Viacom to Spin Off Blockbuster

question 105

Essay

Viacom to Spin Off Blockbuster
After months of trying to sell its 81% stake in Blockbuster Inc. undertook a tax-free spin-off in mid 2004. Viacom shareholders will have the option to swap their Viacom shares for Blockbuster shares and a special cash payout. Blockbuster had been hurt by competition from low-priced rivals and the erosion of video rentals by accelerating DVD sales. Despite Blockbuster's steady contribution to Viacom's overall cash flow, Viacom believed that the growth prospects for the unit were severely limited. In preparation for the spin-off, Viacom had reported a $1.3 billion charge to earnings in the fourth quarter of 2003 in writing down goodwill associated with its acquisition of Blockbuster. By spinning off Blockbuster, Viacom Chairman and ECO Sumner Redstone statd that the firm would now be able to focus on its core TV (i.e., CBS and MTV) and movie (i.e., Paramount Studios) businesses. Blockbuster shares fell by 4% and Viacom shares rose by 1% on the day of the announcement.
-In your opinion, why did Viacom and Blockbuster share prices react the way they did to the announcement of the spin-off?

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Definitions:

Competitively Organized

A market structure where multiple firms compete against each other, allowing for a wide range of choices for consumers and promoting efficiency.

Monopoly

A market structure characterized by a single seller, selling a unique product in the market with no close substitutes.

Marginal Revenue

The boost in income derived from the sale of an extra unit of a product or service.

Marginal Cost

The additional cost incurred in the production of one extra unit of a good or service.