Group 1 - Major U.S. pork producers have agreed to pay nearly $200 million to settle allegations of a price-fixing scheme that inflated prices for consumers and grocery stores [3][4] - The lawsuit, initiated in 2018, claims that eight leading U.S. pork producers colluded to manipulate production levels and enhance profitability from 2009 to 2021, controlling over 80% of the pork market [3] - Tyson Foods' pork brands, which include Hillshire Farms and Wright Brand bacon, accounted for 11% of the company's $53 billion sales in fiscal year 2024 [4] Group 2 - Tyson Foods has agreed to pay $85 million, marking the largest settlement in a price-fixing case that has been ongoing for seven years, surpassing Smithfield Foods' previous $75 million settlement [7] - The lawsuit alleges that Tyson and other major producers used the Agri Stats platform to artificially raise pork prices by intentionally limiting supply [7] - Tyson has faced multiple allegations of price-fixing, including a $221 million settlement related to chicken prices in 2021 [5]

Core Viewpoint - The class-action lawsuit against major containerboard manufacturers alleges price-fixing and market manipulation, claiming a coordinated effort to inflate prices by approximately 30% since late 2020 [2][3][4]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit was initiated by Artuso Pastry Foods Corp. in July 2025, naming eight major containerboard manufacturers as defendants [1]. - Graphic Packaging International was voluntarily dismissed from the case on 25 September 2025, leaving seven defendants accused of conspiring to raise prices [2][5]. - The plaintiffs allege that the defendants engaged in coordinated price increases through seven hikes from November 2020 to the present, despite weak demand [3]. Group 2: Antitrust Allegations - The lawsuit claims that the actions of the defendants constitute a violation of U.S. antitrust laws, suggesting they operated as a "cartel" to manipulate market prices [4]. - Over 85% of the U.S. containerboard market is reportedly controlled by a small number of companies, which may facilitate collusive behavior [4]. Group 3: Industry Response and Legal Proceedings - Most defendants have not publicly commented on the litigation, but Georgia-Pacific has denied the claims, asserting they are without merit [5]. - The case is set to proceed against the remaining companies, with a status update required by 17 December 2025 [6]. - Plaintiffs are seeking treble damages, which could lead to settlements or increased scrutiny of pricing practices in the sector [6]. Group 4: Market Implications - The ongoing litigation has significant implications for the broader containerboard market, potentially affecting pricing and market stability [7].

Core 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]. Company Overview - Atkore Inc. manufactures electrical, safety, and infrastructure products, including PVC Pipe [3]. Legal Proceedings - 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]. Allegations - Atkore is accused of misrepresenting the reasons for post-pandemic PVC Pipe price declines, attributing them to "pricing normalization" and "competitive dynamics" [4]. - An activist investor report alleged that Atkore engaged in an anticompetitive price-fixing scheme that artificially inflated PVC Pipe prices [5]. Financial Impact - On February 4, 2025, Atkore announced disappointing earnings, revealing a mid-single-digit decline in the plastic pipe and conduit product category, largely attributed to its PVC Pipe business, which accounted for approximately $75 million of the guidance reduction [6]. - Following this announcement, Atkore's stock price fell nearly 20%, from $79.72 per share to $64.13 per share [6]. 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 pipe and conduit products [7].