Samer Semaan is a financial economist specializing in commercial litigation and regulatory investigations related to securities, valuation, and financial markets. Dr. Semaan consults to clients and supports experts in all phases of litigation and arbitration, and across a range of industries.
Securities litigation
Dr. Semaan analyzes economic issues and supports experts in Rule 10b-5 and Section 11/12 securities matters at the class certification and merits phases, and through mediation. His recent representative work includes:
- Supporting expert analysis and testimony in In re Vaxart Inc. Securities Litigation, a rare securities class action trial in which the jury returned a positive verdict for our client; and in In re FibroGen Inc. Securities Litigation, in which the court denied class certification
- Evaluating class certification issues (including market efficiency, price impact, and Comcast), economic materiality, loss causation, inflation, and damages
- Assessing potential damages exposure, mediation strategies, and potential settlement estimates
Valuation
Dr. Semaan conducts valuation analyses in various contexts, including in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and corporate transaction disputes. His recent representative work includes:
- Valuing companies and financial institutions using methodologies such as discounted cash flow (DCF), comparable companies, and precedent transactions
- Using contingent claims analysis to value a venture capital firm, including revenue sources such as carried interest and management fees on current and follow-on funds
Financial markets
Dr. Semaan consults on litigation and regulatory investigations involving alleged market manipulation. His experience includes:
- Analyzing large and complex datasets, including internal and market trading data
- Analyzing alleged market manipulation in domestic and cross-listed equities, fixed income, and U.S. Treasury cash and futures markets