Overview
ServiceNow is doing the Wall Street magic trick everyone understands but few respect: a stock split. December 16, 2025 is the record date—own it by the close, and you’re entitled to four extra shares for every one you already have.
Nothing fundamental changes. But the split changes the way the stock feels: a lower per-share price, easier lot sizes, and often a fresh burst of retail attention—right as ServiceNow is trying to sell investors on its next AI-driven growth chapter.
Key Indicators
People Involved
Organizations Involved
ServiceNow is an enterprise software platform company using a stock split to broaden accessibility and improve trading flexibility.
The SEC is the disclosure venue where ServiceNow’s split becomes official on the public record.
The NYSE is where ServiceNow’s shares transition to split-adjusted pricing.
Timeline
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Split-adjusted trading expected to begin
MarketServiceNow expects its shares to begin trading on a split-adjusted basis on or about this date.
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Charter becomes effective; split shares expected to be distributed after close
Corporate ActionServiceNow’s amended charter becomes effective at 4:05 p.m. ET, with split distribution expected after market close.
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Record date locks in who gets the extra shares
Market MechanicsShareholders of record at the close of market become entitled to four additional shares per share held.
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Shareholders approve the split—and the charter rewrite that enables it
GovernanceAt a special meeting, shareholders approve an amended and restated certificate of incorporation to execute the split and increase authorized shares proportionally.
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Board authorizes 5-for-1 split in the glow of Q3 earnings
Corporate ActionServiceNow discloses that its board approved a 5-for-1 split, subject to shareholder approval at a special meeting.
Scenarios
Split goes smoothly; retail participation and liquidity tick up
Discussed by: Mainstream market explainers (Investopedia) and business networks that frame splits as accessibility moves
The split executes without surprises, broker systems reconcile quickly, and the lower unit price makes it easier for smaller accounts to buy round lots and trade options. The stock’s direction still follows earnings and guidance, but near-term volume rises and the name feels more “tradable,” especially after a choppy 2025 tape for growth software.
Split gets drowned out by the bigger fight: AI growth vs. ‘Death of SaaS’ skepticism
Discussed by: Sell-side and market commentary highlighting SaaS-model risk narratives (e.g., KeyBanc) and deal-driven volatility coverage (MarketWatch, Barron’s)
Even a clean split doesn’t matter if investors are fixated on whether ServiceNow can defend premium growth in an AI-disrupted market—or if M&A rumors and integration questions dominate the tape. In this path, the split becomes background noise: a one-week technical event inside a longer re-rating debate.
Split-adjusted session brings a volatility spike—and then the chart ‘normalizes’
Discussed by: Trading desks and market mechanics coverage that often flags split transitions as short-term dislocations
The first split-adjusted sessions can produce weirdness: confusing price anchors, re-leveled options chains, and retail impulse trading. If that happens, ServiceNow could see outsized intraday swings that fade as charts, indexes, and investor mental models recalibrate to the new price scale.
Historical Context
Nvidia’s 10-for-1 split during the AI boom
2024-06What Happened
Nvidia announced a 10-for-1 split alongside blockbuster earnings, then executed it with a record date, distribution date, and split-adjusted trading start. The split didn’t change valuation, but it made the stock feel accessible at a lower per-share price.
Outcome
Short term: Trading transitioned to split-adjusted pricing without changing underlying ownership value.
Long term: The split became part of a broader narrative of scale, momentum, and retail participation in AI leaders.
Why It's Relevant
It’s a clean modern template for how mega-cap tech splits are staged and marketed.
Amazon’s 20-for-1 split as Big Tech chased broader ownership
2022-06What Happened
Amazon announced a 20-for-1 split framed around accessibility for investors and flexibility for employee equity. Shares began trading at the new split-adjusted level on the scheduled date.
Outcome
Short term: The lower unit price made the stock easier to buy in smaller increments.
Long term: Fundamentals—not the split—continued to drive valuation and sentiment.
Why It's Relevant
It reinforces the core lesson: splits change the unit, not the business, but can widen participation.
Apple’s 4-for-1 split during a retail-heavy market moment
2020-08What Happened
Apple approved a 4-for-1 split with a set record date and a split-adjusted trading start date. The company’s value didn’t change, but the psychological impact of a lower share price was real for many investors.
Outcome
Short term: Shares transitioned to the new price level as the market absorbed the adjusted quote.
Long term: Investor returns followed earnings power and product cycles, not the split itself.
Why It's Relevant
It’s a reminder that the ‘cheaper share’ effect is mostly perception—but perception can move flows.