stock split

Definition

An increase in the number of outstanding shares of a company's stock, such that proportionate equity of each shareholder remains the same. This requires approval from the board of directors and shareholders. A corporation whose stock is performing well may choose to split its shares, distributing additional shares to existing shareholders. The most common stock split is two-for-one, in which each share becomes two shares. The price per share immediately adjusts to reflect the stock split, since buyers and sellers of the stock all know about the stock split (in this example, the share price would be cut in half). Some companies decide to split their stock if the price of the stock rises significantly and is perceived to be too expensive for small investors to afford. also called split.

Cite this definition


'stock split ' appears in the definitions of these terms on BusinessDictionary.com

reverse share split, rollback, stock split down, reverse split, voting right

Related Research Articles from the InvestorGuide.com University

The Stock Market
Learn the lingo of "the market," as well as theories about market behavior, such as random walk, behavioral finance theory, and what makes a market efficient.

Principles of Investing
Here are the seven fundamental principles of investing that every investor should know. Topics include knowing your current situation, goals and risk tolerance; getting your finances in order; thinking long term and focusing on stocks; researching and monitoring your investments; and knowing when and how to get financial help.

Types of Stock
With so many options, how do I decide which stocks are right for me? Topics include common and preferred stock, stock classes, market cap, penny stocks, sector stocks, cyclical stocks, defensive stocks, and tracking stocks.



Related Resources from InvestorGuide.com

Stock of the Day Newsletter
Learn about stocks that are making headlines today by signing up for our free newsletter.

   
Stock Research Tool
Using our stock research tool, you have access to our stock tracker, quotes, interactive charts, news, analysis and profile information. Click here to use our stock research tool or enter a stock ticker here:

   

Featured Sponsor


Give this definition a rating from 1 to 5 (5 being the best)...
1    2    3    4    5    



Browse by Letter: # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Add this Glossary to your Site | Bookmark InvestorWords.com
Home | Terms by Subject | Keyword Advertising | About Us | Contact Us
Work for InvestorWords.com
BusinessDictionary.com | InvestorGuide.com | WebFinanceInc.com
Disclaimer and Copyright©

Copyright©1997-2008 by WebFinance, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Unauthorized duplication, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.