BuzzFeed, Inc. Announces 1-For-4 Reverse Stock Split

Rhea-AI Summary

BuzzFeed, Inc. announced a 1-for-4 reverse stock split of its Class A and Class B common stock to ensure continued listing on Nasdaq. The split will be effective on May 6, 2024, to increase the bid price of the company's common stock. The reverse split will not change the total authorized number of shares but will reduce outstanding shares significantly. Additional adjustments will be made to warrants, options, and other stock-related instruments.

Insights

Financial Analyst

When a company announces a reverse stock split, the immediate reaction from investors might be concern, as it often indicates that a company's share price has been trading below exchange minimums. In this case, BuzzFeed's implementation of a 1-for-4 reverse stock split is a strategic move to boost the bid price of its shares to comply with Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement. Historically, reverse splits do not fundamentally alter a company's value, but they can affect market perception. Investors should monitor the share price following the split, as the reduced float could potentially lead to higher volatility. The dilution of existing warrants, options and RSUs is typically seen as unfavorable for holders of these instruments as it decreases the number of shares they control, albeit with a proportionally higher value per share. In the short term, this could act as a deterrent to new investors and may signal a red flag to current shareholders. Long-term effects depend on the company's ability to improve fundamentals post-split.

Market Research Analyst

From a broader market perspective, BuzzFeed's reverse stock split reflects a move to maintain investor confidence and stabilize its position on the Nasdaq. For retail investors, it's important to understand that such corporate actions do not change the intrinsic value of the company, though they can impact the optics of the stock. With the reduction in the number of issued and outstanding shares, the company might appear more 'expensive' per share, which could influence investor sentiment and trading patterns. The market will likely focus on BuzzFeed's subsequent financial performance and growth strategies. Effective communication from the company post-split would be key in maintaining shareholder trust and attracting new investment.

Move Aims to Ensure Continued Listing on Nasdaq

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BuzzFeed, Inc. (NASDAQ: BZFD) today announced that its Board of Directors and shareholders approved a 1-for-4 reverse stock split of the company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, which will be effective at 12:01am EST on May 6, 2024. BuzzFeed’s Class A common stock will continue to be traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market on a split-adjusted basis beginning on May 6, 2024, under the Company’s existing trading symbol “BZFD.”

The reverse stock split is intended to increase the bid price of the Company’s Class A common stock so that BuzzFeed, Inc. can regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement of $1.00 per share for continued listing on Nasdaq. The new CUSIP number following the reverse stock split will be 12430A300. The Company filed a Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on April 26, 2024 to effect the reverse split.

The reverse stock split will affect all stockholders uniformly and will not alter any stockholder’s percentage ownership interest in the company, except to the extent that the reverse stock split results in that stockholder owning a fractional share as described in more detail below.

The reverse stock split will reduce the number of shares of Class A common stock issued and outstanding from approximately 140,961,058 to approximately 35,240,370 and the number of shares of Class B common stock issued and outstanding from approximately 5,473,940 to approximately 1,368,493. The total authorized number of shares of common stock will remain the same. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the reverse stock split. Each stockholder who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fraction of a share of BuzzFeed’s common stock will instead receive one whole share of common stock.

The reverse stock split will also result in proportional adjustments being made to: (1) all then-outstanding warrants exercisable for shares of our Class A common stock, such that fewer shares would underlie such securities and the purchase price per share will be increased; (2) all then-outstanding options and RSUs issued under the BuzzFeed, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, such that fewer shares of our Class A common stock would underlie such awards and the exercise price per share of the options will be increased; (3) the number of shares of our Class A common stock then-available for issuance under each of the BuzzFeed, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan and the BuzzFeed, Inc. 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, such that fewer shares will be available to grant under both plans; (4) the number of shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of our then-outstanding unsecured convertible notes due 2026, such that fewer shares would be issuable upon conversion of such notes and the conversion price will be increased; and (5) the number of shares of our Class A common stock we could offer in our at-the-market offering, such that fewer shares would be available for sale in such offering.

The company’s publicly-traded warrants will continue to be traded under the symbol “BZFDW" and the CUSIP identifier for the warrants will remain unchanged.

Continental Stock Transfer and Trust Company (“Continental”), the Company's transfer agent, will act as the exchange agent for the reverse stock split. Continental will provide instructions to any stockholders with physical stock certificates regarding the process for exchanging their certificates for split-adjusted shares into “book-entry form.” Shares held by stockholders in “street name” will have their accounts automatically credited by their brokerage form, bank or other nominee, as will any stockholders who held their shares in book-entry form at Continental.

About BuzzFeed, Inc.

BuzzFeed, Inc. is home to the best of the Internet. Across pop culture, entertainment, shopping, food and news, our brands drive conversation and inspire what audiences watch, read, and buy now — and into the future. Born on the Internet in 2006, BuzzFeed is committed to making it better: providing trusted, quality, brand-safe news and entertainment to hundreds of millions of people; making content on the Internet more inclusive, empathetic, and creative; and inspiring our audience to live better lives.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240501749045/en/

Media Contact

Juliana Clifton: pr@buzzfeed.com

Investor Relations Contact

Amita Tomkoria: ir@buzzfeed.com

Source: BuzzFeed, Inc.

FAQ

When will the reverse stock split be effective for BuzzFeed, Inc.?

The reverse stock split will be effective at 12:01am EST on May 6, 2024.

What is the purpose of the reverse stock split for BuzzFeed, Inc.?

The reverse stock split aims to increase the bid price of the company's common stock to comply with Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement for continued listing.

How will the reverse stock split affect stockholders of BuzzFeed, Inc.?

The reverse stock split will reduce the number of shares of Class A and Class B common stock issued and outstanding, but will not alter any stockholder's percentage ownership interest in the company.

Who will act as the exchange agent for the reverse stock split of BuzzFeed, Inc.?

Continental Stock Transfer and Trust Company (Continental) will act as the exchange agent for the reverse stock split.

What adjustments will be made to warrants and options due to the reverse stock split?

Proportional adjustments will be made to outstanding warrants, options, RSUs, and other stock-related instruments to reflect the reverse stock split.

Will fractional shares be issued as part of the reverse stock split for BuzzFeed, Inc.?

No, fractional shares will not be issued. Each stockholder entitled to receive a fraction of a share will instead receive one whole share.