reverse stock split business definition

A proportionate reduction in the shares of stock held by shareholders. For example, a one-for-four split would result in stockholders owning one share for every four shares owned prior to the split. A reverse stock split has no effect on a firm's financial and operational performance and is often designed only to boost the market price of the stock so it won't be delisted from trading on an exchange that imposes a minimum share-price requirement. Also called split down. Compare split.