WEST FRASER ANNOUNCES RENEWAL OF NORMAL COURSE ISSUER BID

Rhea-AI Summary

West Fraser Timber (TSX and NYSE: WFG) has announced the renewal of its Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB), authorized by the Toronto Stock Exchange. The company can purchase up to 3,868,177 shares, representing 5% of its outstanding shares, starting March 3, 2025.

The NCIB allows share repurchases through TSX, NYSE, and alternative trading systems in Canada/US. The daily purchase limit is 34,408 shares on TSX and 25% of average daily trading volume on NYSE. The program will terminate on March 2, 2026, or earlier if the maximum shares are purchased.

Under the previous NCIB expiring February 28, 2025, West Fraser purchased 2,061,804 shares at a weighted-average price of US$81.14 per share. The company plans to implement an automatic purchase plan during self-imposed blackout periods.

Positive

• Return of capital to shareholders through share repurchases
• Implementation of automatic purchase plan for consistent buyback execution
• Flexibility to purchase shares when they are undervalued

Negative

• Reduced float and potentially lower trading liquidity
• Use of cash reserves that could be used for operations or growth

Insights

Financial Analyst

West Fraser's renewal of its Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) authorizes the repurchase of up to 3,868,177 shares (5% of outstanding shares), representing approximately $303 million at current share prices. This substantial capital return mechanism signals management's confidence in the company's financial position and their belief that shares may be undervalued in the current market.

The execution pattern of their previous NCIB is noteworthy - West Fraser purchased only 52% of their authorized amount (2,061,804 of 3,971,380 shares) at an average price of $81.14. This selective approach suggests disciplined capital deployment, purchasing only when they perceived shares as particularly undervalued.

This capital allocation decision comes amid significant volatility in lumber markets. By implementing an automatic purchase plan, management ensures continuous execution during blackout periods, potentially providing price support during market downturns. The program's flexibility allows West Fraser to be opportunistic with repurchases while maintaining liquidity for operational needs.

For investors, this NCIB represents a meaningful return of capital without the tax implications of dividends. The 5% reduction in share count should provide modest EPS accretion, assuming consistent operational performance. However, the buyback also reflects organic growth opportunities in the mature forest products industry, where companies often struggle to find attractive capital deployment alternatives beyond returning cash to shareholders.

VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. ("West Fraser" or the "Company") (TSX and NYSE: WFG) announced today that the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") has accepted West Fraser's notice to renew its normal course issuer bid ("NCIB"). Under the renewed NCIB, West Fraser will be entitled to purchase up to 3,868,177 Common shares ("Shares") of the Company, representing approximately 5% of the 77,363,551 Shares issued and outstanding as at February 18, 2025. The NCIB will commence on March 3, 2025. The purpose of the NCIB is to enable the Company to return capital to shareholders by way of repurchases of Shares, including when the Company believes its Shares are undervalued or represent an attractive investment opportunity. The Company believes that such repurchases are an appropriate use of the Company's available funds and in its best interests.

Purchases under the NCIB may be made through the facilities of the TSX, the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and alternative trading systems in Canada and/or the United States, if eligible. Purchases of Shares under the NCIB may be made on the TSX, at the market price at the time of purchase in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSX, or on the NYSE in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). In addition, purchases may also be made by private agreement or under a specific share repurchase program pursuant to an issuer bid exemption order issued by a securities regulatory authority, in which event purchases will be at a discount to the prevailing market price.

The rules and policies of the TSX contain restrictions on the number of Shares that can be purchased under the NCIB, based on the average daily trading volumes on the TSX. Similarly, the safe harbor conditions of Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act impose certain limitations on the number of Shares that can be purchased on the NYSE each day. As a result of the restrictions, subject to certain exceptions for block purchases, the maximum number of Shares that can be purchased per day during the NCIB on the TSX is 34,408 based on 25% of the average daily trading volume on the TSX for the prior six months (being 137,635 Shares on the TSX). Subject to certain exceptions for block purchases, the maximum number of Shares that can be purchased per day on the NYSE is 25% of the average daily trading volume on NYSE for the four calendar weeks preceding the date of purchase. Subject to regulatory requirements, the actual number of Shares purchased and the timing of such purchases, if any, will be determined by West Fraser having regard to future price movements and other factors. All Shares purchased by West Fraser under the NCIB will be cancelled.

The NCIB will terminate on March 2, 2026 or earlier if the maximum number of Shares authorized for repurchase under the NCIB have been purchased. West Fraser reserves the right to terminate the NCIB earlier if it feels it is appropriate to do so.

West Fraser plans to enter into an automatic purchase plan with a broker, which will enable West Fraser to provide standard instructions and purchase Shares on the open market during self-imposed blackout periods. Outside of these blackout periods, Shares may be purchased in accordance with management's discretion.

West Fraser's prior normal course issuer bid for the purchase of up to 3,971,380 Shares will expire on February 28, 2025. As of the date of this news release, in aggregate, West Fraser purchased a total of 2,061,804 Shares at a volume weighted-average price of US$81.14 per Share, excluding brokerage fees, all of which purchases were made on the open market.

About West Fraser

West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with more than 50 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe, which promotes sustainable forest practices in its operations. The Company produces lumber, engineered wood products (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, and particleboard), pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and other residuals. West Fraser's products are used in home construction, repair and remodelling, industrial applications, papers, tissue, and box materials.

Forward-Looking Statements 

This news release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including future purchases of West Fraser's Shares under the NCIB, including pursuant to private agreements or a specific share repurchase program under an issuer bid exemption order issued by applicable securities regulatory authorities, and the return of capital to West Fraser's shareholders. Any such forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and are based on assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends and current conditions. Readers should also refer to the risk factors set forth in the Company's annual information form and management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 each dated February 12, 2025, available at SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov/edgar). There can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which forward-looking statements are based will be realized. Actual results may differ, and the difference may be material and adverse to the Company and its shareholders.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/west-fraser-announces-renewal-of-normal-course-issuer-bid-302386707.html

SOURCE West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.

FAQ

How many shares can West Fraser (WFG) repurchase under the new NCIB program?

West Fraser can repurchase up to 3,868,177 shares, representing 5% of its 77,363,551 outstanding shares as of February 18, 2025.

What is the daily purchase limit for WFG shares under the NCIB on TSX?

The maximum daily purchase limit on TSX is 34,408 shares, based on 25% of the average daily trading volume for the prior six months.

When does West Fraser's new NCIB program start and end?

The new NCIB program starts on March 3, 2025, and ends on March 2, 2026, unless maximum shares are purchased earlier.

How many shares did WFG purchase under its previous NCIB program?

Under the previous NCIB, West Fraser purchased 2,061,804 shares at a volume weighted-average price of US$81.14 per share.