Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or for dissemination in the United States.
EDMONTON, Alberta, Jan. 21, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian Western Bank (“CWB”) (TSX: CWB) today announced its intent to issue $100 million non-cumulative 5-year rate reset First Preferred Shares Series 9 (Non-Viability Contingent Capital (NVCC)) (the “Series 9 Preferred Shares”). The offering will be underwritten on a bought deal basis by a syndicate led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Capital Markets. The expected closing date is on or about January 29, 2019.
Under the terms of the offering, CWB will issue 4,000,000 Series 9 Preferred Shares at a price of $25.00 per share. CWB has granted the underwriters an option to purchase, on the same terms, up to an additional 1,000,000 Series 9 Preferred Shares. This option is exercisable in whole or in part by the underwriters at any time up to two business days prior to closing. The gross proceeds raised under the offering will be $125 million should this option be exercised in full.
Holders of the Series 9 Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive a non-cumulative fixed dividend in the amount of $1.50 annually, payable quarterly, as and when declared by the board of directors of CWB, for the initial period ending April 30, 2024. The quarterly dividend represents an annual yield of 6.00% based on the stated issue price per share. Thereafter, the dividend rate will reset every five years at a level of 404 basis points over the then 5-year Government of Canada bond yield. The first of such dividends, if declared, will be payable on April 30, 2019 and will be $0.3832 per Series 9 Preferred Share, based on the anticipated closing date of the offering of January 29, 2019. CWB maintains the right to redeem, subject to the approval of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (Canada), up to all of the then outstanding Series 9 Preferred Shares on April 30, 2024, and on April 30 every five years thereafter at a price of $25.00 per share.
Should CWB choose not to exercise its right to redeem the Series 9 Preferred Shares, holders of these shares will have the right to convert their shares into an equal number of non-cumulative floating rate First Preferred Shares Series 10 (Non-Viability Contingent Capital (NVCC)) (the “Series 10 Preferred Shares”), subject to certain conditions, on April 30, 2024, and on April 30 every five years thereafter. Holders of the Series 10 Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive quarterly floating dividends, as and when declared by the board of directors of CWB, equal to the 90-day Government of Canada Treasury Bill rate plus 404 basis points.
Net proceeds from the offering will be added to CWB’s general funds and utilized for general banking purposes. CWB intends to file a prospectus supplement to its January 4, 2019 base shelf prospectus in all provinces and territories of Canada in respect of this issue.
The Series 9 Preferred Shares and Series 10 Preferred Shares have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under any state securities laws, and may not be offered, sold, directly or indirectly, or delivered within the United States of America and its territories and possessions or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons except in certain transactions exempt from the registration requirements of such Act and applicable state securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States.
About CWB Financial Group
CWB Financial Group is a diversified financial services organization serving businesses and individuals across Canada. Operating from its headquarters in Edmonton, Alberta, CWB’s key business lines include full service business and personal banking offered through branches of Canadian Western Bank, and Internet banking services provided by Motive Financial. Highly responsive specialized financing is delivered under the banners of CWB Optimum Mortgage, CWB Equipment Financing, CWB National Leasing, CWB Maxium Financial and CWB Franchise Finance. Trust Services are offered through Canadian Western Trust. Comprehensive wealth management offerings are provided through CWB Wealth Management, which includes the businesses of McLean & Partners Wealth Management and Canadian Western Financial. As a public company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), CWB trades under the symbols “CWB” (common shares), “CWB.PR.B” (Series 5 Preferred Shares) and “CWB.PR.C” (Series 7 Preferred Shares). Learn more at www.cwb.com .
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the timing of completion and size of the offering of the Series 9 Preferred Shares and the use of proceeds of the offering. These statements are based on current expectations and are inherently subject to significant risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances, many of which are beyond the control of CWB. These risks include, but are not limited to, the failure or delay in satisfying any of the conditions to the completion of the offering. Except as required by law, CWB does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, by it or on its behalf. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is presented for the purpose of interpreting the information contained herein and may not be appropriate for other purposes.
For Further Information Contact:
| Matt Evans, CFA Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development CWB Financial Group Phone: 780-969-8337 Email: matt.evans@cwbank.com | Chris Williams AVP, Investor Relations CWB Financial Group Phone: 780-508-8229 Email: chris.williams@cwbank.com |
