Verisk Analytics, Inc. Enters into $1.5 Billion Accelerated Share Repurchase Transaction
Rhea-AI Summary
Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK) entered into accelerated share repurchase agreements totaling $1.5 billion with HSBC and Wells Fargo on Feb 23, 2026.
The ASR counterparties are expected to deliver an aggregate initial ~7.0 million shares at inception. Approximately $1.0 billion remains available under the company's existing repurchase authorization. Final settlement is expected no later than the fiscal third quarter ending Sept 30, 2026.
Positive
- $1.5 billion aggregate accelerated share repurchase agreements executed
- Approximately 7.0 million initial shares expected at ASR inception
- About $1.0 billion remaining capacity under authorized repurchase program
Negative
- Final share count depends on VWAP-based calculation and agreed discount
- ASR settlements subject to adjustments and possible earlier termination under limited circumstances
News Market Reaction – VRSK
On the day this news was published, VRSK declined 0.49%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
VRSK was down 0.76% while peers were mixed: EFX (+0.46%), BAH (-2.76%), FCN (-0.33%), HURN (+0.6%), CPRT (+6.36%). No peers appeared in the momentum scanner, pointing to a stock-specific setup.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 18 | Earnings results | Positive | +3.8% | Q4 and 2025 results with revenue growth, higher cash flow, and capital returns. |
| Feb 17 | Strategic collaboration | Positive | -2.2% | Data-sharing deal with S&P Global Energy on climate risk intelligence. |
| Feb 09 | Leadership change | Positive | -0.5% | Appointment of new Claims Solutions president to strengthen claims leadership. |
| Feb 06 | Industry report | Positive | -3.0% | Report highlighting improved U.S. P/C industry metrics and lower catastrophe losses. |
| Feb 03 | Catastrophe estimate | Negative | -10.1% | Estimate that Winter Storm Fern insured losses could reach USD 4 billion. |
Recent history shows multiple divergences where generally positive operational or strategic news coincided with negative price reactions, while clearly adverse industry-loss news aligned with a sharp selloff.
Over recent months, Verisk has reported steady financial growth, strategic partnerships, and leadership changes. On Feb 18, earnings showed revenue growth and stronger cash generation, and the stock rose 3.82%. Earlier February headlines included a climate-risk collaboration with S&P Global, industry reports, and catastrophe-loss estimates, with several drawing negative price reactions. The new $1.5 billion accelerated share repurchase follows the board’s expanded $2.5 billion authorization, reinforcing a capital return theme established in prior filings.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement details a sizable $1.5 billion accelerated share repurchase, with an additional $1.0 billion still available under Verisk’s buyback authorization. Recent filings highlight growing free cash flow and a larger $2.5 billion repurchase capacity, alongside higher dividends. Investors may focus on how many shares are ultimately retired, the settlement timeline through the third fiscal quarter of 2026, and how these actions interact with earnings and cash generation trends.
Key Terms
restricted stock units financial
stock option financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
JERSEY CITY, N.J., Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verisk Analytics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSK) (“Verisk” or the “Company”), a leading strategic data analytics and technology partner to the global insurance industry, today announced that it has entered into accelerated share repurchase agreements (“ASR Agreements”) with each of HSBC Bank USA, National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the “ASR Counterparties”) to repurchase an aggregate of
The ASR Counterparties are expected to make an aggregate initial delivery of approximately 7.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock to the Company at the inception of the ASR Agreements. The total number of shares ultimately to be purchased by the Company under the ASR Agreements will generally be based on the daily volume-weighted average share price of the Company’s common stock during the calculation period of each ASR Agreement, less an agreed discount and subject to adjustments pursuant to the terms and conditions of the respective ASR Agreement.
The final settlement of the transactions under the ASR Agreements are expected to occur no later than the Company’s third fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2026, with the settlement date for each ASR Agreement determined at the relevant ASR Counterparty’s option within an agreed range, subject to earlier termination under certain limited circumstances, as set forth in the respective ASR Agreement.
Verisk may continue to repurchase shares in the open market from time to time subject to market and other conditions.
About Verisk
Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK) is a leading strategic data analytics and technology partner to the global insurance industry. It empowers clients to strengthen operating efficiency, improve underwriting and claims outcomes, combat fraud and make informed decisions about global risks, including climate change, catastrophic events, sustainability and political issues. Through advanced data analytics, software, scientific research and deep industry knowledge, Verisk helps build global resilience for individuals, communities and businesses. With teams across more than 20 countries, Verisk consistently earns certification by Great Place to Work and fosters an inclusive culture where all team members feel they belong. For more, visit Verisk.com and the Verisk Newsroom.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “target,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond the Company’s control and that could materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements.
Other factors that could materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements can be found in the Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K and current reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize or if the Company’s underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from what the Company projected. Any forward-looking statement in this release reflects the Company’s current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties, and assumptions relating to the Company’s operations, results of operations, growth strategy, and liquidity. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Investor Relations Stacey Brodbar Senior Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations Verisk 201-469-4327 IR@verisk.com Media Alberto Canal Verisk Public Relations 201-469-2618 Alberto.Canal@verisk.com
FAQ
What did Verisk (VRSK) announce on February 23, 2026 regarding share repurchases?
How many shares will Verisk (VRSK) initially receive under the $1.5 billion ASR?
How much repurchase capacity remains after Verisk's (VRSK) $1.5 billion ASR announcement?
When will Verisk (VRSK) complete settlement of the accelerated share repurchase agreements?
How is the final number of shares determined under Verisk's (VRSK) ASR agreements?
