GAN Extends Share Buyback Plan

GAN Ltd. (NASDAQ:GAN) announced today it is extending a previously announced $5 million share repurchase program. The move potentially provides some relief to its badly battered shares.

The gaming technology provider said it’s pushing the deadline of the previously announced buyback plan to Nov. 30.

The shares will be repurchased with cash on hand and cash from operations. Any shares repurchased will be returned to treasury for cancellation. The price which the Company will pay for any such shares will be the prevailing market price at the time of acquisition, subject to certain limitations imposed by applicable securities laws,” according to a statement issued by the gaming company after the close of US markets.

The repurchase plan, which was announced last December, was slated to expire on May 31. GAN didn’t say how much of the $5 million remains.

GAN Extension Could Be Smart Move

The buyback is GAN’s first shareholder rewards program since its May 2020 initial public offering (IPO). Formerly GameAccount Network, the company provides software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions for iGaming and sportsbook operators.

With today’s close at $3.05, GAN could affect a significant outstanding share reduction, depending on how much remains on the buyback effort. The company has 42.25 million shares outstanding.

“The actual timing, manner, and number of shares repurchased under the program will be determined by management at its discretion, together with further discussions with the board, and will depend on several factors, including the market price of GAN’s common shares, general market and economic conditions, alternative investment opportunities, and other business considerations,” adds the company.

Buyback Parade Continues in Gaming Industry

Including GAN, a slew of gaming companies are using share repurchase programs to reward investors. These include casino operators, gaming technology providers, and slot machine manufacturers.

More gaming stocks announced buyback plans in the past nine months than in any comparable period in 10+ years,” says Roth Capital analyst Edward Engel in a note to clients last month. “Among US-listed companies, 12 gaming operators/suppliers authorized repurchase plans since August 2021, including a flurry of announcements this month.”

The key is whether or not companies will execute buybacks with share prices currently depressed. Repurchase programs aren’t binding, meaning firms don’t have to deliver on the announcements. Historical data confirm that, regardless of industry, corporations typically reduce buybacks in bear markets and times of economic duress.