KE Holdings Inc. Announces Upsizing and Extension of Share Repurchase Program

Rhea-AI Summary

KE Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BEKE, HKEX: 2423), known as Beike, has announced an expansion and extension of its share repurchase program. The company's board has approved an increase in the repurchase authorization from US$2.0 billion to US$3.0 billion of its Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs. The program has also been extended until August 31, 2025.

Since the program's launch in August 2022, Beike has repurchased approximately 95.0 million ADSs (representing about 285.0 million Class A ordinary shares) on the NYSE, with a total consideration of approximately US$1,389.8 million. The company's shareholders approved a general unconditional mandate for share repurchases at the June 14, 2024 AGM, which will cover repurchases under the extended program until the next AGM.

Positive

• Increase in share repurchase authorization from US$2.0 billion to US$3.0 billion
• Extension of the share repurchase program until August 31, 2025
• Successful repurchase of 95.0 million ADSs worth US$1,389.8 million to date
• Shareholder approval for the share repurchase mandate obtained at the AGM

Negative

• None.

Financial Analyst

KE Holdings' decision to upsize and extend its share repurchase program is a significant move that signals confidence in the company's financial health and future prospects. The increase from $2 billion to $3 billion and extension to August 2025 demonstrates a long-term commitment to enhancing shareholder value.

The company has already repurchased $1.39 billion worth of shares, representing about 69.5% of the original authorization. This aggressive buyback strategy suggests management believes the stock is undervalued. The additional $1 billion allocation provides substantial firepower to support the stock price and potentially boost earnings per share.

Investors should note that while buybacks can be positive, they also reduce cash reserves that could be used for growth initiatives or dividends. The market's reaction will depend on whether it views this as an efficient use of capital given the company's growth prospects and competitive landscape in the Chinese real estate sector.

Market Research Analyst

KE Holdings' expanded buyback program reflects a broader trend in the Chinese tech and real estate sectors, where companies are increasingly focusing on shareholder returns amidst regulatory uncertainties and economic headwinds. This move may help bolster investor confidence in Beike's stock, particularly among international investors wary of Chinese ADRs.

The timing is notable, coming amid a challenging period for China's property market. By committing substantial resources to buybacks, Beike is sending a strong signal about its financial stability and future outlook. This could differentiate the company from struggling peers in the real estate sector.

However, investors should consider whether such a large buyback is the optimal strategy in a market that may present acquisition opportunities or require significant investments in technology and market expansion. The effectiveness of this program will largely depend on the company's ability to balance share repurchases with sustainable growth initiatives.

BEIJING, Aug. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KE Holdings Inc. (“Beike” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BEKE and HKEX: 2423), a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services, today announced that its board of directors has approved the upsizing and extension of its share repurchase program.

As previously disclosed, the Company established a share repurchase program in August 2022 and upsized and extended it in August 2023, under which the Company may purchase up to US$2.0 billion of its Class A ordinary shares and/or American depositary shares (“ADSs”) until August 31, 2024 (the “Existing Share Repurchase Program”). As of the date of this press release, the Company in aggregate has purchased approximately 95.0 million ADSs (representing approximately 285.0 million Class A ordinary shares) on the New York Stock Exchange with a total consideration of approximately US$1,389.8 million under the Existing Share Repurchase Program since its launch.

On August 12, 2024, the Company’s board of directors approved modifications to the Existing Share Repurchase Program, pursuant to which the repurchase authorization has been further increased from US$2.0 billion to US$3.0 billion of its Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs and extended until August 31, 2025 (the “Extended Share Repurchase Program”). In the annual general meeting (the “AGM”) held on June 14, 2024, the shareholders of the Company have approved to grant the board of directors a general unconditional mandate to purchase the Company’s own shares (the “2024 Share Repurchase Mandate”) which covers the repurchases under the Extended Share Repurchase Program until the conclusion of the next AGM of the Company. After the expiry of the 2024 Share Repurchase Mandate, the Company will seek for another general unconditional mandate for repurchase from the shareholders of the Company at the next AGM to continue its share repurchase under the Extended Share Repurchase Program.

About KE Holdings Inc.

KE Holdings Inc. is a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services. The Company is a pioneer in building infrastructure and standards to reinvent how service providers and customers efficiently navigate and complete housing transactions and services in China, ranging from existing and new home sales, home rentals, to home renovation and furnishing, and other services. The Company owns and operates Lianjia, China’s leading real estate brokerage brand and an integral part of its Beike platform. With more than 22 years of operating experience through Lianjia since its inception in 2001, the Company believes the success and proven track record of Lianjia pave the way for it to build its infrastructure and standards and drive the rapid and sustainable growth of Beike.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Beike may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about KE Holdings Inc.’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Beike’s goals and strategies; Beike’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; expected changes in the Company’s revenues, costs or expenditures; Beike’s ability to empower services and facilitate transactions on Beike platform; competition in the industry in which Beike operates; relevant government policies and regulations relating to the industry; Beike’s ability to protect the Company’s systems and infrastructures from cyber-attacks; Beike’s dependence on the integrity of brokerage brands, stores and agents on the Company’s platform; general economic and business conditions in China and globally; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in KE Holdings Inc.’s filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and KE Holdings Inc. does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:
KE Holdings Inc.
Investor Relations
Siting Li
E-mail: ir@ke.com

Piacente Financial Communications
Jenny Cai
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com

In the United States:
Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com

Source: KE Holdings Inc.

FAQ

What is the new share repurchase authorization amount for KE Holdings (BEKE)?

KE Holdings (BEKE) has increased its share repurchase authorization from US$2.0 billion to US$3.0 billion of its Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs.

Until when has KE Holdings (BEKE) extended its share repurchase program?

KE Holdings (BEKE) has extended its share repurchase program until August 31, 2025.

How many ADSs has KE Holdings (BEKE) repurchased under the existing program?

KE Holdings (BEKE) has repurchased approximately 95.0 million ADSs, representing about 285.0 million Class A ordinary shares, under the existing program.

What is the total value of shares repurchased by KE Holdings (BEKE) so far?

KE Holdings (BEKE) has repurchased shares with a total consideration of approximately US$1,389.8 million under the existing program.