Waterstone Financial (NASDAQ: WSBF) announced on April 27, 2026 that its Board authorized repurchase of up to an additional 2,000,000 shares under its existing repurchase program.
Prior to the authorization, 148,285 shares remained available; combined availability is 2,148,285 shares, about 11.9% of issued and outstanding common stock as of April 27, 2026. Repurchases may occur via open-market purchases, block trades, negotiated transactions, or a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan and may be suspended, terminated, or modified for any reason.
This announcement expands WSBF’s existing buyback program to cover up to 2,148,285 shares, around 11...
Analysis
This announcement expands WSBF’s existing buyback program to cover up to 2,148,285 shares, around 11.9% of its common stock as of April 27, 2026, adding to recent dividend increases and ongoing capital returns. It follows stronger recent earnings and solid asset quality reported in regulatory filings. Investors may watch how quickly repurchases are executed, the relationship between price and book value, and any changes in earnings or capital priorities alongside this authorization.
Key Figures
New buyback authorization:2,000,000 sharesRemaining under prior program:148,285 sharesTotal shares authorized:2,148,285 shares+5 more
8 metrics
New buyback authorization2,000,000 sharesAdditional shares authorized under existing repurchase program on Apr 27, 2026
Remaining under prior program148,285 sharesShares still available before new authorization
Total shares authorized2,148,285 sharesTotal available for repurchase after expansion, about 11.9% of shares
Portion of share count11.9%Authorized repurchases as percentage of issued and outstanding shares
Common shares outstanding18,161,733 sharesShareholders of record for annual meeting as of Mar 25, 2026
Q1 2026 net income$6.0 millionThree months ended Mar 31, 2026 (regulatory filing)
Announced a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per common share.
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Pattern Detected
Recent shareholder-friendly actions (dividend increases, buybacks) have seen mixed near-term price reactions, with one earnings release drawing a stronger positive move.
Recent Company History
Over the past several months, WSBF has focused on capital returns and operating performance. On Dec 18, 2025, it declared a regular $0.15 dividend, followed by a 13.3% dividend increase to $0.17 on Mar 17, 2026, both with modest negative price reactions. In contrast, Q4 2025 results on Jan 28, 2026—highlighting EPS of $0.44 and solid profitability metrics—were followed by an 8.28% gain, showing stronger responsiveness to earnings detail than to routine dividend actions.
Key Terms
rule 10b5-1, open-market repurchases
2 terms
rule 10b5-1regulatory
"pursuant to a trading plan that will be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act"
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.
open-market repurchasesfinancial
"may be carried out through open-market repurchases, block trades, negotiated private transactions"
A program where a company buys its own shares on the public market, similar to a shop repurchasing its products to reduce what's on the shelf. Investors care because buying back shares lowers the number of outstanding shares, which can raise profit per remaining share and support the stock price; it also uses the company’s cash and signals management’s view about the stock’s value.
WAUWATOSA, Wis., April 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Waterstone Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: WSBF) (the “Company”) announced that on April 27, 2026, its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock under its existing repurchase program. Prior to this authorization, 148,285 shares remained available to repurchase under the existing program. Combined with the shares authorized today, the total 2,148,285 shares available for repurchase represent approximately 11.9% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock as of April 27, 2026. The timing of the repurchases will depend on certain factors, including but not limited to market conditions and prices, available funds and alternative uses of capital. The stock repurchase program may be carried out through open-market repurchases, block trades, negotiated private transactions and pursuant to a trading plan that will be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Any repurchased shares will be treated as authorized but unissued by the Company. The repurchase program may be suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason, including market conditions, the cost of repurchasing shares, the availability of alternative investment opportunities, liquidity, and other factors deemed appropriate. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any particular number of shares.
About Waterstone Financial, Inc:
Waterstone Financial, Inc. is the savings and loan holding company for WaterStone Bank, a community-focused financial institution established in 1921. WaterStone Bank offers a comprehensive suite of personal and business banking products and operates 14 branch locations across southeastern Wisconsin. WaterStone Bank is also the parent company of Waterstone Mortgage Corporation, a national lender licensed in 48 states.
With a long-standing commitment to innovation, integrity, and community service, Waterstone Financial, Inc. supports the financial and homeownership goals of customers nationwide.
For more information about WaterStone Bank, visit wsbonline.com.
Contact: Mark R. Gerke Chief Financial Officer 414.459.4012 markgerke@wsbonline.com
FAQ
What did Waterstone Financial (WSBF) announce on April 27, 2026 about share repurchases?
The company authorized up to an additional 2,000,000 shares for repurchase. According to the company, combined availability is 2,148,285 shares, representing about 11.9% of issued and outstanding shares as of April 27, 2026.
How many WSBF shares are available for repurchase after the April 27, 2026 authorization?
After the board action, 2,148,285 shares are available for repurchase. According to the company, that total includes the prior 148,285 shares remaining under the existing program plus the newly authorized 2,000,000 shares.
How will Waterstone Financial (WSBF) execute its announced share repurchases?
Repurchases may occur via open-market purchases, block trades, negotiated transactions, or a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. According to the company, timing and method will depend on market conditions, prices, and available funds.
Does the WSBF repurchase authorization guarantee immediate buybacks or a set schedule?
No—there is no obligation to repurchase a specific number of shares. According to the company, the program may be suspended, terminated, or modified at any time for any reason, including liquidity or market conditions.
What percentage of Waterstone Financial (WSBF) outstanding shares does the repurchase availability represent?
The available repurchase amount represents approximately 11.9% of issued and outstanding shares as of April 27, 2026. According to the company, that percentage is based on shares outstanding calculated on that date.
