Activist Engine Capital Pushes EPAM Systems To Step Up Buybacks

EPAM Systems (EPAM) stock has risen 17.32% over the past month and 27.17% over three months, despite a 41.18% year-to-date decline. Activist investor Engine Capital LP urged the company to consider a $750 million buyback, a potential sale, and governance changes. The stock closed at $117.91, slightly above a fair value estimate of $113.38. EPAM's P/E ratio of 15.1x is below industry and peer averages, raising questions about its valuation and future performance.

EPAM Systems (EPAM) partnered with Wiz to enhance cybersecurity offerings. The company reported Q2 revenue growth of 4.5% but lowered full-year guidance to 3.2%-4.2%. GAAP EPS rose 26.3% YoY to $1.97. The partnership aims to address cloud security risks, while financials show cautious growth and cash flow challenges.

Hedge fund Engine Capital, owning 1.5% of EPAM, demands the company buy back $750 million in shares, consider a sale, reform management incentives, and renew the board. EPAM trades at 5.4x EV/EBITDA, below peers and sector M&A multiples, with shareholder returns down 36% YoY and 82% over five years. The company has $794 million in free cash and no debt. EPAM's AI-native revenue reached $160 million in Q2 2026, targeting $600 million for the year. The board has not yet responded to the demands.

Engine Capital, owning 1.5% of EPAM Systems, urged the board to initiate aggressive share buybacks using $750M in cash and future free cash flow, potentially retiring 60-80% of shares by 2028, or conduct a strategic review including a possible sale. EPAM's shares have declined over 40% year-to-date.

Engine Capital urges EPAM to consider buybacks or a sale, citing undervaluation. The firm also seeks governance changes. EPAM's market value is $6.1 billion. Shares rose 3.5% following the announcement. Engine suggests $750 million in cash could retire 60-80% of shares by 2028.

EPAM Systems (EPAM) shares rose 3.4% after activist investor Engine Capital, holding a 1.5% stake, urged the company to initiate a $750 million accelerated share repurchase program using existing cash. Engine Capital also suggested exploring a potential sales process for EPAM, according to a letter sent to the company's board.