What Happened to Torchlight Energy Resources (TRCH) Stock?

Torchlight Energy Resources announced on June 25 that it completed the necessary steps to make its merger with Meta Materials, Inc. official. For those who were invested in TRCH stock, the company also announced a dividend and a one-for-two reverse stock split in the same press release.

Torchlight now exists under the new name Metamaterials and a new stock ticker symbol (MMAT)—a change that became effective on June 28. The company's metamaterials business is a departure from Torchlight’s core business of acquiring and developing domestic oil fields.

Initially, Torchlight’s planned merger with Metamaterial was announced in September 2020. Part of Torchlight’s goal in the merger was stated as “targeting proven disruptive technology companies with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities,” according to John Brda, the chief executive of Torchlight.

Meta Materials, Inc., as you might expect, focuses on creating metamaterials. These are “composite structures, consisting of conventional materials such as metals and plastics, that are engineered by META scientists to exhibit new or enhanced properties.”

Many of the products developed by Metamaterials include those intended to increase the efficiency of light use and the use of other energy forms. It places a significant emphasis on environmental sustainability.

Metamaterials has received a number of awards within the industry along with grants from the government.

• 2019 Global Cleantech 100

Before the reverse stock split, Metamaterial shareholders were to receive 3.690 shares of Torchlight in exchange for each of their Metamaterial shares, which resulted in Metamaterial shareholders owning about 75 percent of the merged company. Torchlight shareholders would have the remaining 25 percent.

After the reverse stock split, to ensure the 75 percent ownership by Metamaterial shareholders, the ratio was adjusted to 1.845 shares of Torchlight per Metamaterial share.

Torchlight is an oil and gas exploration and production company based in Plano, Tex. It focuses on the acquisition and development of domestic oil fields.

Brda said, “We plan to continue our efforts related to our asset divestiture to provide a positive outcome for Preferred A Stockholders.” He also stated he would be working with Metamaterials to ensure a smooth transition.

Recently, TRCH stock caught the attention of Reddit traders looking for a potential short squeeze target. Torchlight Energy Resources became somewhat of a meme stock as retail investors hyped up the stock before its merger was completed.

Now that Torchlight has effectively merged with Metamaterial, investors can buy shares of the combined company under the symbol "MMAT" on the Nasdaq. The new stock debuted on the Nasdaq on June 28.

Other changes to the company include the addition of seven more board members after the merger, according to InvestorPlace.