Insights

Mid-Year Update on Securities Class Actions [Report]

July 25, 2023

/Management Liability/D&O

Woodruff Sawyer’s Mid-Year D&O Databox Report, just published, looks at the state of securities class actions against public companies for the first half of the year. 

Access the report now >>>

The last time we analyzed the data, it was year-end 2022, and securities class action filings were down significantly. Indeed, they were at the lowest point since 2015, totaling 168 filings in 2022.

Class action filings are at the lowest point since 2015, totaling 168 filings in 2022

Six months later, it looks as though the streak of fewer class action filings may come to an end in 2023.

In the first half of 2023, filing activity has been steady and slightly ahead when compared to the first half of 2022 (up 7%).

If everything continues as we’d expect for the remainder of 2023, it’s likely that filings will be as much as 13% higher as compared to 2022. 

With that, we forecast that by the close of 2023, there will be 190 cases filed; this is closer to the 10-year average we’ve noted from 2013 to 2019 of 193 cases filed per year.

What’s Different in 2023?

In the first half of 2023, the composition of companies being sued has changed compared to the prior year, while settlement activity and dollars remain high.

Fewer IPO Filings

There has been a decrease in the rate of filings against newer public companies this year compared to 2022.

Given the fact that there has been a significant slowdown in IPO, SPAC IPO, and de-SPAC activity in 2022, this is not surprising.

In 2023 so far, we have seen approximately 1.3 cases filed per month against IPO companies versus 2.9 cases per month during 2022.

1.3 cases filed per month against IPO companies during 2023 versus 2.9 cases per month during 2022

Increase in Mature Public Company Filings

By contrast, companies that have been public for three or more years have seen an uptick in filings in the first half of 2023 compared to 2022.

public companies older than 10 years, have experienced a 19-percentage-point increase in filings for the first half of 2023 compared to all of 2022

The most mature companies in our analysis, public companies older than 10 years, have experienced a 19-percentage-point increase in filings for the first half of 2023 compared to all of 2022.

Increase in Mid- to Large Cap Company Filings

For companies valued at $2 billion and beyond, there has been an uptick in filings in the first half of 2023.

59% of the suits filed in 1H 2023 are against mid- to large-cap companies

Our data shows that 59% of the suits filed in 1H 2023 are against mid- to large-cap companies.

Increase in Settlement Payouts

There have already been $3.1 billion in payouts in the first half of 2023. This surpasses the total settlement dollars we saw in 2022 of $2.4 billion.

In fact, this is an unprecedented amount paid out in the first half of the year as compared to the last decade in the first six months of each year.

1H 2023 payouts exceed 10-year high of $1.8B in 1H 2016

While a majority of settlements stayed under $20 million, high-dollar settlements over $50 million comprised 17% of the settlements in 1H 2023.

When it comes to settlements by industry, the manufacturing, financial, and technology sectors take the top three spots, respectively.

Learn More

Download your copy of Woodruff Sawyer’s 2023 Mid-Year D&O Databox Report for more details on:

  • Which high-profile companies are being sued.
  • Which industries are being sued the most.
  • How many cases are COVID related.
  • How many foreign filers are getting sued.
  • The top 10 settlements of 1H 2023.

Cover of Databox Mid Year Update 2023

Download the report now >>>

IN THE NEWS

FEATURED VIDEO

Customized Exposure Analysis with the D&O Databox

 

Related Blog Posts

Was this post helpful?

See all articles by Priya Cherian Huskins, Esq.

All views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the position of Woodruff-Sawyer & Co. The information in this article is for general informational purposes only; it is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice.

Priya Cherian Huskins, Esq.

Senior Vice President, Management Liability

Editor, D&O Notebook

Priya is a recognized expert and frequent speaker on D&O liability risk and its mitigation. In addition to consulting on D&O insurance, she counsels clients on corporate governance matters, including ways to reduce their exposure to shareholder lawsuits and regulatory investigations. Priya serves on the board of an S&P 500 public company and a large private company and has an impressive list of publications, speaking engagements, and awards for her influence and expertise in the industry. 

415.402.6527

LinkedIn

Priya Cherian Huskins, Esq.

Senior Vice President, Management Liability

Editor, D&O Notebook

Priya is a recognized expert and frequent speaker on D&O liability risk and its mitigation. In addition to consulting on D&O insurance, she counsels clients on corporate governance matters, including ways to reduce their exposure to shareholder lawsuits and regulatory investigations. Priya serves on the board of an S&P 500 public company and a large private company and has an impressive list of publications, speaking engagements, and awards for her influence and expertise in the industry. 

415.402.6527

LinkedIn