Nutrien Announces TSX Approval for Its Renewed Share Repurchase Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Nutrien (TSX and NYSE: NTR) has received TSX approval for a new normal course issuer bid (NCIB) to repurchase up to 5% of its outstanding common shares, equivalent to 24,462,941 shares. The program will run from March 3, 2025, to March 2, 2026.

The company will conduct purchases through the TSX, NYSE, and alternative trading systems in Canada and the U.S. Daily purchases on TSX will be to 449,538 shares, representing 25% of the average daily trading volume. Under the previous NCIB expiring February 28, 2025, Nutrien repurchased 5,832,440 shares at a weighted average price of US$48.44, totaling US$282.5 million.

Nutrien views the share repurchase as an attractive investment opportunity aligned with its capital return objectives. The company has implemented an automatic purchase plan allowing share acquisitions during self-imposed blackout periods.

Positive

• New 5% share buyback program approved
• Automatic purchase plan implemented for consistent execution
• Previous buyback executed at favorable price of US$48.44/share
• Demonstrates commitment to returning capital to shareholders

Negative

• Previous buyback utilized only 23.6% of authorized amount
• Significant cash outlay required for program execution

Insights

Financial Analyst

Nutrien's renewal of its share repurchase program authorizing buybacks of up to 24.46 million shares (5% of outstanding) represents a significant capital allocation decision with several important implications for investors.

The company's execution of its previous authorization provides critical context - Nutrien repurchased only 5.83 million shares (23.6% of authorized) at $48.44 per share under the expiring program. This selective approach to buybacks suggests management is disciplined about repurchase timing rather than mechanically deploying capital regardless of share price.

With Nutrien's current share price around $53.19 (approximately 9.8% higher than their previous average purchase price), the renewed authorization indicates management likely believes shares remain undervalued despite the recent appreciation. For a cyclical business like fertilizers, this signals confidence in medium-term business fundamentals.

The buyback represents approximately 4.7% of Nutrien's $26.2 billion market capitalization if fully executed, which would be accretive to EPS and potentially provide share price support. However, the company's selective execution history suggests actual deployment will depend on market conditions and competing capital priorities.

Importantly, this buyback authorization complements rather than replaces Nutrien's dividend program, reflecting a balanced approach to shareholder returns. For agricultural input companies facing cyclical demand, maintaining flexibility in capital return mechanisms is strategically advantageous compared to committing solely to dividend increases that might become unsustainable during industry downturns.

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nutrien Ltd. (TSX and NYSE: NTR) announced today that the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) has accepted Nutrien's notice to commence a normal course issuer bid (NCIB) to purchase outstanding common shares representing up to five percent of its issued and outstanding common shares.

Under the NCIB, purchases of common shares may be made through the facilities of the TSX, the New York Stock Exchange and/or alternative trading systems in Canada and the U.S., or as otherwise permitted under applicable securities laws. The actual number of common shares that may be purchased under the NCIB and the timing of any such purchases will be determined by Nutrien. Nutrien believes that purchasing its own common shares represents an attractive investment opportunity, is in the best interests of the company and is consistent with Nutrien's objective of returning capital to shareholders over time. As of February 18, 2025, Nutrien had 489,258,826 common shares outstanding and, therefore, is permitted to repurchase up to 24,462,941 of its outstanding common shares pursuant to the NCIB. Common shares purchased under the NCIB will be cancelled.

The NCIB will be effected in accordance with the TSX normal course issuer bid rules and/or Rule 10b-18 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which contain restrictions on the number of common shares that may be purchased on a single day, subject to certain exceptions for block purchases, based on the average daily trading volumes of Nutrien's common shares on the applicable exchange. Subject to exceptions for block purchases, Nutrien will limit daily purchases of common shares on the TSX in connection with the NCIB to no more than twenty-five percent (449,538 common shares) of the average daily trading volume of the common shares on the TSX for the six-month period from August 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025 (1,798,153 common shares) during any trading day. Purchases under the NCIB will be made through open market purchases at market price, as well as by other means as may be permitted under applicable securities laws, including private agreements. Any purchases made by private agreement under an issuer bid exemption order issued by a securities regulatory authority will be at a discount to the prevailing market price as provided in such exemption order. Purchases of common shares may commence on March 3, 2025 and will expire on the earlier of March 2, 2026, the date on which the company has acquired the maximum number of common shares allowable under the NCIB or otherwise decides not to make any further repurchases under the NCIB. Nutrien has entered into an automatic purchase plan with a broker which will enable Nutrien to provide standard instructions and purchase common shares on the open market during self-imposed blackout periods. Outside of these black-out periods, common shares may be purchased in accordance with management's discretion.

Nutrien's prior NCIB for the purchase of up to 24,728,159 common shares will expire on February 28, 2025. As of February 18, 2025, Nutrien repurchased an aggregate of 5,832,440 common shares at a weighted-average price of US$48.44 per share, for an aggregate of US$282,538,733 under the prior NCIB. Purchases were made on the open market.

About Nutrien

Nutrien is a leading global provider of crop inputs and services. We operate a world-class network of production, distribution and ag retail facilities that positions us to efficiently serve the needs of farmers. We focus on creating long-term value by prioritizing investments that strengthen the advantages of our business across the ag value chain and by maintaining access to the resources and the relationships with stakeholders needed to achieve our goals.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and other information included in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") under applicable securities laws (such statements are usually accompanied by words such as "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "may", "will", "should", "project", "estimate", "intend" or other similar words). All statements in this press release, other than those relating to historical information or current conditions, are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to the timing, methods and quantity of any purchases by Nutrien of its common shares under the NCIB.

Forward-looking statements in this press release are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Nutrien, including expectations and assumptions concerning: Nutrien's views with respect to its financial condition and prospects, the stability of general economic and market conditions, currency exchange rates and interest rates, the availability of cash for repurchases of common shares under the NCIB, the existence of alternative uses for Nutrien's cash resources and compliance with applicable laws and regulations pertaining to the NCIB. Although Nutrien believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Nutrien can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.

Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in this press release. The key risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: Nutrien's future capital requirements; general economic and market conditions; the overall global economy and the impacts, direct and indirect, of the war between Ukraine and Russia and the conflict in the Middle East on, among other things, global supply and demand, energy and commodity prices, the impact of changes to interest rates, disruptions to supply chains and developments in the global economy generally; demand for Nutrien's products; and unforeseen legal or regulatory developments and other risk factors detailed from time to time in Nutrien's reports filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

The forward-looking statements in this document are made as of the date hereof and Nutrien disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this press release as a result of new information or future events, except as may be required under applicable laws.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250226636858/en/

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Jeff Holzman

Vice President, Investor Relations

(306) 933-8545

Contact us at: www.nutrien.com

Source: Nutrien Ltd.

FAQ

How many shares can Nutrien (NTR) repurchase under the new buyback program?

Nutrien can repurchase up to 24,462,941 shares, representing 5% of its 489,258,826 outstanding common shares.

What is the duration of Nutrien's (NTR) new share repurchase program?

The new buyback program runs from March 3, 2025, to March 2, 2026, unless the maximum shares are acquired earlier.

How many shares did Nutrien (NTR) repurchase under its previous buyback program?

Under the prior NCIB, Nutrien repurchased 5,832,440 shares at US$48.44 per share, totaling US$282.5 million.

What is the daily purchase limit for Nutrien (NTR) shares on the TSX?

Daily purchases are to 449,538 shares, representing 25% of the average daily trading volume.