3 Trillion-Dollar Giants That Could Be the Next Big Stock-Split Plays

Source The Motley Fool

Key Points

  • Micron's soaring share price and record fiscal 2026 results make it one of the clearest split candidates amid the AI boom.

  • Microsoft has split its stock nine times in its history, but not since 2003, even as Azure and Copilot have reshaped its business.

  • Meta Platforms has never split its stock, which means a first-ever announcement could draw plenty of retail investor interest.

  • 10 stocks we like better than Microsoft ›

Stock splits can help put companies with lofty ticker prices back on retail investors' radar. These days, Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) stand out as some of the trillion-dollar giants that could be next in line to split their stocks.

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Micron's soaring share price makes a strong case for a split

Let's start with the company carrying the highest share price of the group.

Micron has become one of the clearest potential candidates for a stock split amid the AI boom. The company has conducted three in its history, in 1994, 1995, and 2000. That offers a precedent that makes one more likely, especially with its share price far higher today than it was before any of those splits.

The business growth behind the rally is just as important. Micron's fiscal 2026 results showed record revenue and strong profitability, with the company pointing to AI-driven demand as its key growth engine. If that demand continues to support high earnings and investor interest, Micron's share price could continue to soar, making it a stronger candidate for a stock split.

A split wouldn't change Micron's total market cap. But the stock currently trades for around $940. If it rose a bit further to a four-figure share price, a hypothetical 5-for-1 split would turn a $1,000 share into five shares priced at roughly $200 each.

Microsoft has split its stock nine times, but not since 2003

Microsoft also hasn't split its stock in a long time. The company has completed nine stock splits since going public, but its most recent one was a 2-for-1 split in February 2003. According to Microsoft, its board approved that split to make the stock more accessible to a broader range of investors -- a common refrain among companies performing these manuevers.

That history puts the argument for another split on sounder footing. In fact, the company has grown from a software powerhouse into a major force in cloud computing and AI. Plus, Azure, Microsoft 365, and Copilot give it more ways to expand.

These days, rising adoption of AI is driving demand for cloud infrastructure and software that helps companies automate work. Microsoft can serve both needs through Azure and its growing suite of AI-powered tools. That means continued business growth that could support further gains in its share price -- currently above $540 -- and potentially put a stock split on the table.

Meta could make history with its first-ever stock split

Meta Platforms may be the most interesting stock-split candidate of this group because it has never performed one before. Shares are trading just under $750, giving management a reason to consider a split to make the stock and its options more affordable for retail investors.

Indeed, the case for such a move is compelling. Meta operates social media sites Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, giving it a huge reach and a powerful advertising business. On top of that, its AI investments are improving advertising tools and content recommendations, as well as supporting new products.

For the second quarter, Meta reported 28% year-over-year revenue growth and highlighted AI as a key driver of the business.

If Meta continues to grow its advertising business and accelerate its revenue growth through AI, its share price could rise further, strengthening the case for a stock split. That milestone event for Meta would likely generate significant interest among retail investors.

Micron looks closest to a split, while Microsoft may wait longest

This all raises a natural question: Which of these three giants will split first?

Micron, Microsoft, and Meta each have compelling reasons to act. But their odds of acting aren't equal.

Micron looks most likely to go first. Its shares have the highest face value on the list and it has three previous splits under its belt. Meta could beat Micron to it, but as the only "Magnificent Seven" stock that has never split, it's the hardest to predict.

Microsoft, on the other hand, may wait the longest, since its share price is the lowest of the three.

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Rick Orford has positions in Meta Platforms and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Meta Platforms, Micron Technology, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Disclaimer: For information purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
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