Webuy Global Ltd. Receives Nasdaq Notification Regarding Non-Compliance with Minimum Bid Price Rule

Rhea-AI Summary

Webuy Global (WBUY) has received a Staff Delisting Determination from Nasdaq due to non-compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule, which requires maintaining a share price of at least $1.00. The company failed to meet this requirement during both the initial 180-day period ending July 25, 2024, and the extension period ending January 21, 2025.

Trading of WBUY's Class A ordinary shares will be suspended on January 29, 2025. The company plans to appeal by requesting a hearing before a Nasdaq Hearings Panel, which typically occurs 30-45 days after filing. Meanwhile, shares are expected to trade on OTC markets pending the Panel's decision.

Positive

• None.

Negative

• Received Nasdaq delisting notice due to share price below $1.00
• Trading suspension effective January 29, 2025
• Failed to comply during both initial and extended compliance periods
• Forced transition to OTC markets pending appeal

Insights

Securities Compliance Analyst

The Nasdaq delisting notification for Webuy Global represents a critical development with substantial implications for investors. The company's failure to maintain the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement despite a combined 360-day compliance period signals deeper underlying challenges.

Trading migration to OTC markets typically results in:

• Significantly reduced trading volume and liquidity
• institutional investor participation due to investment mandate restrictions
• Increased difficulty in raising capital through equity markets
• Higher volatility and wider bid-ask spreads
• Decreased analyst coverage and market visibility

While the company has announced its intention to appeal, historical precedent suggests that without a concrete plan for price improvement - typically through a reverse stock split or significant operational turnaround - the chances of a successful appeal are Companies in similar situations have historically seen success rates below 20% in their appeals to the Nasdaq Hearings Panel.

For current shareholders, this development presents immediate concerns about value preservation. OTC-traded stocks typically experience a substantial decline in trading volume, often 50-70% below their exchange-listed levels. The reduced liquidity and institutional participation can create a negative feedback loop, further pressuring the stock price.

The company's statement about remaining committed to business operations, while standard in such announcements, lacks specific details about strategic initiatives or plans to address the underlying issues that led to the price decline. This uncertainty adds another layer of risk for stakeholders during this critical transition period.

Singapore, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Webuy Global Ltd. (Nasdaq: WBUY) (the “Company”), today announced that it received a letter on January 22, 2025, from the Listing Qualifications Department of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) indicating that the Company has not regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum Bid Price Rule”), which requires listed securities to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share. As a result, the Nasdaq staff has issued a Staff Delisting Determination, and the trading of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares will be suspended at the opening of business on January 29, 2025.

The Minimum Bid Price Rule requires listed securities to achieve a closing bid price of at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days within the compliance period. Despite its efforts, the Company was unable to achieve compliance within the allotted timeframe, which consisted of an initial 180-calendar-day period ending July 25, 2024, followed by an additional 180-calendar-day extension period ending January 21, 2025.

The Company will be appealing Nasdaq's determination by requesting a hearing before a Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”) pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Nasdaq Listing Rule 5800 Series. A request for the hearing must be submitted by no later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on January 29, 2025. Hearings are typically scheduled to occur approximately 30-45 days after the hearing request is filed.

After the suspension, the Company’s Class A ordinary shares are expected to trade on OTC pending the Panel’s decision after the hearing to reinstate its listing on Nasdaq. The Company will use all reasonable efforts to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule, but there can be no assurance that it will successfully do so or that it will remain in compliance with other Nasdaq listing criteria.

The Company remains committed to its business operations and strategic initiatives as it works toward resolving this matter.

About Webuy Global Ltd.

Webuy Global Ltd. is a forward-thinking, technology-driven company aimed at becoming the leading e-commerce and travel platform in Southeast Asia. Leveraging advanced AI technologies, the Company enhances its 'group buy' model by providing personalized recommendations, predictive demand analytics, and seamless community interactions. In addition, Webuy integrates AI-powered travel solutions, such as its proprietary AI Travel Consultant, to deliver personalized itineraries, group travel planning, and real-time support. These innovations streamline the traditional supply chain, foster a community-driven shopping experience, and simplify travel planning for its users. Webuy is committed to improving the lives of millions of families in Southeast Asia with high-quality, affordable products, services, and travel experiences. For more information, visit https://www.webuysg.com/Investor/

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company’s current expectations. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties described more fully in the Company’s filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update them, except as required by law.

FAQ

Why is WBUY being delisted from Nasdaq?

WBUY is being delisted for failing to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share as required by Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), despite having both an initial 180-day period and an extension period to comply.

When will WBUY stock be suspended from Nasdaq trading?

WBUY stock will be suspended from Nasdaq trading at the opening of business on January 29, 2025.

What happens to WBUY shares after Nasdaq suspension?

After suspension, WBUY shares are expected to trade on the OTC markets pending the Nasdaq Hearings Panel's decision on the company's appeal.

Can WBUY appeal the Nasdaq delisting decision?

Yes, WBUY can appeal by requesting a hearing before a Nasdaq Hearings Panel by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on January 29, 2025, with hearings typically scheduled 30-45 days after the request.

How long did WBUY have to comply with Nasdaq's minimum bid price rule?

WBUY had a total of 360 calendar days to comply, consisting of an initial 180-day period ending July 25, 2024, and an additional 180-day extension period ending January 21, 2025.