United Bankshares authorizes new 6.8M-share repurchase program

Board approves plan to repurchase up to 5% of shares outstanding; replaces November 2025 authorization.

What the filing says

United Bankshares, Inc. announced on August 24, 2026 that its Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program authorizing the company to repurchase up to 6.8 million shares, representing approximately 5% of issued and outstanding shares. The new program replaces the prior repurchase plan approved in November 2025.

The company stated that repurchases may be made from time to time through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or by other means. The timing, price, and quantity of purchases are at the discretion of management, and the plan may be discontinued, suspended, or restarted at any time depending on market and business conditions.

Repurchased shares will be available to fund employee benefit programs as well as for other corporate purposes, including potential acquisitions. United Bankshares, Inc. operates as a financial services company with consolidated assets of approximately $34 billion as of June 30, 2026.

Also, at the August 24, 2026 board meeting, the Board of Directors approved a new plan to repurchase up to 6.8 million, or approximately 5%, of the issued and outstanding shares of United's common stock. The new plan replaces the prior repurchase plan approved by United's Board of Directors in November of 2025. — UNITED BANKSHARES INC/WV 8-K filing  ·  View on SEC EDGAR →

What this means

United Bankshares authorized a new repurchase program representing 5% of its outstanding share base (approximately 6.8 million shares) as of the August 2026 authorization date. Based on disclosed shares outstanding of 136.2 million, this represents a modest buyback authorization. The replacement of the November 2025 program suggests ongoing capital allocation flexibility, though the filing does not disclose whether the prior program was fully executed or remaining authorization amounts. The company emphasizes discretionary execution tied to market conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the size of United Bankshares' new repurchase authorization?

The Board approved repurchase of up to 6.8 million shares, representing approximately 5% of issued and outstanding common stock. This replaces the prior repurchase plan that was approved in November 2025. The authorization does not obligate the company to purchase any particular number of shares during any period.

How can shares be repurchased under this plan?

The filing states repurchases may be made through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or by other means. The timing, price, and quantity of purchases are at the discretion of management, and the plan may be suspended, discontinued, or restarted at any time.

What will United do with repurchased shares?

Repurchased shares will be available to fund employee benefit programs and other corporate purposes, including potential acquisitions. The company did not specify a particular use at authorization.

Why did United replace its prior repurchase program?

The filing does not explicitly state why the November 2025 program was replaced. The news release notes only that the new plan provides capital management opportunities and potentially builds shareholder value depending on market and business conditions.

Does this authorization have an expiration date?

The filing does not disclose an expiration date or time limit for the new repurchase program. It may be discontinued, suspended, or restarted at management's discretion based on facts and circumstances.