IAG share price seesaws amid class action news

We check the latest development in legal action against the ASX insurer.

| More on:

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

Key points
  • IAG shares edge slightly lower to $4.54 during lunchtime
  • The company has been hit with an investor class action alleging the company failed to disclose its financial exposure during COVID-19
  • IAG management advised it intends to defend its position in the Supreme Court of Victoria

The Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) share price remains relatively steady so far today amid a company update on legal action.

This morning, the insurance giant provided a short and sharp market update regarding an investor class action.

At the time of writing, IAG shares are exchanging hands at $4.54, down 0.22%.

a judge sitting in a blurred background reaches forward to strike his gavel on the strikeplate on his judge's bench.

Image source: Getty Images

IAG shareholders launch class action lawsuit

Investors appear unfazed by the company's latest release to the ASX.

In its statement, IAG advised it has been served with a shareholder representative proceeding over its disclosures regarding COVID-19 business interruption claims.

Los Angeles-based law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan took on the case last year which has since moved forward.

The class action was filed in the Supreme Court of Victoria on behalf of investors who acquired IAG shares between 11 March 2020 and 20 November 2020.

As reported by the Australian Financial Review, the legal action relates to the company's disclosure of its financial exposure to the pandemic.

The claim alleges IAG misrepresented shareholders with an outdated policy that eventually led to a $750 million capital raise in November 2021 to cover COVID-19 impacts.

This resulted in IAG losing around $800 million in its market capitalisation following an announcement relating to "policy wording and capital raising".

While the proceeding is gathering pace, IAG said it intends to defend its position.

About the IAG share price

It's been a rollercoaster for IAG shareholders, with the company's share price reaching a 52-week high of $5.51 in mid-2021 before tumbling to as low as $4.02 in June 2022.

Currently, the IAG share price is up almost 7% this year.

Based on today's price, the company has a market capitalisation of around $11.02 billion.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Insurance Australia Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

Ten happy friends leaping in the air outdoors.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a sour end to the trading week this Friday.

Read more »

A cool young man walking in a laneway holding a takeaway coffee in one hand and his phone in the other reacts with surprise as he reads the latest news on his mobile phone
Broker Notes

Guess which ASX stock could more than triple in value according to Morgans!

A 285% return could be on the cards here according to the broker.

Read more »

A happy youngster holds a giant bag of carrots at a supermarket fruit and vegie section, indicating savings made by buying in bulk.
Opinions

2 ASX shares I'd buy if the market fell another 10%

Pullbacks are great times to buy...

Read more »

A group of friends push their van up the road on an Australian road.
52-Week Lows

This ASX 200 stock just hit a multi-year low. Here's what's behind the slide

CAR Group shares hit a multi-year low as selling continues.

Read more »

A man sitting at his dining table looks at his laptop and ponders the share price.
Materials Shares

ASX lithium shares 'compelling' as top broker adjusts ratings

UBS predicts the global oil shock caused by the war in Iran will drive higher demand for electric vehicles.

Read more »

a woman wearing a sparkly strapless dress leans on a neat stack of six gold bars as she smiles and looks to the side as though she is very happy and protective of her stash. She also has gold fingernails and gold glitter pieces affixed to her cheeks.
IPOs

The newest ASX gold company makes a strong debut on the bourse, up more than 20%

Shareholders would have to be happy with this first day.

Read more »

A cool young man walking in a laneway holding a takeaway coffee in one hand and his phone in the other reacts with surprise as he reads the latest news on his mobile phone
Dividend Investing

8% yield: The ASX is getting a new dividend stock that pays out monthly

This soon-to-be stock has averaged an 8% yield since 2016...

Read more »