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 19 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 35 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 36 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 43 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.191) is normal, around the industry mean (3.748). P/E Ratio (14.996) is within average values for comparable stocks, (5.859). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.020) is also within normal values, averaging (3.918). Dividend Yield (0.011) settles around the average of (0.393) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.206) is also within normal values, averaging (5.901).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 69 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. NNI’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
WLFC in downward trend: 10-day moving average crossed below 50-day moving average on September 22, 2026
The 10-day moving average for WLFC crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 of 12 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 83%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where WLFC declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 65%.
The Aroon Indicator for WLFC entered a downward trend on October 22, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where WLFC's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 18 of 20 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 44 of 56 cases where WLFC's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 22, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on WLFC as a result. In 71 of 96 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for WLFC just turned positive on October 22, 2026. Looking at past instances where WLFC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 36 of 54 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Following a +9.04% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where WLFC advanced for three days, in 238 of 324 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
WLFC may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 17 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 61 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 68 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. WLFC’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 72, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 78 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.203) is normal, around the industry mean (2.003). P/E Ratio (9.680) is within average values for comparable stocks, (27.923). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.560) is also within normal values, averaging (0.988). Dividend Yield (0.013) settles around the average of (0.037) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.552) is also within normal values, averaging (1.703).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 85 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. WLFC’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
NNI | WLFC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 29 | 63 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 43 Fair valued | 78 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 17 | 68 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 19 | 61 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 69 | 85 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 35 | 17 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 36 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
NNI's Valuation (43) in the Finance Or Rental Or Leasing industry is somewhat better than the same rating for WLFC (78). This means that NNI’s stock grew somewhat faster than WLFC’s over the last 12 months.
NNI's Profit vs Risk Rating (17) in the Finance Or Rental Or Leasing industry is somewhat better than the same rating for WLFC (68). This means that NNI’s stock grew somewhat faster than WLFC’s over the last 12 months.
NNI's SMR Rating (19) in the Finance Or Rental Or Leasing industry is somewhat better than the same rating for WLFC (61). This means that NNI’s stock grew somewhat faster than WLFC’s over the last 12 months.
NNI's Price Growth Rating (69) in the Finance Or Rental Or Leasing industry is in the same range as WLFC (85). This means that NNI’s stock grew similarly to WLFC’s over the last 12 months.
WLFC's P/E Growth Rating (17) in the Finance Or Rental Or Leasing industry is in the same range as NNI (35). This means that WLFC’s stock grew similarly to NNI’s over the last 12 months.
| NNI | WLFC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 81% | 1 day ago 90% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 48% | 1 day ago 79% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 45% | 1 day ago 74% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 67% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 46% | 1 day ago 72% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 39% | 1 day ago 68% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 10 days ago 52% | 1 day ago 73% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 45% | 3 days ago 65% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 74% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 28% | 1 day ago 67% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
NNI’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while WLFC’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- NNI’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- WLFC’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
NNI’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while WLFC’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- NNI’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- WLFC’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
NNI (@Savings Banks) experienced а -1.70% price change this week, while WLFC (@Finance/Rental/Leasing) price change was +4.81% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Savings Banks industry was -1.54%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -4.88%, and the average quarterly price growth was -7.78%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Finance/Rental/Leasing industry was +2.94%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -1.19%, and the average quarterly price growth was -2.92%.
Reported Earning Dates
NNI is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
WLFC is expected to report earnings on Nov 03, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Savings Banks (-1.54% weekly)A savings bank primary function is to take deposits and paying interest on those deposits. Originating in Europe during the 18th century, these banks were generally introduced to incentivize people of all stripes to save money and park them with banks. By the 1990s, the internet ushered in online savings banks that allowed savers to deposit/transact with banks digitally, without requiring to visit a branch office. Savings banks have potentially encouraged lower-income population to save and have access to a financial institution to earn interest on their money. New York Community Bancorp, Inc, Webster Financial Corporation, Washington Federal, Inc. are examples of savings banks.
@Finance/Rental/Leasing (+2.94% weekly)A leasing company (e.g. United Rentals, Inc. ) is typically the legal owner of the asset for the duration of the lease, while the lessee has operating control over the asset while also having some share of the economic risks and returns from the change in the valuation of the underlying asset. Per capita disposable income and corporate earnings or cash flow could be some of the critical metrics for this business – the higher the values of these metrics, the potentially greater ability of consumers/businesses to afford apartments/office spaces for rent. Other finance companies include credit/debit card payment processing companies (e.g. Visa Inc. and Mastercard), private label credit cards providers (e.g. Synchrony Financial) and automobile finance companies (e.g. Credit Acceptance Corporation).
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WLFC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, WLFC has been loosely correlated with AER. These tickers have moved in lockstep 50% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if WLFC jumps, then AER could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To WLFC | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WLFC | 100% | +3.04% | ||
| AER - WLFC | 50% Loosely correlated | -0.13% | ||
| NNI - WLFC | 49% Loosely correlated | +0.26% | ||
| ENVA - WLFC | 48% Loosely correlated | -1.82% | ||
| AXP - WLFC | 47% Loosely correlated | +0.48% | ||
| SYF - WLFC | 47% Loosely correlated | +1.32% | ||
More | ||||
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| MHF | 6.67 | N/A | N/A |
| Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund | |||
| PLA | 25.58 | -0.02 | -0.08% |
| GraniteShares Autocallable PLTR ETF (PLA) | |||
| XJUL | 41.75 | -0.23 | -0.54% |
| FT Vest U.S. Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - July (XJUL) | |||
| ETB | 15.24 | -0.15 | -0.97% |
| Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund | |||
| EXG | 9.39 | -0.12 | -1.26% |
| Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | |||