First Federal completes stock repurchase.

First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas Inc. of Harrison, the savings and loan holding company for First Federal Bank, has completed its previously announced stock repurchase.

The repurchase, which bought back 248,316 shares of stock, began Dec. 1 and was completed Nov. 8.

The company also announced a plan to repurchase up to 245,197 more shares, or about 5 percent, of the company's outstanding common stock.

Larry J. Brand, president and CEO, said, "The stock repurchase reflects management's commitment to enhance shareholder value. We believe the repurchase of our stock is a wise and prudent use of excess capital."

As of Sept. 30, First Federal had total assets of $868.2 million.