ABU DHABI, UAE –Â Eshraq Investments announced Monday that its shareholders approved acquisition of an additional 7 percent shares under its share buyback program for up to US$30 million (AED 110 million).
The additional share buyback comes on the back of the request from the shareholders at its Annual General Meeting held on April 28, 2023.
The shareholders recommended Eshraq increase the shareholder distribution via an increased share buyback program and replace cash dividend.
The buyback will capitalize on the current share price discount compared to the company’s book value.
As of date, Eshraq holds 93.06 million treasury shares. As part of the company’s current buyback program, Eshraq has bought back 70.5 million shares since August 2022 at an average price of US$0.13 (AED 0.4977), generating a book value gain of US$9 million (AED 32.73 million) to its shareholders.
The increased share buyback is expected to enhance shareholder value on account of acquisition at a discount to Eshraq’s book value.
The additional buyback is subject to Securities and Commodities Authority approval.
At the company’s AGM, the shareholders also approved via a special resolution the renewal of Eshraq’s plans to cross-list its shares on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul).
Jassim Alseddiqi, Chairman of Eshraq Investments, said, “We are pleased to announce shareholder endorsement for an increase in share buyback.”
He said, “At the AGM, the shareholders proposed to opportunistically allocate the capital for buybacks versus dividend payment to benefit from the prevailing share price discount to Eshraq’s book value.”
He added, “The additional share buyback will further enhance long term shareholder value due to purchase of shares at a discount to book value.”
Alseddiqi said, “Eshraq has consistently delivered returns accretive to our shareholders, driven by a balanced and assertive strategy to enhance profitability. Going forward, we remain committed to leveraging opportunities to unlock further growth while delivering exceptional value to shareholders.”