Do you really think that the Google (GOOG) shares of stock at 489 or the shares of stock of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) at 284 are really that high priced? There are actually several stocks that trade above a thousand dollars per share. However, if you are considering including some of the high prices shares in your portfolio, you will probably want those that trade on a regular basis, excluding such stocks as Indians Inc. (INDN.PK), which last traded at 25,000 on July 27, or Winter Sports [New] (WSPS.PK) which last traded July 27 at 2,840.
Every investor has heard of the top one on the list, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRKA), which closed at 118,000. This is the holding company run by Warren Buffett, that has done the famous ‘25/25’, providing an average annual return in excess of 25% over 25 years. Berkshire invests primarily in insurance companies, but also numerous types of other companies including candy; furniture, encyclopedias, vacuum cleaners, jewelry, and newspapers. They also take major positions in other stocks. The stock has a P/E of 15 and a Price Sales Ratio of 1.56. Earnings for the latest quarter were up over 12% on quarterly revenue growth of 44% year over year.
If this share price is too rich for your blood, you can always invest in the Berkshire Hathaway Holdings B Shares (BRKB) which closed at 78, and has an ownership value of 1/30th of the A shares. Both A and B shares trade on NASDAQ.
Mechanics Bank (MCHB.OB) is the second highest on the list with its latest share price being 12,500. This Richmond, California based bank was founded in 1905. The P/E is 14 and the P/S is 3.2. The stock has a yield of 1.5%.
Next on the list is Sunwest Bank (SWBC.OB), yet another California bank, this one based in Tustin in Orange County. The stock recently closed at 2,500 and has a P/E of 24.7 and a P/S of 2.8. Does anyone know why all the high priced bank share companies are located in California?
First National Bank Alaska (FBAK.OB) is another west coast bank, this one based a little farther north in Anchorage, Alaska. The stock just closed at 1,850. The stock has a P/E of 18, a P/S of 5.1, and pays a yield of 4.6%.
