Shareholders Voice Concerns Over Share Reconstruction in Banking Recapitalization
The Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), led by its president, Moses Igbrude, has raised concerns regarding the potential implications of share reconstruction following the banking sector recapitalization. Igbrude emphasized the need for banks to prioritize performance-driven stock valuation rather than resorting to share reconstruction strategies.
What is Share Reconstruction?
Share reconstruction is a corporate strategy where a company’s issued shares are consolidated at a specified ratio. This reduces the total number of shares while artificially inflating share prices, often not backed by improved company fundamentals.
Key Concerns:
1. Impact on Shareholders:
• Igbrude criticized the practice, stating it often leaves shareholders disadvantaged.
• He cited the 2004–2005 banking consolidation era when many banks opted for share reconstruction rather than stock buybacks, eroding shareholder value.
2. Performance vs. Price Manipulation:
• ISAN urged banks to rely on strong financial performance to drive share prices instead of using artificial adjustments like share reconstruction.
3. Technology and Inclusion:
• Many elderly shareholders face challenges accessing digital platforms for rights issues and public offers.
• Igbrude called for more inclusive measures to ensure equitable participation by all investors.
4. Call to Regulators:
• The ISAN president urged the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Nigerian Exchange (NGX) to protect shareholder interests by enforcing policies that emphasize performance over manipulation.
Way Forward :
Igbrude advocated for:
• Adoption of robust technologies to boost financial inclusion.
• Consideration of human factors and integrity in the implementation of new systems.
• Regulatory oversight to safeguard the interests of all shareholders, especially vulnerable groups.
This call highlights the need for a balance between innovative corporate strategies and the protection of shareholder rights to ensure sustainable market growth.
The Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), led by its president, Moses Igbrude, has raised concerns regarding the potential implications of share reconstruction following the banking sector recapitalization. Igbrude emphasized the need for banks to prioritize performance-driven stock valuation rather than resorting to share reconstruction strategies.
What is Share Reconstruction?
Share reconstruction is a corporate strategy where a company’s issued shares are consolidated at a specified ratio. This reduces the total number of shares while artificially inflating share prices, often not backed by improved company fundamentals.
Key Concerns:
1. Impact on Shareholders:
• Igbrude criticized the practice, stating it often leaves shareholders disadvantaged.
• He cited the 2004–2005 banking consolidation era when many banks opted for share reconstruction rather than stock buybacks, eroding shareholder value.
2. Performance vs. Price Manipulation:
• ISAN urged banks to rely on strong financial performance to drive share prices instead of using artificial adjustments like share reconstruction.
3. Technology and Inclusion:
• Many elderly shareholders face challenges accessing digital platforms for rights issues and public offers.
• Igbrude called for more inclusive measures to ensure equitable participation by all investors.
4. Call to Regulators:
• The ISAN president urged the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Nigerian Exchange (NGX) to protect shareholder interests by enforcing policies that emphasize performance over manipulation.
Way Forward :
Igbrude advocated for:
• Adoption of robust technologies to boost financial inclusion.
• Consideration of human factors and integrity in the implementation of new systems.
• Regulatory oversight to safeguard the interests of all shareholders, especially vulnerable groups.
This call highlights the need for a balance between innovative corporate strategies and the protection of shareholder rights to ensure sustainable market growth.