Delisting: What It Means for Companies and Investors

Definition & Meaning

Delisting is the process of removing a company's stock from a stock exchange, which means that investors can no longer buy or sell shares of that stock on that exchange. This action can occur for several reasons, including:

  • The company has gone out of business.
  • The company has declared bankruptcy.
  • The company fails to meet the stock exchange's listing requirements.
  • The company has transitioned to private ownership following a merger or acquisition.
  • The company seeks to simplify its regulatory obligations.

Although delisting can indicate financial or operational challenges, it does not necessarily reflect a change in the company's core strategy. However, it can negatively impact shareholders by reducing the liquidity of the stock.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A company that has consistently reported losses and fails to meet the minimum market capitalization requirement may be delisted from the stock exchange.

Example 2: A firm that undergoes a merger and becomes a private entity will have its stock delisted as it no longer trades publicly. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Delisting Removal of a company's stock from a stock exchange. Can occur due to bankruptcy, failure to meet requirements, or corporate changes.
Bankruptcy A legal status of a person or entity that cannot repay debts. Bankruptcy can lead to delisting but is a separate legal process.
Acquisition When one company purchases another company. An acquisition can lead to delisting if the acquired company becomes private.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are a shareholder of a company facing delisting, consider the following steps:

  • Stay informed about the company's financial health and any announcements regarding its stock status.
  • Review your investment options and consider consulting a financial advisor.
  • Explore US Legal Forms for templates that may assist in understanding your rights and options.

If the situation is complex, seeking professional legal advice may be necessary.

Quick facts

  • Delisting can reduce stock liquidity.
  • It may occur due to bankruptcy or failure to meet exchange requirements.
  • Shareholders may lose investment value.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Your shares may become less liquid and harder to sell, but you still own them unless you sell them privately.