VERSABANK ANNOUNCES REDEMPTION OF NON-CUMULATIVE SERIES 1 PREFERRED SHARES (NVCC)

Rhea-AI Summary

VersaBank (TSX: VBNK) has announced its intention to redeem all outstanding Non-cumulative 5-Year Rate Reset Preferred Shares, Series 1 (NVCC) on October 31, 2024. The redemption price will be $10.00 per share, including all declared and unpaid dividends. This decision, approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, is part of the Bank's ongoing management of its regulatory capital.

The Bank's Board of Directors has declared a final quarterly dividend of $0.1693 per Series 1 Preferred Share, payable on October 31, 2024, to shareholders of record on October 4, 2024. After the redemption date, Series 1 Preferred Shares will cease to be entitled to dividends, and shareholders will only be entitled to receive the redemption amount.

Positive

• Redemption of Series 1 Preferred Shares at $10.00 per share, potentially improving capital structure
• Final dividend of $0.1693 per Series 1 Preferred Share to be paid on October 31, 2024
• Redemption approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions

Negative

• Elimination of Series 1 Preferred Shares may reduce diversity in capital structure

Insights

Financial Analyst

VersaBank's decision to redeem its Series 1 Preferred Shares is a strategic move to optimize its capital structure. This action demonstrates the bank's proactive approach to managing its regulatory capital efficiently. By redeeming these shares at $10.00 per share, VersaBank is effectively reducing its Tier 1 capital, which could potentially improve its return on equity (ROE) for common shareholders.

The redemption, financed from the bank's general funds, suggests strong liquidity and financial health. It's worth noting that this move has been approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, indicating regulatory compliance and sound financial management.

For investors, this redemption signifies VersaBank's confidence in its capital position and future profitability. However, preferred shareholders should be aware that after October 31, 2024, they will lose their dividend rights and should prepare for the redemption process through their respective financial intermediaries.

Banking Regulatory Expert

The redemption of VersaBank's Non-cumulative Series 1 Preferred Shares (NVCC) is a noteworthy development in the context of regulatory capital management. These shares were initially issued as part of the Non-Viability Contingent Capital requirements, which aim to ensure banks have sufficient loss-absorbing capacity during financial stress.

By redeeming these shares, VersaBank is likely adjusting its capital mix to optimize its regulatory ratios, possibly in response to changes in business strategy or regulatory environment. This move could potentially lead to a slight decrease in the bank's Tier 1 capital ratio, but the fact that it's been approved by OSFI suggests that VersaBank remains well-capitalized even after this redemption.

Investors should view this as a normal part of a bank's capital management cycle, rather than a cause for concern. It reflects VersaBank's proactive approach to maintaining an efficient capital structure while ensuring regulatory compliance.

LONDON, ON, Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - VersaBank (TSX: VBNK) ("VersaBank" or the "Bank") today announced its intention to redeem all outstanding Non-cumulative 5-Year Rate Reset Preferred Shares, Series 1 (Non-Viability Contingent Capital (NVCC)) ("Series 1 Preferred Shares") of the Bank on October 31, 2024 at a price equal to $10.00 per share together with all declared and unpaid dividends to the Redemption Date.

The redemption has been approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions and will be financed out of the general funds of the Bank. This redemption is part of the Bank's ongoing management of its regulatory capital.

On September 4, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Bank declared quarterly dividends of $0.1693 per Series 1 Preferred Share. These will be the final dividends on the Series 1 Preferred Shares, and will be paid in the usual manner on October 31, 2024 to shareholders of record on October 4, 2024, as previously announced. After October 31, 2024, the Series 1 Preferred Shares will cease to be entitled to dividends and the only remaining rights of holders of such shares will be to receive payment of the redemption amount.

Beneficial holders who are not directly the registered holder of Series 1 Preferred Shares should contact the financial institution, broker or other intermediary through which they hold these shares to confirm how they will receive their redemption proceeds.  Inquiries should be directed to our Registrar and Transfer Agent, Odyssey Trust Company at 1-888-290-1175.

ABOUT VERSABANK

VersaBank is a North American bank (federally chartered in Canada and the U.S.) with a difference.  VersaBank has a branchless, digital, business-to-business model based on its proprietary state-of-the-art technology that enables it to profitably address underserved segments of the banking industry in a significantly risk mitigated manner.  Because VersaBank obtains substantially all of its deposits and undertakes the majority of its lending electronically through financial intermediary partners, it benefits from significant operating leverage that drives efficiency and return on common equity.  In August 2024, VersaBank launched its unique Receivable Purchase Program (RPP) funding solution for point-of-sale finance companies, which has been highly successful in Canada for nearly 15 years, to the underserved multi-trillion-dollar U.S. market.  VersaBank also owns Washington, DC-based DRT Cyber Inc., a North America leader in the provision of cyber security services to address the rapidly growing volume of cyber threats challenging financial institutions, multi-national corporations and government entities.

VersaBank's Common Shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") and Nasdaq under the symbol VBNK.  Its Series 1 Preferred Shares trade on the TSX under the symbol VBNK.PR.A.

Visit our website at: www.versabank.com

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SOURCE VersaBank

FAQ

When will VersaBank (VBNK) redeem its Series 1 Preferred Shares?

VersaBank will redeem all outstanding Non-cumulative 5-Year Rate Reset Preferred Shares, Series 1 (NVCC) on October 31, 2024.

What is the redemption price for VersaBank's (VBNK) Series 1 Preferred Shares?

The redemption price is $10.00 per share, together with all declared and unpaid dividends to the Redemption Date.

What is the final dividend amount for VersaBank's (VBNK) Series 1 Preferred Shares?

The final quarterly dividend is $0.1693 per Series 1 Preferred Share, payable on October 31, 2024.

What is the record date for the final dividend of VersaBank's (VBNK) Series 1 Preferred Shares?

The record date for the final dividend is October 4, 2024.