Science Group plc Completes 15,000 Share Buyback at 585p on AIM, Boosting Treasury Holdings

Share Repurchase Carried Out at Consistent 585 Pence Price

On 20 July 2026, Science Group plc completed the purchase of 15,000 of its 1 pence ordinary shares at a uniform price of 585 pence per share. The transaction was conducted as a single block trade through Panmure Liberum Limited, the company’s nominated adviser and joint broker, during afternoon trading on the AIM market. Execution occurred at 15:32:43 on the AIMX trading venue, reflecting a deliberate and consolidated approach rather than multiple smaller trades throughout the day.

The fixed price across all shares indicates a pre-arranged block purchase, minimizing execution risk and providing management certainty over capital deployment. The total consideration amounted to approximately A387,750 before transaction costs, which were not separately disclosed.

Treasury Shares Increase Following 0.04% Voting Rights Reduction

Following this buyback, Science Group’s treasury holdings rose to 5,513,281 shares reserved for future corporate use. The 15,000 shares repurchased represent a modest 0.04% of voting rights prior to the transaction, underscoring a measured execution of the broader buyback programme. Treasury shares carry no voting rights or dividends, effectively reducing circulating voting shares and potentially enhancing earnings per share for remaining shareholders.

This incremental buyback strategy allows Science Group to allocate capital prudently over time and adapt to market conditions. The announcement does not specify remaining buyback authorisation or a timeline for further purchases, leaving investors to monitor future disclosures for updates on treasury share accumulation.

Updated Share Capital and FCA Disclosure Thresholds

Post-transaction, Science Group confirmed 40,672,593 ordinary shares are in issue excluding treasury shares. This figure is crucial for shareholders as it serves as the denominator for calculating notification thresholds under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (DTR). Shareholders must use this updated figure when determining if they must disclose interests or changes in holdings.

With 40,672,593 shares in issue and 5,513,281 held in treasury, the total authorised ordinary share capital approximates 46.19 million shares. Treasury shares represent roughly 11.9% of total issued share capital, providing the board with significant flexibility for capital management, employee schemes, or strategic transactions. The announcement does not disclose the original authorisation limit or shares available for future issuance beyond treasury holdings.

Buyback Executed via Panmure Liberum Limited and Broker Roles

Panmure Liberum Limited, serving as Science Group’s nominated adviser and joint broker, executed the share repurchase through its trading desk. The company also retains Peel Hunt LLP as joint broker, a common dual-broker setup among AIM-listed firms to support liquidity and market-making.

Utilizing a regulated broker ensures compliance with market abuse regulations and investor confidence in the transaction’s governance. The disclosed schedule of purchases complies with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (Market Abuse Regulation), detailing execution venue, timing, and price to ensure transparency. Contact details for both brokers and the company secretary are provided for further inquiries.

Overview of Science Group’s Business Model and Market Position

Science Group plc operates as a professional services and consulting firm within engineering, science, and technology sectors, serving both corporate and public clients. Its primary revenue stems from expert advisory, technical consulting, and project management across various industries. While financial metrics were not disclosed, the company’s AIM listing indicates compliance with regulatory and suitability standards.

AIM-listed companies often experience different liquidity and analyst coverage compared to main market firms. Share buybacks by AIM companies typically signal management’s confidence in strategy and valuation. The 585 pence share price reflects market valuation at the transaction date, though no comparison to prior trading levels or intrinsic value estimates was provided.

Capital Allocation and Treasury Share Strategy

Science Group’s share buyback reflects a capital allocation decision favoring repurchasing shares over alternatives such as acquisitions, organic growth investments, or dividend increases. Holding shares in treasury preserves flexibility, as these shares can be reissued, cancelled, or used for employee schemes without new shareholder approval.

The 5.5 million treasury shares represent a significant capital reserve, enabling rapid deployment for strategic opportunities like acquisitions, geographic expansion, or service consolidation. The announcement does not specify management’s policies or intended uses for treasury shares.

Compliance with Market Abuse Regulation and Transparency Standards

The company disclosed the buyback in full compliance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, reporting all relevant transaction details to regulated information services. This transparency supports market surveillance and helps prevent misconduct or manipulation.

Released via the Regulatory News Service (RNS) on 21 July 2026, the announcement ensures simultaneous market access to information, meeting timely disclosure requirements. Contact details for Panmure Liberum Limited and Peel Hunt LLP provide avenues for investor queries.

Impact on Earnings Per Share and Valuation Metrics

The reduction in shares outstanding to 40,672,593 will mechanically increase Science Group’s earnings per share, assuming stable profitability, by spreading earnings over fewer shares. This financial engineering benefit enhances shareholder value independent of operational performance.

Market participants distinguish accretion from buybacks versus organic growth. Sustained repurchases can significantly boost shareholder returns, especially when shares are bought below intrinsic value. The announcement does not disclose current price-to-earnings ratios, earnings guidance, or management’s valuation views.

Ongoing Disclosure and Shareholder Notification Considerations

Shareholders should note the updated denominator of 40,672,593 for calculating FCA disclosure thresholds. Those approaching 3%, 5%, 10%, or other levels must use this figure to determine notification obligations. Science Group is expected to continue updating the market on buyback activity via RNS announcements, allowing investors to track cumulative effects on share capital and treasury holdings.

Future buyback frequency, pricing, or pauses may signal shifts in management’s confidence or capital allocation priorities in response to market or operational changes.