Stock Split Predictions: NFLX & MELI Candidates for 2026

The traditional rationale for stock splits—making shares more accessible to retail investors—has been challenged by the rise of fractional share purchasing. Where once a four-figure share price created a significant barrier to entry, platforms now allow investors to buy portions of high-priced stocks with minimal capital. This technological shift has reduced the operational necessity of splits, yet the psychological impact remains potent. Companies like Netflix and MercadoLibre now face a strategic decision: maintain elite share prices as a marker of prestige or execute splits to broaden their investor base.

According to the analysis, letting a stock run into the three- or four-figure range may actually distinguish it from the pack, creating an aura of exclusivity that some management teams prefer. However, with both NFLX and MELI trading well into four-figure territory, the argument for splits grows stronger with each price increase. The analysis suggests these companies are ‘long overdue for a big announcement,’ potentially within the next three years if their appreciation continues.

Netflix stock hasn’t maintained its four-figure status for long, and recent pressure from Elon Musk’s calls for subscription cancellations threatens to push it back below $1,000. However, the analysis suggests this selling pressure may be overdone, with investors underestimating Netflix’s ability to enhance its content library and margins through generative AI. The emergence of technologies like Sora 2 demonstrates the rapid advancement in AI capabilities that Netflix could leverage for content creation and optimization.

Looking toward 2026, Netflix stands to benefit significantly from AI-generated advertising, potentially providing a massive boost to its ad-based tier. While human-created content will always have its place, the analysis projects that within a decade, AI could automate substantial aspects of content production. This technological evolution might lower barriers to creating original content, forcing Netflix to remain innovative to maintain its streaming dominance. A potential 10-to-1 split could make the stock more accessible to beginning investors who might otherwise be deterred by the current share price.

MercadoLibre presents a compelling growth narrative, with shares soaring 74% over two years to exceed $2,100 per share. The Latin American e-commerce giant continues expanding at a comfortable double-digit pace, with its financial technology segment contributing significantly to this momentum. Despite macroeconomic pressures, the company’s growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing, making its current share price increasingly exclusionary for everyday retail investors.

The analysis identifies MercadoLibre as particularly ripe for a split, suggesting a 20-to-1 stock split could attract numerous young market newcomers. At over $2,100 per share, a single share represents a substantial investment for most individuals. However, management might prefer maintaining the current share price structure to reach the $3,000 milestone—a psychological threshold few stocks achieve. This creates tension between accessibility and prestige that MercadoLibre leadership must resolve as 2026 approaches.

While fractional share purchasing reduces the practical necessity of stock splits, the symbolic value remains significant. For companies like Netflix and MercadoLibre, splits represent more than just price adjustment—they signal confidence in future growth and commitment to shareholder democratization. The analysis suggests both companies are ‘long overdue’ for such action, with 2026 emerging as a plausible timeframe for announcements.

The decision ultimately rests with management teams weighing multiple factors: current shareholder composition, growth projections, and corporate identity. For Netflix, a split could coincide with AI-driven content innovations expected around 2026. For MercadoLibre, it could capitalize on continued expansion in Latin American e-commerce and fintech. While neither company has confirmed split plans, their soaring share prices and retail investor appeal make them the most compelling candidates for such corporate action in the coming years.