Shareholder Alerts Could Derail KODK After D.E. Shaw News
Eastman Kodak Company shares surged after news emerged that hedge fund D.E. Shaw took a 5.2-percent stake. Yet, positivity around KODK could be short-lived as shareholder alerts continue to emerge.
- August 31, 2020: An SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) filing revealed that D.E. Shaw (hedge fund) had attained a 5.2-percent stake in Eastman Kodak Company (KODK).
- September 1, 2020: By the time markets opened, KODK had moved from $5.98 to $9.50 (after-hours and pre-market trading). By the closing bell on September 1, KODK was $7.30.
- Several shareholder alerts have hit the news about the company, after alleged insider-trading surrounding disclosure of a $725-million government loan.
Shareholder Alert
- Complaint #1: In July, the Eastman Kodak Company was awarded a $765-million Defense Production Act loan for the manufacturing of COVID-19 pharmaceuticals. However, the loan was put on hold after the SEC began investigating the company for improper disclosure.
- Complaint #2: It has been alleged that prior to the loan disclosure, defendants distributed millions of dollars’ worth of stock options and purchased tens of thousands of company shares knowing that KODK value would rise.
- Defendants: Eastman Kodak Company Executive Chairman, James Continenza, and several others within the company hierarchy.
The government loan remains on hold while these allegations are investigated.
Existing shareholder alerts include:
- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Notifies Shareholders of Eastman Kodak Company of a Class Action Lawsuit and a Lead Plaintiff Deadline of October 13, 2020 – KODK
- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Notifies Eastman Kodak Company Shareholders With Losses Exceeding $50,000 of Class Action and Encourages Investors to Contact the Firm
- The Law Offices of Vincent Wong announce that class actions have commenced on behalf of certain shareholders
- Kodak (KODK) Executives Receive Stock Option Grants Prior to Explosion in Stock Price
It looks like 2020 could be a very interesting year for the Eastman Kodak Company (KODK). Definitely a stock worth watching over the coming months.
CHECK OUT: Coffee, ketchup, and Nike Air Max. It’s the COVID-19 consumer economy.
Hedge Firm D.E. Shaw
- D.E. Shaw is a powerful firm in the global financial market. Watching over $50-billion worth of assets.
- David E. Shaw is the president and sole shareholder of D.E. Shaw & Co.
- D.E. Shaw acquired 3.9-million KODK shares. Towards $30-million in value.
- According to the firm, the stake in the Eastman Kodak Company is passive.
- D.E. Shaw invests using quantitative and qualitative strategies. Meaning, they find value where others might see risk. This means when they act, investors often pay attention.
At this point there is no guarantee the government loan will be issued even if the Eastman Kodak Company is proven innocent. Because of this, KODK remains a risky investment.