Atkore (ATKR) GlobeNewswire News Room·2025-03-04 13:21Core Viewpoint - A lawsuit has been filed against Atkore Inc. and its senior executives for potential violations of federal securities laws, specifically related to misrepresentations about PVC Pipe pricing and an alleged price-fixing scheme [1][2][5]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, with claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [2]. - Investors have until April 23, 2025, to seek appointment to lead the case [2]. Group 2: Company Background - Atkore manufactures electrical, safety, and infrastructure products, including PVC Pipe [3]. - During the COVID-19 pandemic, shipping costs increased, impacting foreign PVC Pipe manufacturers' ability to sell profitably in the U.S. [3]. Group 3: Allegations Against Atkore - Atkore allegedly misrepresented that post-pandemic PVC Pipe price declines were due to "pricing normalization" and "competitive dynamics" [4]. - An activist investor report accused Atkore of engaging in an anticompetitive price-fixing scheme that artificially inflated PVC Pipe prices [5]. Group 4: Stock Performance and Market Reaction - On February 4, 2025, Atkore announced disappointing earnings, revealing a decline in the plastic pipe and conduit product category, which led to a nearly 20% drop in stock price from 64.13 per share [6]. - The company attributed approximately $75 million, or 3/4 of the guidance reduction, to its PVC Pipe business [6]. Group 5: Regulatory Scrutiny - On February 14, 2025, Atkore disclosed receiving a grand jury subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division regarding the pricing of its PVC products [7].