The Market Reaction to Stock Splits – Evidence from the Warsaw Stock Exchange

Abstract

Theoretical background: A share split is an operation that increases the total number of shares. The split is a technical operation and should not affect the market value of the company. The shareholding structure of the company remains unchanged when the shares are split. However, split studies around the world show the occurrence of abnormal returns. Purpose of the article: The article analyses splits based on market data from 2009 to 2021. The aim of the study is to analyse the cumulative average abnormal returns (CAARs) in the periods preceding stock splits on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE). CAARs are analysed in different research variants. The influence of the stock market situation and the frequency of splits on the amount of abnormal returns is examined. Research methods: The research was carried out using event study analysis. The Market-Adjusted Return Model was used to determine abnormal returns. CAARs were calculated for each analysed event window. The statistical significance of abnormal returns was verified by the parametric t test and the non-parametric Corrado rank test. Main findings: The study showed statistically significant positive abnormal returns in the 30-day period preceding the split. The hypothesis that multiple splits cause particularly high increases in the market value of companies has not been confirmed. Research on the reaction to splits depending on the state of the stock market situation did not allow unambiguous conclusions in the case of the periods when the WSE Index (WIG) increased. Weaker reaction to planned splits in the period of worse market conditions was confirmed.