Effects of Stock Split

EFFECTS OF STOCK SPLIT

Introduction

The purpose of this research paper is information retrieval regarding stock split practice in a modern stock market, its major reasons and valuation effects on the company's financial position.

According to the definition stock split is a method commonly used to lower the market price of a firm's stock by increasing the number of shares belonging to each shareholder. Companies are able to split their stocks in any number of ways. The most common stock splits are, 2-for-1, 3-for-2 and 3-for-1. For example, if you own 100 shares of a company that trades at $100 a share and it declares a 2-for-1 stock split, you will own a total of 200 shares at $50 a share after the split. It is also possible to have a reverse stock split: a 1-for-10 means that for every ten shares you own, you get one share.

In spite of the fact that theoretically stock split has insignificant effect on the firm's capital structure and value of what shareholders own, many companies consider carrying out this corporate action. Let's take a look at the real world examples and find out the actual motivations of this tendency.

Regular Stock Split

Macy's, Inc

On May 19, 2006, the Macy's, Inc. board of directors approved a two-for-one stock split of Macy's, Inc. common stock. June 12, 2006 Macy's, Inc. common shares traded on NYSE at the new split-adjusted price, reflecting the doubling of the number of outstanding shares. It was the first stock split since Macy's, Inc. was listed in its current form on the New York Stock Exchange in February 1992.

The split is structured in the form of a 100% stock dividend, payable June 9, 2006 to shareholders of record on May 26, 2006. As a result of the stock split, each shareholder received one additional share of common stock for each share of common stock owned as of the close of business on the record date, at half the market price per share. For example, if an investor owns 100 shares of FD as of the record date and the market price is $74.00/share, that investor's total value is $7,400.00. After the split, the investor will have a total of 200 shares of stock, but the market price will be $37.00/share. The investor's total investment value in FD remains the same at $7,400.00 until the stock price moves up or down.

After the stock split the proportionate vote and interest a stockholder maintains in Macy's Inc. remained the