Eli Lilly stock split: what it means for traders
Eli Lilly’s rising profile in the healthcare sector has brought renewed attention to the structure of its shares and how the company has managed its stock over time.
Eli Lilly (LLY) has become one of the most closely watched US healthcare companies due to the rapid expansion of its obesity and diabetes portfolio. As interest in the sector grows, so does curiosity about whether the company might revisit a share split, particularly as the stock now trades above $1,000.
Lilly hasn’t announced any new stock split as of 15 December 2025. However, questions continue to arise. Understanding how stock splits work – alongside Lilly’s historical approach and current financial position – can help traders view potential developments structurally rather than through a speculative lens.
Eli Lilly live share price
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
What is a stock split?
A stock split is a corporate action that increases the number of a company’s outstanding shares while reducing the price per share proportionally. The total market value of a shareholder’s position remains unchanged immediately after the adjustment because the lower price is offset by the greater number of shares held.
Companies may use stock splits to keep share prices within a range viewed as more accessible to retail participants or to support trading liquidity. A stock split does not change a company’s operations, earnings power or strategy.
Eli Lilly’s 2-for-1 stock splits
Lilly’s most recent split took place in October 1997 and followed a 2-for-1 ratio. Each shareholder received one additional share for every share held, while the trading price adjusted to half its previous level.
This mirrored similar 2-for-1 actions in 1995, 1989 and 1986. Historically, companies often used splits after extended periods of share-price appreciation to keep nominal prices more accessible to a wider investor base.
Why did Eli Lilly conduct share splits?
Lilly’s earlier splits typically followed sustained increases in its share price. At the time, nominal prices were often viewed in relation to accessibility for both retail and institutional investors. Lower headline share prices could support trading activity and make entry points more straightforward for a broader audience.
Market structure and retail participation during the 1980s and 1990s also influenced these decisions. Trading practices differ from today, when investors have more tools and fractional trading options.
A stock split, however, leaves a company’s fundamentals unchanged. Revenue, net income, competitive position and the product pipeline remain the same on either side of the action.
Will Eli Lilly split again in 2026?
As at 15 December 2025, Lilly hasn’t announced a new stock split for 2026. Without a confirmed corporate action, any discussion about future splits remains speculative.
The share price now trades above $1,000, prompting commentary among market observers on whether the company may consider a split in future. These views reflect external opinion, not company guidance. Lilly hasn’t suggested that a split is planned or under review. Any future decision would depend on the board’s assessment of market conditions, accessibility considerations and long-term strategy.
Eli Lilly stock split history
Lilly has carried out four modern 2-for-1 stock splits since the mid-1980s. Earlier adjustments occurred in the 1970s, but the commonly cited modern sequence starts in 1986.
| Split effective date | Split ratio | Cumulative effect vs pre-1986 |
|---|---|---|
| 16 October 1997 | 2-for-1 | 16-for-1 |
| 21 December 1995 | 2-for-1 | 8-for-1 |
| 1 May / 30 April 1989* | 2-for-1 | 4-for-1 |
| 29–30 January 1986* | 2-for-1 | 2-for-1 |
*Sources differ slightly on precise dates, but the ratios and sequence align.
Latest earnings: Eli Lilly FY2025 results
Lilly’s latest reported quarter for 2025 showed revenue of around $17.6bn, representing year-on-year growth of roughly 54%. The performance reflected demand for its incretin-based obesity and diabetes therapies, including Mounjaro and Zepbound.
Quarterly earnings per share (EPS) were approximately $7.02, ahead of market expectations. This supported an upward revision to full-year 2025 guidance, with revenue projected at $63–$63.5bn and non-GAAP EPS expected in the low-to-mid-$20s range.
Capacity constraints featured throughout the year as demand outpaced supply in several categories. Lilly’s investments in new manufacturing sites and expanded capacity aimed to support scaling needs across its global portfolio.
Outlook and upcoming developments
Lilly’s near-term outlook continues to be shaped by the expansion of its obesity and diabetes franchise, where demand for GLP-1 and other incretin-based therapies remains high. Increasing production is a central operational priority, supported by multi-billion-dollar investment in new facilities.
Beyond this, Lilly is progressing late-stage programmes such as Orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 candidate, and exploring further indications across dermatology, neurology and metabolic disease. The company is also expanding the rollout of Kisunla, its Alzheimer’s therapy, and undertaking life-cycle management activities, including new formulations and combination approaches.
These developments reflect the company’s broader strategy heading into 2026 and are separate from any considerations around a potential stock split. Corporate communications haven’t provided guidance on future share-structure actions.
Summary
- Lilly hasn’t announced any new stock split as of 15 December 2025.
- Its most recent split was a 2-for-1 action in 1997, following similar splits in 1995, 1989 and 1986.
- Stock splits adjust share count and trading price but don’t affect company fundamentals.
- Strong 2025 results were driven by demand for obesity and diabetes treatments.
- Capacity expansion, pipeline developments and global product rollout form Lilly’s strategic focus entering 2026.
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FAQ
When did Eli Lilly stock split?
Eli Lilly has carried out four modern stock splits, each at a 2-for-1 ratio. These took place in January 1986, April/May 1989, December 1995 and October 1997. Together, they created a cumulative 16-for-1 effect relative to the pre-1986 share count.
When did the Eli Lilly stock split take effect?
The most recent split became effective on 16 October 1997, when the shares began trading on an adjusted 2-for-1 basis. Earlier splits took effect around 29–30 January 1986, 30 April–1 May 1989 and 21 December 1995. Exact dates vary slightly across historical sources, but all confirm consistent 2-for-1 mechanics.
Did Eli Lilly have a stock split before?
Yes. Lilly completed four 2-for-1 stock splits between 1986 and 1997. Some records mention earlier adjustments during the 1970s, but the widely referenced modern sequence begins with the 1986 split.
How many times has Eli Lilly stock split?
Most historical records list four Eli Lilly stock splits. All followed a 2-for-1 ratio, meaning that a single share held before the 1986 split would have become 16 shares after the 1997 split.
How much was Eli Lilly stock after the split?
Following the 1997 2-for-1 split, the share price adjusted to about half its pre-split level. Market data from the period shows prices in the high-$20s to low-$30s shortly after the adjustment, compared with a pre-split level close to $118.
Why did Eli Lilly split its stock?
Lilly’s historical stock splits generally followed periods of sustained share-price appreciation. At the time, splits were often used to keep nominal share prices at levels viewed as more accessible and to support trading liquidity. As with any stock split, the action didn’t change Lilly’s fundamentals, strategy or earnings outlook.
Will Eli Lilly split again?
As at 15 December 2025, Lilly hasn’t announced any new stock split. Although the share price has risen above $1,000, prompting discussion among market observers, the company hasn’t indicated that a split is planned or under review. Any future decision would depend on the board’s assessment of market conditions and longer-term strategy.
What was the most recent Eli Lilly stock split date?
Lilly’s most recent stock split was a 2-for-1 action effective on 16 October 1997. This was the final split in the company’s modern sequence, and no subsequent stock-split announcements have been made.
How can I trade Eli Lilly CFDs on Capital.com?
You can trade Eli Lilly share CFDs on Capital.com, allowing you to go long or short without owning the underlying shares. Contracts for difference (CFDs) are traded on margin – leverage amplifies both profits and losses. Understand how CFDs work and how to use risk-management tools such as take-profit and stop-loss orders before opening a position. Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future results.*
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