SmartFinancial Approves Regular Quarterly Cash Dividend and Announces Share Repurchase Program

Key Terms

rule 10b-18 regulatory

Rule 10b-18 is a regulation that sets strict rules for how a company's executives and employees can buy back their own company's stock from the market. It helps ensure that these buybacks happen in a fair and transparent way, reducing the chance of market manipulation. This is important for investors because it offers protection against unfair practices and promotes confidence in the integrity of the stock market.

rule 10b5-1 regulatory

Rule 10b5-1 is a regulation that allows company insiders to buy or sell their shares at predetermined times, even if they have access to non-public information. It acts like setting a schedule in advance for transactions, helping prevent accusations of unfair trading. This rule provides a way for insiders to plan trades transparently, giving investors confidence that these transactions are not based on hidden information.

accelerated share repurchase programs financial

An accelerated share repurchase program is a way for a company to buy back its own shares quickly, often within a short period. It typically involves a financial partner temporarily purchasing a large number of shares on behalf of the company, which are then gradually returned to the company’s treasury. This process allows the company to boost its stock price and earnings per share, making it important for investors tracking company performance.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SmartFinancial, Inc. (“SmartFinancial”) (NYSE: SMBK), the parent company for SmartBank, announced that on January 29, 2026, the board of directors of SmartFinancial declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share of SmartFinancial common stock payable on March 2, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 13, 2026.

The Board also authorized a stock repurchase plan (the “2026 Repurchase Plan”), pursuant to which SmartFinancial may purchase, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $10 million of its shares of common stock. The 2026 Repurchase Plan will become effective on March 1, 2026, and will expire on February 28, 2027, unless extended by the Board. The 2026 Repurchase Plan will replace SmartFinancial’s prior stock repurchase plan, which will be terminated when the 2026 Repurchase Plan becomes effective.

Repurchases under the 2026 Repurchase Plan may be made from time to time in the open market, by accelerated share repurchase programs, in privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), in each case subject to applicable regulatory requirements and other factors that may be considered by SmartFinancial in its sole discretion. Repurchases may also be made pursuant to a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, which would permit shares to be repurchased when SmartFinancial might otherwise be precluded from doing so because of self-imposed trading blackout periods or other regulatory restrictions. The 2026 Repurchase Program does not obligate SmartFinancial to repurchase any particular amount of common stock and may be extended, modified, amended, suspended, or discontinued by the Board at any time.

About SmartFinancial, Inc.

SmartFinancial, Inc., based in Knoxville, Tennessee, is the publicly-traded bank holding company for SmartBank. SmartBank is a full-service commercial bank founded in 2007 with branches across Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida. Recruiting the best people, delivering exceptional client service, strategic branching, and a disciplined approach to lending have all contributed to the company’s success. More information about SmartFinancial can be found on its website: www.smartfinancialinc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain statements that are based on management’s current estimates or expectations of future events or future results, and that may be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not historical in nature and can generally be identified by such words as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” and similar expressions. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results of SmartFinancial to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors can be found in SmartFinancial’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K, in each case filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and available on the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. SmartFinancial disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this release, which speak only as of the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260130343603/en/

Investor Contacts

Billy Carroll

President & Chief Executive Officer

Email: billy.carroll@smartbank.com

Phone: (865) 868-0613

Nathan Strall

VP and Director of Strategy & Corporate Development

Email: nathan.strall@smartbank.com

Phone: (865) 868-2604

Source: SmartFinancial, Inc.