Aspire Biopharma Announces Reverse Stock Split

Rhea-AI Summary

Aspire Biopharma (NASDAQ:ASBP) announced a 1-for-40 reverse stock split of its common stock effective 12:01 a.m. ET on January 16, 2026, with split-adjusted trading beginning at market open on January 16, 2026. The split reduces outstanding shares from approximately 158.8 million to approximately 4.0 million (fractions excluded). The board approved the 1-for-40 ratio after stockholder authorization for a 1-for-5 to 1-for-40 range at the November 4, 2025 meeting. The company will file a Certificate of Amendment on January 15, 2026 and will continue trading under ticker ASBP with a new CUSIP 738920 206. The reverse split is being implemented to help ensure compliance with The Nasdaq Capital Market's minimum bid price requirement. Fractional shares will be rounded up to the nearest whole share at the participant level; no fractional shares will be issued.

Positive

• 1-for-40 reverse split effective Jan 16, 2026
• Outstanding shares reduced from ~158.8M to ~4.0M
• Action intended to meet Nasdaq minimum bid price for continued listing

Negative

• Rounding rule may slightly alter individual share counts due to rounding up
• Market perception risk—reverse splits can be viewed negatively by investors

News Market Reaction

-26.44%

34 alerts

-26.44% News Effect

+6.9% Peak Tracked

-45.4% Trough Tracked

-$3M Valuation Impact

$9M Market Cap

0.4x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, ASBP declined 26.44%, reflecting a significant negative market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +6.9% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -45.4% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 34 alerts that day, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $3M from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $9M at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Reverse split ratio: 1-for-40 Outstanding shares pre-split: 158.8 million shares Outstanding shares post-split: 4.0 million shares +5 more

8 metrics

Reverse split ratio 1-for-40 Common stock reverse split effective January 16, 2026

Outstanding shares pre-split 158.8 million shares Pre-split common shares outstanding

Outstanding shares post-split 4.0 million shares Post-split common shares outstanding (before fractional rounding)

Equity line capacity $100,000,000 Maximum common stock sales under Arena equity line

Q3 2025 net loss $1,850,493 Quarter ended September 30, 2025

Nine-month net loss $19,773,114 Nine months ended September 30, 2025

Working capital deficit $11,457,377 As of September 30, 2025

Cash balance $1,948,271 As of September 30, 2025

Market Reality Check

Price: $2.21 Vol: Volume 35,882,836 is at 0...

normal vol

$2.21 Last Close

Volume Volume 35,882,836 is at 0.76x the 20-day average of 47,198,858 shares. normal

Technical Shares at $0.0798 are trading below the 200-day MA of $0.33, near the 52-week low of $0.0709 and far from the $9.86 high.

Peers on Argus

ASBP’s setup around the reverse split appears stock-specific. Momentum data show...

1 Down

ASBP’s setup around the reverse split appears stock-specific. Momentum data show only one peer (FBLG) in the scanner, moving down, while the target’s scanner direction flag is up. Broader biotech peers (QTTB, XCUR, CRIS, ICU, NRXS) show a mixed tape with both gains and losses, not a coordinated sector move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 07 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 07	FDA pre-IND feedback	Positive	+19.6%	FDA Type B pre-IND feedback supporting 505(b)(2) NDA path after trial.
Dec 18	Marketing partnership	Positive	+4.6%	Elite ultra-runner engaged as global brand ambassador for BUZZ BOMB.
Dec 12	Nasdaq extension	Positive	-9.1%	Nasdaq Hearings Panel granted extension to regain listing compliance.
Dec 04	Business update	Positive	+2.5%	Q3 update with positive bioavailability data and manufacturing scale-up.
Dec 02	Pre-IND submission	Positive	+1.1%	Pre-IND meeting request and briefing package filed for sublingual aspirin.

Pattern Detected

Recent ASBP news with positive clinical or regulatory progress has mostly seen aligned positive price reactions, while Nasdaq listing-related updates have drawn at least one negative divergence.

Recent Company History

Over the past two months, Aspire Biopharma has focused on advancing its sublingual aspirin program and stabilizing its listing status. Positive regulatory steps included a pre-IND meeting with the FDA on Jan 07, 2026 that supported a 505(b)(2) NDA filing and earlier submissions of a pre-IND package. Commercially, the company promoted its BUZZ BOMB® caffeine product via a new brand ambassador. In parallel, Nasdaq notices and extensions highlighted bid-price and equity deficiencies, setting the backdrop for the newly announced reverse stock split.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock dropped -26.4% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite the reverse...

