If they trade as intended, the stand-alone AMC shares and the APE units should, in principle, behave similarly to a "two-for-one" stock split because they each grant common shareholders the same equity interest in the parent business. However, the possibility of their conversion, which is up for a vote by AMC shareholders on the board's suggestion, might lower the market value of AMC shares, adding to the downward pressure in early Monday trade.
In late-afternoon trading on Monday, AMC shares fell 41.5%, changing hands for $10.54 each. APE stock last traded 21% down at $5.50 per share. Compared to the stand-alone AMC share closing price of $18.01 on Friday, it would place the value of the shares as a whole at roughly $16.04 per share. The stand-alone commons shares, which effectively traded ex-dividend from the APE distribution, also put pressure on AMC shares.
The biggest rival of the movie theatre chain, Cineworld, acknowledged it is considering applying for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States. Cineworld, a company in the UK that operates Regal theatres in the US, saw a record low on Friday. The group said Monday is one of its possibilities to pay off debts incurred due to the pandemic and its failed takeover of Canada's Cineplex. The Regal and Cineworld theatres still accept visitors and members and are open for business.