Ferguson Share Repurchase Program - Weekly Report

Rhea-AI Summary

Ferguson plc announces the purchase of 62,209 ordinary shares as part of a $3.0 billion share repurchase program.

Financial Analyst

Ferguson plc's announcement of their recent share repurchase is a strategic financial decision that directly affects shareholder value. By buying back 62,209 of its ordinary shares, the company is signaling a potential excess of cash reserves or a belief that its stock is undervalued. This action typically aims to consolidate ownership, boost earnings per share and improve financial ratios.

From a financial perspective, the repurchase can be seen as a method of returning capital to shareholders, akin to dividends but providing a tax-efficient alternative in some jurisdictions. It's important to note that while this can signify confidence by management in the company's prospects, it also reduces the capital available for other investments, such as expansion or acquisitions.

Investors should monitor the company's leverage ratios post-repurchase, as well as any changes in liquidity metrics. The long-term impact on the stock price will largely depend on the ongoing performance of the company and the market's perception of the buyback's effectiveness.

Market Research Analyst

Examining the context of Ferguson plc's sector, the building supplies industry, share repurchases might be a response to sector-specific trends. If the industry is experiencing slower growth, companies may opt for buybacks over expansion. Conversely, if Ferguson is outperforming its peers, the buyback could be a move to capitalize on a strong market position.

It's also important to consider the timing of the buyback. Market conditions around the dates mentioned could have provided an opportune moment for share repurchase, potentially at a lower price. This timing could reflect a strategic move by Ferguson's management to optimize the value gained from the repurchase program.

Investors should compare this repurchase activity with competitors' strategies to assess industry confidence and potential shifts in market dynamics. Additionally, the reaction of the stock market to this news will offer insights into how investors are valuing Ferguson's shares in the short term.

Corporate Governance Advisor

Share repurchases often raise questions about corporate governance and the alignment of management's interests with those of the shareholders. In Ferguson plc's case, the board's decision to execute a share buyback as part of its $3.0 billion program must be evaluated in terms of its impact on governance structures.

One of the implications of such buybacks is the potential for increased control by existing management and major shareholders, as there are fewer shares outstanding. While this can lead to more decisive leadership, it can also result in a concentration of power that may not always align with minority shareholders' interests.

It is essential for stakeholders to review the transparency and rationale provided by Ferguson's management regarding the repurchase. The buyback should ideally be part of a well-articulated capital allocation strategy that includes clear communication about future growth and profitability expectations.

WOKINGHAM, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ferguson plc (NYSE: FERG, LSE: FERG) (the “Company”) announces today that it purchased a total of 62,209 of its ordinary shares in the period from March 25, 2024, up to and including March 28, 2024, in connection with its $3.0 billion share repurchase program.

Aggregated information about the purchases carried out during this period

Trading Day	Aggregate Daily Volume (in number of shares)	Daily weighted average purchase price of the shares (USD)	Trading Venue
March 25, 2024	530	219.6323	ARCX
March 25, 2024	49	218.9200	BATS
March 25, 2024	98	219.7800	EDGA
March 25, 2024	70	218.4600	XBOS
March 25, 2024	703	219.0699	XNAS
March 25, 2024	16,225	219.6590	XNYS
March 26, 2024	400	219.1575	ARCX
March 26, 2024	100	219.8100	BATS
March 26, 2024	806	219.5073	XNAS
March 26, 2024	13,114	219.2063	XNYS
March 27, 2024	472	219.9319	ARCX
March 27, 2024	1,000	219.5230	XNAS
March 27, 2024	13,842	219.7393	XNYS
March 28, 2024	1,000	219.1440	ARCX
March 28, 2024	5	218.7600	BATY
March 28, 2024	10	218.8800	EDGA
March 28, 2024	93	219.4900	XCIS
March 28, 2024	495	218.9939	XNAS
March 28, 2024	13,197	219.2125	XNYS

The Company intends to hold these shares in treasury. Following the purchase of these shares (including those purchased but not yet settled), the number of shares held by the Company in treasury will be 29,636,303.

Following the purchase of these shares, the remaining number of ordinary shares in issue will be 202,534,879. The figure of 202,534,879 may be used by shareholders (and others with notification obligations) as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation), as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052, detailed information about the individual purchases can be found at Ferguson - Investors - Shareholder Center - Share Buy-Back Details - 2024 Share Buy-Back.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403220187/en/

For further information please contact:

Brian Lantz, Vice President IR and Communications +1 224 285 2410



Pete Kennedy, Director of Investor Relations +1 757 603 0111

Source: Ferguson plc

How many ordinary shares did Ferguson plc purchase?

Ferguson plc purchased a total of 62,209 ordinary shares.

What is the total value of Ferguson plc's share repurchase program?

Ferguson plc's share repurchase program is valued at $3.0 billion.

When did Ferguson plc make the share purchases?

Ferguson plc made the share purchases between March 25, 2024, and March 28, 2024.