Massive reason Nuix (ASX:NXL) share price will be in focus on Monday

Shareholders of the much-maligned analytics software provider might want to sit down and take a deep breath over the weekend…

| More on:
Businessman looks with one eye through magnifying glass

Image source: Getty Images

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

After a rough, rough year, what's left of Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL)'s shareholders might have another clanger to endure on Monday.

To recap, analytics software provider Nuix was the darling float of last year. The shares listed on the ASX in December after selling during the initial public offering for $5.31.

Growth hype then immediately rocketed the stock, which hit $11.86 in January.

But then scandal after downgrade after scandal hit the Nuix share price hard. As of Friday afternoon, Nuix shares were going for $2.86.

Multiple identities involved with the company's past and present are currently under investigation by authorities.

Chief executive Rod Vawdrey is due to exit as soon as a replacement is found, and longtime chief financial officer Stephen Doyle was shown the door in June.

On Monday, the company will report its 2021 financial year result.

$340 million of Nuix shares can be sold off

So what else is happening Monday that might further affect the Nuix share price?

All the insider-held shares that were held in escrow for the float will be released at 4:15pm.

According to the prospectus, 37.9% of the shares on issue are due to be released from trading restrictions.

That's $340 million worth of stock held by Vawdrey, Doyle, and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), among others.

If they sell, Vawdrey and Doyle will walk away with $4.5 million and $2.4 million respectively.

Macquarie owns 30% of the company it bought into during its infancy as a privately owned business. The financial giant copped accusations that it had overhyped the IPO, but its defence always has been that it still owns many Nuix shares.

As of Monday afternoon, it will be free to do what it wants with those shares.

According to the Australian Financial Review, senator Deborah O'Neill called on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to freeze the escrow.

"ASIC must be proactive and act to protect investors and not let those with serious questions to answer to walk away from this scandal with the loot."

The Motley Fool has contacted the corporate regulator for comment.

The Nuix share price is up 4% on Friday afternoon.

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo owns shares of Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nuix Pty Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

Happy man holding Australian dollar notes, representing dividends.
Broker Notes

Why this cheap ASX All Ords stock could rise 50% and pay an 11% dividend yield

Goldman Sachs thinks that big returns could be coming for buyers of this stock.

Read more »

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Share Gainers

Why Arcadium Lithium, Bellevue Gold, Catalyst Metals, and Northern Star shares are rising today

These shares are having a good session on Thursday. But why? Let's find out.

Read more »

A smiling man take a big bite out of a burrito
Share Market News

Hungry for returns? Are Dominos or Guzman y Gomez ASX shares a better buy in 2025?

Pizza or burritos? Why not both?

Read more »

Share Fallers

Why AVITA Medical, Lovisa, Star, and Westgold shares are sinking today

These shares are falling more than most on Thursday. But why? Let's find out.

Read more »

A man wearing 70s clothing and a big gold chain around his neck looks a little bit unsure.
Gold

Guess which ASX 200 gold stock just crashed 10%

The ASX 200 gold stock is under heavy selling pressure on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

A man in a suit smiles at the yellow piggy bank he holds in his hand.
Share Market News

Looking outside the big four? What's in store for the other ASX bank shares in 2025?

Shares in the big four banks went gangbusters in 2024, but what about the others?

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Materials Shares

Why this $10 billion ASX lithium stock is surging 8% today

This lithium miner is making its shareholders smile on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

Distressed man at a casino puts his head in his hands, covering his face.
Record Lows

Star shares crash 25% to record low on shocking cash crunch

The market appears concerned that the casino operator could be about to go bust in the game of business.

Read more »