What is meant by a Normal Course Issuer Bid?

• A. It refers to ongoing offers from multiple issuers
• B. It is the repurchase of a company's securities within specific limits
• C. It relates to unsolicited offers from external parties
• D. It involves buying shares in the open market only

Answer: (B)

A Normal Course Issuer Bid refers to a strategy used by a company to repurchase its own securities, usually shares, under specific regulatory guidelines and limits. This process allows a company to manage its capital and optimize its capital structure, providing a way to return excess cash to shareholders.

The key feature of this type of bid is that it sets specific parameters, such as the maximum number of shares that can be repurchased within a designated time frame. This structured approach ensures that the repurchases are conducted in a manner that is transparent and orderly, minimizing market impact.

This practice can also signal to the market that the company believes its shares are undervalued, potentially providing a boost to investor confidence. It is important to note that the normal course issuer bid is a formal process governed by securities regulators, which is distinct from other types of market activities or unsolicited offers.