Tims China Receives Nasdaq Notice; Files 6-K

Rhea-AI Summary

Tims China (Nasdaq: THCH), the exclusive operator of Tim Hortons coffee shops in China, has received a notice from Nasdaq on July 19, 2024, stating that the company's ordinary shares fail to comply with the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement for continued listing. The company has been given an initial period of 180 calendar days, until January 15, 2025, to regain compliance. To do so, the closing bid price of the ordinary shares must be at least $1.00 for at least 10 consecutive business days prior to the deadline. If Tims China fails to regain compliance by January 15, 2025, it may be eligible for an additional 180-day period under certain circumstances. Failure to meet the requirements could result in delisting, subject to appeal. The company has filed a Current Report on Form 6-K with the SEC regarding this notice.

Positive

• None.

Negative

• Tims China's stock (THCH) fails to meet Nasdaq's $1.00 minimum bid price requirement
• Risk of potential delisting from Nasdaq if compliance is not achieved
• Company has until January 15, 2025, to regain compliance or face delisting proceedings

Insights

Financial Analyst

The Nasdaq notice received by Tims China (THCH) is a significant development that warrants close attention from investors. The company's failure to meet the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on Nasdaq is a clear red flag, indicating potential financial distress or market skepticism.

This situation presents several critical implications:

• Delisting Risk: If THCH fails to regain compliance by January 15, 2025, it faces the possibility of delisting from Nasdaq. This could severely impact liquidity and investor confidence.
• Share Price Pressure: The company needs to achieve a closing bid price of at least $1.00 for 10 consecutive business days. This may lead to attempts to artificially boost the stock price, potentially through a reverse stock split.
• Investor Perception: This notice may negatively affect investor sentiment, potentially leading to further share price declines.
• Capital Raising Challenges: Non-compliance with listing requirements can make it more difficult and expensive for the company to raise capital in the future.

While the company has time to address this issue, investors should closely monitor THCH's financial performance and any strategic moves aimed at boosting its share price. The outcome of this situation could significantly impact the stock's future trajectory and the company's ability to maintain its Nasdaq listing.

Market Research Analyst

The Nasdaq notice to Tims China (THCH) reveals deeper market dynamics at play in the Chinese coffee shop sector. As the exclusive operator of Tim Hortons in China, THCH's stock performance reflects both company-specific factors and broader market trends:

• Market Saturation: China's coffee market is highly competitive, with domestic and international players vying for market share. THCH's stock price struggle may indicate challenges in differentiating itself in this crowded space.
• Consumer Behavior Shifts: Post-pandemic changes in consumer habits, such as increased work-from-home arrangements, could be impacting foot traffic and sales at urban coffee shops.
• Economic Headwinds: China's economic slowdown and regulatory environment may be affecting consumer spending on discretionary items like premium coffee.
• Brand Positioning: Tim Hortons, as a North American brand, may face challenges in resonating with Chinese consumers compared to local or more established international competitors.

The 180% day compliance period provides a window for THCH to demonstrate its ability to adapt to these market conditions. Investors should watch for strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing brand appeal, optimizing store locations and improving operational efficiency. The company's performance in the coming months will be important in determining whether it can regain market confidence and maintain its Nasdaq listing.

SHANGHAI and NEW YORK, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On July 19, 2024, TH International Limited, (Nasdaq:THCH), the exclusive operator of Tim Hortons coffee shops in China (“Tims China” or the “Company”) , received a notice (the “Notice”) from the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”), stating that the Company’s ordinary shares, par value $0.00000939586994067732 per share (the “ordinary shares”), fail to comply with the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on Nasdaq in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) based upon the closing bid price of the ordinary shares for the 30 consecutive business days prior to the date of the Notice.

Pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company has been provided an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until January 15, 2025, to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement. To regain compliance, the closing bid price of the ordinary shares must be at least $1.00 for at least 10 consecutive business days (with such compliance period extendable at the discretion of Nasdaq) prior to January 15, 2025. Nasdaq would then provide a written confirmation of compliance and the matter will be closed.

If the Company is unable to regain compliance by January 15, 2025, the Company may, under certain circumstances, be eligible for an additional 180 calendar day period to demonstrate compliance with the minimum bid price requirement. If the Company does not qualify for the second compliance period or fails to regain compliance during the second 180 calendar day period, then Nasdaq will notify the Company of its determination to delist the ordinary shares, at which point the Company would have an opportunity to appeal the delisting determination to a Hearings Panel.

The Company will monitor the closing bid price of its ordinary shares. Receipt of the Notice has no effect on the Company’s business operations or the trading of its securities at present.

On July 24, 2024, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 6-K reporting the foregoing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

ABOUT TH INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

TH International Limited (Nasdaq: THCH) (“Tims China”) is the parent company of the exclusive master franchisees of Tim Hortons coffee shops in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. Tims China was founded by Cartesian Capital Group and Tim Hortons Restaurants International, a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International (TSX: QSR) (NYSE: QSR).

The company’s philosophy is rooted in world-class execution and data-driven decision making and centered around true local relevance, continuous innovation, genuine community, and absolute convenience. For more information, please visit https://www.timschina.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are often identified by the words "may," "might," "believes," "thinks," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends" or similar expressions and include, but are not limited to, statements related to the timing and actions taken to regain compliance with Nasdaq. This information is qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements and risk factor disclosures contained in filings made by Tims China with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023. Tims China cautions readers that certain important factors may have affected and could in the future affect actual results and could cause actual results for subsequent periods to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made herein. Tims China does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

Contacts

Investor Relations
IR@timschina.com or Gemma.Bakx@cartesiangroup.com

Public Relations
patty.yu@timschina.com

Follow @TimHortonsChina

FAQ

What notice did Tims China (THCH) receive from Nasdaq on July 19, 2024?

Tims China received a notice from Nasdaq stating that its ordinary shares fail to comply with the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on the exchange.

How long does Tims China (THCH) have to regain compliance with Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement?

Tims China has been given an initial period of 180 calendar days, until January 15, 2025, to regain compliance with the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement.

What happens if Tims China (THCH) fails to regain compliance with Nasdaq's requirements by January 15, 2025?

If Tims China fails to regain compliance by January 15, 2025, it may be eligible for an additional 180-day period under certain circumstances. If it still fails to comply, Nasdaq may initiate delisting proceedings, which the company can appeal.

How can Tims China (THCH) regain compliance with Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement?

To regain compliance, the closing bid price of Tims China's ordinary shares must be at least $1.00 for at least 10 consecutive business days prior to January 15, 2025.