delist
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Delisting
The removal of a stock from trading on an exchange. Delisting occurs when a publicly-traded company violates the exchange's rules, or, more commonly, when the company ceases to meet listing requirements. For example, when a company's market capitalization falls below a certain level, it is in danger of delisting.
delist
To drop a security from trading on an organized exchange. Delisting may occur for a number of reasons including failure to meet an exchange's standards or placement of a new listing on another exchange. Compare list.
Case Study In early 2001, Nasdaq informed Drkoop.com, a one-time high-flying Internet company, that the firm's stock was subject to being delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market. At the time of the notice Drkoop.com stock was trading at approximately 20¢ per share, well below the $1 per share required to continue trading on the Nasdaq. Delisting can have a serious negative impact on a firm's ability to raise equity capital, since it is likely to reduce liquidity and increase the bid-ask spread quoted by dealers. Many individual investors avoid buying a delisted stock as trading volume dries up. Negatives associated with delisting are likely to cause a major decline in the market price of a stock that most likely has already experienced a major price decline. Nasdaq, which delisted 240 companies in 2000, often begins the delisting process when a stock's bid price falls below $1 per share for 30 consecutive trading days. The firm subsequently has 90 calendar days to boost its stock price above $1 per share for 10 consecutive trading days. The New York Stock Exchange has a similar price requirement plus additional minimums regarding market capitalization and shareholder equity.