Home BancShares, Inc. Boosts Share Repurchase Program and Declares First Quarter Cash Dividend

Home BancShares, Inc. (NYSE: HOMB), the parent company of Centennial Bank, has announced an increase in its share repurchase program and declared a first quarter cash dividend. These moves demonstrate the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders and maintaining a strong financial position.

On January 17, 2025, Home BancShares' Board of Directors authorized an increase in the shares available for repurchase under its stock repurchase program. The authorization was renewed to 20,000,000 shares, representing a 51% increase from the previous 13,244,493 shares available for repurchase. This move allows the company to repurchase shares opportunistically when the stock price is low, enhancing the effectiveness of the program.

The increase in the share repurchase program can have several potential benefits and risks. On the one hand, it can signal to the market that the company's management believes the stock is undervalued, potentially attracting more investors and increasing the stock price. Additionally, repurchasing shares reduces the number of outstanding shares, which can increase the value of each remaining share by distributing earnings per share (EPS) among fewer shares. This can make the company's earnings appear more valuable on a per-share basis.

On the other hand, reducing the capital base by repurchasing shares could limit the company's ability to invest in new opportunities or weather economic downturns. If the company repurchases shares at a time when the stock price is high, it may be misallocating resources that could have been used more productively elsewhere. Additionally, if the market perceives the share repurchase program as a desperate attempt to boost the stock price, it could have the opposite effect and negatively impact the stock price.



First Quarter Cash Dividend
In addition to the share repurchase program increase, Home BancShares' Board of Directors has declared a regular $0.195 per share quarterly cash dividend payable on March 5, 2025, to shareholders of record as of February 12, 2025. This cash dividend is consistent with the quarterly dividends paid during the third and fourth quarters of 2024.

The announced first quarter cash dividend represents a continuation of the company's historical dividend growth trend and is competitive with its industry peers. Home BancShares has maintained a consistent dividend growth rate over the past five years, increasing its dividend payout by an average of 4.17% per year. This steady growth in dividends indicates that the company is committed to returning value to its shareholders and has a strong financial position to support these payouts.

In comparison to its industry peers, Home BancShares' dividend yield of 2.59% is relatively competitive. The average dividend yield for banks in the Regional Banks - Regional industry group is approximately 2.75%. While Home BancShares' yield is slightly lower than the industry average, its consistent dividend growth and strong financial performance make it an attractive option for income-oriented investors.

In conclusion, Home BancShares, Inc. has demonstrated its commitment to returning value to shareholders by increasing its share repurchase program and declaring a first quarter cash dividend. While these moves carry potential benefits and risks, the company's strong financial performance and consistent dividend growth make it an attractive option for income-oriented investors. As always, investors should carefully consider their individual financial circumstances and consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.