The Nasdaq Stock Market, one of the world's leading stock trading centers, sees thousands of stocks traded daily.
While it may not rival the New York Stock Exchange in terms of history and depth, Nasdaq, as a latecomer, was the first stock exchange to adopt electronic trading.
Moreover, its growth rate has been astonishing, especially after the internet boom in the 1990s.
As the primary battleground for technology stocks, Nasdaq soared like a wild horse, rampage forward unstoppable.
Of course, the outcome was seen by global investors: excessive rampage leads to a bubble, which then bursts, leaving behind chaos and financial ruin.
If the capital market wasn't free from macroeconomic regulation, and if the state had intervened forcefully, it wouldn't have collapsed so severely.
Just like in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, policies are used to prevent major downturns, at least temporarily shoring up the bottom of real estate and related infrastructure, preventing a rapid freefall.
If this bottom can be sustained, then the foundations of steel, cement, timber, building materials, quarrying, and smelting industries can also be sustained, preventing many people from losing their livelihoods.
After a few years, if new economic growth points are found to gradually replace the areas where the bubble burst, and if the treasury can recover, there is hope for a steady landing.
However, the process would lead to much dissatisfaction, as it involves issues of fairness, and some people might have to endure hardship again.
Since Nasdaq is the main battleground for technology stocks, and film companies are also classified under the high-tech sector, they typically list on Nasdaq.
As for why film companies are classified under the technology sector? People like Industrial Light & Magic, Weta Digital, and James Cameron, who love special effects, know best.
Many technologies innovated in this field have been fed back into military and civilian applications, so they are certainly technology companies.
Not far from Times Square in Manhattan, New York, is the Nasdaq Stock Market.
A black Lincoln sedan slowly drove down the street and finally stopped at the entrance of the exchange, where The Coopers stepped out of the car.
Looking at the familiar building, Xia Li Cooper said with some emotion, "More than a year ago, I left here, MGM's stock disappeared from the big screen, and everyone was laughing at me."
"I'm afraid they never imagined that in such a short time, MGM has already made a comeback."
Eric smiled, "Dad, those who laughed at you were just clowns. Now countless people are watching us, and even if they're not here, I can still feel those expectant eyes."
"Haha. You mean those people in the company?"
"Not just them, but hundreds of thousands of shareholders. We are a blue-chip stock now."
"Eric, actually, it wasn't very wise to write your prospectus that way, directly announcing that the money would be used to repay debt. We still owe Kirk Kerkorian and the three major banks $2.1 billion."
"This is a huge sum. Shareholders buy our stock hoping we'll use the money to expand operations, not to repay debt."
"Even if we have to do it, it's not good to say it publicly, at least don't repay so much at once. The bank's money can continue to be owed."
Eric, however, was unfazed by this: "Dad, you told me that film is a storytelling industry, and our story is just getting exciting."
"The internal offering a few days ago raised $520 million. I originally thought Judy and the others could take more."
"But let alone 15%, they couldn't even take 10% of the shares, ultimately only taking 8.7%."
"What does this show? It shows that the market has high expectations for us, and our stock is very valuable."
"This figure was even assessed before anyone could have imagined that transformers's box office could exceed $900 million; otherwise, it would be even more exaggerated."
"So what will you do with the remaining 6.3% of the shares?"
"I originally planned to put them all on the market, but then I reconsidered. I sold these shares to some good friends."
"Are they good friends or girlfriends?"
"Good friends and girlfriends."
Eric sold 1% of these 6.3% shares at an internal price to Theron, Nicole, Gadot, and the Olsen Sisters each.
However, Gadot had just become famous and was still very poor at the time, so Eric covered the cost for her.
With this 1% stake, it was enough to instantly turn them into billionaires.
Even Nicole, the wealthiest among them, was shocked by Eric's generous gesture, which unlocked a whole new set of possibilities.
Eric's actions also paved the way for their future candidness.
The remaining 1.3% of the shares were sold to Michael, who spent money too lavishly.
He also managed the work at CAA, and Eric still held half of the shares, so this 1.3% was considered compensation.
