Motorola Inc. is seeking a reverse split of its common stock, hoping to boost the price of its shares before it splits into two publicly traded companies early next year.

In a reverse stock split, investors receive fewer shares for their current holdings. Fewer  outstanding shares usually increase the stock price, although there’s no guarantee the price will return to its previous level after the split. Motorola’s shares have traded below $10 apiece for the last two years. In afternoon trade, the company’s stock was up 3.8 percent at $8.70. Get the full story »