Author: Madison Green

Amazon, the tech and e-commerce behemoth, has undergone significant changes since its initial public offering (IPO). One of the most impactful events in a company’s history, especially for shareholders, is a stock split. A stock split increases the number of shares in circulation, making each share more affordable to investors while maintaining the company’s market capitalization.

What Is a Stock Split?

Before diving into the specifics of Amazon’s stock splits, it’s important to understand what a stock split entails. A stock split occurs when a company decides to divide its existing shares into multiple new shares to boost liquidity. Although the number of shares increases, the value of each share is reduced proportionally, so the total market value remains the same. For example, in a 2-for-1 split, each shareholder receives an additional share for every share they own, effectively halving the price per share.

Stock splits are generally perceived as positive moves. They make shares more accessible to a broader range of investors and can sometimes stimulate renewed investor interest.

Amazon’s Stock Split History

Amazon, listed under the ticker symbol AMZN, has split its stock four times since it became a publicly traded company. Here is a detailed account of each stock split:

1. June 1998 – 2-for-1 Split

Amazon executed its first stock split on June 2, 1998, when its shares were already showing impressive growth. This 2-for-1 split doubled the number of shares and effectively reduced the price per share by half. By this time, Amazon had established itself as a significant player in the online retail space, riding the wave of the dot-com boom.

2. January 1999 – 3-for-1 Split

Less than a year after its first stock split, Amazon announced a 3-for-1 stock split on January 5, 1999. This move tripled the number of shares available on the market. The split aimed to maintain investor interest as the company continued expanding its business and revenue streams, particularly through diversification into various e-commerce categories.

3. September 1999 – 2-for-1 Split

Later that year, Amazon implemented its third stock split on September 2, 1999, as the dot-com bubble was reaching its peak. This second 2-for-1 split showed Amazon’s commitment to keeping shares accessible to a broader range of retail investors, further boosting trading volumes and interest in the stock.

4. June 2022 – 20-for-1 Split

After a long hiatus spanning more than two decades, Amazon announced its fourth stock split, a 20-for-1 split, which took effect on June 6, 2022. This significant move was designed to make shares more affordable for individual investors after Amazon’s stock price had climbed substantially over the years, trading at well over $3,000 per share. The 20-for-1 split brought the share price down to a more approachable level, spurring fresh investor interest and making it easier for those looking to invest smaller amounts.

Why Did Amazon Split Its Stock?

Amazon’s choice to split its stock each time was influenced by a variety of strategic reasons:

• Accessibility to Investors: Stock splits make shares more affordable for retail investors, especially those who may not have access to fractional share investing.
• Market Liquidity: Increasing the number of shares boosts trading volume, ensuring smoother buying and selling.
• Market Perception: A lower price per share can create the perception of a more ‘affordable’ stock, potentially drawing in a wider array of investors.

Impact on Shareholders

Each stock split by Amazon resulted in an increased number of shares owned by investors, but the total value of their investment remained the same immediately after the split. Over time, the increased number of shares and lower price points tended to attract more investors, contributing to price growth as demand rose. This long-term appreciation made Amazon a highly lucrative investment for those who held onto their shares post-splits.

How Does Amazon Compare to Other Tech Giants?

Other tech giants like Apple and Google (now Alphabet Inc.) have also engaged in stock splits, often with similar motivations. Apple, for example, has split its stock multiple times over its history, most recently a 4-for-1 split in 2020. Alphabet Inc. also implemented a 20-for-1 split in July 2022, signaling a broader trend among tech giants to make shares more affordable for individual investors.

Megalovania,” composed by Toby Fox, has become an iconic piece associated with the indie game Undertale. Known for its powerful, fast-paced melody, it poses a fun and engaging challenge for pianists of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your repertoire or an experienced musician wanting to tackle this popular tune, this guide will break down how to play “Megalovania” on the piano.

The Basics Before You Begin

1. Understanding the Song Structure: “Megalovania” is in a minor key, typically A minor or D minor, giving it a dark, intense sound. Familiarize yourself with these keys before starting.
2. Sheet Music and Practice Tools: Obtain a copy of the sheet music or look up a reliable piano tutorial video for visual assistance. If you’re using sheet music, ensure it’s simplified if you’re a beginner.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Start with the Intro

• The intro of “Megalovania” sets the tone for the entire piece with a strong rhythm and repetitive notes. Begin by finding the starting notes on your piano. If you’re playing in A minor, start with the note A.
• Play a simple arpeggio pattern in your left hand to create a rhythmic backing. Practice until you can keep a consistent tempo.

2. Master the Main Melody

• The main melody is fast-paced and requires precision. Begin by isolating your right hand to practice the melody without any distractions. Focus on playing slowly and evenly.
• Break the melody into small sections, repeating each part until you can play them smoothly. This method is especially useful for tackling the more intricate parts of the piece.

3. Adding the Left Hand

• Once you’re comfortable with the right-hand melody, integrate your left hand. The left-hand part often features repetitive chords or bass notes that support the main theme.
• Start by playing the left-hand notes slowly, matching them with the corresponding right-hand melody. Gradually increase the speed as your confidence builds.

4. Building Speed and Dynamics

• “Megalovania” is known for its fast tempo. Use a metronome to help build speed incrementally. Start at a slower tempo (e.g., 60-70 BPM) and increase the speed in small increments until you reach the desired pace.
• Add dynamics by playing certain parts more loudly or softly, which can add emotion and authenticity to your performance. Emphasize the main beats and use staccato notes to match the song’s intensity.

Tips for Practicing

• Segment Practice: Practice short sections repeatedly before attempting the whole piece. This makes memorization easier and helps with muscle memory.
• Use a Metronome: A metronome will help you maintain a steady rhythm and gradually increase your playing speed.
• Stay Relaxed: Tension can make fast pieces difficult to play. Keep your hands and wrists loose to improve fluidity.
• Repeat with Purpose: Don’t rush through repetitions. Focus on playing each segment accurately, even if it means going over the same part multiple times.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Fast Finger Transitions: This piece requires quick finger transitions, which can be difficult for beginners. Practice finger drills and exercises to increase your agility.
• Maintaining Tempo: Start slow and only increase speed when you can play the piece comfortably.
• Coordination: Playing with both hands can be tricky. Practice each hand separately before combining them.

Final Touches

• Once you’ve learned the basic structure and can play it fluently, try recording yourself or playing along with a backing track. This can help you identify areas that need improvement and give you a performance-ready feel.