BRODSKY & SMITH INVESTOR ALERT: Updates on Investigations Involving Akero Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq - AKRO), CoreCard Corporation (NYSE - CCRD), PB Bankshares, Inc. (Nasdaq - PBBK), and Air Lease Corporation (NYSE - AL)
Investigations Announced: Brodsky & Smith is reminding investors of ongoing investigations into several companies regarding potential breaches of fiduciary duties by their boards during acquisition processes.
Akero Therapeutics Acquisition: Akero Therapeutics is set to be acquired by Novo Nordisk for $54.00 per share, with additional contingent payments tied to regulatory approval of a treatment, raising concerns about the fairness of the deal for shareholders.
CoreCard Corporation Merger: CoreCard Corporation will merge with Euronet in a stock-for-stock transaction valued at approximately $248 million, prompting investigations into whether the board acted in the best interest of shareholders.
Air Lease and PB Bankshares Transactions: Air Lease will be acquired for $65.00 per share, while PB Bankshares will be merged with Norwood Financial, with both transactions under scrutiny for potential fiduciary duty breaches by their respective boards.
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- Stable Rating Outlook: KBRA assigns A- ratings to Takeoff Merger Sub and its parent Sumisho Air Lease Finance Corporation, reflecting the strong capabilities and long-term commitment of its majority owners, SMBC AC and Sumitomo Corporation, in the aviation leasing sector, which are expected to provide robust support for SALC.
- Clear Use of Proceeds: Upon completion of the merger, proceeds from the senior unsecured notes issued by Merger Sub will be allocated to pay a portion of the Air Lease acquisition consideration and related fees, repay certain existing indebtedness, and for general corporate purposes, thereby ensuring financial flexibility and operational stability for the company.
- Strong Liquidity Support: SALC's liquidity is bolstered by a $3.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility and ample cash reserves, which are expected to adequately cover near-term debt obligations, combined with the strong operating cash flow from the AL portfolio, ensuring the company can meet future funding needs.
- Reasonable Leverage Target: The debt-to-tangible common equity ratio for SALC is projected to be 3.5x upon transaction close, with plans to reduce it to a long-term target of 3.0x through aircraft sales, demonstrating the company's commitment to maintaining strong financial metrics.
- Share Reduction Details: Villanova Investment Management Co LLC disclosed in its SEC filing on February 24, 2026, that it sold 66,230 shares of Air Lease, estimating the transaction value at approximately $4.23 million, indicating a waning confidence in the stock.
- Remaining Stake Value: After the sale, Villanova's remaining stake in Air Lease consists of 64,908 shares, with the value decreasing by $4.18 million at quarter-end, highlighting the impact of market price fluctuations on its investment portfolio.
- Portfolio Allocation: Following the sale, Air Lease now accounts for 2.94% of Villanova's $141.87 million reportable U.S. equity AUM, suggesting a diminished significance of this stock within its investment strategy.
- Acquisition Progress: Air Lease is being acquired by a consortium of investors, with shareholders accepting a $65 per share offer, expected to close by December 18, 2025, and Villanova's reduction reflects a cautious approach towards a stock that will soon be delisted.
- Share Reduction Details: Villanova Investment Management Co LLC disclosed in its SEC filing on February 24, 2026, that it sold 66,230 shares of Air Lease, with an estimated transaction value of $4.23 million, reflecting a 2.98% decrease in the fund's AUM.
- Value Change of Holdings: Following the sale, Villanova's remaining stake in Air Lease consists of 64,908 shares, with the position's value decreasing by $4.18 million at quarter-end, indicating the impact of market price fluctuations on the investment portfolio.
- Adjustment in Holdings Proportion: After the sale, Air Lease now represents only 2.94% of Villanova's portfolio, no longer qualifying as one of the top five holdings, which signifies a decline in its importance within the fund.
- Acquisition Progress: Air Lease is being acquired by a consortium of investors, with shareholders accepting an offer of $65 per share, expected to close in December 2025, and Villanova's decision to reduce its stake is closely tied to the anticipated delisting of the stock.
- Share Acquisition: Alpine Associates Management Inc. purchased an additional 1,070,853 shares of Air Lease in Q4 2025, raising its total stake to 1,118,656 shares, with an estimated trade value of $68.37 million, indicating strong confidence in the company.
- Asset Allocation Shift: This acquisition increased Air Lease's share from 0.18% to 4.78% of Alpine's reported U.S. equity assets, reflecting its significant rise in importance within the investment portfolio, which may attract further investor interest.
- Strong Financial Performance: Air Lease reported $820 million in revenue for Q4 2025 and $3 billion for the full year, with a net income of $1.04 billion, marking the highest figures in the company's history and demonstrating robust business growth momentum.
- Merger Agreement Progress: Air Lease has entered into a merger agreement with a new holding company based in Dublin, expected to close in the second half of 2026, with a total transaction valuation of approximately $7.4 billion, indicating positive market expectations for its future development.
- Stake Increase: Alpine Associates Management Inc. acquired an additional 1,070,853 shares of Air Lease in Q4 2025, with an estimated trade value of $68.37 million, reflecting strong confidence in the aircraft leasing market.
- Quarter-End Position Value: As of December 31, 2025, Alpine's holdings in Air Lease were valued at $71.85 million, representing 4.78% of its assets under management, indicating a significant increase in the stock's importance within its portfolio.
- Strong Financial Performance: Air Lease reported a record total revenue of $820 million for Q4 2025, the highest in company history, with full-year revenue reaching $3 billion, showcasing robust business growth.
- Merger Agreement Progress: Air Lease has entered into a merger agreement with a new holding company based in Dublin, valued at approximately $7.4 billion, expected to close in the second half of 2026, further solidifying its market position.
- Transaction Overview: Gagnon Securities sold 108,661 shares of Air Lease Corporation (AL) in Q4 2026, with an estimated transaction value of $6.94 million, reflecting fluctuations in quarterly average prices.
- Position Change: By quarter-end, Gagnon Securities' stake in AL was valued at $31.92 million, a decrease of $6.63 million from the previous quarter, indicating the dual impact of share sales and price movements.
- Performance Highlights: Air Lease generated a record revenue of $3.0 billion in 2026, with net income reaching $1.04 billion, and Q4 revenue increased by 15%, while diluted EPS surged 82% to $1.51, showcasing the company's strong financial performance.
- Market Performance: Despite AL's stock climbing nearly 44% over the past year, Gagnon Securities' decision to trim its position reflects a rational risk-balancing strategy, even as confidence in the company's fundamentals remains strong.






