US Securities Class Actions Bulletin - H1 2021
Filings in the First Half of 2021 Declined
The first half of 2021 saw a decline in the number of securities class actions against non-US based businesses against the same period in 2020. There were 14 core class actions filed against foreign private issuers, or 14.6% of the total of 96 federal suits filed. This was a 40% decline in filings from the same period in 2020 (35). This is one of the lowest half-yearly number since the 28 cases filed in 2013 and well below the trailing 10-year H1 average of 36 cases.
However, despite this decline, foreign filers domiciled outside the United States (“non-US issuers”) continue to be targets of securities class action lawsuits filed in the United States. The majority of the 14 core class actions in the review period related to breaches of open market regulations due to weak, inadequate, or insufficient internal and external controls, the remainder were to IPO liabilities (2), the COVID-19 pandemic (2). The remaining filing was a merger objection suit, which we consider to be non-core. This gives a total of 15 class actions out of 108, core and non-core.
Uncovering the Data
The trend data shows that 79% of non-US issuers named in a securities class action traded on a US exchange as an American Depository Receipt (ADR) program rather than a full stock exchange listing. The majority of these listings were Level 3 ADRs (57%), followed by Level 2 (14%) and unsponsored Level 1 (7%); trading was on NASDAQ (64%), the New York Stock Exchange (29%) and OTC-BB (7%).
The trends in district courts were consistent with recent years with New York (11), New Jersey (2) and California (1).
In terms of geographic spread, the largest number of filings were against companies in China (9), followed by Canada (2), Switzerland (1), the United Kingdom (1), and Germany (1). This distribution is not surprising considering FY 2020 saw the largest number of filings against Chinese businesses since 2011. Regionally, Asia takes the lead (64%), followed by Europe (21.5%) and Canada (14.5%).
The industry sectors most prone to litigation have historically been technology, healthcare, and financial services, areas which consistently attract the most attention from the plaintiff bar due to the sheer scale and volatility in their stock trading. This trend continued during the first half of 2021. Technology represented the most litigated sector (43%), followed by healthcare (22%). Other industries represented were consumer products, financial services, aerospace, and education.
Lessons Learned
Despite what appears to be a temporary decline in numbers, the securities class action data reveals three important insights.
First, it is vital to keep in mind that any public statement issued by a public company which negatively affects the share price could lead to a securities class action. A prime example of this is the action filed in 2021 against Volkswagen, caused by what was intended as a prank. Volkswagen announced that the company would change its name to “Voltswagen”, to reflect its planned investment in electric vehicles. As the announcement was made, the price of their US ADRs spiked. However, as soon as the company revealed it was merely an April Fool’s Joke, the ADRs fell in value and the class action was commenced.
Secondly, almost all suits alleging misrepresentations arose out of inadequate or insufficient internal and external controls. These overwhelmingly related to accounting practices, revenue recognition, compliance policies, business prospects and operations. This trend alleging questionable governance and oversight was highlighted last year and continues as a material risk for boards of public companies.
Finally, we have seen an increasing number of class actions filed against Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPAC’s). In 2021 we have seen 14 filings, but none against a non-US issuer. However, this is a space which will be watched closely. In 2021 there have so far been over new 341 SPACs floated, compared to 248 during all of 2020. The likelihood of a securities class action against a SPAC has increased due to heightened regulatory and accounting oversight by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Therefore, both SPAC sponsors and target companies should ensure a comprehensive plan is in place to address the reporting, internal control requirements and responsibilities of a publicly traded company after the merger is complete.
US Securities litigation remains a growing risk for non-US issuers across a wide range of industry sectors and geographies. As such, it is imperative that directors and officers remain vigilant in monitoring filing trends and take proactive measures to mitigate risks.
AIG’s claims team has significant experience assisting international clients in the defense and settlement of securities class actions, providing helpful insight and support when directors and officers need it most.
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