The price of a stock is not necessarily indicative of the company's quality. However, looking at some of the highest stock prices ever can be educational for those interested in the history of the stock market. From chocolate candy makers to mining companies, the list of stocks that command top dollar is as long and diverse as those that don't. Here are 10 of the highest stock prices in history.
Key Takeaways
- Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A) commands the number one position, with an impressive over half-million-dollar stock price.
- Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprüngli holds steady at number two with its six-figure stock price of $122,300.
- British retailer Next PLC edges out most of the competition with its peak stock price of $8,296.
- Internet phenomenons Amazon and Google make the list with stock prices soaring in the thousands.
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1. Berkshire Hathaway ($563,072)
Berkshire Hathaway is the holding company of billionaire investor Warren Buffett. The stock closed at $563,072 per share on Sept. 18, 2023.
Notable companies under the Berkshire umbrella include GEICO Auto Insurance and Helzberg Diamonds. Berkshire is also a shareholder of Apple, Bank of America, and Coca-Cola.
Buffett's success as an investor led to a fantastic increase in Berkshire's share price. Berkshire Hathaway A shares (BRK.A) trade at $554,650 per share as of Dec. 19, 2023. For individuals interested in investing in Berkshire, the company's B shares (BRK.B) are much more affordable, coming in at $361.80 per share as of Dec. 19, 2023.
2. Lindt & Sprüngli ($122,300)
Lindt & Sprüngli (0QKN) is a Swiss chocolatier established in the 1800s. Most famous for its Lindt Gold Bunny, truffles, and smooth chocolate-filled chocolates, it has expanded its footprint well beyond its European borders.
Lindt & Sprüngl's brand includes well-known Russell Stover, Lindt, and Ghirardelli. The company employs over 14,000 employees and boasts sales of more than $2.4 billion for the first half of 2023.
On Dec. 19, 2021, the company's stock closed at an all-time high of $122,300, a six-figure mark that not too many have claimed. On Dec. 19, 2023, the stock closed at $107,200.
3. Next PLC ($8,296)
Next is a British clothing retailer developed in 1981. Established under the J Hepworth & Son, Gentleman's Tailors' umbrella, it sells more than 1,000 third-party brands online and operates more than 500 retail stores in Europe, as well as 206 franchised stores in 33 countries.
On April 4, 2021, Next PLC closed at a record-high stock price of $8,296. As of Dec. 19, 2023, its stock remained strong at $8,106.
Can't afford to buy a single share of any of these stocks? Consider investing in mutual funds. A single mutual fund share gives you exposure to multiple stocks at once at a cheaper price.
4. NVR ($6,936.65)
NVR (NVR) is a homebuilder operating under the names of Ryan Homes, NVHomes, and Heartland Homes. It markets in many states, building and selling homes, as well as offering mortgage financing and title insurance.
NVR closed at an all-time high of $6,936.65 on Dec. 19, 2023. The global crisis took a toll on the company, reducing its price by almost 50% in March 2020. However, it recovered most of those losses within a few months.
The company may have benefited from the historic increase in home prices and the seller's market of homes in the U.S. during the pandemic and its related shortage in lumber and construction materials."
5. Seaboard ($4,650)
Seaboard Corporation (SEB) is a multinational corporation focusing on agriculture and transportation. The main focus of the company is pork and ocean transport.
Seaboard Foods, one of the company's major businesses, is one of the largest producers of grain and agriculturally derived products in the U.S. The marine division provides shipping services to the Caribbean and Central and South America. Seaboard milling facilities process and sell grain products worldwide. The company may be best known for its large stake in Butterball Turkey.
On April 18, 2019, the company's stock price closed at a record high of $4,650 per share. As of Dec. 19, 2023, the company trades at $3,605.
6. Amazon ($3,515.29)
Amazon (AMZN) was still hitting new highs before the Covid pandemic hit. The company's stock suffered an initial pullback during the 2020 bear market; however, it soon became clear that Amazon would benefit from the crisis as consumers shifted their shopping online.
The online bookstore-turned-everything store recovered from a terrible plunge below $10 a share after the dot-com bubble burst to reach a closing high of $3,507 in Nov. 2021. The company split its stock in 2022 and as of Dec. 19, 2023, trades at $153.79.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is the second wealthiest person in the world as of Dec. 19, 2023.
7. Booking Holdings ($3,515)
Booking Holdings (BKNG) owns the travel reservation sites Booking.com and Priceline; two of the biggest players in the online travel industry. Additionally, it also owns OpenTable, the restaurant reservation company.
The company hit an all-time high close of $3,515.29 on Dec. 19, 2023.
8. AutoZone ($2,729.06)
AutoZone (AZO) sells aftermarket auto parts, such as brakes, batteries, engine oil, headlights, drivetrains, and much more. The company's share price has been steadily increasing since 2021, hitting a closing high of $2,729.06 on May 12, 2023. As of Dec. 19, 2023, the company's share price is $2,649.32.
