Share repurchase program

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Share repurchase program

NOTE 9 – Share repurchase program

On June 2, 2023, we entered into our first accelerated share repurchase program (the first ASR) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (JPMorgan). Under the terms of the first ASR, we repurchased $300 million in TEGNA common stock from JPMorgan, with an initial delivery of approximately 15.2 million shares received on June 6, 2023, representing 80% ($240 million) of the value of the first ASR contract. The first ASR program was completed during the third quarter of 2023 at which time JPMorgan delivered an additional 3.1 million shares to us. The final share settlement was based on the average daily volume-weighted average price of TEGNA shares during the term of the first ASR program, less a discount, less the previously delivered 15.2 million shares.

On November 9, 2023, we entered into a second accelerated share repurchase (the second ASR) program with JPMorgan. Under the terms of the second ASR, we repurchased $325 million in TEGNA common stock from JPMorgan, with an initial delivery of approximately 17.3 million shares received on November 13, 2023, representing 80% ($260 million) of the value of the second ASR contract. The second ASR program was completed on February 22, 2024, shortly after which date JPMorgan delivered an additional 4.0 million shares to us. The final share settlement was based on the average daily volume-weighted average price of TEGNA shares during the term of the second ASR program, less a discount, less the previously delivered 17.3 million shares.

In December 2023, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for up to $650.0 million of our common stock, which was in addition to the second ASR program. This new share repurchase program expires on December 31, 2025. In the first quarter of 2024, 5.8 million shares were repurchased under this program at an average share price of $14.50 for an aggregate cost of $84.5 million, of which $2.1 million had not yet been paid as of the end of the first quarter.

During the first quarter of 2024, we returned $102.3 million of capital to shareholders with $82.4 million of share repurchases, representing 5.7 million shares, and paid $19.9 million in dividends. Excluded from this commitment are share repurchases completed under our previously announced accelerated share repurchase program which were completed during the quarter on February 27, 2024, including final settlement of approximately 4.0 million shares.

Our capital allocation plan is subject to a variety of factors, including our strategic plans, market and economic conditions and the discretion of our Board of Directors.