Nebius Resumes Trading: A New Chapter After Severing Ties with Russia and Yandex

Nebius Group N.V. (NASDAQ: NBIS) has announced that it will resume trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market on Monday, October 21, 2024, following a two-year suspension due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent divestment of its Russian assets. The company, previously known as Yandex N.V. (YNDX), has rebranded and severed all ties with its Russian past, marking a new chapter in its history.

The suspension of trading in February 2022 was a direct consequence of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As a result of the conflict, Nebius Group, which was then Yandex, faced significant international pressure and sanctions. The company's decision to divest its Russian assets and rebrand was a strategic move to distance itself from the political and economic turmoil in Russia.


The divestment of Russian assets had a significant impact on Nebius Group's financial performance. The company reported a net loss of $1.2 billion in 2022, primarily due to the impairment of its Russian assets. However, the strategic move allowed Nebius Group to focus on its core AI infrastructure business and expand its global footprint.

International pressure and sanctions played a crucial role in Nebius Group's decision to cut ties with Russia. The company's founders and management team recognized the importance of maintaining a positive reputation and avoiding potential reputational damage associated with its Russian connections. By severing ties with Russia, Nebius Group was able to regain the trust of its international stakeholders and resume trading on the Nasdaq.


Nebius Group's rebranding and divestment from Russian assets have significantly improved its market perception and stock price. The company's shares, which previously traded under the ticker symbol YNDX, have seen a steady increase in value since the resumption of trading. The company's new ticker symbol, NBIS, reflects its commitment to its core AI infrastructure business and its distance from its Russian past.

Goldman Sachs has been appointed as the exclusive financial advisor to Nebius Group to review certain strategic options that would enable the company to accelerate its planned investments in its core AI infrastructure business. This ongoing process is expected to provide updates to the market in due course, which could further influence investor sentiment and stock performance.

The upcoming investor presentation and financial results announcement on Thursday, October 31, 2024, are expected to provide valuable insights into Nebius Group's financial health and strategic direction. The presentation, together with an investor webcast, will be available on the company's website and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The financial results announcement will provide a clear picture of the company's performance in the third quarter of 2024 and its outlook for the remainder of the year.

The resumption of trading on the Nasdaq will enable Nebius Group to raise capital and invest in its core AI infrastructure business. With a strong cash position of approximately $2 billion, the company is well-positioned to execute its growth strategy and expand its GPU clusters and AI cloud platform. The company's ambition to build one of the world's largest specialist AI infrastructure businesses is supported by its technological expertise, access to GPUs, and capital.

In conclusion, Nebius Group's decision to divest its Russian assets and rebrand has allowed the company to resume trading on the Nasdaq and focus on its core AI infrastructure business. The company's strategic move has improved its market perception and stock price, and it is well-positioned to execute its growth strategy and achieve its ambitious goals. The upcoming investor presentation and financial results announcement are expected to provide valuable insights into the company's performance and strategic direction.