FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES ANNOUNCES RENEWAL OF STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN

Rhea-AI Summary

First Financial Bankshares (NASDAQ: FFIN) has renewed its stock repurchase plan, authorizing the repurchase of up to 5,000,000 shares of common stock through July 31, 2025. This represents approximately 3.5% of the company's outstanding shares as of July 23, 2024. The plan allows management to repurchase shares when considered beneficial to the company and its stockholders, with no minimum repurchase requirement. Repurchases can be made through open market, block trades, or private transactions. F. Scott Dueser, Chairman, CEO, and President, emphasized FFIN's strong capital position and the plan's potential to benefit shareholders when share prices are attractive.

Positive

• Authorization to repurchase up to 5,000,000 shares (3.5% of outstanding shares)
• Flexibility in repurchase timing and method to maximize shareholder benefit
• Strong capital position in the banking industry
• Potential to enhance shareholder value through strategic share repurchases

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The renewal of First Financial Bankshares' stock repurchase plan is a strategic move that warrants attention. With authorization to repurchase up to 5,000,000 shares, representing approximately 3.5% of outstanding shares, this plan provides flexibility without obligation.

Key points to consider:

• The plan's duration until July 31, 2025, offers a substantial window for execution.
• The absence of a minimum repurchase requirement allows management to be opportunistic.
• This move signals confidence in the company's financial health and future prospects.

However, investors should note that the actual impact depends on execution. If fully implemented, this could potentially boost earnings per share and return value to shareholders. Yet, the company's statement about repurchasing when 'beneficial' and at an 'attractive' price leaves room for interpretation.

While stock buybacks can be positive, they also reduce cash reserves that could be used for growth initiatives or dividends. Investors should monitor the company's capital allocation strategy and how this fits into their overall financial plan.

Given First Financial's strong capital position, as highlighted by CEO Dueser, this move appears to be from a position of strength rather than desperation. However, in the current banking environment, maintaining robust capital ratios is crucial, so any repurchases will likely be carefully balanced against regulatory requirements and growth needs.

Market Research Analyst

The renewal of First Financial Bankshares' stock repurchase plan is a nuanced development that requires careful interpretation within the broader market context. Here are some key considerations:

• Timing: This announcement comes amidst a period of uncertainty in the banking sector, following recent high-profile bank failures.
• Market Perception: Such a move can be seen as a vote of confidence by management in the company's stock value and future prospects.
• Flexibility: The plan's structure, allowing for up to 5,000,000 shares without a minimum requirement, provides significant operational latitude.

From a market perspective, this action could potentially provide support for the stock price, especially during periods of market volatility. However, its effectiveness will depend on various factors, including the company's execution strategy and broader market conditions.

Investors should also consider how this compares to peers in the regional banking sector. Is First Financial Bankshares leading a trend, or is this an isolated move? The answer could provide insights into the overall health and confidence levels within the industry.

Lastly, while stock repurchases can be viewed positively, they may also raise questions about growth opportunities. Investors might wonder if the company sees expansion prospects, hence choosing to return capital to shareholders instead of reinvesting in the business. Balancing this perception against the stated strong capital position will be important for market sentiment.

ABILENE, Texas, July 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- First Financial Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FFIN) (the "Company", "we", "us", or "our") has announced the renewal of its existing stock repurchase plan. Pursuant to the renewed plan, the Company may repurchase up to 5,000,000 shares of its common stock, which represents approximately 3.5 percent of the Company's outstanding shares as of July 23, 2024, through July 31, 2025. The Board of Directors previously authorized the repurchase of up to 5,000,000 shares of common stock through July 31, 2024.

The stock repurchase plan authorizes management to repurchase shares at such time and price as repurchases are considered beneficial to the Company and its stockholders. Any repurchase of shares will be made through the open market, block trades, or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Under the repurchase plan, there is no minimum number of shares that the Company is required to repurchase.

"First Financial continues to have one of the strongest capital positions in the banking industry and we believe it is in the best interest of our shareholders to have a stock repurchase plan in place to be able to execute when the price of our shares is attractive," said F. Scott Dueser, Chairman, CEO and President of First Financial. "The renewal of this share repurchase plan demonstrates our board's confidence in the outlook of First Financial."

About First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

Headquartered in Abilene, Texas, First Financial Bankshares is a financial holding company that, through its subsidiary, First Financial Bank, operates multiple banking regions with 79 locations in Texas, including Abilene, Acton, Albany, Aledo, Alvarado, Beaumont, Boyd, Bridgeport, Brock, Bryan, Burleson, College Station, Cisco, Cleburne, Clyde, Conroe, Cut and Shoot, Decatur, Eastland, El Campo, Fort Worth, Franklin, Fulshear, Glen Rose, Granbury, Grapevine, Hereford, Huntsville, Keller, Kingwood, Lumberton, Magnolia, Mauriceville, Merkel, Midlothian, Mineral Wells, Montgomery, Moran, New Waverly, Newton, Odessa, Orange, Palacios, Port Arthur, Ranger, Rising  Star,  Roby,  San  Angelo,  Southlake, Spring, Stephenville,  Sweetwater, Tomball, Trent,  Trophy Club, Vidor, Waxahachie, Weatherford, Willis, and Willow Park.  First Financial Bankshares, Inc., also operates First Financial Trust & Asset Management Company, with nine locations, and First Technology Services, Inc., a technology operating company.

The Company is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol FFIN. For more information about First Financial, please visit our website at https://www.ffin.com.

Certain statements contained herein may be considered "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the belief of the Company's management, as well as assumptions made beyond information currently available to the Company's management, and may be, but not necessarily are, identified by such words as "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "target," "forecast," "project," and "goal." Because such "forward-looking statements" are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include competition from other financial institutions and financial holding companies; the effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board; economic impact of oil and gas prices and the pandemic, changes in the demand for loans; fluctuations in value of collateral and loan reserves; inflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; and  acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses, and similar variables.   Other key risks are described in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which may be obtained under "Investor Relations-Documents and Filings" on the Company's Website or by writing or calling the Company at 325.627.7155. Except as otherwise stated in this news announcement, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements because of new information, future events or otherwise. 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-financial-bankshares-announces-renewal-of-stock-repurchase-plan-302207739.html

SOURCE First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

FAQ

How many shares is First Financial Bankshares (FFIN) authorized to repurchase under the renewed plan?

First Financial Bankshares (FFIN) is authorized to repurchase up to 5,000,000 shares of its common stock under the renewed plan.

When does First Financial Bankshares' (FFIN) renewed stock repurchase plan expire?

The renewed stock repurchase plan for First Financial Bankshares (FFIN) expires on July 31, 2025.

What percentage of First Financial Bankshares' (FFIN) outstanding shares does the repurchase plan represent?

The repurchase plan represents approximately 3.5% of First Financial Bankshares' (FFIN) outstanding shares as of July 23, 2024.

Is there a minimum number of shares that First Financial Bankshares (FFIN) must repurchase under this plan?

No, there is no minimum number of shares that First Financial Bankshares (FFIN) is required to repurchase under this plan.