In recent times, the artificial intelligence (AI) boom has been a driving force behind the revenue and share price growth of many technology companies. One such player benefiting from this movement is Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), the semiconductor and networking giant. With demand skyrocketing, Broadcom's stock price has climbed over 60% since the beginning of the year.

However, Broadcom recently announced a move that will soon bring its stock price back down to earth. The company is planning a stock split, which will lower its current stock price of over $1,800 to around $180. This operation, scheduled for next month, aims to make the stock more accessible to investors.

Broadcom is a major player in the tech industry, manufacturing a wide range of semiconductor and infrastructure software products. With its products used in various areas, from data center servers to smartphones, more than 99% of internet traffic relies on Broadcom technology, highlighting the company's significant role in networking and connectivity.

To further expand its revenue opportunities, Broadcom recently completed its acquisition of cloud computing software company VMware. This strategic move positions Broadcom to capitalize on the growing demand for AI networking and custom accelerators.

In the latest quarter, Broadcom reported an impressive 43% increase in revenue, surpassing $12 billion. The AI segment, driven by the demand for AI networking and custom accelerators, experienced a staggering 280% surge, reaching $3.1 billion. Additionally, Broadcom doubled the number of switches sold during this period and is actively developing next-generation switches, optics, and tools to meet the networking needs of AI data centers in the coming years.

With a strong track record of generating billions of dollars in revenue and profit, Broadcom has consistently proven its growth potential. This year, the company raised its full-year revenue forecast to $51 billion, representing a remarkable 42% increase from the previous year. The integration of VMware and the robust demand for AI further contribute to Broadcom's positive outlook.

The upcoming stock split raises the question: should investors buy Broadcom shares now or wait until after the split? A stock split is a mechanical operation that lowers the price of each individual share without altering the company's total market value or the stock's valuation. Broadcom's planned 10-for-1 stock split means that shareholders will receive an additional nine shares for every share held after the market close on July 12. Trading at the split-adjusted price will commence on July 15.

It is worth considering that the stock could become more expensive post-split if its upward trajectory continues. Despite the price increase of around 20% since the announcement of the stock split, Broadcom trades at 37 times forward earnings estimates, which is still reasonably valued when considering its AI growth and VMware acquisition.

Ultimately, short-term price movements should be less of a concern for long-term investors. While it may be easier to invest a specific amount in Broadcom post-split, especially if fractional shares are not available through their brokerage, investors with the funds to purchase one share or more should not wait for the split to get in on this top AI stock.

As always, it is essential for investors to do thorough research and consider their own financial goals and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions.

Disclaimer: Adria Cimino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.