Beside him, seeing his son's high-spirited demeanor, Xia Li Cooper had the urge to say a few words but decided to keep quiet.
Reality was the best evidence; MGM was thriving under Eric's leadership, far better than when it was in his hands.
Looking at the rising sun in the distance, Xia Li Cooper suddenly felt a bit tired. Perhaps it was time for him to retire.
"Eric, I suddenly had an idea—not suddenly, actually, this idea has been with me for a while, but today I really want to tell you."
"What?"
Eric looked at him, feeling his father's tone was a bit strange.
"I think it's time for MGM to be entirely in your hands. Although you already hold real power, this title should also be given to you."
"Actually, I had planned to continue for a while, at least until your Lionheart Network goes online. Although my abilities aren't outstanding, I can at least help shield you from some storms."
"But now it seems unnecessary. I believe with your capabilities, you don't need these. It's those other guys who should be worried."
Eric was somewhat caught off guard by his father's sudden move.
Indeed, he was the sole decision-maker at MGM now, but deep down, he still hoped his father would remain in that position.
Attracting fire wasn't important; the key was that his father's presence could help him share many miscellaneous tasks.
For example, attending banquets, parties, charity events, etc. Experienced people know that these things are very distracting.
If Eric were a minor figure, he would be eager to attend these events, hoping to expand his network.
But in reality, there weren't many people Eric needed to personally connect with, and he couldn't refuse many invitations out of politeness.
His father was like the King of England, and Eric was like the Prime Minister—that was roughly their positioning.
"But isn't it great that we work together as father and son?"
"But you can do just as well without me, can't you?"
"Decided?"
"Mmm."
"When?"
"In the next few days, I suppose. Anyway, the outside world already knows that you are the true leader of MGM. My continued occupation of the position might cause suspicion."
"The market will also certainly prefer you to be the absolute leader. Once you become the President and Chairman of the Board of MGM, the stock price will definitely surge."
"Consider it my last contribution to the company."
"And you know Joshua's situation; he hasn't made it to the 76ers' starting lineup in half a year. It seems it's time for him to change his path."
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"Your mother warned me not to be partial, so I plan to give him $10 million to start a business as well."
"I don't expect Joshua to be as excellent as you, to have his own career, just enough will do."
After hearing his father speak his heart, Eric knew his decision was made, and his resignation could not be changed.
Since that was the case, there was no need to force him to stay. It would be good for the old man to rest, stay away from the temptations of Hollywood, and spend more time with his mother at church.
At the Nasdaq Exchange, Eric and Xia Li Cooper stood on the stage.
Dong!
With the ringing of a bell, it symbolized MGM's relisting.
Click, click, click.
Flashlights flashed continuously, and numerous media captured the moment. The press release had already been written, just waiting for this photo to be published.
Even though he was used to this scene, today's attendees were not only from the entertainment sector but also from finance and society, and the sheer number of flashes still made it hard for Eric to open his eyes.
As MGM relisted on the main board, investors who had been eagerly waiting, almost starving, immediately rushed to buy, and the stock price instantly began to rise like the trend line of Moutai in later years.
Many investors who didn't follow the entertainment industry only noticed this event at that moment: a long-disappeared stock soared, and its gains quickly entered the top tier.
"OMG! A suddenly emerging quality stock, buy, buy!"
"What's going on? What stock is this?"
"MGM? That film company? Didn't it get acquired due to mismanagement?"
"Idiot! transformers, which caused a viewing frenzy a while ago, and blue is the warmest color, currently in theaters, were both made by them."
"What! Buy now!"
Looking at the spiraling stock price, Eric confidently said, "I told you they wouldn't care; our story is just getting exciting."
"Yes, it seems many millionaires are about to be born!" his father exclaimed with emotion.
News of what was happening in the stock market spread rapidly as if it had wings.
Soon, related financial and entertainment sections on the internet and television began broadcasting.
"On the morning of January 15th, MGM Film Company, delisted for 510 days, relisted on Nasdaq. The company's current President, Xia Li Cooper, and Vice President, Eric Cooper, completed the bell-ringing ceremony."
