Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) shares are storming higher on Wednesday morning.
At the time of writing, the ASX 200 gold stock is up 10% to $3.71.
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Why is this ASX 200 gold stock jumping?
Investors have been hitting the buy button today after the gold miner announced plans to undertake a major share buyback program.
According to the release, the Ramelius board has approved up to $250 million in share buybacks to be carried out over the next 18 months. This is expected to commence on or around 24 December 2025.
But the returns won't stop there. The board has also approved an increase in the minimum dividend to 2 cents per share per annum. This is the equivalent of approximately $38.5 million per year. The company notes that these initiatives form part of its capital allocation pillars in FY 2026 and FY 2027.
Its three capital allocation pillars, in order of priority, are re-investment into the business, increase in shareholder returns, and maintaining a strong balance sheet.
The ASX 200 gold stock highlights that the buyback is an attractive and flexible way to return capital to shareholders above the 2 cents per share minimum dividend.
Though, it warns that the timing and actual number of shares purchased under the buyback will depend on market conditions, the prevailing share price, and other considerations.
Maintain and grow
Commenting on the news, the ASX 200 gold stock's managing director, Mark Zeptner, said:
At the time of the release of our 5-Year Growth Pathway to 500koz, the Ramelius Board gave clear direction to management that we need to "maintain and grow" shareholder returns. We are demonstrating this today in the form of a A$250 million share buyback program and an increase in the minimum dividend payable.
This capital management initiative is underpinned by our track record of consistently delivering strong free cash flow and our confidence that it will continue into the future. Importantly, we remain fully funded, our production profile is growing and we anticipate further increases in our free cash flow returns. As our capital investments over the coming years start to yield benefits, we anticipate being able to provide shareholders with even better returns.
Looking ahead, the company revealed that in FY 2028, the board plans to reset and grow the payout ratio, which is currently set at a maximum level of 30% of free cash flow, with a new payout ratio factoring in both dividends and share buybacks.
