Nuix (ASX:NXL) share price falls as warrant to search offices issued

Just when some market watchers might have thought it couldn't get worse, Nuix was handed a warrant…

| More on:
Man looking concerned head in hands at laptop

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Shares in Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL) have fallen today following news the company's Sydney offices have been raided by law enforcement. At close of trading, the Nuix share price was down 1.92%, with shares swapping hands for $2.56.

Nuix announced it had received a search warrant from an unnamed body at around 11.30 am this morning. Until then, its shares had been enjoying a day in the green. An hour later, The Nuix share price had fallen by 3.97%.

Let's take a closer look at what law enforcement might be doing in the software company's office.

Warrant issued

According to Nuix's release, a warrant was issued today to search the company's Sydney office.

The warrant's issuer is seeking documents relating to an individual's affairs. Nuix didn't name the individual.

Nuix stated the warrant was nothing to do with wrongdoing by the company.

According to reporting by the Australian Financial Review (AFR), the Australian Federal Police (AFP) issued the warrant.

The AFP is reportedly assisting the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) in its criminal investigation into Nuix.

The AFR reported the criminal investigation is related to Nuix's initial public offering (IPO).

As The Motley Fool Australia has previously reported, the corporate watchdog is said to be investigating Nuix and its major shareholder Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) over allegations Nuix's prospectus included inflated forecasts. The investigation reportedly began earlier this month.

ASIC was blasted in Parliament last week over its alleged failure to regulate the software company's IPO, which resulted in investors losing nearly $3 billion.

Additionally, the AFP began investigating Nuix's co-founder and former-chair Tony Castagna last month. The investigation relates to an options package reportedly sold to Castagna by Nuix that could have been backdated. The options are said to have been cashed out for $80 million at Nuix's float.

Nuix share price snapshot

Once hailed as the ASX's future market darling, Nuix has turned out to be one of its most nail-biting rollercoasters.

Currently, the Nuix share price is 68% lower than it was when it debuted on the ASX in December 2020.

The company has a market capitalisation of around $828 million, with approximately 317 million shares outstanding.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 

The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nuix Pty Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nuix Pty Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Technology Shares

Rede arrow on a stock market chart going down.
Technology Shares

Down 40% in 3 months: Are Life360 shares still a buy? 

After the Life360 share price fall, is it still a buy?

Read more »

A high-five between father and daughter who are setting up an app on a laptop.
Technology Shares

Up 29% today. Why Life360 shares are surging on record results

Life360 shares jump as record results and upbeat outlook surprise the market.

Read more »

A man with his back to the camera holds his hands to his head as he looks to a jagged red line trending sharply downward.
Technology Shares

Why Wisetech could be worth watching after a rough year

Wisetech shares have dropped 50% in a year, but the upcoming results could shift sentiment.

Read more »

Frustrated and shocked business woman reading bad news online from phone.
Technology Shares

Pro Medicus shares: A once-in-a-decade chance to snap up this ASX 200 favourite?

The business remains strong, contracts keep flowing, and yet the share price is far lower than it was a year…

Read more »

A young woman with tattoos puts both thumbs down and scrunches her face.
Technology Shares

 Why are WiseTech shares still falling?

The shares are now 50% lower than this time last year.

Read more »

Two smiling work colleagues discuss an investment at their office.
Technology Shares

Guess which ASX 200 stock is dropping despite delivering strong Q2 growth

This stock continues to grow at a strong rate. But not as strong as one of its rivals.

Read more »

A man flying a drone using a remote controller
Technology Shares

Is the DroneShield share price heading to $5.00?

Let's see what analysts at Bell Potter are predicting for this high-flying stock.

Read more »

An accountant gleefully makes corrections and calculations on his abacus with a pile of papers next to him.
Technology Shares

Down 28% in 5 years. Is it time to consider buying this ASX 200 fallen icon?

This software business looks too cheap to me.

Read more »