Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP Announces Investor Securities Fraud Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Nikola Corporation

RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP reminds that an investor securities fraud class action lawsuit has been filed against Nikola Corporation (NASDAQ: NKLA, NKLAW) (“Nikola”) on behalf of those who purchased or otherwise acquired Nikola securities between March 3, 2020, and September 20, 2020, inclusive (the “Class Period”).

Nikola investors who purchased or otherwise acquired securities during the Class Period may, no later than November 16, 2020, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class.

Investors who wish to discuss this securities fraud class action lawsuit or request additional information about this litigation are encouraged to contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check attorneys James Maro, Jr. or Adrienne Bell at [phone] (toll free) or online, click https://www.ktmc.com/nikola-corporation-class-action?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=nikola.

According to the complaint, Nikola operates as an integrated zero emissions transportation systems provider, which designs and manufactures battery-electric and hydrogen-electric vehicles, electric vehicle drivetrains, vehicle components, energy storage systems, and hydrogen fueling station infrastructure. The merger of VectoIQ and Nikola closed on June 3, 2020.

The Class Period commences on March 3, 2020, when Nikola issued a press release entitled, “Nikola Corporation, a Global Leader in Zero Emissions Transportation Solutions, to Be Listed on NASDAQ Through a Merger with VectoIQ.” In connection with the merger announcement, Nikola released an investor presentation on March 3, 2020, which touted Nikola founder and Executive Chairman Trevor R. Milton’s (“Milton”) experience in the clean energy and technology field and Nikola’s hydrogen production capabilities.

The complaint alleges that, on September 10, 2020, before market hours, Hindenburg Research published a report describing, among other things, how: (i) Nikola claims to design key components in-house, but they appear to simply be buying or licensing them from third parties; (ii) Nikola has not produced hydrogen; (iii) a spokesman for Powercell AB, a hydrogen fuel cell technology company that formerly partnered with Nikola, called Nikola’s battery and hydrogen fuel cell claims “hot air”; (iv) Nikola staged a “test” video for its Nikola Two (a prototype truck); (v) some of Nikola’s team, including Milton, are not experts and do not have relevant experience; and (vi) Nikola did not have five Tre trucks completed. Following this news, shares of Nikola fell $10.24, or 24%, over the next two trading days, to close at $32.13 per share on September 11, 2020.

Then, on September 15, 2020, before trading hours, Hindenburg Research published another report, focused on Nikola’s responses and nonresponses to its initial report, entitled “We View Nikola’s Response As a Tacit Admission of Securities Fraud.” Following this news, shares of Nikola fell $2.96, or 8%, to close at $32.83 per share on September 15, 2020.

Finally, on September 20, 2020, Nikola issued a press release entitled “Nikola Board of Directors Announces Leadership Transition: Trevor Milton Steps Down as Executive Chairman; Stephen Girsky Appointed Chairman of the Board.” Following this news, the price of Nikola’s shares fell in pre-market trading on September 21, 2020, further damaging investors.

The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) VectoIQ did not engage in proper due diligence regarding its merger with Nikola; (2) Nikola overstated its “in-house” design, manufacturing, and testing capabilities; (3) Nikola overstated its hydrogen production capabilities; (4) as a result, Nikola overstated its ability to lower the cost of hydrogen fuel; (5) Milton tweeted a misleading “test” video of the Nikola Two truck; (6) the work experience and background of key Nikola employees, including Milton, had been overstated and obfuscated; (7) Nikola did not have five Tre trucks completed; and (8) as a result, the defendants’ public statements were false and/or misleading at all relevant times.

Nikola investors may, no later than November 16, 2020, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed as a lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class member’s claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country involving securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of state and federal law. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check is a driving force behind corporate governance reform, and has recovered billions of dollars on behalf of institutional and individual investors from the United States and around the world. The firm represents investors, consumers and whistleblowers (private citizens who report fraudulent practices against the government and share in the recovery of government dollars). The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, please visit www.ktmc.com.