NEW YORK, July 16, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Roy Jacobs & Associates announces that it has filed a class action alleging violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of purchasers of FCStone Group, Inc. (hereinafter "FCStone" or the "Company") (Nasdaq:FCSX) securities during the period from April 10, 2008 through July 9, 2008 (the "Class Period"). The defendants include the Company and members of senior management. The suit is pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri.
For further information, please contact Roy L. Jacobs, Esq. toll-free at 1-888-884-4490 or by e-mail to rjacobs@jacobsclasslaw.com. You may also visit the firm's website at www.jacobsclasslaw.com.
As set forth in the Complaint the Company entered into an important hedge transaction (the "Hedge") which, for the first two quarters of fiscal 2008, generated net income to the Company of approximately $5 million. Most of this income was generated in the second quarter ended February 29, 2008. In a conference call on April 10, 2008, the Company concealed the true nature of the Hedge, by failing to reveal that should there develop a significant spread between the U.S.-based Fed Funds interest rate (the "Feds Funds Rate") and the London Inter-Bank Rate ("LIBOR"), the Hedge would decline in notional value. Based on what the market was told, the investing public viewed the hedge as simply one to protect the Company from falling interest rates, and not one which was crucially dependent upon the spread between the Fed Funds Rate and LIBOR not widening.
However, in the third quarter of 2008 a significant spread arose between the Fed Funds Rate and LIBOR. As a result, the Hedge was declining so swiftly in notional value that the Company sold the Hedge, which sale wiped out any Hedge based gains for the first two quarters of fiscal 2008.
On July 10, 2008, FCStone shocked the market by announcing third quarter earnings per share of 28 cents versus the expected 47 cents. Much of the deviation was due to the decline and sale of the Hedge. In addition, the Company announced previously unmentioned and significant bad debt expenses due to volatility in the cotton markets which had occurred in March. Nothing was said about this volatility and its adverse effects on the April 10, 2008 conference call. Upon revelation of this adverse news FCStone shares dropped over 41% wiping out over $300 million in shareholder value.
If you bought FCStone shares during the period from April 10, 2008 through July 9, 2008, you may qualify to serve as Lead Plaintiff on behalf of the Class. You may serve in this position even if you have sold your shares. All motions for appointment as Lead Plaintiff must be filed by September 15, 2008.
If you are interested in discussing your rights free of charge, please contact Roy L. Jacobs. Mr. Jacobs will speak with you at no cost or obligation. You may also sign up at our website at www.jacobsclasslaw.com.