Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $100,000 In First Republic To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - June 14, 2023) - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against First Republic Bank ("First Republic" or the "Company") (NYSE: FRC) (OTC Pink: FRCB) and reminds investors of the June 23, 2023 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.
If you suffered losses exceeding $100,000 investing in First Republic stock or options between January 14, 2021, and March 14, 2023 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). You may also click here for additional information: www.faruqilaw.com/FRC.
There is no cost or obligation to you.
Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading minority and Woman-owned national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia.
The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants misrepresented the strength of First Republic's balance sheet, liquidity, and position in the market. Among other things, Defendants understated and concealed the magnitude of the risks facing the Company's business model that would result from any decision by the Federal Reserve System raising the federal funds rate, thereby undermining the value of the Company's loan and securities portfolios and liquidity. As a result of Defendants' misrepresentations and omissions, First Republic securities traded at artificially inflated prices during the Class Period.
The truth began to emerge on October 14, 2022, when First Republic announced disappointing third quarter 2022 financial results, reporting that the Company's net interest income growth had slowed to 20.6% year-over-year (down from 24.1% year-over-year growth the prior quarter) and its net interest margin ("NIM") had plummeted to 2.71% (down from 2.80% the prior quarter). First Republic attributed the decrease in the Company's NIM to "average funding costs increasing more rapidly than the offsetting increase in the average yields on interest-earning assets." As a result of these disclosures, the price of First Republic common stock declined by $22.14 per share, or more than 16%.
Then, on March 8, 2023, SVB Financial Group ("SVB"), the parent company of Silicon Valley Bank (considered by many analysts to be a peer bank of First Republic) announced that it was seeking to raise approximately $2.25 billion in capital due to continued higher interest rates, pressured public and private markets, and elevated levels of deposit attrition. SVB also disclosed that it had sold "substantially all of its available for sale securities portfolio," incurring a loss of approximately $1.8 billion on the sale. As a result, on March 10, 2023, SVB collapsed, and regulators seized control of the bank, placing SVB in FDIC receivership. Notwithstanding assurances from First Republic and its executives about the Company's operating strength and ability to withstand a rising interest rate environment, investors immediately began to question First Republic's ability to withstand the interest rate environment and remain solvent. On this news, the price of First Republic common stock declined by an astonishing $83.79 per share, or more than 72%, over three trading sessions.
Despite statements from First Republic and its executives confirming the stability of the Company's business model, investors learned more about First Republic's vulnerability on March 15, 2023, when S&P Global Rating downgraded its long-term issuer credit rating and preferred stock issue rating for First Republic due to the risks of deposit outflows leading to increased funding costs. That same day, Fitch Ratings announced that it had also downgraded First Republic's credit rating, observing that the Company's "funding and liquidity profile has changed and represents a 'weakest link.'" On the news of the downgrades, the price of First Republic common stock declined by $8.47 per share, or more than 21%.
The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding First Republic's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.
Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.
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