EQB Inc. Confirms Renewal of Normal Course Issuer Bid for Enhanced Shareholder Value

EQB Inc. Announces Renewal of Normal Course Issuer Bid

On January 2, 2026, EQB Inc. made a significant announcement regarding the renewal of its Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB), receiving approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). This renewed NCIB will start on January 6, 2026, extending for one year until January 5, 2027, or until the completion of the share repurchase plan.

Details of the NCIB

Under the renewed NCIB, EQB Inc. plans to repurchase up to 2,215,794 common shares, which represents approximately 10% of the public float calculated as of December 23, 2025. In alignment with TSX policies, the company's acquisitions on any given trading day will not exceed 31,372 common shares. This limit is based on the average daily trading volume observed from June 1, 2025, to November 30, 2025, where the average was about 125,488 common shares.

All repurchased shares will be canceled, thereby reducing the number of shares in circulation, which can be favorable for remaining shareholders by potentially increasing earnings per share.

Approval of Automatic Securities Purchase Plan

In conjunction with this renewal, EQB has also set up an Automatic Securities Purchase Plan (ASPP) after receiving a nod from the TSX. This plan allows EQB to repurchase shares during blackout periods or other restricted trading phases, adhering to the established terms and applicable securities laws. The ASPP aims to facilitate a smoother and more strategic approach to share buybacks, especially during periods where trades might typically be restricted.

Strategic Motivation Behind the Renewal

The Board of Directors emphasized that the decision to renew the NCIB stems from a belief that the market price of EQB's common shares does not consistently reflect their intrinsic value. By repurchasing shares, EQB demonstrates its commitment to responsible capital management, possibly enhancing shareholder returns in a measured and efficient manner.

Previously, under the NCIB that ended recently, EQB successfully repurchased 1,424,863 shares at an average price of $94.3742 per share, involving total cash consideration of approximately $134.5 million. The prior program allowed for the buyback of up to 2,300,000 shares.

EQB Overview

EQB Inc. operates within the digital financial services space, managing around $138 billion in assets as of October 31, 2025. It provides banking solutions through Equitable Bank, which holds a position as Canada’s seventh-largest bank by assets, alongside wealth management services via ACM Advisors. As Canada’s leading Challenger Bank, EQB aims to innovate in banking services, enhancing experiences for a diverse client base of nearly 780,000 customers and over 6 million credit union members.

Since 2021, its digital platform, EQ Bank, has garnered recognition, including a spot on Forbes’ World’s Best Banks list. This renewal of the NCIB is another step in EQB's strategy to maximize shareholder value while reinforcing its commitment to evolving Canadian banking.

For further information, visit eqb.investorroom.com.

Conclusion

The planned share buybacks and the introduction of the ASPP signify EQB Inc.'s proactive approach in managing shareholder interests. By reinforcing confidence in its stock, EQB aims to bridge any dissonance between market performance and actual value, fostering long-term growth and stability for investors.