Why Seplat Energy Won’t Consider a Stock Split—Insider Insights
- Posted on January 21, 2025
- Stock Market
- By Samiat
Why Seplat Energy Won’t Consider a Stock Split—Insider Insights
Seplat Energy, the most expensive stock on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) at ₦5,700 per share, is not planning a stock split anytime soon, despite growing calls from traders for increased liquidity and accessibility. Sources familiar with the company’s strategy reveal that such a move does not align with Seplat’s corporate objectives, particularly concerning investor perception and its dual listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).
The Concern: Protecting Shareholder Value
A stock split increases the number of shares while reducing the price per share, making stocks appear more affordable. However, Seplat’s management fears that this could create a perception of declining intrinsic value, potentially leading to panic-driven trading among investors.
A recent example is VFD Group, which faced confusion in June 2024 when its 4-for-1 bonus share issuance led investors to believe the stock had crashed, causing widespread concern. Seplat wants to avoid similar market reactions, especially on the LSE, where stability is paramount.
LSE Priorities: Maintaining a Strong Share Price
Seplat Energy is more active on the London Stock Exchange, where its shares trade at £200 per share (£2 per unit). A stock split, such as a 5-for-1 split, would drop the share price to ₦1,140 on the NGX and £0.4 on the LSE—a dangerously low price point that could deter institutional investors.
With Seplat’s higher trading volume on the LSE, management is focused on maintaining strong equity value rather than increasing NGX liquidity.
Market Performance and Strategic Considerations
Seplat has delivered remarkable returns:
• +150% appreciation on the NGX in 2024
• +60% growth on the LSE in the same period
This divergence reflects different investor motivations:
• Nigerian investors view Seplat as a hedge against Naira volatility
Seplat Energy, the most expensive stock on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) at ₦5,700 per share, is not planning a stock split anytime soon, despite growing calls from traders for increased liquidity and accessibility. Sources familiar with the company’s strategy reveal that such a move does not align with Seplat’s corporate objectives, particularly concerning investor perception and its dual listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).
The Concern: Protecting Shareholder Value
A stock split increases the number of shares while reducing the price per share, making stocks appear more affordable. However, Seplat’s management fears that this could create a perception of declining intrinsic value, potentially leading to panic-driven trading among investors.
A recent example is VFD Group, which faced confusion in June 2024 when its 4-for-1 bonus share issuance led investors to believe the stock had crashed, causing widespread concern. Seplat wants to avoid similar market reactions, especially on the LSE, where stability is paramount.
LSE Priorities: Maintaining a Strong Share Price
Seplat Energy is more active on the London Stock Exchange, where its shares trade at £200 per share (£2 per unit). A stock split, such as a 5-for-1 split, would drop the share price to ₦1,140 on the NGX and £0.4 on the LSE—a dangerously low price point that could deter institutional investors.
With Seplat’s higher trading volume on the LSE, management is focused on maintaining strong equity value rather than increasing NGX liquidity.
Market Performance and Strategic Considerations
Seplat has delivered remarkable returns:
• +150% appreciation on the NGX in 2024
• +60% growth on the LSE in the same period
This divergence reflects different investor motivations:
• Nigerian investors view Seplat as a hedge against Naira volatility
LSE investors see it as a stable, dividend-paying oil & gas stock
Analysts argue that maintaining a high share price is essential for future capital raises, especially after Seplat’s $800 million acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPNU). Keeping its stock valuation strong could be advantageous for securing future equity financing.
Bottom Line: No Stock Split, No Disruptions
Seplat’s decision to hold off on a stock split is a strategic move to maintain market confidence, protect shareholder value, and support its long-term growth plans. While NGX investors may wish for increased accessibility, Seplat’s global strategy prioritizes financial stability over short-term liquidity gains.
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