What happens to existing shareholders when stock splits?
A stock split has no effect on an existing shareholder's ownership position; instead, they'll just own more shares after the split.
A stock split is a corporate action, where a company splits its shares into multiple new ones. Split shares neither add any new value, nor dilute the ownership stake of the shareholders. However, what they do is increase the number of shares of the company.
For example, a 2-for-1 stock split is similar to a 100% stock dividend. In both cases, the number of shares issued and outstanding doubles, and the market price per share will fall accordingly.
Although the number of outstanding shares increases and the price per share decreases, the market capitalization (and the value of the company) does not change. As a result, stock splits help make shares more affordable to smaller investors and provides greater marketability and liquidity in the market.
A stock split lowers its stock price but doesn't weaken its value to current shareholders. It increases the number of shares and might entice would-be buyers to make a purchase. The total value of the stock shares remains unchanged because you still own the same value of shares, even if the number of shares increases.
When a company's stock splits, the change in the par value is offset by a corresponding change in the number of shares so the total par value remains the same. The total stockholders' equity is unaffected by the stock split and no entries are recorded.
When a company conducts a stock split, it increases the number of shares owned by investors. The price of the shares is reduced by the same amount. As a result, the total value of the company's market capitalization does not change. Nor does the value of the company's shares owned by investors.
Stock Splitting is nothing but division or splitting of the face value of a company's shares. In this, the company divides its share into multiple shares. On declaring stock dividends, there is no change in the face value of shares. In contrast, in a stock split, the face value of the share decreases.
So, if you owned 5,000 shares of stock at a price of 10 cents per share worth a total of $500 before the reverse split, you would own 25 shares at a price of $20 each after the reverse split, maintaining that total value of $500. The amount of money you have invested doesn't change, just the number of shares you own.
Unlike issuing new shares, a stock split does not dilute the ownership interests of existing shareholders. For example, if you own 100 shares of a company that trades at $100 per share and the company declares a two-for-one stock split, you will own 200 shares at $50 per share immediately after the split.
Do I lose money if my stock splits?
Investors do not typically lose money as a result of a stock split. In fact, a stock split might increase the value of your investment as the lower share price draws in new investors.
Stock splits don't create a taxable event; you merely receive more stock evidencing the same ownership interest in the corporation that issued the stock. You don't report income until you sell the stock. Your overall basis doesn't change as a result of a stock split, but your per share basis changes.
Do stock splits benefit investors? – It's nice to own more shares after a split, since the reduced per-share price might mean there's room for greater potential price growth. But investors shouldn't buy a stock simply because they hope it'll rise in price after a split.
Splits are often a bullish sign since valuations get so high that the stock may be out of reach for smaller investors trying to stay diversified. Investors who own a stock that splits may not make a lot of money immediately, but they shouldn't sell the stock since the split is likely a positive sign.
Should You Buy Before or After a Stock Split? Generally, the price of a stock moves higher following the announcement of a stock split. In a perfect world, investors could take advantage of this, but unfortunately, trading on knowledge of a stock split prior to its public disclosure is classified as insider trading.
