← Options Glossary A type of corporate action that increases the number of outstanding shares in a company. Stock splits do not affect the total market capitalization of a company, only the number of shares outstanding. Therefore, the price per share is adjusted such that the market capitalization (price per share x number of shares) theoretically remains the same pre-split and post-split. For example, a company with 100 shares outstanding and trading for $50/share has a market capitalization of $5,000. If the company announces a 2-for-1 (2:1) stock split then the total number of shares increases to 200. Because the market capitalization remains $5,000, and there are now 200 shares outstanding, the price per share is reduced to $25 ($5,000/200). Stock splits with ratios of 2:1, 3:1, and 3:2 are common, but any ratio is possible.
Stock Split
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