SMX SEC MATTERS PLC - SMXWW STOCK NEWS

SMX (Security Matters) PLC has successfully regained compliance with two critical Nasdaq listing requirements as of February 13, 2025. The company has satisfied both the Bid Price Rule (5550(a)(2)) and the Annual Shareholder Meeting Rule (5620(a)), as confirmed by a Nasdaq Hearings Panel decision. As a result, SMX's ordinary shares and public warrants are no longer at risk of delisting from the Nasdaq exchange.

SMX PLC has unveiled a groundbreaking hardware protection technology specifically designed to safeguard critical AI industry hardware components. As highlighted in a recent Frost & Sullivan report, the technology combines patented sub-molecular marking with micro-GPS trackers and blockchain encryption to ensure supply chain integrity.

The system features real-time authentication and control capabilities, allowing manufacturers and regulators to monitor component origins and authenticity. It implements a blockchain-based digital twin IoT2 system that pairs marked components with tamper-proof digital records for lifecycle tracking and fraud prevention.

This expansion into cyber hardware security builds upon SMX's existing expertise in marking metals, textiles, liquids, and fashion jewelry. The technology specifically targets the protection of electronic components like NFC and RFID chips, offering geolocation restriction and authentication features throughout their lifecycle, while also supporting circular economy initiatives through e-waste recycling and reuse.

SMX has announced the deployment of its proprietary hardware protection technology for cyber hardware and electronics, including AI applications. The system utilizes patented sub-molecular marking, micro-GPS trackers, and blockchain encryption to ensure component traceability and security.

The technology offers three key features: real-time authentication for monitoring and verifying component origins, blockchain-based digital twin IOT2 for lifecycle tracking, and circular economy enablement supporting e-waste recycling. SMX is specifically focusing on protecting NFC and RFID chips through its proprietary coating and digital platform technology.

The company is extending its blockchain and digital asset patents, currently used in its Plastic Cycle Token, to the cryptocurrency sector, offering protection for hardware and data centers. SMX's approach aligns with its 'AAA' (AI Autonomous Arteries) and 'SSS' (Sand to Silicon to System) visions, enabling marking capabilities from raw materials to finished products.

SMX is positioning itself as a key player in securing AI hardware infrastructure through its molecular marking technology. The company's solution creates an indelible 'digital twin' for hardware components using sub-molecular markers that integrate with circuit boards without affecting performance, linking each component to a tamper-proof blockchain.

The technology enables geolocation enforcement and blockchain-backed tracking to prevent unauthorized hardware transfers and tampering. SMX's solution also supports ESG compliance and enables transition to circular economies by recording component lifecycles for recycling and refurbishment.

The company's approach addresses growing concerns about hardware security in AI infrastructure, where breaches can compromise system integrity and lead to regulatory fines. SMX's technology builds upon its existing expertise in marking and tracking various materials through supply chains.

SMX announced the implementation of a 28.5:1 reverse stock split effective January 15, 2025. The split will reduce outstanding ordinary shares from approximately 33 million to 1 million, while maintaining the existing 'SMX' ticker symbol. The company's ordinary shares will receive a new CUSIP number (G8267K 158) and ISIN code (IE000WZ90ZV5).

The reverse split, approved by shareholders on December 10, 2024, will proportionally adjust all outstanding options, warrants, and convertible securities. Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company will manage the exchange process. Fractional shares will be aggregated and sold at market prices. The primary objective of this corporate action is to increase the per-share trading price of SMX's ordinary shares.

SMX (Security Matters) PLC received a deficiency notification letter from Nasdaq on January 7, 2025, citing non-compliance with Listing Rule 5620(a) for failing to hold an annual general meeting within twelve months of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

The company plans to hold its annual general meeting in February 2025, where shareholders will vote on matters that should have been addressed in 2024. A Nasdaq Hearings Panel, scheduled for February 6, 2025, will consider this deficiency when determining SMX's continued listing status on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

The company acknowledges there is no guarantee that the Hearings Panel will allow continued listing or that SMX will meet compliance requirements within any extension period granted.

SMX (NASDAQ:SMX) marked a transformative 2024 with record-breaking trading volumes on Nasdaq, reaching 826.6M shares on December 4 and 448.6M shares on December 6. The company successfully raised $14M throughout 2024, including a recent $1M capital injection on December 30.

The company established strategic partnerships with Brinks, YBRÁ Capital, Fingo, Tradepro, and luxury brands, while also engaging with a major chip manufacturer to integrate its marking technology into NFC and RFID chips. SMX's blockchain-inclusive molecular embedding technology focuses on material authentication throughout supply chains, supporting sustainability and circular economy initiatives.

Looking ahead to 2025, SMX plans to leverage its Plastic Cycle Token (PCT), positioned as an alternative to traditional carbon credits, aiming to create a transparent trading market for sustainability incentives.

SMX has announced the integration of its proprietary technology for marking and protecting NFC and RFID chips. The company has successfully embedded unique markers into chip coatings, enabling authentication and verification throughout their lifecycle. The coating technology has demonstrated enhanced durability and performance in testing, with heat resistance up to 150 degrees Celsius.

The technology is being positioned for applications in wearable and flexible electronics, including smartwatches, fitness trackers, medical devices, and flexible displays. SMX believes its solution is particularly suitable for fashion, sports, and activewear that incorporate electronic components, as testing has shown the coating can withstand cleaning, washing, curing, and exposure to various environmental stressors.

SMX received a delinquency notification from Nasdaq on December 11, 2024, due to non-compliance with listing requirements. The company's ordinary shares traded below $1.00 for 30 consecutive business days from October 8 to December 9, 2024. Unlike standard cases where companies get 180 days to comply, SMX is ineligible for this grace period due to multiple reverse stock splits over the past two years with a cumulative ratio exceeding 250:1. To prevent trading suspension, SMX plans to request a hearing before a Hearings Panel, which will temporarily maintain the listing of both ordinary shares and public warrants on Nasdaq Capital Market until a final decision is reached.