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Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana Announces Receipt of Regulatory Approval for Dividend from Home Federal Bank and Approval of Stock Repurchase Program

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Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana (HFBL) receives regulatory approval for $10.0 million dividend payment from Home Federal Bank to fund operations, stock repurchases, and dividends. The Company's Board of Directors approves twelfth stock repurchase program for up to 60,000 shares in 2024.
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Insights

The regulatory approval for Home Federal Bank to pay dividends to its holding company, Home Federal Bancorp, Inc., represents a significant liquidity event. This infusion of $10 million, distributed over four quarters, provides the holding company with a substantial capital resource. The immediate implication for stakeholders is the potential for enhanced shareholder value through the announced uses of these funds: operational financing, stock repurchases and shareholder dividends. Stock repurchase programs like the one announced can often lead to an increase in the stock's price by reducing the number of shares outstanding, thus potentially increasing earnings per share (EPS).

However, the repurchase of 2.0% of outstanding common stock must be scrutinized against the backdrop of the company's overall capital strategy. While repurchases can signal management's confidence in the company's valuation, they also represent an opportunity cost. Capital not invested in growth or operational improvements could be seen as a lack of viable investment opportunities within the company or its market. Investors should consider the long-term growth prospects of Home Federal Bancorp in light of this capital allocation decision.

The banking sector often utilizes stock repurchase programs as a method to return value to shareholders and manage equity levels. Home Federal Bancorp's decision to implement its twelfth stock repurchase program without an expiration date provides flexibility in capital management. This strategy can be particularly effective in managing market perceptions during volatile periods. By analyzing the program's scale relative to the company's market capitalization, investors can gauge its potential impact on the market price.

It is also crucial to consider the regional market dynamics of northwest Louisiana where Home Federal Bank operates. The economic health of this region, including factors like employment rates, real estate markets and business growth, will influence the bank's performance. Understanding these local economic indicators can provide insights into the potential success of the bank's strategic initiatives, including the efficacy of the dividend payments and stock repurchase program in creating shareholder value.

The regulatory approval for dividend payments from Home Federal Bank to Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. underscores the importance of regulatory compliance in the financial industry. This approval is a testament to the bank's adherence to the stringent capital requirements and oversight imposed by financial regulators. For stakeholders, this regulatory milestone can be seen as an indicator of the bank's financial health and regulatory standing.

Additionally, the structure of the dividend payments, set to be distributed over four installments, suggests a planned approach to capital distribution that aims to maintain stability and regulatory compliance over time. The absence of an expiration date for the stock repurchase program allows for strategic flexibility, but also requires ongoing legal and regulatory oversight to ensure continued compliance with market regulations and to prevent market manipulation.

SHREVEPORT, La., March 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: HFBL), the holding company for Home Federal Bank, announced today that Home Federal Bank had received regulatory approval for the payment of $10.0 million of dividends from the Bank to the Company. It is anticipated that the payment will be used for the Company’s ongoing operations, as well as fund stock repurchases and dividends to shareholders. The Bank anticipates paying the dividend in four installments over four quarters in 2024.

In addition, the Company announced today that its Board of Directors on March 7, 2024, approved the Company’s twelfth stock repurchase program. The new repurchase program provides for the repurchase of up to 60,000 shares, or approximately 2.0% of the Company’s outstanding common stock from time to time, in open market or privately negotiated transactions. The stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date.

Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana is the holding company for Home Federal Bank which conducts business from its ten full-service banking offices and home office in northwest Louisiana.

Statements contained in this news release which are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words like “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate” and “intend” or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” or “may.” We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Contact:
Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana
James R. Barlow, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
(318) 222-1145


FAQ

What is the ticker symbol for Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana?

The ticker symbol for Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana is HFBL.

What was announced regarding dividend payments by Home Federal Bank?

Home Federal Bank received regulatory approval for a $10.0 million dividend payment to the Company for ongoing operations, stock repurchases, and dividends to shareholders.

How many shares are included in the new stock repurchase program approved by the Company's Board of Directors?

The new repurchase program allows for the repurchase of up to 60,000 shares, approximately 2.0% of the Company's outstanding common stock.

How will the dividend payment be distributed by Home Federal Bank?

The dividend payment is expected to be distributed in four installments over four quarters in 2024.

Where does Home Federal Bank conduct its business?

Home Federal Bank conducts business from its ten full-service banking offices and home office in northwest Louisiana.

Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana

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