Two Stock-Split Winners to Buy as Long-Term Holdings for Investors

When major corporations announce share subdivisions, it often signals confidence in their long-term trajectory. Recently, two prominent publicly traded companies—Netflix and Booking Holdings—have executed notable stock splits that merit attention from investors seeking long-term stocks to buy. While the mechanics of share subdivisions don’t fundamentally alter how these businesses operate, the underlying companies present compelling opportunities for buy-and-hold investors planning a decade or more ahead.

The broader context matters: stock splits among well-established corporations typically attract investor interest precisely because they’re relatively rare events. Yet for investors evaluating long-term stocks to buy, the real question isn’t about the split itself—it’s about whether the company’s operational strengths and market position can sustain growth over the coming years.

Netflix: Streaming Leadership and Diversification Beyond Content

Netflix executed a 10-for-1 share subdivision in November 2025, an action that preceded some headwinds for the stock. Recent price weakness has been partly attributable to proposed corporate moves, specifically an anticipated acquisition involving major media assets. Despite near-term volatility and near its 52-week lows, the company retains exceptional long-term appeal for investors seeking to buy and hold quality equities.

The streaming market remains the primary engine of Netflix’s value creation. Though streaming adoption has become mainstream in the U.S., accounting for roughly 47-49% of television consumption during late 2025, global penetration remains significantly lower. This geographic whitespace—combined with Netflix’s established brand moat and first-mover advantages—positions the company favorably against rivals in a highly competitive landscape. The network effects that underpin the platform continue strengthening as subscriber growth accelerates.

Beyond traditional streaming, Netflix has begun building a meaningful advertising revenue stream. Management guidance projects advertising-related income could reach approximately $3 billion this year, effectively doubling from prior periods. This represents a critical margin expansion opportunity as the company matures.

Sports streaming initiatives and experimental formats like extended podcasts illustrate management’s willingness to expand into adjacent categories. These initiatives collectively enhance user engagement and create hooks for new subscriber acquisition. Combined with strategic content partnerships—including its ambitious acquisition plans for major entertainment franchises and intellectual property—Netflix appears positioned to deliver competitive long-term returns through 2036 and beyond.

Booking Holdings: Travel Platform Strength in a Recovering Market

Booking Holdings unveiled an ambitious 25-for-1 stock split scheduled for early April 2026—a decision that surprised some observers given the company’s previously stated stance on share subdivisions. Irrespective of the split mechanics, Booking Holdings’ fundamental business case for long-term stock ownership remains robust.

The company’s portfolio of travel and booking platforms—including Booking.com, Kayak, Priceline, and complementary properties—creates an ecosystem addressing nearly every traveler’s need. From flight reservations to hotel accommodations, vehicle rentals, and experiential activities, Booking Holdings functions as a near-universal marketplace.

The competitive advantages are structurally embedded: network effects create a virtuous cycle in which increased traveler adoption makes the platforms more attractive to hospitality vendors and vice versa. As international travel demand continues its multi-year recovery and expansion—particularly in emerging markets—Booking stands positioned to capture outsized value creation.

Critically, the company has meaningfully invested in artificial intelligence capabilities that streamline the booking experience for end users. These AI implementations lower friction in the transaction process, potentially driving higher conversion rates and customer lifetime value. For investors evaluating long-term stocks to buy, these competitive advantages suggest Booking Holdings merits consideration alongside other secular growth opportunities.

Why These Companies Warrant Long-Term Positioning

Both Netflix and Booking Holdings share fundamental characteristics that make them suitable long-term holdings. Each operates within secular growth markets—streaming entertainment and experiential travel respectively. Both possess defensible competitive advantages rooted in brand strength, network effects, and data-driven operational excellence. Management teams demonstrate willingness to invest in future growth vectors, whether through content acquisition, AI development, or geographic expansion.

Stock splits, while symbolically interesting, aren’t investment catalysts in themselves. Yet they often precede periods of sustained share price appreciation when executed by companies with genuine long-term potential. For investors with multi-year or multi-decade time horizons and disciplined conviction in quality businesses, these two represent candidates worthy of analysis as portfolio core holdings.