Tata Consultancy Services Announces Rs 17,000-Crore Share Buyback Program

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a prominent player in global IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has unveiled its substantial Rs 17,000-crore share buyback program, set to commence on December 1, 2023. This strategic financial maneuver aims to repurchase up to 4.09 crore shares, corresponding to 1.12% of the company's total equity share capital.

Shareholders' Opportunity
Shareholders are presented with the opportunity to sell their shares back to the company at Rs 4,150 per share until the program's conclusion on December 7. Particularly for small shareholders, defined as those with investments under Rs 2 lakh, the entitlement ratio is pegged at one share for every six shares held as of the record date, November 25. Other qualifying shareholders have an entitlement ratio of two shares for every 209 shares held.

Financial Impact and Growth Prospects
TCS asserts that the buyback is not expected to significantly affect the company's profitability or earnings, except for a potential reduction in the funds available for investment. The company remains confident that this will not impede its growth opportunities.

Promoter Participation
Notably, Tata Sons Private Ltd, holding a substantial 72.27% of TCS, plans to tender 2.96 crore equity shares. Tata Investment Corporation Ltd also intends to participate by tendering a portion of its shares. Should the buyback witness a complete response from shareholders, the aggregate shareholding of the promoters is projected to marginally increase from 72.3% to 72.41%.

Market Performance and EPS Projection
TCS's share price on the BSE closed at Rs 3,470.45, which is notably lower than the buyback offer price of Rs 4,150. The company anticipates that this buyback will contribute to an increase in its earnings per share (EPS), projecting a rise from Rs 58.52 to Rs 59.18 on a standalone basis. Furthermore, TCS has announced its intent not to raise additional capital for one-year post-buyback, barring existing obligations.

Historical Context
This buyback is in line with TCS's previous practices, following similar initiatives in 2020, 2018, and 2017, each valued at Rs 16,000 crore, and another in the previous year at Rs 18,000 crore, where shares were purchased at Rs 4,500 each.

TCS's latest share buyback program reflects the company's ongoing commitment to delivering value to its shareholders while maintaining a strong focus on sustainable growth and profitability. This move is expected to bolster shareholder confidence and affirm TCS's position as a leader in the global IT services landscape.