Equus Total Return, Inc. has filed an 8-K form with the SEC, notifying investors of a compliance issue with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The company received a notice stating that it has not met the minimum share price requirement, which could affect its listing status.
Background
Equus Total Return, Inc. is a business development company that operates as a closed-end fund on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "EQS." The company is incorporated in Delaware and primarily focuses on investing in private equity and other investment opportunities. The 8-K form is used by public companies to report on major events that shareholders should know about.
What the Filing Says
According to the filing dated October 13, 2026 (Accession Number: 0001712543-26-000051), Equus was notified on October 6, 2026, by the NYSE that it is not in compliance with Section 802.01C of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. The notice indicates that the average closing price of the company's common stock has been below $1.00 over a consecutive 30 trading-day period.
The filing states, "The notice does not result in the immediate delisting of the Company’s Common Stock from the NYSE." Furthermore, the company plans to notify the NYSE by October 20, 2026, that it intends to cure the deficiency and return to compliance.
Equus has a six-month period to regain compliance. To do so, the company must achieve a closing share price of at least $1.00 and maintain that average over a 30 trading-day period.
The company is considering various options to address this issue, including a reverse stock split. If stockholder approval is required for any action taken to cure the deficiency, the price condition will be deemed cured if the stock price exceeds $1.00 per share and remains above that level for at least 30 trading days.
Importantly, the filing notes that the company’s common stock will continue to be listed and traded on the NYSE during this period, provided it complies with other listing standards.
Impact
This compliance issue may affect current and potential investors in Equus Total Return, as the company's stock price is crucial for maintaining its listing on the NYSE. Shareholders will be particularly interested in how the company plans to address this deficiency and whether it will impact the overall business operations.
What's Next
The filing does not say what happens next. However, Equus plans to inform the NYSE of its intentions by October 20, 2026, and will need to take action to regain compliance within the six-month period.