Technology

NQ Mobile Stock Moving Toward Zero

China Internet
Source: Thinkstock
Chinese mobile Internet service provider NQ Mobile Inc. (NYSE: NQ) has had its ups and (more often) downs since last October. Shares collapsed again last Thursday, falling more than 32% on word that the chairperson of the company’s audit committee has stepped down and that NQ Mobile’s outside auditing firm is expanding of its review of the company’s 2013 financial statements.

The company’s American Depositary Shares (ADSs) lost more than 60% of their value following the October report by short seller Muddy Waters, tumbling from around $25 to below $10 in just a couple of days. The report put a Sell rating on the stock with a price target of zero.

NQ Mobile has yet to file its 2013 annual report, and that combined with the audit committee chair’s departure and an expanded review by the outside auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian, could indicate that the auditors and the board of directors are at odds.

An analyst for another short seller told Bloomberg:

Her resignation tells me there was probably disagreement and possibly bad blood between the board and the auditors. I believe PwC smells something fishy. At the very least, they’re making sure all the bases are covered.

In early June an investigative team created by NQ Mobile reported, “The Investigative Team did not find any evidence that the Company had engaged in the fraudulent conduct alleged by Muddy Waters.” The ADSs jumped 30% on the day of the report to close at around $10.

NQ Mobile stock closed at $4.58 on Thursday, down 32.25% on the day. From the 52-week high of $25.90, the ADSs are down nearly 80%.

ALSO READ: The World’s Most Content (and Miserable) Countries

Sponsored: Find a Qualified Financial Advisor

Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.