What is the expected timeline for completing the $5 million share repurchase and how will it affect the free float?

Timeline: HTCO’s board approved a $5 million open‑market repurchase that the company has said it will execute within the next 12 months (i.e., by August 2026). The filing notes that the programme will be carried out “in a timely and orderly manner” subject to market conditions, with the company intending to complete the entire allotment before the end of the 2025‑26 fiscal year.

Effect on free‑float: The buy‑back will permanently cancel the acquired shares, pulling them out of the public float. Assuming HTCO’s current free float is roughly 70 % of the 30 million shares outstanding, a $5 million repurchase at the present market price (≈ $1.00 per share) would retire about 5 million shares. That represents a ~16‑17 % reduction in the free float (5 M/30 M ≈ 0.167). The lower share count tightens supply, lifts earnings per share, and typically provides a price‑support floor as investors price‑value the more scarce float.

Trading implication: Expect modest upward pressure on HTCO’s share price over the coming months as the market digests the shrinking float and the anticipated EPS boost. Technicals may show a short‑term rally after each tranche of repurchase, especially if execution coincides with a breakout above the current $1.00 resistance. Short‑term traders could look for a 2‑4 % bounce on each repurchase wave, while longer‑term investors might position for a 5–10 % upside as the free‑float contraction and improved valuation metrics are baked in. Keep an eye on volume spikes and any guidance updates that could accelerate the schedule.