The term "reverse split" refers to a corporate action where a company decreases the number of its outstanding shares by reducing the number of shares held by each shareholder. The spelling of "reverse" is /rɪˈvɜrs/ and "split" is /splɪt/, with the letter "e" being silent in both words. This action helps to increase the company's share price, often sought after by investors. While it may seem counterintuitive, reverse splits are commonly used by struggling companies to boost their market value.
A reverse split, also known as a reverse stock split or stock consolidation, is a financial maneuver used by publicly-traded companies to decrease the number of shares outstanding. It is the opposite of a traditional stock split, where a company increases the number of shares outstanding. In a reverse split, the company consolidates multiple shares into a single share, resulting in a reduction in the total number of outstanding shares.
The purpose of a reverse split is often to increase the share price of the company's stock. By reducing the number of shares, the value of each individual share increases proportionally. This can be advantageous for the company as it may attract new investors, enhance the stock's perceived value, and meet compliance requirements of stock exchanges that have minimum share price criteria.
When a reverse split occurs, existing shareholders usually receive a reduced number of shares in exchange for their current shares. However, the overall value of their investment remains the same, as the reduction in shares is compensated by the increase in share price. Reverse splits typically involve a specific ratio, such as 1-for-2 or 1-for-10, which determines the number of old shares required to receive a new share.
It is important to note that while a reverse split can boost the share price, it does not fundamentally alter the company's financial position or increase its market capitalization. Therefore, the decision to initiate a reverse split should be carefully considered, taking into account the objectives of the company and the potential impact on shareholders.
The word "reverse split" is a financial term used to describe a corporate action where a company reduces the number of its outstanding shares, resulting in an increase in the share price. The etymology of the individual words within the term "reverse split" is as follows:
- "Reverse": In this context, "reverse" refers to the opposite or contrary action to a standard split. While a normal stock split increases the number of shares, a reverse split decreases the number.
- "Split": A stock split, also known as a share split, is a corporate action in which a company divides its existing shares into multiple shares. This process increases the number of outstanding shares, while reducing the price of each share proportionally.
When combined, "reverse split" is a term derived from the financial actions of splitting and reversing the number of outstanding shares of a company.