Analysis

The stock dropped -26.4% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite the reverse split would fit concerns about Aspire’s underlying fundamentals and prior Nasdaq deficiency notices. While a 1-for-40 split may address minimum bid requirements, it does not resolve the company’s recorded losses and working capital deficit. Historically, regulatory and listing updates have produced mixed price responses, so any sharp downside move could reflect skepticism about longer-term balance sheet and dilution risks.

Key Terms

reverse stock split, par value, cusip, equity line of credit, +4 more

8 terms

reverse stock split financial

"today announced a reverse stock split of its issued and outstanding common stock"

A reverse stock split is when a company reduces the number of its shares outstanding, making each share more valuable. For example, if you own 100 shares worth $1 each, a 1-for-10 reverse split would turn your 100 shares into 10 shares worth $10 each. Companies often do this to boost their stock price and appear more stable to investors.

par value financial

"common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a ratio of one (1)"

Par value is the fixed amount printed on a bond or stock that represents its original value when issued. It’s like the face value of a coin or bill—what the issuer promises to pay back or the starting price of a stock—though it often doesn’t change with market prices. It matters because it helps determine certain financial details, like how much the company will pay back at maturity.

cusip technical

"under the stock ticker "ASBP" but will trade under the new CUSIP number 738920 206"

A CUSIP is a nine-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies a U.S. or Canadian financial security—such as a stock, bond, or fund share—like a Social Security number for an investment. It matters to investors because brokers, exchanges and record-keepers use the CUSIP to match trades, track ownership, settle transactions and pull accurate records, reducing errors and ensuring money and securities go to the right place.

equity line of credit financial

"entered a new equity line of credit with Arena Business Solutions Global SPC II, Ltd."

An equity line of credit is a loan that allows homeowners to borrow money against the value of their property, similar to having a flexible credit card secured by their home. It matters to investors because it provides a way for property owners to access cash for various needs, which can influence real estate markets and overall economic activity. This type of credit offers ongoing borrowing capacity, making it a valuable financial tool for those with significant property equity.

convertible note financial

"including a derivative liability of $3,554,265 and a convertible note balance of $4,739,965"

A convertible note is a type of loan that a company gets from investors, which can later be turned into company shares instead of being paid back in cash. It matters because it helps startups raise money quickly without setting a fixed value for the company right away, making it easier to grow and attract investors.

derivative liability financial

"current liabilities totaled $13,860,506, including a derivative liability of $3,554,265"

A derivative liability is an obligation a company owes because of a derivatives contract—such as an option, future, swap, or forward—that has moved against it and now has negative value. Think of it like a settled bet that turned into a bill: if market moves go the other way, the company may have to pay cash or deliver assets. Investors care because these liabilities can create sudden losses, add leverage or counterparty risk, and change a company’s true financial exposure beyond its everyday operations.

regulation d regulatory

"The securities were, and will be, issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) and Regulation D."

Regulation D is a set of rules that govern how companies can raise money from investors without going through the full process required for public stock offerings. It provides simplified options for private placements, making it easier for companies to seek investments from a smaller group of investors. For investors, it offers opportunities to invest in private companies, often with fewer restrictions, but also with different levels of risk and disclosure.

section 4(a)(2) regulatory

"The securities were, and will be, issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) and Regulation D."

Section 4(a)(2) is a part of U.S. securities laws that allows companies to sell their stock directly to certain investors without registering the sale with regulators. This process is often used for private placements, making it easier and faster for companies to raise money from knowledgeable or institutional investors. It matters to investors because it provides an alternative way to buy shares, often with fewer disclosures and lower costs.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

ESTERO, FL / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASBP) ("Aspire" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company developing multi-faceted patent-pending drug delivery technology, today announced a reverse stock split of its issued and outstanding common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a ratio of one (1) share of common stock for every forty (40) shares of common stock, that will become effective as of 12:01 a.m. (Eastern Time) on January 16, 2026 (the "Effective Date"). The Company's common stock will begin trading on a split-adjusted basis when the market opens on January 16, 2026. At the Company's Special Meeting of Stockholders held on November 4, 2025, the Company's stockholders approved a proposal to authorize a reverse stock split of the Company's Common Stock, at a ratio within the range of 1-for-5 to 1-for-40. The Company's board of directors approved a 1-for-40 reverse split ratio, and on January 15, 2026, the Company will file a Certificate of Amendment to its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect the reverse stock split effective January 16, 2026. The Company's common stock will continue to trade on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the stock ticker "ASBP" but will trade under the new CUSIP number 738920 206.

