
Stock splits can be a great way to increase the value of your GME shares, but it's essential to understand the process and what it means for investors. GME has a history of stock splits, with the most recent one occurring in 2021, when the company split its shares 3-for-1.
GME stock splits have a direct impact on the number of shares you own. For example, if you own 100 shares before the split, you'll have 300 shares after a 3-for-1 split. This can make your shares more affordable for new investors, potentially increasing demand and driving up the stock price.
A stock split doesn't change the company's overall value, only the number of shares outstanding. In the case of GME, the company's market capitalization remains the same, but the number of shares increases, making each share more liquid and potentially more attractive to investors.
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GameStop Stock Split Basics
GameStop's stock split is a relatively simple concept. It involves dividing the company's existing shares into more shares, with the share price adjusted accordingly.
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The total number of shares will multiply four-fold, and each share's price will decrease to a fourth of what it was prior to the split. This means GameStop's market value won't change, but its share count will increase significantly.
Options contracts still trade in units of 100 shares, so a lower share price can make call options more affordable for investors. This can potentially boost the stock price, especially for retail investors who like to use call options to push up the stock.
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GameStop Date
The GameStop stock split is set to take place after the market's close on July 21.
This date marks the end of the trading day, and investors should be aware that trading will resume on the next business day with the new stock split in effect.
The specific details of the stock split, including the date, will be communicated to investors through official channels, so be sure to stay informed.
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Why It Matters
GameStop stock continues to draw attention and be closely followed by investors and the business press.
Known as the original “meme stock,” GameStop shares have been caught in a short squeeze several times over the past 18 months.
The stock split has attracted a lot of chatter on social media channels, including the WallStreetBets subreddit that is popular among retail investors and day traders.
Investors, analysts, and the media will be watching to see if the stock split will lead to a new rally in GME shares.
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A Meme Stock
GameStop's stock is a meme stock, trading at $158 a share as of July 20.
Options contracts still trade in units of 100 shares, making it easier for more people to buy call options after a split.
GameStop is laser-focused on appealing to its retail investor base, which is a key factor in its meme stock status.
A split is simply meat for GameStop's retail army, giving unsophisticated investors a lower entry point to potentially lose their life savings.
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Impact on Stock Price and Ownership
A stock split can be a bit confusing, but essentially it doesn't change the company's market value, it just adjusts the share price and number of shares available.
The market capitalization of GameStop won't change after its 4-for-1 stock split, but the share count will multiply four-fold and each share's price will decrease to a fourth of what it was prior to the split.
Stocks that split tend to gain 25% on average in the following 12 months, compared to 9% growth in benchmark indexes.
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GameStop Stock Split Details
GameStop's stock split is set to take place after the market's close on July 21.
The record date for the stock split is July 18, 2022, when all shareholders will be entitled to receive additional shares due to the split.
The stock split is a 4-for-1 split, meaning shareholders will receive three additional shares of GameStop's Class A common stock for each share held.
This means that the price per share of $GME will divide by 4, so 100 shares at $4/share become 400 shares at $1/share.
GameStop 4-1
GameStop had revealed its intention to do a stock split earlier this year, which it announced on July 6th after receiving board approval.
The split will result in shareholders receiving a stock dividend of three additional shares of GameStop’s Class A common stock for each share held.
The price per share of $GME will divide by 4, so 100 shares at $4/share become 400 shares at $1/share.
The record date for the split is July 18, 2022, when all those holding GME will be entitled to receive additional shares due to the stock split.
The split date is July 21, 2022, when shareholders are due to split at 4-to-1 after the close of business on this date.
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What Happened
The stock split lowered the price of GME stock to $38, making it more affordable for individual investors.
A stock split doesn't change the underlying fundamentals or value of a company, but divides existing shares into smaller pieces.
GameStop's stock split is following in the footsteps of other high-profile tech companies like Amazon and Alphabet, which split their shares on a 20-for-1 basis this year.
Tesla has announced plans to split its stock on a 3-for-1 basis, showing that stock splits are becoming a common practice among successful companies.
Understanding the Split
The stock split should not materially impact GameStop's market value, as it only affects the total number of shares available for purchase by investors.
A stock split is a change in the total number of a company's shares, with the share price being adjusted to accommodate the change.
The share price of GameStop's Class A common stock will divide by 4, so 100 shares at $4/share become 400 shares at $1/share.
The market capitalization of GameStop will not change after the stock split, but its share count will multiply four-fold.
Shareholders will receive a stock dividend of three additional shares of GameStop's Class A common stock for each share held.
The record date for the stock split is July 18, 2022, when all those holding GME will be entitled to receive additional shares.
The split date is July 21, 2022, when shareholders are due to split at 4-to-1 after the close of business.
For your interest: Outstanding Common Stock Refers to the Total Number of Shares
Managing Your Stake
If you buy shares between the record date and split date, you'll do so at the pre-split price and receive your share split entitlement on the Ex-Date.
You'll sell your positions at the pre-split price on that trading day, and your share split entitlement will be passed onto the new buyer.
These rules apply to both buying and selling, so it's essential to understand the timeline to manage your stake effectively.
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What Happens to My Options During a Split?
If you're holding options, a stock split can affect them in a significant way. Options are affected the same way shares are if they expire beyond the official day of the split.
A 4-for-1 split, for example, would turn a $200 strike price call into four $50 strike calls. This gives you more flexibility with strategy.
You can now mix and match whether you sell or exercise them. This can be especially useful if you're trying to manage your risk or adjust your exposure to the underlying stock.
In a 4-for-1 split, a call with a $200 strike price would become four $50 strike calls. Each call would have the same underlying stock, but with a lower strike price.
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What If I Sell Between Record and Split Dates?
If you sell your GME positions between the record date and split date, you'll sell at the pre-split price on that trading day, and your share split entitlement will be passed onto the new buyer.
Your share split entitlement will be transferred to the new buyer, so you won't receive any additional shares as a result of the split.
This means you'll get the pre-split price for your shares, but the buyer will receive the post-split shares.
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What If I Buy During the Split Period?
If you buy GameStop stock between the record date and the split date, you'll purchase shares at the pre-split price. That means you'll be buying stock at $38, which is the price after the split.
You'll still receive your share split entitlement on the Ex-Date, which is the day the split takes effect. This means you'll get more shares than you would have if you bought after the split date.
The number of shares you get will be calculated based on the pre-split price and the split ratio. If you're unsure about how this works, it's a good idea to talk to your broker or financial advisor for clarification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has GME stock split?
GameStop stock (GME) has undergone a total of 2 stock splits. The most recent split occurred on July 22nd, 2022.
Is GME stock going to split?
Yes, GameStop's stock (GME) is set to split 4-for-1 for the first time in 15 years. This means existing investors will receive three additional shares for each one they already own.
What was the price of GameStop stock split?
GameStop stock split was 1:4, meaning one share became four shares. The split-adjusted price was $38.37.
Sources
- https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/what-does-gamestops-stock-split-mean-investors
- https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/investing/gme-stock-split-plan-announced/
- https://investorplace.com/2022/07/gme-stock-starts-trading-at-38-following-gamestop-stock-split/
- https://qz.com/2191053/why-investors-love-gamestops-stock-split
- https://hellostake.com/au/blog/stake-updates/what-to-expect-from-gamestop-stock-split
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