Applied DNA Announces 1-For-20 Reverse Stock Split

Rhea-AI Summary

Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:APDN) announces a 1-for-20 reverse stock split effective April 25, 2024, to comply with Nasdaq listing requirements. The split reduces outstanding shares from 17.26 million to approximately 863,000, with proportional adjustments to stock options and warrants. The Company's common stock will trade on a split-adjusted basis under symbol 'APDN' on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The announcement of Applied DNA's reverse stock split is a tactical maneuver often seen among companies aiming to satisfy stock exchange listing requirements, specifically the Nasdaq's minimum bid price. In this case, the reduction in available shares from 17.26 million to approximately 863,000 will proportionally increase the price per share, likely in an attempt to remain above the $1 threshold. Investors should note that while such an action does not directly affect the company's market capitalization or intrinsic value, it can have psychological effects on market perception. Historically, reverse splits have a mixed record regarding post-split performance and investors should be mindful that improving compliance does not necessarily correlate with better financial health or future performance. Additionally, the proportional adjustments to outstanding stock options and warrants are routine and ensure that the terms of these instruments remain fair post-split. As holdings will be automatically adjusted, retail investors do not need to take any action but should verify the post-split accuracy with their brokers.

Market Research Analyst

From a market research perspective, a reverse stock split like the one announced by Applied DNA usually signals challenges in maintaining the stock's appeal to investors. The immediate outlook might show improved stock price due to mechanical adjustment, but the underlying fundamentals of the company remain unchanged. Investors should therefore evaluate Applied DNA's recent financial performance, market position and growth prospects to determine the likelihood of long-term benefits from the reverse split. It is essential to monitor the stock's trading volume post-split, as liquidity can be impacted when fewer shares are available. If trading volume significantly decreases, it could pose additional challenges for investors seeking to trade the stock. Moreover, the wider response from the investment community, including analyst upgrades or downgrades following the reverse split, will be important indicators of market sentiment.

STONY BROOK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 22, 2024 / Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:APDN) (Applied DNA or the Company), a leader in PCR-based DNA technologies, today announced that it will effect a 1-for-20 stock split of its common stock, to be effective as of 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, April 25, 2024. Applied DNA common stock will begin trading on a split-adjusted basis commencing upon market open on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

Following the reverse stock split, the Company's common stock will continue to trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "APDN" with the new CUSIP number, 03815U409. The CUSIP number for the Company's publicly traded warrants will not change.

At the effective time of the reverse stock split, every 20 shares of Applied DNA issued and outstanding common stock will be automatically converted into one issued and outstanding share of common stock without any change in the par value of $0.001 per share. The reverse stock split will reduce the number of issued and outstanding shares of the Company's common stock from approximately 17.26 million shares to approximately 863,000 shares.

The total authorized number of shares will not be reduced. Proportional adjustments will be made to the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise or vesting of the Company's outstanding stock options, restricted stock units, and warrants, as well as the applicable exercise or conversion prices, and to the number of shares issuable under the Company's equity incentive plans and other existing agreements. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the reverse stock split, and fractional shares resulting from the reverse stock split will be rounded up to the nearest whole share.

As previously disclosed, at a special meeting of stockholders held on April 15, 2024, the Company's stockholders voted to approve a proposal granting the Company's Board of Directors the discretion to amend the Company's certificate of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of the Company's common stock at a ratio of not less than 1-for-5 and not more than 1-for-50. Following the Special Meeting of Stockholders on April 15, 2024, the Company's Board of Directors approved a 1-for-20 reverse stock split. The reverse stock split is intended for Applied DNA to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement of $1.00 per share of common stock for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

Applied DNA's transfer agent, Equiniti Trust Company, will provide information to stockholders regarding their stock ownership following the reverse stock split. Stockholders holding their shares in book-entry form or through a bank, broker, or other nominee do not need to take any action in connection with the reverse stock split. Their accounts will be automatically adjusted to reflect the number of shares owned. Beneficial holders are encouraged to contact their bank, broker or other nominee with any procedural questions.

About Applied DNA Sciences

Applied DNA Sciences is a biotechnology company developing technologies to produce and detect deoxyribonucleic acid ("DNA"). Using the polymerase chain reaction ("PCR") to enable both the production and detection of DNA, we operate in three primary business markets: (i) the enzymatic manufacture of synthetic DNA for use in the production of nucleic acid-based therapeutics and, through our recent acquisition of Spindle Biotech, Inc. ("Spindle"), the development and sale of a proprietary RNA polymerase ("RNAP") for use in the production of mRNA therapeutics; (ii) the detection of DNA and RNA in molecular diagnostics and genetic testing services; and (iii) the manufacture and detection of DNA for industrial supply chain security services.

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The Company's common stock is listed on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol 'APDN,' and its publicly traded warrants are listed on OTC under the ticker symbol 'APPDW.'

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements made by Applied DNA in this press release may be "forward-looking" in nature within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements describe Applied DNA's future plans, projections, strategies, and expectations, including without limitation statements regarding the effective date of the reverse stock split and the trading of the common stock on a split-adjusted basis, and are based on assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Applied DNA. Actual results could differ materially from those projected due to the unknown effect the reverse stock split will have on the Company's ability to regain compliance with the Nasdaq listing standards, its history of net losses, limited financial resources, unknown future demand for its biotherapeutics products and services, the inherent risk and unknown outcome of research and development projects, the unknown amount of revenues and profits that will result from the Linea DNA™ and/or Linea™ IVT platforms, the fact that there has never been a commercial drug product utilizing PCR-produced DNA technology and/or the Linea IVT or Linea DNA platforms approved for human therapeutic use, our need to raise substantial additional funds, and various other factors detailed from time to time in Applied DNA's SEC reports and filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on December 7, 2023, as amended on January 26, 2024, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on February 8, 2024, and other reports it files with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov. Applied DNA undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events, or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events unless otherwise required by law.

Applied DNA Sciences Contact:
Investor Relations contact: Sanjay M. Hurry, 917-733-5573, sanjay.hurry@adnas.com
Web: www.adnas.com
Twitter: @APDN

SOURCE: Applied DNA Sciences, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What is the reverse stock split ratio announced by Applied DNA Sciences, Inc.?

Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. announced a 1-for-20 reverse stock split.

When will the reverse stock split be effective for Applied DNA Sciences, Inc.?

The reverse stock split will be effective as of 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

What is the symbol for Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. on the Nasdaq Capital Market post-split?

Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. will continue to trade under the symbol 'APDN' on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

How many outstanding shares will Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. have after the reverse stock split?

Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. will have approximately 863,000 outstanding shares after the reverse stock split, down from 17.26 million.

What was the reason behind Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. implementing the reverse stock split?

Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. implemented the reverse stock split to comply with the minimum bid price requirement of $1.00 per share for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market.