Stock splits don't affect corporate value. They split profits across additional shares. Splits are like sliced pizza. The food remains the same. It's simpler and cheaper to buy one slice. However, stock splits generate excitement. Many investors like the chance to buy more shares of high-performing companies that split their shares at lower prices. These two stock-split stocks are among the best on the market today.
Split stock for buy #1: Walmart Cheap deals are popular. This is especially true in today's tough economy. Walmart (NYSE: WMT) is gaining market share from higher-cost rivals as stubbornly high inflation drives even higher-income buyers to shop around.
Walmart has affordable groceries and other household items. The retail giant's size lets them negotiate the best supplier costs. It subsequently passes on many of these savings to customers, attracting recurring business to its over 10,500 outlets.
Due to rising curbside pickup and delivery demand, the discount retailer's e-commerce operation is growing. Online sales now account for 18% of Walmart's revenue, or over $100 billion, after rising 23% year over year in the quarter ending Jan. 31.
Advertising may drive the company's most exciting growth. Global ad sales rose 33% for Walmart in the latest quarter. Walmart acquired Vizio in February to boost this high-margin division. Walmart's fast-growing digital ad services should benefit from Vizio's smart TVs and SmartCast OS. Walmart gave its stockholders a 3-for-1 stock split on Feb. 23 as its shares reached record highs. Investors should expect this retail titan's stock price to rise in the coming years due to its strong growth drivers.
Stock split to buy Chipotle Mexican Grill No. 2 Like Walmart, Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) has made long-term shareholders rich. Don't believe this fantastic growth story is over. The beloved restaurant chain has opportunity to grow. Chipotle is known for its quality ingredients and ethical sourcing. The organization provides one of the fastest and highest-paying restaurant career pathways, with $100,000 in annual income in three years.
By attracting customers and job seekers, Chipotle has grown from one site in 1993 to over 3,400 restaurants now. CEO Brian Niccol envisions 7,000 North American outlets. Other overseas markets call. Kuwait got its own Chipotle restaurant days ago.
Importantly, existing Chipotle restaurants are becoming more profitable. Its comparable restaurant sales climbed 7.9% in 2023 due to traffic and price increases. This strong sales growth raised the company's restaurant-level operating profit to 26.2% from 23.9% in 2022. Niccol predicts additional gains here too. He believes the burrito chain's average restaurant revenues can reach $4 million, up from $3 million currently.
Chipotle's stock is still a great buy with so much potential ahead. Additionally, owning individual shares may become cheaper this summer. The restaurant leader requested a massive 50-for-1 stock split at its June annual meeting. "This is the first stock split in Chipotle's 30-year history, and we believe this will make our stock more accessible to employees as well as a broader range of investors," CFO Jack Hartung said in a release.
Chipotle may have the largest New York Stock Exchange stock split ever if granted. Buy now to capitalize on the split enthusiasm. More significantly, owning Chipotle stock now lets you share this proven winner's long-term growth.