Symantec Announces New Strategy for Returning Cash to Shareholders
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – Jan. 23, 2013 – Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC) today announced an enhanced capital allocation strategy that over time is expected to return approximately 50% of free cash flow to shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchases while still enabling the company to invest in its future.
Click to Tweet: #SYMC offers capital allocation program, plans to initiate company’s first cash dividend http://bit.ly/Vp0YTp
The company’s capital allocation program includes initiation of a quarterly cash dividend, subject to declaration by the board of directors, targeting a yield of approximately 2.5% based on Symantec’s closing stock price of $20.86 on January 22, 2013. The first payment is expected to occur in the June 2013 quarter. This will be the first cash dividend paid to shareholders in the company’s history.
“A dividend program is a sign of the confidence we have in our just announced strategy and operational plan to accelerate organic growth,” said Steve Bennett, Symantec president and chief executive officer. “It’s a direct result of the tremendous growth prospects for the industry we’re in and of Symantec’s continued commitment to position itself as a leader at solving people’s, businesses and countries most important needs related to protecting and managing their information.”
The board of directors has also authorized a $1 billion share repurchase program commencing in the company’s fiscal year 2014, which begins on March 30, 2013, in addition to the remaining $283 million in the current board authorized stock repurchase plan. Symantec will continue to buy back its shares opportunistically. Repurchases will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Depending on market conditions and other factors, these repurchases may be commenced or suspended from time to time without prior notice.
"The initiation of a dividend and the renewed share repurchase authorization underscore the board and management’s confidence in the company’s long-term business outlook and ability to generate significant free cash flow on a consistent basis," said Symantec’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, James Beer.
Webcast
Symantec has scheduled a Webcast from 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT to 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT today to discuss the Company’s strategic direction, operational plan, capital allocation strategy and financial results. To listen to the live event and view the corresponding presentation, please go to http://www.symantec.com/invest at least 15 minutes early to register, download and install any necessary audio software. A replay of the webcast including presentation will be available within 24 hours after the event.
About Symantec
Symantec protects the world's information, and is a global leader in security, backup and availability solutions. Our innovative products and services protect people and information in any environment – from the smallest mobile device, to the enterprise data center, to cloud-based systems. Our world-renowned expertise in protecting data, identities and interactions gives our customers confidence in a connected world. More information is available at www.symantec.com or by connecting with Symantec at:go.symantec.com/socialmedia.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.