With oil over $100/barrel, it's a shame...

[sageo]

Yes, agree with that Investor.

Admin--Also agree ! That would surely get the old "ticker" to increase it's rate ! !

[kommonsents]

If IOC paid a special dividend, it seems that the shorts would have to pay it as well.

Which would have the greatest impact, a stock buy-back or a special dividend, both combined with monetization of some of the assets?

[Investor1979]

If IOC paid a special dividend, it seems that the shorts would have to pay it as well. Which would have the greatest impact, a stock buy-back or a special dividend, both combined with monetization of some of the assets?

My feeling was that a major stock buyback could start a good short squeeze. Thoughts?

[tarulestheday]

My feeling was that a major stock buyback could start a good short squeeze. Thoughts?

In my observation of heavily shorted companies, a buyback would probably have a slightly positive impact. Of course with IOCs small float, it might be more significant. I think with the short size and criminal shorts we have, IOC would need all of the following to get the shorts to cover in large numbers:

1. DEAL news

2. Buyback announcement followed buy actual large buybacks and reduction in float.

3. Stock split (at least 2:1)

4. Divi (one time or continual)

My biggest fear is that IOC management thinks the deal announcement will take care of the shorts.

[admin]

Although you're probably right, although it is possible for stocks to create escape velocity from the shorts with just good news, like Tesla, First Solar, Netflix...

[ebster123]

My feeling was that a major stock buyback could start a good short squeeze. Thoughts?

In my observation of heavily shorted companies, a buyback would probably have a slightly positive impact. Of course with IOCs small float, it might be more significant. I think with the short size and criminal shorts we have, IOC would need all of the following to get the shorts to cover in large numbers:

1. DEAL news

2. Buyback announcement followed buy actual large buybacks and reduction in float.

3. Stock split (at least 2:1)

4. Divi (one time or continual)

My biggest fear is that IOC management thinks the deal announcement will take care of the shorts.

if they believe that then they are rookies....I hope and expect they DO NOT believe that.

[Getitrt2]

Depending on the amount of cash available, of course, buybacks and a special dividend may not be as beneficial for shareholders as investing more in exploration and development; and I think we now have a CEO who can do that in a highly effective manner. He may prove to be an effective weapon against the shorts, in addition to the XOM deal, which I agree alone may not be enough to really get rid of the shorts. Resumption and initiation of analyst coverage from several high quality firms should generate more buying and help also.

[admin]

I think the whole idea of a large one-off dividend or large buybacks is silly whilst they have so many exploration and investment opportunities, but that's just me.

[jft310]

Exxon has offered to pay for PRL15 drilling,Total and OSH are paying for Triceratops seismics. There is a trend that's new that others are willing to pay to develop IOC assets.. Post Exxon deal IOC will have plenty of cash to do what it wants. Since the manipulation is caused in large part by the float or lack of float then a stock split does the most good.

[Movieguy]

What does having more shares, via a stock split, accomplish towards weakening the shorts? What does having 97 million shares at $50/share, versus having 48 million shares at $100/share, change in regard to the matter? Isn't it a matter of money (which would be the same) rather than quantity of shares? If not, I am eager to be educated.