Ovintiv Renews Annual Share Buy-Back Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Ovintiv Inc. (NYSE: OVV) has received TSX approval to renew its normal course issuer bid (NCIB), allowing the purchase of up to 24.8 million shares, representing 10% of its public float. This program aligns with Ovintiv's strategy to enhance shareholder value by increasing cash returns and focusing on financial strength. Following a decision in July 2022, the company has boosted cash returns to 50% of the previous quarter's Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow. The NCIB is set to commence on October 3, 2022, and will run for 12 months.

Positive

• Renewed NCIB allows for the purchase of up to 24.8 million shares, supporting shareholder value.
• Increased cash returns to shareholders to 50% of previous quarter's Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow.

Negative

• Potential risks related to commodity price volatility affecting the funding of the NCIB.
• No guarantee that planned share repurchases will occur as anticipated.

Company Receives TSX Approval for Renewal of Normal Course Issuer Bid

DENVER, Sept. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Ovintiv Inc. (NYSE: OVV) (TSX: OVV) today announced it has received regulatory approvals for the renewal of its share buy-back program. This action is consistent with the Company's capital allocation framework, which supports the goal of unlocking shareholder value by delivering on Ovintiv's strategic priorities of financial strength, increasing cash returns to shareholders, generating superior returns on capital investment, and driving ESG progress.

In July of 2022, the Company elected to double its cash returns to shareholders to 50% of the previous quarter's Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow after base dividends. These returns can be delivered through share buy-backs and/or variable dividends.

The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) has accepted Ovintiv's notice of intention to renew its normal course issuer bid (NCIB) to purchase up to 24,846,855 common shares, or ten percent of its public float as calculated pursuant to TSX rules (approximately 10% of Ovintiv's issued and outstanding shares), during the 12-month period commencing October 3, 2022 and ending October 2, 2023. The number of shares authorized for purchase represents 10 percent of Ovintiv's public float as of September 19, 2022.  Purchases will be made on the open market through the facilities of the TSX, New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and/or alternative trading systems at the market price at the time of acquisition, as well as by other means permitted by stock exchange rules and securities laws including Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Ovintiv has also renewed its automatic share purchase plan (ASPP) allowing it to purchase common shares under the NCIB when Ovintiv would ordinarily not be permitted to purchase shares due to regulatory restrictions and customary self-imposed blackout periods. Pursuant to the ASPP, Ovintiv will provide instructions during non-blackout periods to its designated broker, which may not be varied or suspended during the blackout period. Purchases by Ovintiv's designated broker will be in accordance with stock exchange rules, applicable securities laws and the terms of the ASPP.  All purchases made under the ASPP are included in computing the number of common shares purchased under the NCIB. The ASPP has been pre-cleared as required by the stock exchanges.

The actual number of common shares that may be purchased under the NCIB and the timing of any such purchases will be determined by Ovintiv. The average daily trading volume through the facilities of the TSX, excluding purchases made on such facilities, during the most recently completed six-month period was 403,574 common shares. Consequently, daily purchases through the facilities of the TSX will be limited to 100,893 common shares, other than block purchase exceptions.  Purchases over the NYSE will be made in compliance with the volume limitations in Rule 10b-18 in relation to average daily trading volume and block trades.  All common shares acquired by Ovintiv under the NCIB may be cancelled or returned to treasury as authorized but unissued shares.

On March 9, 2022, Ovintiv obtained an exemption order (the "NCIB Exemption") from applicable Canadian regulators, permitting Ovintiv to make repurchases under the NCIB through the facilities of the NYSE and other United States-based trading systems in excess of 5% of Ovintiv's outstanding number of shares, the maximum allowable under applicable Canadian securities laws absent an exemption.  The NCIB Exemption allows Ovintiv to repurchase up to 10% of Ovintiv's public float on such U.S. marketplaces provided that Ovintiv's aggregate repurchases on all marketplaces do not exceed this amount over the 12-month period of the NCIB, which is consistent with the maximum number of shares Ovintiv is able to purchase under the NCIB.  The other conditions to the NCIB Exemption are outlined in Ovintiv's 2022 first quarter report filed on Form 10-Q on EDGAR and SEDAR and will be similarly outlined in Ovintiv's 2022 third quarter report to be filed on EDGAR and SEDAR.   

ADVISORY REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS - This news release contains certain forward-looking statements or information (collectively, "FLS") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. FLS include: the planned share repurchase program, including the amount and number of shares to be acquired, treatment of such shares following purchase, anticipated timeframe, method and location of purchases, announced capital framework; and benefits of the NCIB.

Readers are cautioned against unduly relying on FLS which, by their nature, involve numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that may cause such statements not to occur, or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These assumptions include: future commodity prices and differentials; foreign exchange rates; ability to access cash, credit facilities and shelf prospectuses; and expectations and projections made in light of, and generally consistent with, Ovintiv's historical experience and its perception of historical trends, including with respect to the pace of technological development, benefits achieved and general industry expectations.

Risks and uncertainties that may affect these business outcomes include: ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet obligations and fund the NCIB; commodity price volatility; variability in the amount, number of shares, method, location and timing of purchases, if any, pursuant to the NCIB; fluctuations in currency and interest rates; and other risks and uncertainties impacting Ovintiv's business, as described in its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and as described from time to time in Ovintiv's other periodic filings as filed on EDGAR and SEDAR.

Although Ovintiv believes the expectations represented by such FLS are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions, risks and uncertainties referenced above are not exhaustive. FLS are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by law, Ovintiv undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any FLS. FLS contained in this news release are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.

Further information on Ovintiv is available on the company's website, www.ovintiv.com, or by contacting:

Investor contact: (888) 525-0304

Media contact: (403) 645-2252

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SOURCE Ovintiv Inc.

FAQ

What is the purpose of Ovintiv's renewed normal course issuer bid (NCIB)?

The NCIB aims to enhance shareholder value through share repurchases, allowing management to buy back shares consistent with capital allocation priorities.

How many shares can Ovintiv repurchase under the NCIB?

Ovintiv can repurchase up to 24,846,855 common shares, or approximately 10% of its public float.

When does Ovintiv's NCIB start and end?

The NCIB is effective from October 3, 2022, and will continue until October 2, 2023.

What percentage of free cash flow is Ovintiv returning to shareholders?

Ovintiv has increased its cash returns to 50% of the previous quarter's Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow after base dividends.

What are the risks associated with Ovintiv's NCIB?

Risks include commodity price volatility and the uncertain nature of share repurchases, which may not occur as planned.