Cognizant Technology (CTSH.O) announced on Tuesday that its board has approved a $2 billion increase to its existing share repurchase program, bringing the total authorized amount to $3.1 billion. The company now expects to repurchase $1.1 billion worth of shares this year, a $500 million increase over previous expectations.
This move comes as part of Cognizant’s ongoing efforts to enhance shareholder returns, despite facing challenges in the IT services market. Shares of the company rose 1.7% in early trading following the announcement. Cognizant is set to host its investor day later today, where it will unveil its long-term growth strategies, including plans to improve its artificial intelligence (AI) offerings.
The company has been grappling with fluctuating IT services demand due to economic uncertainty and high interest rates, which have put pressure on enterprise budgets and caused clients to reduce spending. This uncertainty led to Cognizant lowering its annual revenue forecast last month, falling short of analysts’ expectations.
In addition to these financial concerns, Cognizant is also dealing with activist investor involvement from Mantle Ridge, which has been in discussions with the company since mid-2024. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that Mantle Ridge has acquired a stake worth more than $1 billion in Cognizant and has been privately engaging with the company to address its performance and share price growth.
