Why Meta, ASML, and Eli Lilly Are Prime Candidates for 2026 Stock Splits and Why Investors Should Buy Now

The stock market's most enduring narratives often revolve around the interplay between valuation, accessibility, and strategic corporate governance. As we approach 2026, three titans-Meta Platforms, ASML, and Eli Lilly-stand at the crossroads of these forces, with their soaring stock prices and robust financial performance positioning them as prime candidates for stock splits. Such moves, if realized, would not only democratize ownership but also signal confidence in their long-term growth trajectories.

Meta: A Historic Shift in Strategy

Meta Platforms (META) has long eschewed stock splits, maintaining a high share price to appeal to institutional investors and project prestige. However, the company's anticipated first-ever split, expected to be announced on October 29, 2025, alongside its Q3 earnings, marks a pivotal shift. With a market capitalization nearing $2 trillion and a share price of $633.61 as of November 26, 2025, Meta's decision to lower its price per share reflects a broader industry trend toward inclusivity. . This move would make ownership more accessible in markets where fractional shares are not widely available, potentially expanding its retail investor base.

Meta's financials underscore this strategic pivot. Advertising revenue grew 22% year-over-year in Q2 2025, with similar gains expected in Q3, driven by AI-enhanced ad platforms. A split would not dilute intrinsic value but rather align with Meta's vision of scaling its ecosystem, ensuring broader participation in its AI-driven renaissance.

ASML: Engineering Growth in the Semiconductor Era

ASML Holding NV, the Dutch semiconductor equipment giant, has surged to a stock price of $1,040 as of November 28, 2025, with a market capitalization exceeding $403 billion. Its Q3 2025 results-€7.5 billion in revenue and €2.1 billion in net income-highlight its dominance in the AI and chip manufacturing sectors. Yet, its valuation has outpaced historical precedents, raising questions about liquidity and accessibility.

A stock split for ASML would mirror the logic that propelled companies like Nvidia and Amazon to split when their prices surpassed $1,000. ASML's technological edge in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography ensures its relevance in the AI era, but a split could further democratize access to its growth story. By reducing the per-share price, ASML would invite a broader range of investors, from retail to institutional, to partake in its innovation-driven ascent.

Eli Lilly: A Pharmaceutical Giant's Long-Awaited Reckoning

Eli Lilly & Co.'s stock price has surged past $1,030, reflecting a 41.65% annual gain, fueled by blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Zepbound and Mounjaro. With a year-to-date return of 33.80%, the company's valuation now exceeds $1,000 per share-a threshold that has historically prompted splits. Its last split occurred in 1997, making it a compelling candidate for a long-overdue move.

A split would address both practical and symbolic concerns. Practically, it would enhance liquidity for a stock that has become prohibitively expensive for many investors. Symbolically, it would signal confidence in the sustainability of its drug pipeline, particularly as demand for diabetes and obesity treatments continues to rise. By lowering the entry barrier, Eli Lilly could attract a new cohort of shareholders, amplifying its capital base for future R&D and expansion.

Strategic Implications for Investors

The anticipated splits in these three companies are not mere administrative exercises; they are strategic maneuvers to align valuation with accessibility. For Meta, a split would democratize ownership in a market where AI is reshaping the digital landscape. For ASML, it would ensure that its semiconductor expertise remains accessible to a broad investor base. For Eli Lilly, it would translate pharmaceutical innovation into broader shareholder participation.

Investors should consider buying now, as these companies' current valuations already reflect optimism about their future. A stock split, while not altering intrinsic value, often catalyzes renewed investor interest, particularly in retail markets. The key is to recognize that these splits are not reactions to overvaluation but proactive steps to sustain growth in an increasingly democratized financial ecosystem.

In the end, the decision to split is as much about signaling as it is about mechanics. Meta, ASML, and Eli Lilly are not just adjusting their share structures-they are redefining their relationships with shareholders, ensuring that their growth stories remain inclusive and enduring.