Chapter 973: 332, Box Office Legend

In the era before the United States Securities and Exchange Commission was established, companies in the United States seeking to list on the NYSE still had some procedures to follow, but under Donnie’s operation,

Trident Shipyard’s path to going public could be described as smooth sailing.

From the moment Trident Shipyard signed the IPO agreement with Gordon-Blalock Securities, it took only one month.

Trident Shipyard obtained its listing qualification.

The “Atlantic City Post,” “The New York Times,” “Wall Street Journal,” and ABC, among other media outlets, all reported on the event. More importantly, because the regulatory system of the United States stock market was not yet perfected at that time, many companies did not need to disclose excessively detailed information about their assets.

This situation persisted until Franklin Roosevelt took office. Given that the United States was facing the Great Depression at the time, Congress held a vote under Franklin Roosevelt’s initiative, leading to the establishment of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Clear legal provisions were then implemented regarding corporate IPOs, financial status of listed companies, stock trading, and a series of related matters.

In other words, during this period, stock prices of listed companies in the United States were, to a large extent, not influenced by retail investors but controlled by major Wall Street banking consortiums.

This gave rise to the so-called ‘Big Bank Club.’

Of course, if your publicity was effective enough, allowing ordinary investors to identify certain stocks without going through securities brokers, then those stocks were highly likely to be pushed to significant highs by retail traders.

Currently, Trident Shipyard actually possesses both of these conditions.

Wall Street securities companies might not favor Trident Shipyard’s profits, but they would trust the capability of the New Jersey Consortium.

Even before Trident Shipyard went public, rumors had already spread across Wall Street that the company would collaborate with the United States Navy on multiple projects.

People did not need to know whether these rumors were true or not; they only needed to be aware that the three cargo ships recently refurbished by Trident Shipyard were purchased at low prices from the United States Navy by United States Logistics.

From this alone, one could discern the good relationship Donnie had with the United States Navy.

Combined with the media reports, many ordinary investors also became aware of this stock.

Thus, when Trident Shipyard went public, ensuring its market value reached a specific high level would be a straightforward task.

“Why didn’t you go to the NYSE?”

Walker, upon arriving at ABC headquarters, curiously asked Donnie, who was seated on the couch.

“Today’s the big day for Trident Shipyard’s IPO. You’re not there to ring the bell and yet you’re sitting here?”

The event of Trident Shipyard going public would be perceived differently with Donnie present at the NYSE compared to when he was absent. His presence would indicate his greater emphasis on the event, convincing more securities companies to believe in Trident Shipyard.

Yet Donnie had arranged to meet Walker at ABC headquarters.

Donnie smiled and said, “Forgot about what I told you earlier? These days, I try to limit my appearances in public. It’s not difficult for Trident Shipyard’s market value to reach $25 million; anything beyond that is just profit. It’s not worth showing my face for a few million dollars!”

Whether in the East or the West, being low-key is always a good strategy.

In fact, to some extent, the West harbors a more pronounced resentment towards wealth. Donnie’s current aim was to dilute the perception of the Block Family among the general American populace, directing their attention toward Venus Bank instead.

Walker thought for a moment and then chuckled, saying, “Indeed, that’s the right approach!”

Donnie waved his hand and said, “Alright, I’ve already handed this matter over to George and the others to handle. We don’t need to worry about it. The reason I called you over this time was to ask about the progress of the Block Building project.”

The Block Building had been under construction for nearly two years. Such a pace, in the future United States, would be considered perfectly ordinary. But in the present day… it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the United States was the infrastructure craze of the world!

The main structure of the Block Building had already been completed, and the interior renovations were currently underway.

Walker explained, “It’s nearly done. If there are no unforeseen circumstances, it will be ready for occupancy by the end of this year!”

Once the Empire State Building was completed, Donnie’s many companies in New York were set to move into it. It made no sense to have top-notch skyscrapers while continuing to rent office spaces elsewhere.

Not just Donnie’s companies, but also the Astor Family’s headquarters and Imperial Grain Foods’ corporate offices would relocate to the Block Building. However, this alone wouldn’t satisfy the Block Building’s needs. One could even say these companies would only occupy a small portion of the Empire State Building; the majority of its floors would still need tenants!

In this matter, the Astor Family had more experience than Donnie. Hence, after prior discussions between Donnie and Walker, the Astor Family’s property management company would directly oversee the affairs of the Block Building.

Donnie only needed to receive ample annual rental income!

“Judging by your expression, there’s no issue with tenants?” Donnie asked with a smile.

Walker nodded and replied with a smile, “Of course! After the reforms, the Astor Family’s efficiency has improved significantly!”