When I wrote about stock splits a couple of weeks ago in this newsletter, I didn’t think it would be a popular topic. Too much math, not enough laughs.

But I was pleasantly surprised. The poll that accompanied the article garnered 588 responses, along with plenty of insightful comments. Thank you!

This week, I’m paying you back with a look at the results.

First – and I apologize if this takes us back into the weeds – here’s a recap of what we’re talking about.

When a company splits its stock two for one, it doubles the number of outstanding shares and cuts the price of each share in half. So, if you held 100 shares priced at $50, you would have 200 shares priced at $25 after the split.

There are variations – three-for-one stock splits, 10-for-one stock splits, just about anything goes – but in each case investors are left with the same investment in dollar terms.

The reason I’m interested in this topic is because there is no compelling reason for a company to split its stock, given that investors can buy a small number of shares – or even fractional shares.

Yet, some companies continue to do it – while others refuse, leading to stocks priced in the thousands of dollars.

That got me thinking about how investors see stock splits. Thus the poll.

I began with a question that offered just two options: If you have $5,000 to invest in a stock, would you rather buy five shares valued at $1,000 each or 100 shares valued at $50 each?

An overwhelming 93 per cent chose the 100-share option, which suggests there may be something delightful about owning more shares.

I get it. One hundred shares feel more tangible than just five, and gives us some flexibility if we decide to add to the holding or sell a bit. Some respondents also mentioned the advantages of cheaper stocks in dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs).

For the 7 per cent of respondents who preferred to buy just five shares, I get that too: For a stock to be worth $5,000 means a company has probably enjoyed tremendous success.

“Refusing to split may also be a sign of success – a show of the strength of the company reaching record highs relative to other companies," one reader commented.

My next question asked how you would feel if a company announced a two-for-one stock split after its share price had increased substantially over the past year.

I should have clarified that this was directed at your impressions about the split rather than the rising share price.

Still, 68 per cent felt pretty good about it, compared with nearly 30 per cent who felt indifferent.

I understand the indifference: You’re not any richer after the split. For what that’s worth, I think I’d feel pretty good.

For stocks that I own, I take some satisfaction from seeing my share count rise through occasional splits. It offers a record of growth that feels more permanent than a volatile share price.

Plus, a company that splits its stock often enjoys momentum, and could be signalling confidence in that momentum.

As one reader put it, “A split makes me more confident about the company’s management, and may attract more buyers, which could raise the value of my shares.”

The last question looked at the opposite of a stock split.

A company announces a one-for-10 stock consolidation after its share price has fallen substantially. Instead of owning 1,000 shares valued at $5 each, you’ll own 100 shares valued at $50 each. How do you feel about that?

Nearly 55 per cent of respondents didn’t like the idea of a consolidation; 30 per cent shrugged; and just 9 per cent felt good about it.

If a company is trying to hide its low share price or cling to a listing on a major exchange, that might be a good reason to steer clear of a consolidation.

“Stock consolidation is a huge red flag to me. Painful experience tells me the stock will fall much further after consolidation,” one reader said.

Fair enough. But there are good examples, too. Consider General Electric (now GE Aerospace) or Bombardier Inc., whose share prices blossomed after consolidations – ensuring that this topic will remain a source of debate for years to come.

Interested in turning this investing chitchat into action?

The next round of The Globe and Mail’s Trade Off begins soon, so perhaps it’s time to put your shrewd stock-picking skills to the test.

Register by March 28 and get $100,000 in virtual money to invest in five to 20 stocks. Then, start trading – or pick randomly and blame the cosmos. There are cash prizes. And a chance at fame.

Check out last round’s winners