A securities class action is a lawsuit filed by investors who purchased or sold a company's securities. They claim to have suffered financial damages due to alleged fraud by that company. Often, these lawsuits arise from misleading statements or misconduct affecting stock prices.
Participating in a class action can help recover losses if the lawsuit is successful. While lead plaintiffs are actively involved, other members share in any settlement without direct involvement. It also holds companies accountable, potentially influencing better corporate governance.
Remaining passive means you may miss out on influencing the choice of legal counsel or settlement conditions. However, you'll still benefit from any recovery. Conversely, choosing not to participate means you forego direct compensation but might avoid legal fee contributions.
Frequent legal issues can erode a company's reputation, affect stock prices, and drain resources due to legal fees and settlements, potentially diverting management attention away from business growth and innovation. Investors often watch for these signs when assessing risk.