Centerra Gold Announces TSX Acceptance of Normal Course Issuer Bid

Rhea-AI Summary

Centerra Gold Inc. (CGAU) announced that the Toronto Stock Exchange has accepted its notice for a normal course issuer bid (NCIB), allowing the purchase of up to 15,610,813 common shares, representing 10% of the public float. This NCIB will last from October 13, 2022, to October 12, 2023. Daily purchases are limited to 226,201 shares, subject to market conditions. Centerra believes that the current trading price does not reflect its asset value, aiming to use the NCIB as a flexible tool for share repurchase to enhance shareholder value.

Positive

• Authorization of NCIB allows for potential repurchase of up to 15,610,813 common shares.
• The NCIB represents 10% of the public float, reflecting confidence in the company’s future prospects.
• Centerra aims to enhance shareholder value through strategic share repurchases.

Negative

• Daily purchase limit of 226,201 shares could restrict the company's ability to repurchase shares aggressively if desired.

TORONTO, Oct. 11, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Centerra Gold Inc. (TSX: CG) (NYSE: CGAU) (“Centerra” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) has accepted its notice of intention to proceed with a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”).

Under the NCIB, Centerra may purchase for cancellation up to an aggregate of 15,610,813 common shares in the capital of the Company (“Common Shares”) during the twelve-month period commencing on October 13, 2022 and ending on October 12, 2023, representing 10% of the public float. As of September 30, 2022, Centerra had 220,086,775 issued and outstanding Common Shares.

Daily purchases will be limited to 226,201 Common Shares, other than purchases made under block purchase exemptions. Once the NCIB is commenced, the exact timing and amount of any purchases will depend on market conditions and other factors. Centerra will not be obligated to acquire any Common Shares and may suspend or discontinue purchases under the NCIB at any time. Any purchases made under the NCIB will be made at market price at the time of purchase through the facilities of the TSX and/or alternative Canadian trading systems in accordance with applicable securities laws and stock exchange rules. As previously announced, the Company may rely on an automatic purchase plan during the NCIB to allow for purchases by the Company of Common Shares during certain predetermined blackout periods, subject to the rules of the TSX. Any tendered Common Shares taken up and paid for Centerra under the NCIB will be cancelled.

As previously disclosed, Centerra believes that the Common Shares have been trading in a price range which does not adequately reflect the value of such shares in relation to Centerra’s assets and its future prospects. As a result, Centerra believes that the NCIB will provide the Company with a flexible tool to deploy a portion of its cash balance to, depending upon future price movements and other factors, repurchase Common Shares for cancellation while preserving its strong balance sheet position.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Information contained in this document which are not statements of historical facts may be “forward looking information” for the purposes of Canadian securities laws and within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking information. The words “expect”, “contemplate”, “may”, “will”, “intend” and similar expressions identify forward-looking information. In particular, such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the timing, methods and quantity of any purchases of Common Shares under the NCIB.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Centerra, are inherently subject to significant political, business, technical, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Factors and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include the risk factors set forth in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recently filed Annual Information Form, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar. There can be no assurances that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as many factors and future events, both known and unknown could cause actual results, performance or achievements to vary or differ materially from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained or referred to herein. Accordingly, all such factors should be considered carefully when making decisions with respect to Centerra, and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. Forward-looking information contained herein is given as of the date of this press release. Centerra assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions, changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

About Centerra Gold

Centerra Gold Inc. is a Canadian-based gold mining company focused on operating, developing, exploring and acquiring gold and copper properties in North America, Türkiye, and other markets worldwide. Centerra operates two mines: the Mount Milligan Mine in British Columbia, Canada, and the Öksüt Mine in Türkiye. Centerra also owns the Goldfield District Project in Nevada, United States, the Kemess Underground Project in British Columbia, Canada, and owns and operates the Molybdenum Business Unit in the United States and Canada. Centerra’s shares trade on the TSX under the symbol CG and on the NYSE under the symbol CGAU. Centerra is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Additional information on Centerra is available on the Company’s web site at www.centerragold.com and at SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.

For more information:
Toby Caron
Treasurer and Director, Investor Relations
(416) 204-1694
toby.caron@centerragold.com

Shae Frosst
Manager, Investor Relations
(416) 204-2159
shae.frosst@centerragold.com

A PDF accompanying this announcement is available at http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/271426db-5394-4dc9-bc16-02313943b5e7

FAQ

What is the normal course issuer bid for Centerra Gold (CGAU)?

Centerra Gold has initiated a normal course issuer bid (NCIB) to repurchase up to 15,610,813 common shares over a period from October 13, 2022, to October 12, 2023.

How many shares can Centerra Gold purchase daily under the NCIB?

Centerra Gold is limited to purchasing 226,201 shares daily under the NCIB, except for block purchases.

Why is Centerra Gold initiating a normal course issuer bid?

Centerra believes that its shares are undervalued in relation to its assets, making the NCIB a strategic tool to enhance shareholder value.

What is the impact of the NCIB on Centerra Gold's shares?

The NCIB could reduce the number of shares outstanding, potentially increasing the value per share if successful.