Stock splits attract a lot of attention among investors.

While they do not change the fundamentals of a stock, they are a signal from management that it expects the price to continue to rise. Stock splits represent milestones in the growth of a stock and make the price of an individual share cheaper, making it more affordable for retail investors.

In addition, there is evidence that stocks perform better after a stock split. This may be due to the stock’s growth momentum leading up to the split, as well as management’s confidence that the stock will continue to rise.

If you’re looking for the next stock split stocks, here are three that could be next.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. Booking stocks

Booking stocks (BKNG -0.85%) is the largest online travel agency in the world and has never conducted a stock split in its history, although it did conduct a reverse stock split in 2003 when it was on the brink of bankruptcy following the bursting of the dot-com bubble.

Since then, Booking shares have soared and the stock price is now approaching $4,000 per share, higher than any other U.S. stock except the homebuilder NVR And Berkshire-Hathaway Class A shares.

CEO Glenn Fogel recently dampened expectations of a stock split, as many other high-priced stocks have split their shares. In an interview with Barron’sWhen asked about a possible stock split, he replied: “I don’t think I want that kind of investor.”

Fogel is not alone in this opinion. Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos also dismissed concerns from short-term investors, stressing that he was focused on the long term. However, Amazon eventually split its shares after Bezos passed the baton to current CEO Andy Jassy.

Despite Fogel’s comment, a Booking stock split seems increasingly likely as the share price continues to rise.

2. AutoZone

AutoZone (AZO 1.01%) is also one of the most expensive stocks on the market in terms of individual price and, like Booking, has long been an outperformer.

AutoZone and Rival O’Reilly Automobiles They have long been generating above-average profits by opening new stores and serving a growing market for auto spare parts, especially given that the average age of a vehicle on the road is now over 12 years.

AutoZone stock currently trades for more than $3,000 per share. The company hasn’t split its stock since 1994, and since then the stock has increased in value by about 42,000%.

Even in a volatile stock market year, the auto parts manufacturer’s shares have risen steadily over the past five years, demonstrating the strength of its recession-proof business model.

The company has not announced any plans for a stock split, but it would make sense to do so, especially since the stock appears to have a good chance of further price appreciation.

3. MercadoLibre

Finally, MercadoLibre (MELI 0.22%) also seems like a good candidate for a stock split. The Latin American e-commerce leader just crossed the $2,000 per share mark and, like the other stocks on the list, is a consistent winner on the stock market.

MercadoLibre has grown over the years by expanding its business into a third-party marketplace, digital payment network, logistics services and lending business.

Although MercadoLibre has been a candidate for a stock split for some time due to its stock price, which has been above $1,000 for most of the past five years, the company has never conducted a stock split in its history, which dates back to its IPO in 2007.

MercadoLibre has not yet commented on a stock split, but it seems likely that it will happen if the stock continues to rise. The company continues to grow rapidly and margins are increasing, which will provide further gains for the stock.

Don’t be surprised if MercadoLibre splits its shares in the coming years, if not sooner.