Blockbuster Falling on Reverse Split News
NEW YORK (
--
Blockbuster
(BBI) - Get Report
is tanking after it announced on Monday that it is looking for shareholders to vote on a reverse stock split at its annual meeting on May 26.
At the annual meeting, shareholders will be able to vote on combining Class A and Class B common shares as well.
Blockbuster also reported on Monday that it's been notified by the New York Stock Exchange that its average market capitalization fell below $75 million in the 30-day trading period. The company has 45 days to regain listing compliance.
"We intend to promptly submit a plan to the NYSE, which will outline the proactive steps we plan to take to remedy the company's noncompliance by September of 2011," CEO Jim Keyes said in a statement.
There are few things investors dislike more than a reverse stock split, and as a result shares are plunging 6.1% to 26 cents in pre-market trading. A reverse stock split reduces the number of shares a company (and its investors) has outstanding, which artificially increases the value of the stock or earnings per share.
The only thing more worrisome for Blockbuster than a reverse stock split is the perpetuating fears of bankruptcy. Blockbuster warned earlier this month that may have to resort to a Chapter 11 filing if cash levels remain weak.
-- Reported by Jeanine Poggi in New York.
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