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Stock Markets February 23, 2026

Verisk Launches $1.5 Billion Accelerated Buyback, Shares Tick Higher

Two banks to execute ASR deals; roughly $1.0 billion remains under the existing repurchase authorization

By Caleb Monroe VRSK
Verisk Launches $1.5 Billion Accelerated Buyback, Shares Tick Higher
VRSK

Verisk Analytics said it entered into accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreements totaling $1.5 billion with HSBC Bank USA, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The stock rose 1.5% on the news. The transactions include an initial delivery of about 7.0 million shares and are expected to settle no later than the company’s third fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2026, with roughly $1.0 billion still available under Verisk’s prior repurchase authorization.

Key Points

  • Verisk entered into $1.5 billion in accelerated share repurchase agreements with HSBC Bank USA, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
  • After these ASRs, approximately $1.0 billion remains available under the company’s previously announced repurchase authorization.
  • Initial deliveries of about 7.0 million shares are expected; the final number of shares repurchased will be determined by VWAP during the calculation periods, less an agreed discount.

Overview

Verisk Analytics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRSK) reported that it has entered into accelerated share repurchase agreements totaling $1.5 billion of its common stock. The announcement coincided with a 1.5% rise in the company’s shares on Monday.

Counterparties and remaining authorization

The company said the ASR transactions were arranged with HSBC Bank USA, National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. Following the completion of these agreements, Verisk estimates that approximately $1.0 billion will remain available for repurchases under its previously announced authorized share repurchase program.

Initial delivery and purchase mechanics

At the inception of the agreements the ASR counterparties are expected to make an initial delivery of approximately 7.0 million shares to Verisk. The ultimate number of shares purchased under the agreements will be determined by the daily volume-weighted average price during each agreement’s calculation period, less an agreed discount, and will be subject to adjustments in accordance with the terms and conditions of the ASRs.

Settlement timing and flexibility

Verisk disclosed that final settlement of the transactions is expected to occur no later than the company’s third fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2026. The settlement date for each agreement will be set at the relevant counterparty’s option within an agreed range, and the agreements may be terminated earlier under certain limited circumstances as permitted by their terms.

Ongoing repurchases

The company noted it may continue to repurchase shares in the open market from time to time, subject to market conditions and other factors. Verisk is described as a strategic data analytics and technology partner to the global insurance industry.

Context for investors

The ASR approach provides Verisk with a mechanism to accelerate share repurchases while deferring the final share count until the end of the calculation period. The disclosed timeline and the remaining authorized capacity under the current program define the near-term framework for additional repurchase activity.

Key points

  • Verisk has signed $1.5 billion in accelerated share repurchase agreements with HSBC Bank USA, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
  • Approximately $1.0 billion remains available under the company’s previously announced authorized repurchase program.
  • Initial deliveries of roughly 7.0 million shares are expected at the inception of the ASRs; final share counts will be based on VWAP during the calculation periods, less an agreed discount.

Risks and uncertainties

  • Final share totals under the ASRs are variable and depend on the daily volume-weighted average share price during each calculation period, which introduces uncertainty for the exact impact on outstanding share count - this affects equity markets and investor returns.
  • Settlement timing is subject to counterparties’ options within an agreed range and may be altered under limited termination conditions, creating timing risk for when repurchase effects are realized in the market - this can influence short-term trading and liquidity conditions.
  • Any additional open-market repurchases remain conditional on market and other factors, meaning further buyback activity is not guaranteed and could be limited by external conditions - this is relevant to corporate treasury strategy and equity capital markets.

Risks

  • The exact number of shares repurchased under the ASRs is variable, depending on the daily VWAP during the calculation period, creating uncertainty about the ultimate reduction in outstanding shares.
  • Settlement timing for the ASRs is subject to the counterparties’ options within an agreed range and may be affected by early termination provisions, introducing timing risk for when repurchase activity is completed.
  • Any further open-market repurchases are contingent on market and other conditions, so additional buybacks are not assured and may impact liquidity and capital allocation plans.

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