AirNet Announces Receipt of Deficiency Letters from Nasdaq

Rhea-AI Summary

AirNet Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: ANTE) has received two deficiency letters from Nasdaq dated September 18, 2024, indicating non-compliance with minimum bid price and minimum Market Value of Publicly Held Shares (MVPHS) requirements. The company has until March 17, 2025 to regain compliance. For the bid price, AirNet must maintain a closing bid price of at least $1.00 for 10 consecutive business days. For MVPHS, it must maintain a value of at least $1.0 million for 10 consecutive business days.

If AirNet fails to meet the bid price requirement by the deadline, it may be eligible for an additional 180-day period if it meets certain conditions. The company could implement a reverse stock split to regain compliance. Failure to meet these requirements could result in delisting from Nasdaq, although AirNet would have the right to appeal such a decision.

Positive

• Company has a 180-day compliance period to meet Nasdaq requirements
• Potential for additional 180-day period to regain bid price compliance if conditions are met
• Option to implement reverse stock split to regain compliance

Negative

• Non-compliance with Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement (below $1.00)
• Failure to maintain minimum Market Value of Publicly Held Shares of $1.0 million
• Risk of delisting from Nasdaq if compliance is not regained
• Possible need for reverse stock split, which could impact share value

Financial Analyst

This news is concerning for AirNet Technology Inc. shareholders. The company faces potential delisting from Nasdaq due to two significant issues: failing to maintain a $1 minimum bid price and a $1 million minimum Market Value of Publicly Held Shares (MVPHS). These deficiencies indicate severe financial distress and lack of investor confidence.

The 180-day compliance period until March 17, 2025, provides a window for recovery, but the challenges are substantial. A reverse stock split might address the bid price issue temporarily, but it doesn't solve the underlying financial problems. The MVPHS deficiency is particularly worrying as it reflects a significant erosion of the company's public float value.

Investors should be cautious. While delisting isn't immediate, the company's ability to regain compliance remains uncertain, potentially leading to reduced liquidity and further share price decline.

Legal Expert

The receipt of deficiency letters from Nasdaq is a critical regulatory issue for AirNet. The company now faces a complex compliance challenge with specific timelines and requirements. Key legal considerations include:

• Timely disclosure of the deficiency notices, which AirNet has fulfilled
• Potential need for shareholder approval if a reverse stock split is pursued
• Risk of securities law violations if the company fails to maintain accurate and timely disclosures during this period

The company's board and management must navigate these issues carefully to avoid additional regulatory scrutiny. Shareholders should monitor the situation closely, as failure to regain compliance could lead to delisting proceedings, potentially triggering investor lawsuits or regulatory investigations.

BEIJING, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AirNet Technology Inc., formerly known as AirMedia Group Inc. ("AirNet" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: ANTE), today announced that it received two deficiency letters (the "Deficiency Letters") from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. ("Nasdaq") both dated on September 18, 2024 indicating that (1) the Company is no longer in compliance with the minimum bid price requirement set forth in Rule 5550(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules as the Company's closing bid price per American depositary share ("ADS"), each representing one ordinary share of the Company, has been below $1.00 for a period of 30 consecutive business days, and (2) the Company is no longer in compliance with Rule 5550(a)(5) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules for continued listing due to its failure to maintain a minimum Market Value of Publicly Held Shares ("MVPHS") of US$1.0 million for a period of 30 consecutive business days.

The Deficiency Letters have no immediate impact on the Company's listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Pursuant to Rules 5810(c)(3)(A) and 5810(c)(3)(D) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules, respectively, the Company has a compliance period of 180 calendar days, or until March 17, 2025 (the "Compliance Period"), to regain compliance with Nasdaq's minimum bid price and minimum MVPHS requirements. If at any time during the Compliance Period, the closing bid price per ADS is at least $1.00 for a minimum of ten consecutive business days, Nasdaq will provide the Company a written confirmation of compliance with the minimum bid price requirement, and the matter will be closed. If at any time during the Compliance Period, the Company's MVPHS is at least US$1.0 million for a minimum of ten consecutive business days, Nasdaq will provide the Company a written confirmation of compliance with the minimum MVPHS requirement, and the matter will be closed.

If the Company does not regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement by March 17, 2025, the Company may be eligible for additional time to regain compliance. To qualify, the Company must meet the continued listing requirements for MVPHS and all other initial listing standards, with the exception of bid price requirement, of the Nasdaq Capital Market, and provides written notice to Nasdaq of its intention to cure the deficiency, including by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary. If the Company meets these requirements, Nasdaq will grant an additional 180 calendar days to the Company (the "Second Compliance Period"). However, if Nasdaq concludes that the Company will not be able to cure the deficiency, or if the Company is otherwise not eligible, Nasdaq will provide notice that the Company's securities will be subject to delisting. If the Company chooses to implement a reverse stock split, it must complete the split no later than ten business days prior to March 17, 2025, or the expiration of the Second Compliance Period if granted.

In the event the Company does not regain compliance with the minimum MVPHS requirement by March 17, 2025, the Company will receive written notification that its securities are subject to delisting. In the event of such notification, the Company may appeal Nasdaq's determination to delist its securities, but there can be no assurance Nasdaq would grant the Company's request for continued listing.

This announcement is made in compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(b), which requires prompt disclosure of receipt of a notification of deficiency.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "is expected to," "anticipates," "aim," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "are likely to," "estimates," "may," "should" and similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Forward-looking statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions, and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control, which may cause its actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this announcement is as of the date of this announcement, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under law.

Company Contact

Penny Pei
Investor Relations
AirNet Technology Inc.
Tel: +86-10-8460-8678
Email: penny@ihangmei.com

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SOURCE AirNet Technology Inc.

FAQ

What Nasdaq requirements has AirNet Technology (ANTE) failed to meet?

AirNet Technology (ANTE) has failed to meet Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement of $1.00 and the minimum Market Value of Publicly Held Shares (MVPHS) requirement of $1.0 million.

How long does AirNet Technology (ANTE) have to regain compliance with Nasdaq requirements?

AirNet Technology (ANTE) has until March 17, 2025, to regain compliance with both the minimum bid price and MVPHS requirements.

What options does AirNet Technology (ANTE) have to regain compliance with Nasdaq?

AirNet Technology (ANTE) can regain compliance by maintaining a closing bid price of at least $1.00 and an MVPHS of at least $1.0 million for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days. The company may also consider a reverse stock split to meet the bid price requirement.

What happens if AirNet Technology (ANTE) fails to regain compliance by the deadline?

If AirNet Technology (ANTE) fails to regain compliance by March 17, 2025, it may face delisting from Nasdaq. However, the company may be eligible for an additional 180-day compliance period for the bid price requirement or can appeal a delisting decision.