National Bank increases its common share dividend by 23% and announces its intention to launch a Normal Course Issuer Bid

Following the announcement by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (“OSFI”) on November 4, 2021 to remove its expectations that federally regulated financial institutions halt dividend increases and share buybacks, National Bank of Canada (the “Bank”) (TSX: NA) announces a 23% increase to its common share dividend and its intention to launch a share repurchase program.

Common Share Dividends

The Bank’s Board of Directors declares a dividend on common shares of $0.87 per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2022, representing an increase of 16 cents or approximately 23% from the previous quarter.  This dividend is payable on February 1, 2022 to common shareholders of record on December 27, 2021.  The objective of the increase is to reset the dividend level towards the Bank’s medium term dividend payout target range of 40% to 50% of net income.  National Bank has demonstrated a strong track record of delivering shareholder value and is committed to deliver progressive dividend increases.

Normal Course Issuer Bid

In addition, the Bank announces that its Board of Directors has authorized a normal course issuer bid to purchase for cancellation up to 7,000,000 common shares, representing approximately 2% of the Bank’s issued and outstanding common shares.  This normal course issuer bid is subject to the approval of the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (“OSFI”) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”).  Details pertaining to the normal course issuer bid will be announced once these approvals have been obtained.

Preferred Share Dividends

The Board of Directors also declares quarterly dividends on the following series of first preferred shares.  These dividends are payable on February 15, 2022 to first preferred shareholders of record on January 6, 2022.

The above-mentioned dividends on the common and preferred shares are designated as eligible dividends for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any similar applicable provincial legislation.

Eligible shareholders may elect to have their cash dividend reinvested, free of charge, in common shares in accordance with the Bank’s Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan. For more information, please contact Computershare Trust Company of Canada at 1-888-838-1407. Beneficial or non-registered common and preferred shareholders must contact their financial institution or broker for instructions on how to participate in such Plan.