Hanmi Financial Corp. Boosts Shareholder Returns with Dividend Increase and Share Repurchase Program
Los Angeles, CA – January 29, 2026 – Hanmi Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: HAFC), the parent company of Hanmi Bank, is making headlines today with the announcement of a 4% increase in its cash dividend and an expanded share repurchase authorization, signaling strong confidence in its financial health and future prospects.
1. Cash Dividend Increase
In a move aimed at rewarding its shareholders, Hanmi's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.28 per share for the first quarter of 2026, up from $0.27 in the previous quarter. This increase reflects the company's robust earnings growth and disciplined financial management. The dividend will be distributed on February 25, 2026, to stockholders recorded as of the close of business on February 9, 2026.
Bonnie Lee, President and CEO of Hanmi Financial, stated, “The increase in our dividend reflects the Board’s confidence in Hanmi’s financial strength and outlook. Following a year of strong earnings growth and disciplined execution, we believe Hanmi enters 2026 well positioned to sustain our momentum.”
2. Expanded Share Repurchase Authorization
In conjunction with the dividend announcement, Hanmi has expanded its existing share repurchase program by 1.5 million shares, bringing the total repurchase capacity to approximately 2.3 million shares of common stock, which represents 7.8% of shares outstanding as of December 31, 2025. This move underscores Hanmi's commitment to enhancing shareholder returns and reflects the management's belief in the compelling value of its stock.
The repurchase program allows the company to buy back shares in the open market or through private transactions, including block trades. Management will exercise discretion in repurchasing shares based on what they consider attractive prices, market conditions, and other financial factors. Bonnie Lee emphasized, “This expanded authorization underscores the compelling value we see in our stock and, together with the dividend increase, reinforces our commitment to enhancing stockholder returns.”
3. Strategic Considerations and Flexibility
The share repurchase program is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing it to be suspended, terminated, or modified at any time based on various factors such as market conditions, liquidity, and the availability of alternative investment opportunities. The program does not obligate Hanmi to repurchase any specific number of shares, and the timing and amount of repurchases may vary significantly.
4. About Hanmi Financial Corporation
Hanmi Financial Corporation is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and owns Hanmi Bank. The bank serves diverse multi-ethnic communities through a network of 32 full-service branches, five loan production offices, and three loan centers across several states, including California, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Colorado, Washington, and Georgia. Hanmi Bank specializes in lending to small and middle-market businesses, focusing on real estate, commercial, SBA, and trade finance.
5. Conclusion
With the increase in dividends and the expansion of the share repurchase program, Hanmi Financial Corporation is demonstrating its commitment to returning value to shareholders while positioning itself for sustained growth in the years ahead. As the company embarks on 2026, stakeholders and investors will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how these strategic moves translate into financial performance.