"It is reported that due to The Coopers' excellent management of MGM after taking over, almost all of the company's productions have been profitable, leading to very positive market expectations."
"After evaluation, MGM's market value is expected to reach $7.127 billion, 2.3 times its value before delisting."
"For this relisting, MGM will issue 30% of its shares for financing and debt repayment, totaling 100 million shares at $21.35 per share."
"After opening, investor enthusiasm was extremely high, and the stock price rose continuously. As of press time, it had increased by 31% to $27.96 per share."
"MGM's market value also rose by 31%, surpassing Paramount and becoming the sixth-largest among the seven major film companies."
Yeah!
Yeah!
The MGM Building instantly erupted into a sea of joy.
The company's listing benefited everyone. Those who had bought shares earlier saw their net worth skyrocket instantly and continue to rise.
Those who hadn't bought shares earned less, but a salary increase was guaranteed.
The bigger the company, the higher the employees' salaries and year-end bonuses naturally became.
Amidst the excited gaze of countless eyes, MGM's stock price gradually slowed its ascent and halted its rise only by noon.
At this point, the stock price had reached $33.73 per share, an increase of 58% from its opening, and MGM's market value had expanded to $11.26 billion.
It not only surpassed Paramount but also Universal and Sony Columbia.
It was only behind 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros., whose market values were $11.988 billion and $13.56 billion, respectively.
However, it was still a bit far from Disney. Although Mickey Mouse's market value was far less than in later years, it still stood at $22.7 billion, thanks to its more extreme copyright development and park revenue.
MGM could only reach half of that for now, and even this half of the market value contained an element of overvaluation.
After all, filmmaking is a storytelling industry; a single transformers can send the stock price soaring, while a major flop can cause it to plummet rapidly.
Perlmutter vigorously pumped his fist. He had bet correctly this time. Although he only held 3.6% of MGM's shares,
at the current stock price, he could instantly cash out over $400 million if he sold, but only a fool would cash out now.
Kevin Feige's eyes widened. No wonder the boss was so generous, launching three projects simultaneously; he truly wasn't short on money, and he felt his future was even brighter.
The women were cheering, the good friends were cheering, the close friends were cheering, and the employees were cheering too.
Of course, not everyone was happy. If anyone was displeased, Harvey Weinstein was one of them, and James Murdoch was too.
Also, Eminem, Sony Group, and others who had grudges against him.
Unfortunately, they were powerless in the face of MGM's rise.
At this time, NBC's financial channel was airing a Forbes rich list review program.
"Hello everyone, Forbes magazine's 2003 global billionaire list has been unveiled. There are a total of 476 billionaires with a net worth of over $1 billion worldwide, from 43 countries and regions."
"Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates continues to top the rich list with a net worth of $40.7 billion."
"Financial investor Warren Buffett remains in second place with assets of $30.5 billion."
The male host was carefully reviewing the list when a small piece of paper was suddenly handed to him. He took it, glanced at it, and continued speaking.
"Excuse me, it seems we've encountered a special situation."
"This morning, MGM Film Company relisted on Nasdaq, and based on the current stock price, we have calculated a new super-rich individual."
"Eric Cooper, Vice President of MGM, but the actual controlling owner of the company, directly owns 27.7% of MGM's shares, valued at $3.119 billion."
"However, the equity statement shows that a company named AK Films holds 20% of MGM's shares, valued at $2.252 billion."
"And AK Films was actually founded solely by Eric Cooper, so Eric Cooper actually controls 47.7% of MGM's shares, with a total value of $5.371 billion."
Saying this, the male host dramatically spread his hands, making an incredibly surprised "Wow" expression.
"If MGM had listed 20 days earlier, as long as it was before December, he would definitely have been included in last year's Forbes rich list."
"But the list has already been released, so it cannot be changed."
"However, as the first super-rich person to emerge globally in 2004, we have still compiled a ranking for him."
"If his assets of $5.371 billion were placed in 2003, he would rank 77th on the global rich list."
"Ahead of him would be Amazon founder Bezos with $5.44 billion."
"But if the age limit is set to under 30, Eric Cooper would undoubtedly become the world's number one young billionaire."