Splits and Spectacles: A March Portfolio

The current enthusiasm for stock splits, a phenomenon rather akin to rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic, has captured the imagination of the investment public. One observes a distinct preference for the ‘forward’ variety, a gesture of optimism that rarely survives contact with reality. The market, it seems, is easily distracted by superficial adjustments to share price, a practice that alters nothing of substance but provides a pleasing illusion of affordability.

These cosmetic exercises, designed to appease the retail investor, are predicated on the rather dubious assumption that a lower nominal price somehow transforms a mediocre company into a compelling investment. The reverse split, naturally, is viewed with suspicion – a desperate maneuver by those already facing the inevitable. It is, one might say, the financial equivalent of applying rouge to a corpse.

However, not all such manipulations are entirely devoid of interest. Certain companies, despite the prevailing climate of speculative excess, do appear to possess a degree of underlying merit. And a few, it must be admitted, are even capable of justifying a modest allocation of capital.

A Reasonable Proposition: Booking Holdings

Booking Holdings, purveyors of holidays and accommodation, has recently announced a 25-for-1 split. This, while hardly a cause for champagne, does at least reflect a certain degree of confidence. The company, unlike so many of its contemporaries, appears to be genuinely profitable, a quality one rarely encounters these days. Their dominance in the European market, coupled with a growing presence in Asia, suggests a resilience that is, if not admirable, at least… noteworthy.

The management’s embrace of generative AI, while hardly revolutionary, does demonstrate a willingness to adapt. One suspects, however, that the true engine of their success lies not in technological innovation, but in the simple, timeless appeal of escapism. People will always require a respite from the tedium of existence, and Booking Holdings, for better or worse, provides it.

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The recent pullback in share price, a consequence of the prevailing market anxieties, presents a relatively attractive entry point. At less than 14 times forecast earnings, Booking Holdings appears, if not exactly a bargain, at least not entirely devoid of value.

A Cautionary Tale: Lucid Group

Lucid Group, on the other hand, represents a rather more perilous undertaking. Their recent reverse split, a desperate attempt to maintain their listing on the Nasdaq, is a clear indication of their precarious financial position. One is reminded of the old adage: a leopard cannot change its spots, nor can a failing electric vehicle manufacturer disguise its fundamental weaknesses.

Despite ample financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Lucid continues to burn through cash at an alarming rate. Their production forecasts, consistently missed, are a testament to their operational inefficiencies. The market, it seems, has finally begun to recognize the chasm between their ambition and their reality.

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The aesthetic appeal of their vehicles, while undeniable, is hardly sufficient to justify the exorbitant price tag. One suspects that the true clientele of Lucid Group consists not of discerning automobile enthusiasts, but of individuals eager to display their wealth and conspicuous consumption. A rather shallow foundation upon which to build a sustainable business, wouldn’t you agree?

In short, Lucid Group is a stock to be avoided. A cautionary tale of hubris, mismanagement, and the perils of chasing a fleeting trend. One might even suggest that investing in Lucid Group is akin to throwing good money after bad – a practice that should be reserved for the truly reckless.

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2026-03-03 13:12