TELUS receives approval for renewal of normal course issuer bid

Rhea-AI Summary

TELUS Corporation has received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange for a new normal course issuer bid (2021 NCIB) to purchase and cancel up to C$250 million of its shares over 12 months starting June 4, 2021. The bid allows the purchase of up to 16 million shares, representing 1.18% of outstanding shares. The company plans to buy shares at market price and may also execute private purchases at discounts. TELUS may implement automatic share purchase plans during internal blackout periods. The board believes these purchases will enhance share value.

Positive

• Approval for 2021 NCIB to buy back C$250 million in shares.
• Potential to enhance shareholder value through share repurchase.

Negative

• No shares were purchased under the previous 2020 NCIB.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TELUS Corporation (TELUS) has received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) for a new normal course issuer bid (2021 NCIB) to purchase and cancel, when and if considered advisable, up to C$250 million in shares over the 12 months commencing on June 4, 2021.

The new NCIB will permit the purchase of up to 16 million TELUS shares (1.18 per cent of its outstanding shares as at May 28, 2021) for an aggregate purchase price of up to C$250 million from June 4, 2021 to June 3, 2022 through the facilities of the TSX, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and alternative Canadian trading platforms or as otherwise permitted by applicable securities laws. The maximum number of shares that can be purchased during the same trading day on the TSX is 802,109 shares (being 25 per cent of the average daily trading volume for the six months ended May 31, 2021, which was equal to 3,208,437 shares), subject to certain exceptions for block purchases. As of May 28, 2021, TELUS had 1,354,984,808 shares issued and outstanding.

Shares purchased through the facilities of the TSX, NYSE or alternative Canadian trading platforms will be purchased at market price. TELUS may also purchase shares privately pursuant to exemption orders from applicable securities regulatory authorities, and such purchases will generally be at a discount to the prevailing market price.

Our 2020 NCIB, for which we had received approval to purchase up to 16 million shares for an aggregate purchase price of up to C$250 million, concluded on January 1, 2021. TELUS did not purchase any shares pursuant to its 2020 NCIB.

TELUS may enter into automatic share purchase plans (ASPP) with a broker to permit TELUS to purchase shares under its NCIB during internal blackout periods. Such purchases would be at the discretion of the broker based on prearranged parameters. Subject to TSX approval, the ASPP may be implemented on July 2, 2021, and from time to time thereafter.

TELUS’ Board of Directors believes that any purchases made under the NCIB will be in the best interest of TELUS and that such purchases will constitute an attractive investment opportunity that should enhance the value of the remaining shares.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains statements about future events and plans at TELUS (the Company) that are forward-looking. By their nature, forward-looking statements require the Company to make assumptions and predictions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. There is significant risk that the forward-looking statements will not prove to be accurate. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe the Company’s expectations at the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a number of factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the assumptions and predictions expressed in the forward-looking statements. Specifically, there can be no assurance as to how many shares, if any, will ultimately be acquired by TELUS under its 2021 NCIB. Accordingly, this news release is subject to the disclaimer and qualified by the assumptions, qualifications and risk factors referred to in the Q1 2021 Management’s discussion and analysis, and in other TELUS public disclosure documents and filings with securities commissions in Canada (on SEDAR at sedar.com) and in the United States (on EDGAR at sec.gov), including factors such as the wide range of possible outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty with regard to the length of the pandemic, measures in place to limit its spread and transmission, and its impact on our business, regulatory decisions and developments, the competitive environment, economic performance in Canada, the Company’s earnings and free cash flow, the Company’s levels of capital expenditures and spectrum licence purchases, all of which may affect the Company’s ability or decision to purchase shares under its 2021 NCIB. Except as required by law, TELUS disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, and reserves the right to change, at any time, at its sole discretion, its current practice of updating annual targets and guidance.

About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with $16 billion in annual revenue and 16 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. We leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. In 2020, TELUS was recognized as having the fastest wireless network in the world, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better. TELUS Health is Canada’s leader in digital health technology, improving access to health and wellness services and revolutionizing the flow of health information across the continuum of care. TELUS Agriculture provides innovative digital solutions throughout the agriculture value chain, supporting better food outcomes from improved agri-business data insights and processes. TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that delivers next-generation AI and content management solutions for global brands across the technology and games, ecommerce and FinTech, communications and media, healthcare, travel and hospitality sectors. TELUS and TELUS International operate in 25+ countries around the world.

Driven by our passionate social purpose to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS, our team members and retirees to contribute more than $820 million and 1.6 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world.

For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com, follow us @TELUSNews on Twitter, and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.

For more information, please contact

Investor Relations
Ian McMillan
(604) 695-4539
ir@telus.com

Media Relations
Steve Beisswanger
(514) 865-2787
Steve.Beisswanger@telus.com 

FAQ

What is the purpose of TELUS's new normal course issuer bid (NCIB)?

The new NCIB allows TELUS to repurchase and cancel up to C$250 million in shares, aiming to enhance shareholder value.

How many shares can TELUS buy back under the 2021 NCIB?

TELUS can purchase up to 16 million shares, which is 1.18% of its outstanding shares as of May 28, 2021.

When will the 2021 NCIB commence and conclude?

The 2021 NCIB will commence on June 4, 2021, and conclude on June 3, 2022.

What is the maximum daily purchase limit for TELUS shares under the NCIB?

The maximum number of shares that can be purchased daily on the TSX is 802,109 shares.

Did TELUS purchase any shares under its previous NCIB in 2020?

No, TELUS did not purchase any shares under its 2020 NCIB.