The reverse stock split is being implemented to ensure the Company meets the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

As a result of the reverse stock split, each forty (40) pre-split shares of common stock outstanding will automatically combine into one (1) new share of common stock without any action on the part of the holders, and the number of outstanding common shares will be reduced from approximately 158.8 million shares to approximately 4.0 million shares without taking into account fractional shares. No fractional shares will be issued as a result of the reverse stock split. All fractional shares will be rounded up to the nearest whole share on an individual participant level. The reverse stock split will affect all stockholders uniformly and will not alter any stockholder's percentage interest in the Company's equity (other than as a result of the rounding of shares to the nearest whole share in lieu of issuing fractional shares).

The Company's transfer agent, Colonial Stock Transfer Company, Inc., which is also acting as the exchange agent for the reverse split, will send instructions to stockholders of record who hold stock certificates regarding the exchange of their old certificates for new certificates, should they wish to do so. Stockholders who hold their shares in brokerage accounts or "street name" are not required to take action to implement the exchange of their shares.

About Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc.

Aspire Biopharma has developed a patent-pending sublingual delivery technology that can deliver drugs to the body rapidly and precisely. This technology offers the potential to improve effectiveness and reduce side effects by going directly to the bloodstream and avoiding the gastrointestinal tract. Aspire Biopharma's delivery technology can be applied to many different active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and other bioactive substances, spanning both small and large molecule therapeutics, nutraceuticals and supplements.

For more information, please visit www.aspirebiolabs.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the "safe harbor" provisions created by those laws. Aspire's forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our or our management team's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding our future operations. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate," "believe," "contemplate," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "intends," "may," "might," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would," and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements represent our views as of the date of this press release and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. We anticipate that subsequent events and

developments will cause our views to change. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date. As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, our actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include general market conditions, whether clinical trials demonstrate the efficacy and safety of our drug candidates to the satisfaction of regulatory authorities, or do not otherwise produce positive results which may cause us to incur additional costs or experience delays in completing, or ultimately be unable to complete the development and commercialization of our drug candidates; the clinical results for our drug candidates, which may not support further development or marketing approval; actions of regulatory agencies, which may affect the initiation, timing and progress of clinical trials and marketing approval; our ability to achieve commercial success for our drug candidates, if approved; Aspire's acetylsalicylic acid sublingual powder, 162 mg (OTASA) is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for marketing for any indication, our limited operating history and our ability to obtain additional funding for operations and to complete the development and commercialization of our drug candidates; that the Company will be able to meet the deadlines or conditions imposed by the Hearings Panel or regain compliance with all applicable requirements for continued listing, and other risks and uncertainties set forth in "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. In addition, statements that "we believe" and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this press release, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and you are cautioned not to rely unduly upon these statements. All information in this press release is as of the date of this press release. The information contained in any website referenced herein is not, and shall not be deemed to be, part of or incorporated into this press release.

Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc.

Contact

PCG Advisory
Kevin McGrath
+1-646-418-7002
kevin@pcgadvisory.com

SOURCE: Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

FAQ

What is the reverse stock split ratio for Aspire Biopharma (ASBP)?

Aspire is implementing a 1-for-40 reverse stock split.

When does the ASBP reverse stock split become effective?

The reverse split is effective 12:01 a.m. ET on January 16, 2026, with trading on a split-adjusted basis at market open that day.

How many shares will Aspire have after the ASBP reverse split?

Outstanding shares will be reduced from approximately 158.8 million to approximately 4.0 million (excluding fractional rounding).

Will ASBP remain listed on Nasdaq after the reverse split?

Yes; the company will continue to trade on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker ASBP and a new CUSIP 738920 206.

Do shareholders need to take action to exchange ASBP shares after the reverse split?

Holders in brokerage or "street name" accounts do not need to act; registered holders with certificates will receive instructions from the transfer/exchange agent.

Why did Aspire Biopharma (ASBP) carry out the reverse split?

The company said the reverse split is being implemented to help ensure it meets The Nasdaq Capital Market's minimum bid price requirement.