Unity Bancorp Inc. Announces New Share Repurchase Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Unity Bancorp (NASDAQ: UNTY) has announced a new Share Repurchase Program, allowing the company to repurchase up to 500,000 shares, or about 5% of its outstanding common stock. This decision follows the ongoing 2023 program, under which 315,355 shares have been repurchased with 184,645 remaining. The 2024 program will start immediately after completing the 2023 plan.

CEO James A. Hughes emphasized that this move aims to enhance shareholder value and reflects the company's strong capital position. Repurchases will be made in the open market or through private negotiations, with the possibility of implementing a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. The timing, volume, and price of repurchases will be at management's discretion, subject to market conditions and regulatory requirements.

Positive

• Approval of a new Share Repurchase Program for up to 500,000 shares (5% of outstanding stock)
• Potential enhancement of shareholder value through timely share repurchases
• Strong capital position allowing for strategic repurchases
• Flexibility in repurchase execution through open market or private negotiations
• Possibility of implementing a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan for consistent repurchases

Negative

• Potential reduction in available capital for other investments or growth opportunities
• Market conditions and stock price fluctuations may affect repurchase timing and value

Insights

Financial Analyst

Unity Bancorp's announcement of a new share repurchase program is a significant development for investors. The program, allowing for the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares (5% of outstanding stock), signals management's confidence in the company's financial health and future prospects.

Key points to consider:

• The timing and execution of repurchases will be based on market conditions and stock price, indicating a flexible approach.
• Management's statement about repurchasing near or below tangible book value suggests a disciplined capital allocation strategy.
• The program's commencement after the completion of the 2023 plan shows continuity in shareholder value creation efforts.
• The option to use a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan allows for more consistent execution, potentially reducing market impact.

From a financial perspective, this move could potentially increase earnings per share and return on equity by reducing the number of outstanding shares. However, investors should monitor how this impacts the bank's capital ratios and liquidity position, especially given the current economic uncertainties in the banking sector.

Overall, while share repurchases can be positive for shareholders, their effectiveness depends on execution and market conditions. Investors should view this announcement in the context of Unity's broader financial performance and growth strategy.

Banking Industry Expert

Unity Bancorp's new share repurchase program reflects a broader trend in the banking industry, where institutions are leveraging strong capital positions to return value to shareholders. This move is particularly noteworthy given the recent challenges faced by regional banks.

Several aspects stand out:

• The bank's $2.6 billion in assets and $2.0 billion in deposits indicate a solid financial foundation, supporting the repurchase initiative.
• The flexibility built into the program, including the potential use of Rule 10b5-1, demonstrates prudent management in an uncertain economic environment.
• The continuation from the 2023 program suggests a sustained commitment to capital management and shareholder returns.

However, it's important to consider the broader context. With ongoing concerns about regional bank stability, Unity's approach to capital allocation will be closely scrutinized. The bank's ability to balance growth initiatives, maintain strong capital ratios and return value to shareholders will be key to investor confidence.

Moreover, the emphasis on repurchasing near or below tangible book value indicates a focus on creating long-term value rather than short-term stock price manipulation. This approach aligns with best practices in bank capital management and could potentially strengthen Unity's position in the competitive New Jersey and Pennsylvania markets.

CLINTON, N.J., Aug. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unity Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: UNTY), parent company of Unity Bank, announced that its Board of Directors has approved a new Share Repurchase Program. Under this new program, the Company may repurchase up to 500,000 shares, or approximately 5.0% of its outstanding common stock. The timing and amount of any repurchases will depend on a number of factors, including the availability of stock, general market conditions, the trading price of the stock, alternative uses for capital, and the Company’s financial performance.

James A. Hughes, President and CEO, remarked, “We are pleased to announce the approval of our new share repurchase plan. We remain excited about our long-term growth prospects and believe that timely share repurchases enhance shareholder value. Historically, we have executed share repurchases when our shares trade near or below tangible book value per share. As always, we will remain disciplined and regularly assess the utilization of our capital.

Moreover, this repurchase plan is a testament to our strong capital position. We are committed to maintaining discipline in our capital management strategies, and will continue to assess macro-economic conditions to guide our decisions.”

Since announcing the 2023 Share Repurchase Program on April 27, 2023, the Company has repurchased 315,355 shares and has 184,645 shares remaining to be repurchased on this plan. The 2024 Share Repurchase Plan will commence immediately upon the completion of the 2023 Share Repurchase Plan.

Under the 2024 Share Repurchase Program, repurchases will be made from time to time by the Company in the open market as conditions allow, or in privately negotiated transactions. All or part of the repurchases may be implemented under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, which would allow repurchases under pre-set terms at times when the Company might otherwise be prevented from doing so under insider trading laws or because of self-imposed blackout periods.

Except in the case of repurchases under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, the volume, nature, price and timing of the repurchases are at the sole discretion of management, dependent on the stock price, market conditions, applicable securities laws including SEC Rule 10b-18, corporate and regulatory requirements, capital and liquidity needs or other factors. The Board of Directors may suspend, discontinue, terminate, modify, cancel or extend the Share Repurchase Program at any time and for any reason.

Unity Bancorp, Inc. is a financial service organization headquartered in Clinton, New Jersey, with approximately $2.6 billion in assets and $2.0 billion in deposits. Unity Bank provides financial services to retail, corporate and small business customers through its retail service centers located in Bergen, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Ocean, Somerset, Union and Warren Counties in New Jersey and Northampton County, Pennsylvania. For additional information about Unity, visit our website at www.unitybank.com , or call 800-618-BANK.

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, either expressed or implied, which are provided to assist the reader in understanding anticipated future financial performance. These statements may be identified by use of the words “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “project” or similar expressions. These statements involve certain risks, uncertainties, estimates and assumptions made by management, which are subject to factors beyond the company’s control and could impede its ability to achieve these goals. These factors include those items included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Item IA-Risk Factors” as amended or supplemented by our subsequent filings with the SEC, as well as general economic conditions, trends in interest rates, the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, our ability to manage and reduce the level of our nonperforming assets, results of regulatory exams, and the impact of health emergencies or natural disasters on the Bank, its employees and customers, among other factors.

News Media & Financial Analyst Contact:
George Boyan, EVP & CFO
(908) 713-4565

FAQ

How many shares can Unity Bancorp (UNTY) repurchase under the new 2024 Share Repurchase Program?

Unity Bancorp (UNTY) can repurchase up to 500,000 shares, which represents approximately 5% of its outstanding common stock, under the new 2024 Share Repurchase Program.

When will Unity Bancorp (UNTY) start the 2024 Share Repurchase Program?

The 2024 Share Repurchase Program will commence immediately upon the completion of the 2023 Share Repurchase Plan.

How many shares has Unity Bancorp (UNTY) repurchased under the 2023 Share Repurchase Program?

Unity Bancorp (UNTY) has repurchased 315,355 shares under the 2023 Share Repurchase Program, with 184,645 shares remaining to be repurchased.

What factors will determine the timing and amount of share repurchases for Unity Bancorp (UNTY)?

The timing and amount of repurchases will depend on factors such as stock availability, general market conditions, trading price, alternative uses for capital, and the company's financial performance.

Can Unity Bancorp (UNTY) suspend or cancel the Share Repurchase Program?

Yes, the Board of Directors can suspend, discontinue, terminate, modify, cancel, or extend the Share Repurchase Program at any time and for any reason.