The chip maker’s core product - graphics-processing units, or GPUs - were known mostly for their ability to juice the appearance and playability of videogames the last time the shares were split, but since have been found to also accelerate machine learning. Nvidia’s sudden rise has mostly taken place in the past five years, with the stock gaining about 1,260% in that time as Nvidia has proved to be an essential company in the realm of artificial intelligence. Since that last split, Nvidia shares have increased 1,640.7% in the same period, the S&P 500 index SPX, -0.08% has increased 183% on a price-return basis, according to Dow Jones Market Data group. Nvidia split its stock four times between 20, but never as large as the 4-to-1 split proposed Friday the other splits were 2-to-1 in 2000, 20, and 3-to-2 in 2007. For many Nvidia investors, it will be the first chance they have to address a potential split, as the company has not split its stock since 2007. Nvidia NVDA, +2.60% shareholders will vote on the proposed split at the company’s annual meeting on June 3.

announced plans for the biggest stock split in its history Friday, proposing to give investors three additional shares for every one they currently own.

Will nvda stock split 2017