The SEC has approved the recent NASDAQ rule change to lower the minimum bid listing requirement from $4.00 to either $2.00 or $3.00 depending on qualification for certain other listing requirements. The text of the entire new rule is available on the SEC website.
Pursuant to the new rule, a security would qualify for listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market if, for at least five consecutive business days prior to approval, the security has a minimum closing price of:
A. At least $3 per share, if the issuer meets either of the following standards determined as follows:
I. Under the Equity Standard, the Issuer would need to meet, among other things:
(i) stockholders’ equity of at least $5 million;
(ii) market value of publicly held shares of at least $15 million; and
(iii) two year operating history.
II. Under the Net Income Standard, the Issuer would have to meet, among other things:
(i) net income from continuing operations of $750,000 in the most recently completed fiscal year or in two of the three most recently completed fiscal years;
(ii) stockholders’ equity of at least $4 million; and
(iii) market value of publicly held shares of at least $5 million.
or
B. At least $2 per share, if the issuer meets the Market Value of Listed Securities Standard, which requires, among other things, that:
(i) market value of listed securities of at least $50 million (this requirement and the price requirement must be met for 90 consecutive trading days prior to applying for listing under this standard);
(ii) stockholders’ equity of at least $4 million; and
(iii) market value of publicly held shares of at least $15 million.
In addition, all issuers applying based on the new standards set forth above, must have either (a) net tangible assets as follows: (i) in excess of $2 million, if it has been in continuous operation for at least three years; or (ii) in excess of $5 million, if it has been in continuous operation for less than three years; or (b) average revenue of at least $6 million for the last three years.
The Author
Attorney Laura Anthony,
Founding Partner, Legal & Compliance, LLC
Securities, Reverse Mergers, Corporate Transactions
Securities attorney Laura Anthony provides ongoing corporate counsel to small and mid-size public Companies as well as private Companies intending to go public on the over the counter market including the OTCBB and OTCQB. For almost two decades Ms. Anthony has dedicated her securities law practice towards being “the big firm alternative.” Clients receive fast and efficient cutting-edge legal service without the inherent delays and unnecessary expense of “partner-heavy” securities law firms.
Ms. Anthony’s focus includes but is not limited to crowdfunding, registration statements, PIPE transactions, private placements, reverse mergers, and compliance with the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 including Forms 10-Q, 10-K and 8-K and the proxy requirements of Section 14. Moreover, Ms. Anthony represents both target and acquiring companies in reverse mergers and forward mergers, including preparation of deal documents such as Merger Agreements, Stock Purchase Agreements, Asset Purchase Agreements and Reorganization Agreements. Ms. Anthony prepares the necessary documentation and assists in completing the requirements of federal and state securities laws and SRO’s such as FINRA and DTC for corporate changes such as name changes, reverse and forward splits and change of domicile.
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