The Nasdaq has three sets of listing requirements. The company must meet at least one of the three requirement sets, as well as the main rules for all companies.
Listing Requirements for All Companies Rule 4420
Each company must have a minimum of 1.1 million publicly-traded shares upon listing, excluding those held by officers, directors or any beneficial owners of more then 10% of the company. The minimum bid price of the stock upon listing must be at least $5. Each listing firm is also required to follow Nasdaq Corporate Governance rules 4350, 4351 and 4360. Companies must also have at least 400 shareholders. A shareholder is defined by Nasdaq as a holder of over 100 shares.
Requirement Rule 4420 (a)
The company must have a minimum shareholder equity of $15 million. The operating income from either the last fiscal year, or two of the last three years, must total a minimum of $1 million. The company must have a minimum of three market makers that will provide liquidity to the trading of their stock. The market value of the publicly-held shares upon trading must be worth at least $8 million.
Requirement Rule 4420 (b)
The company must have a minimum shareholder equity of $30 million. The market value of the shares traded must be at least $18 million upon listing. The company also has to have a minimum operating history of two years. It is also required to have three market makers. What can be seen here is that if a company did not earn enough to meet the operating income minimum, they need to have greater shareholder equity and a larger market value.
Requirement Rule 4420 (c)
Under this requirement companies must have at least $75 million in total assets, total revenue, or listed securities. Listed securities as defined by the Nasdaq are securities listed on either a Nasdaq or another national exchange. The market value of the shares upon listing must be worth at least $20 million. They are also required to add an additional market maker for a total of four market makers
