The stock price does not return to its pre-split price level after a 10-for-1 stock split. However, the total value of an investor's investment remains the same. Here's a detailed analysis:
- Impact of Stock Splits: A stock split like Nvidia's 10-for-1 split does not change the intrinsic value or market capitalization of the company1. It simply increases the number of shares outstanding while proportionally lowering the price per share.
- Affordability and Demand: The primary purpose of a stock split is to make the stock more affordable to a wider range of investors, which can potentially boost demand and increase the stock price23.
- Investor's Position: An investor holding one share before the split would hold 10 shares at a lower price after the split, but the total value of their investment remains the same2.
- Market Reaction: While some investors may view the stock as more affordable and decide to buy, driving up the stock price, there is no guarantee that the stock price will increase after a split2. The stock price is determined by various factors, including company performance, market conditions, and investor sentiment.
- Calculating Stock Price: The price of a stock is typically calculated by dividing the stock price by earnings per share, and the price-to-earnings ratio is widely used to estimate intrinsic value45. A stock split does not impact these calculations.
- Market Capitalization: The market capitalization, or the total value of the company, is not affected by a stock split because it is calculated by multiplying the stock price by the number of shares outstanding6. In a 10-for-1 split, the stock price decreases by 90%, but the number of shares increases by 10 times, maintaining the same market capitalization.
In conclusion, while a stock split does not change the intrinsic value or market capitalization of a company, it can potentially increase the stock price by making it more affordable and boosting demand. However, the stock price after a split is not guaranteed to return to its pre-split levels.