EPAM (EPAM) Shares Rise: Key Information You Should Be Aware Of

Recent Developments for EPAM Systems

EPAM Systems (NYSE:EPAM), a provider of digital engineering solutions, saw its stock price climb by 2.8% during the afternoon trading session. This uptick followed Wells Fargo’s decision to raise its price target for EPAM shares from $185 to $247, while reiterating its favorable "Overweight" rating.

This analyst upgrade reflected growing optimism about EPAM’s future. The company had recently announced plans to hold an Investor Day in March 2026, with a primary emphasis on artificial intelligence. During this event, company leaders are expected to outline their growth strategies, especially regarding AI initiatives. In addition, EPAM published a report detailing how organizations can leverage AI for greater value, further establishing its leadership in this rapidly evolving sector. The combination of positive analyst sentiment and a clear focus on AI appears to have resonated with investors.

After the initial surge, EPAM’s stock settled at $219.71, marking a 3.6% increase from the previous closing price.

Market Perspective on EPAM

EPAM’s stock has experienced notable volatility, with 14 separate instances of price swings exceeding 5% over the past year. Today’s movement suggests that investors view the latest news as significant, though not transformative for the company’s overall outlook.

One of the most substantial changes in the past year occurred three months ago, when EPAM’s shares jumped 8% following the announcement of a new $1 billion stock buyback program.

The Board of Directors authorized this repurchase plan, which will be in effect for 24 months. Share buybacks are generally seen as a positive signal, as they reduce the number of outstanding shares and can boost earnings per share. This move demonstrated management’s confidence in EPAM’s financial stability and future growth. CFO Jason Peterson commented that the company remains assured in its business fundamentals, highlighted by three consecutive quarters of year-over-year organic revenue growth in constant currency. Repurchases may be conducted through both open market and private transactions.

Since the start of the year, EPAM’s stock has risen 9.6%. However, at $219.71 per share, it remains 17.9% below its 52-week high of $267.63, reached in February 2025. For context, a $1,000 investment in EPAM five years ago would now be valued at $644.97.

The 1999 book Gorilla Game accurately forecasted the rise of tech giants like Microsoft and Apple by identifying early platform leaders. Today, enterprise software companies integrating generative AI are emerging as the next dominant players.