Kaixin Holdings Announces Nasdaq Hearing Decision

Rhea-AI Summary

Kaixin Holdings (NASDAQ: KXIN), a leading new energy vehicle manufacturer in China, has received a temporary exception from the Nasdaq Hearings Panel to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule by December 13, 2024. The company plans to hold an extraordinary general meeting on October 1, 2024 to obtain shareholders' approval for a reverse stock split, which it aims to effectuate by November 30, 2024.

To maintain its Nasdaq listing, Kaixin must meet specific milestones: obtain shareholder approval by October 1, implement the reverse split by November 30, and demonstrate a closing bid price of $1 or more for at least ten consecutive trading sessions by December 13. Failure to comply may result in delisting.

Positive

• Granted temporary exception by Nasdaq to regain compliance
• Plan to implement reverse stock split to meet Bid Price Rule
• Clear timeline and milestones set for compliance

Negative

• Risk of delisting if compliance not achieved by December 13, 2024
• Need for shareholder approval for reverse stock split
• Potential share dilution due to reverse stock split

Financial Analyst

Kaixin Holdings' Nasdaq hearing decision is a critical development for the company's stock market presence. The temporary exception granted until December 13, 2024, to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule is a double-edged sword. While it provides a lifeline, it also highlights the company's precarious financial position.

The planned reverse stock split is a common tactic for companies facing delisting, but it's not a long-term solution. It artificially inflates the stock price without addressing underlying financial issues. Investors should be cautious, as reverse splits often lead to further price erosion over time.

The strict timeline and milestones set by Nasdaq indicate a high-pressure situation for Kaixin. Failure to meet these deadlines could result in immediate delisting, which would be catastrophic for shareholder value. This news underscores the urgent need for Kaixin to improve its fundamental business performance to sustain compliance beyond the December deadline.

Market Research Analyst

Kaixin's struggle to maintain Nasdaq listing reflects broader challenges in China's EV market. Despite being a "leading new energy vehicle manufacturer," the company's low stock price suggests investor skepticism about its competitive position and growth prospects.

The Chinese EV market is highly saturated, with domestic giants like BYD and NIO, alongside international players like Tesla. Kaixin's need for financial engineering to maintain listing indicates it may be struggling to differentiate itself in this crowded field.

Investor sentiment towards Chinese stocks, particularly in the tech and EV sectors, has been cautious due to regulatory uncertainties. Kaixin's listing troubles could further dampen enthusiasm for smaller Chinese EV players. The company needs to demonstrate clear competitive advantages and strong financial performance to regain investor confidence beyond just meeting the Bid Price Rule.

HANGZHOU, China, Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kaixin Holdings (“Kaixin” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KXIN), a leading new energy vehicle manufacturer and sales platform in China, today announced that it received a letter dated September 12, 2024 from the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (“Panel”), indicating that the Panel has determined to grant the Company a temporary exception to regain compliance with The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC’s Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Bid Price Rule”) by December 13, 2024. The Company is scheduled to hold an extraordinary general meeting on October 1, 2024 to obtain shareholders’ approval for a reverse stock split. The Company aims to effectuate a reverse stock split by November 30, 2024, and to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule by December 13, 2024.

The temporary exception granted to the Company is subject to the following milestones. In the event the Company fails to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule by December 13, 2024, its securities will be delisted.

1. On or before October 1, 2024, the Company shall obtain shareholders approval for a reverse stock split at a ratio that satisfies the minimum requirement in the Bid Price Rule;
2. On or before November 30, 2024, the Company shall effect a reverse stock split and, thereafter, maintain a $1 closing bid price for a minimum of ten consecutive business days;
3. On or before December 13, 2024, the Company shall have demonstrated compliance with the Bid Price Rule, by evidencing a closing bid price of $1 or more per share for a minimum of ten consecutive trading sessions.

About Kaixin Holdings

Kaixin Holdings is a leading new energy vehicle manufacturer in China, equipped with professional teams with rich experience in R&D, production, marketing, and production facilities with the capacity for stamping, welding, painting, and assembly operations. Kaixin produces multiple electric passenger and logistics vehicle models. The Company is committed to building up a competitive international market position that integrates online and offline presence and diversified business operations. Leveraging the expertise of its professional teams and driven by the inspiration for innovation and sustainability, Kaixin aims to contribute to achieving the goals of “peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality”.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" or other similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Kaixin’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: our goals and strategies; our future business development, financial condition and results of operations; our expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of our services; our expectations regarding the retention and strengthening of our relationships with auto dealerships; our plans to enhance user experience, infrastructure and service offerings; competition in our industry in China; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to our industry. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in our other documents filed with the SEC. All information provided in this announcement and in the attachments is as of the date of this announcement, and Kaixin does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For more information, please contact:

Kaixin Holdings
Investor Relations
Email: ir@kaixin.com

SOURCE: Kaixin Holdings

FAQ

What is the deadline for Kaixin Holdings (KXIN) to regain compliance with Nasdaq's Bid Price Rule?

Kaixin Holdings (KXIN) must regain compliance with Nasdaq's Bid Price Rule by December 13, 2024.

What action is Kaixin Holdings (KXIN) planning to take to meet Nasdaq's listing requirements?

Kaixin Holdings (KXIN) is planning to implement a reverse stock split to meet Nasdaq's Bid Price Rule requirement of maintaining a $1 minimum closing bid price.

When is Kaixin Holdings (KXIN) scheduled to hold its extraordinary general meeting for the reverse stock split approval?

Kaixin Holdings (KXIN) is scheduled to hold an extraordinary general meeting on October 1, 2024, to obtain shareholders' approval for a reverse stock split.

What happens if Kaixin Holdings (KXIN) fails to meet Nasdaq's compliance requirements by the deadline?

If Kaixin Holdings (KXIN) fails to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule by December 13, 2024, its securities will be delisted from Nasdaq.