9. Alphabet ($2,960)
Technology giant Alphabet (GOOGL), which is best known for its Google search engine, reached a closing high of $2,960 in Oct. 2021. The company's shares have since split and the stock sits at $136.65 as of Dec. 19, 2023. Google produces revenue through advertising, publishing tools, and the Android operating system.
Driving revenue growth is the continued adoption of advertising, which accounts for 80% of Google's revenue (notably its AdSense and AdWords platforms). Google is part of the global super apps and FAMGA club.
Google's suite of products is too long to list—just open the waffle on the Google home page and you will get an idea. Google leads education, GPS navigation, global business mapping, web conferencing, cloud storage, email communication, and even autonomous transportation, along with a giant host of other products and services.
10. Chipotle Mexican Grill ($2,327.03)
Chipotle (CMG) is known for its fast-casual Mexican restaurants around the world, serving a variety of burritos, tacos, and other food. The company's stock has been steadily increasing and it closed at a high of $2,327.03 on Dec. 19, 2023.
What Is the Highest Stock Price Ever?
Berkshire Hathaway holds the title for having the highest stock price—$563,072.
What Was Apple’s Highest Stock Price Ever?
Apple's highest stock closing price was $198.11 on Dec. 14, 2023.
How Can You Find a Stock’s All-Time High and All-Time Low?
Stock tracking and financial websites, such as Yahoo! Finance provide historical data for most stocks. Some allow users to specifically submit queries for specific price ranges, maximums, and minimums.
The Bottom Line
In the eyes of an investor, price does not necessarily reflect value. A more expensive stock does not always translate to a better company. Instead, these stories relate the journey from idea to income—from genius to growth—all laid out on a tapestry woven by the ever-evolving machine of American capitalism.
On the front of investors affording to buy these stocks, this problem is currently solved thanks to fintech and technology. All stocks now can be fractioned and the investor can buy any portion they can afford. So, a stock split event is not as important and useful as it used to be.
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As an enthusiast and expert in finance and stock market analysis, I've delved deep into the intricacies of various investment instruments, market trends, and the valuation of companies. I have a comprehensive understanding of how stock prices reflect market dynamics and a company's perceived value, often independent of its true intrinsic worth.
The article you provided is a fascinating exploration of historical stock prices that have reached remarkable highs, encompassing diverse industries and sectors. It underscores the fact that stock prices alone don't necessarily correlate with a company's fundamental quality or long-term performance. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Stock Prices vs. Company Quality: The premise that a high stock price doesn't always indicate a superior company is crucial. It emphasizes that investors should look beyond price fluctuations and consider fundamental analysis, financial health, and market positioning when evaluating investment opportunities.
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Top Stocks with High Prices:
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Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A): Led by Warren Buffett, this holding company boasts an exceptionally high stock price, showcasing the success of Buffett's investment strategies and the diversified portfolio under Berkshire's umbrella.
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Lindt & Sprüngli (0QKN): Known for its iconic chocolate products, Lindt & Sprüngli reflects a strong brand presence and global recognition, despite fluctuations in its stock price.
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Next PLC: A British retailer with a significant stock price, highlighting its market presence and growth trajectory in the retail industry.
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Stock Price Records:
- Each company mentioned reached a historic high stock price at different points in time, reflecting market sentiments, company performance, and external factors like global crises or industry-specific events.
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Impact of Events on Stock Prices:
- The article discusses how events such as the global crisis affected companies like NVR and Amazon but also how some, like Amazon, benefited from changing consumer behaviors during the pandemic.
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Stock Splits:
- Instances of stock splits (e.g., Google/Alphabet) are highlighted, impacting the stock's price and accessibility for investors.
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Diverse Industries:
- The list encompasses various industries—ranging from technology giants like Amazon and Alphabet to food chains like Chipotle and companies in sectors like homebuilding, retail, and travel.
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Understanding All-Time Highs and Lows:
- The article touches on finding a stock's historical highs and lows through financial websites, emphasizing the importance of tracking such data for investment decisions.
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Investment Strategies:
- Mention of alternatives like mutual funds for investors unable to afford individual high-priced stocks and the modern ability to fractionally buy shares, minimizing the importance of stock splits.
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Disclaimers and Warranties:
- The article includes standard disclaimers regarding opinions, analyses, and liabilities associated with financial content.
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Market Dynamics and Investing Philosophy:
- It concludes by emphasizing the journey from idea to income in American capitalism, highlighting the importance of understanding the true value beyond stock prices.
Understanding these concepts is crucial for any investor aiming to navigate the complex world of the stock market, analyzing companies beyond their stock prices, and making informed investment decisions.
Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes and should not be considered financial advice. Investing involves risks, and it's essential to conduct thorough research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
