So Nortel is thinking about a reverse stock split, which makes sense when you have nearly FIVE BILLION shares outstanding and stock option programs that provide senior executives with ways to get their hands on millions of shares. This isn’t the first time Nortel has raised the idea of a stock split reversal – the idea came up a few years ago when the stock fell below $1 and the NYSE contemplated a review of Nortel’s listing. While a stock split is a logical thing to consider, it’s not the best PR move given management should probably be more focused on fixing operations and doing things to gain some strategic momentum. Orion Securities analyst Duncan Stewart expects Nortel will probably want to do a one-to-five or one-to-10 reversal given shareholders gave the the board authorization in 2003 to pursue this kind of consolidation. He said Nortel will be aware of Agere’s recent move, which saw its share consolidated at $12 – only to see them drop back into single-digits soon afterwards.
Nortel Stock Split Reversal would be suicidal for Nortel. Since 90% of the companies going to RS, their share prices goes back to previous levels in one year. Agere is one of the latest example.
Kevin
Why are they so concerned to bring up the stock price with a reverse split (forget the Mutual funds for now)? Mike Z., focus on the core fundamentals and the rest will take care of itself. Consider CISCO, with a mkt cap of approx. $132 bil they have 6.15 Billion shares outstanding! Mkt Cap signifies the relative worth to common shareholders…there are other ways to increase worth than simply pulling a fast one, which as Riaz pointed out would most likely fail. Lucent is in the same situation as Nortel. They have 4.47 Billion shares outstanding and they don’t come near Nortel in unrealized potential. An alternative to a reverse split and that does bring added value; buy back shares in good times. Wait. Focus on core issues, get financially strong (comparable to CISCO) and then, only then do you consider this. The shareholders who stick with you will be rewarded rightfully so. Mike, between you and me, stay the course. Nortel is on the right track with you at the helm, no need for a reverse split.
Long Term Winner
Reverse split will allow more to buy since it will be above the $5 minimum for many intitutions.
Meanwhile Mike Z will produce gains in share value in 2007 and beyond with changes he is making in operations, marketing, products etc
Bob
A reverse stock split would effectively punish the loyal and remove the benefit of a well earned reward at the end of the road to recovery!
While a stock price above $5 would allow the institutional investors to legally pick up Nortel stock, most investment managers’ would not be allowed to do so until the fundamentals support the price. When all the fundamentals support the price, the price will rise of it’s own accord and will be much more attractive to institutional investors. Until then, it will simply fall back to the current levels.
Newbie
Any more comments on NT stock? I am thinking to buy some shares, is this the right time?
Newbie
Any more comments on NT stock? I am thinking to buy some shares, is this the right time? Thanks for sharing your expert view.
Apple
RevSplit?
As I remember, Nortel has only short window open for the RevSplit. /is it Apr 2007?/
Today Nortel is closer than ever to do RevSplit as CIENa did and JDSU did.
With all the negatives implied they did it.
btw
I see JDSU is enjoying strong quarter rise in share price today – around 16% /Nov 3/
Apple
Yes, as I said, NT did it!
1:10 RevSplit
Ryan
I don’t know what to make of Nortel. When I purchased stock it was not so much in the faith of the company, but rather Mike Z’s ability to turn it into something great. However this is taking longer than expected and doesn’t seem to be heading in the right direction. While good decisions are being made, effective decisions are not being made. And why is there is a reverse stock split?? Is this really necessary at this time?? I don’t think so. The company has weak financials and therefore the market will not support a $20 Nortel stock price. I fear my loyalty to the executive team will mean a loss of money for me.
Mike
Just wondering ?
In Dec 2006 I had 250 shares of Nortel, since the rev split 10:1 Im left with 25 shares. Can somebody tell me what benefit was their for me ?
Nortel Stock Split Reversal
So Nortel is thinking about a reverse stock split, which makes sense when you have nearly FIVE BILLION shares outstanding and stock option programs that provide senior executives with ways to get their hands on millions of shares. This isn’t the first time Nortel has raised the idea of a stock split reversal – the idea came up a few years ago when the stock fell below $1 and the NYSE contemplated a review of Nortel’s listing. While a stock split is a logical thing to consider, it’s not the best PR move given management should probably be more focused on fixing operations and doing things to gain some strategic momentum. Orion Securities analyst Duncan Stewart expects Nortel will probably want to do a one-to-five or one-to-10 reversal given shareholders gave the the board authorization in 2003 to pursue this kind of consolidation. He said Nortel will be aware of Agere’s recent move, which saw its share consolidated at $12 – only to see them drop back into single-digits soon afterwards.