Helios Underwriting Plc Updates Share Buyback Programme to Enhance Liquidity and Efficiency

Helios Underwriting Plc Enhances Share Buyback Strategy to Address Share Illiquidity

Helios Underwriting Plc, offering direct investment access to the Lloyd's insurance market, has updated its share buyback programme initially launched with Peel Hunt LLP on 9 April 2026. The programme aims to return up to a32,000,000 to shareholders. The amendment targets challenges caused by the limited liquidity of the company’s ordinary shares, which has hindered the efficiency of the buyback process.

Operating under the safe harbour provisions of Article 5 of the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR), Helios has encountered difficulties in purchasing shares efficiently due to low liquidity. The revised programme permits Peel Hunt to manage share purchases on a discretionary basis within established parameters, including during closed periods, to improve execution.

Specifics of the Revised Share Buyback Programme

Peel Hunt will continue to independently oversee share acquisitions under the amended programme, consistent with authority granted at the company’s annual general meeting on 22 June 2026. This authority allows repurchasing up to 6,942,081 ordinary shares. The maximum price per share will not exceed 105% of the average middle market closing price over the five business days before the purchase date, or the higher of the last independent trade and the highest current independent purchase bid.

Shares bought back will be held in treasury, providing Helios flexibility to reissue or cancel them at its discretion. Treasury shares do not carry voting rights or dividend entitlements. The programme will continue until the a32,000,000 limit is reached, the repurchase authority expires, or the next AGM concludes, whichever occurs first.

Effect on Trading Volumes and Regulatory Compliance

Helios has noted that the amended buyback programme may constitute a significant portion of its daily traded volume on AIM, potentially exceeding 25% of the average daily volume over the prior 20 trading days. Consequently, the company may not qualify for the exemption under Article 5(1) of MAR. Nonetheless, the programme will adhere to other MAR safe harbour criteria as closely as possible.

Investors should consider the potential impact on trading volumes and market liquidity. The amendment reflects Helios’s dedication to enhancing shareholder value while navigating regulatory constraints. The immediate effect on the share price was not evident from publicly available information.

Helios Underwriting’s Unique Role in the Lloyd’s Insurance Market

Helios Underwriting Plc is uniquely positioned as the only publicly traded entity offering access to a diverse range of syndicates at Lloyd's of London, the world’s largest insurance market. The company provides limited liability direct investment into the Lloyd’s market, engaging in a broad spectrum of business primarily across the US and international wholesale and reinsurance sectors.

Listed on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market, Helios presents investors with a distinctive opportunity to participate in the Lloyd’s insurance market. Strategic initiatives like the amended share buyback programme highlight the company’s focus on shareholder returns and market positioning.

Commitment to Corporate Governance and Shareholder Engagement

The share buyback programme amendment aligns with Helios’s corporate governance principles and commitment to shareholder engagement. Utilizing the authority granted at the AGM, the company demonstrates responsiveness to shareholder interests and prevailing market conditions.

Helios’s strategy to manage its share capital through this buyback reflects a calculated effort to optimise shareholder value while maintaining regulatory compliance. Holding repurchased shares in treasury offers flexibility in capital structure management.

Regulatory Adherence and Market Abuse Regulation Considerations

Compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) and related UK legislation is a fundamental aspect of Helios Underwriting’s operational approach. The company’s use of safe harbour provisions and the subsequent amendment to the buyback programme underscore the complexities of adhering to regulatory frameworks in financial markets.

By addressing share illiquidity constraints, Helios aims to execute the buyback programme efficiently within regulatory boundaries. This proactive regulatory stance reflects the company’s commitment to transparency and integrity in its market activities.

Outlook for Investors and Market Participants

As Helios Underwriting proceeds with its amended share buyback programme, investors should monitor its influence on share liquidity and market sentiment. The company’s strategic initiatives, combined with its unique position in the Lloyd’s insurance market, present both opportunities and challenges for shareholders.

Stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing company activities and regulatory developments. The potential for substantial trading volumes under the revised programme may affect market dynamics and investor perspectives. Shareholders should evaluate their investment positions accordingly.

Contact Details and Additional Information

For further information regarding the amended share buyback programme or other corporate matters, stakeholders may contact Helios Underwriting Plc directly. Chief Executive Officer Louis Tucker and Director of Finance and Operations Adhiraj Maitra are available for inquiries. Peel Hunt LLP and Singer Capital Markets continue to serve as the company’s financial advisers and brokers.

Helios’s dedication to transparent communication with investors and the market is evident in its thorough disclosure of contact information and corporate updates. Additional details are accessible via the company’s website or through direct engagement with its representatives.