What Is the Most Expensive Stock on the Market?

When people hear the term “most expensive stock,” they might think of overvalued companies or those with high price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios. However, in this context, we refer to stock prices in the most straightforward sense, the actual dollar cost of purchasing a single share.

And when it comes to sheer price per share, no stock commands a higher value than Berkshire Hathaway Class A (BRK.A).

As of April 21, 2025, Berkshire Hathaway’s Class A closed price was US$760,489, according to MarketWatch. This makes it the most expensive stock currently traded on US exchanges.

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For individual investors who want exposure to Berkshire Hathaway without the hefty price tag, there’s Class B stock (BRK.B). These shares are priced significantly lower, with a closing price of approximately US$506.92 as of April 21, 2025, according to MarketWatch. This makes them far more accessible to the average investor.

The key difference between Class A and Class B shares lies in voting power. Class A shares offer significantly greater influence on corporate decisions. However, for most individual investors who aren’t purchasing a controlling stake, this distinction is unlikely to have a major impact.

Berkshire Hathaway has the highest share price because it’s the product of more than half a century of compounding returns and smart capital allocation. Since 1965, Berkshire Hathaway has averaged an annual per-share return of roughly 20%, nearly double that of the S&P 500 over the same period. 

This remarkable growth stems from Berkshire’s conservative investment approach. The company focuses on acquiring businesses with durable competitive advantages, operational strength, and fair valuations. Its broad portfolio includes insurance, railroads, utilities, manufacturing, and retail. They also hold publicly traded equities in leading companies, like Apple, Bank of America, and American Express. This diversification offers a blend of earnings stability and market-driven upside.

Additionally, CEO Warren Buffet's decision not to stock split has also played a critical role in keeping the share price high. A stock split refers to splitting existing stock to create more shares, which often causes a lower share price to make them more accessible to retail investors.

Another possible reason for the high stock price is that investors recognise Berkshire Hathaway’s value and are willing to pay a premium to own part of it,  whether that belief is grounded in strong financial fundamentals or the company’s reputation. Berkshire’s long-standing track record of strong performance reinforces this perception. Remarkably, since 1990, BRK.A has only ended the year in negative territory six times, a testament to its resilience under the leadership of Warren Buffett, one of the most renowned investors in history.

While Berkshire Hathaway tops the list, there are several other companies with a high stock price:

1. NVR, Inc. (NVR)

Share price: US$$7,133.84* 

NVR operates in two key sectors of the real estate industry: homebuilding and mortgage banking. Its homebuilding division serves 35 metropolitan areas across the US through well-known brands such as Ryan Homes, NVHomes, and Heartland Homes. On the financial side, NVR provides mortgage services, including settlement and title offerings, that support and streamline the homebuying experience.

The company’s exceptionally high stock price reflects strong investor confidence in its resilient business model and long-term growth prospects. NVR’s strategic focus and consistent performance have played a key role in driving sustained shareholder value over time.

2. Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG)

Share price: US$4,437.63*

Booking Holdings is a global online travel services company, which owns several household-name platforms, including Booking.com, Priceline, Kayak, OpenTable, and Cheapflights. They have a presence in more than 220 countries and territories, connecting travellers to accommodations, flights, dining, and more.

Its elevated stock price is largely supported by strong investor belief in the company’s earnings potential and its continued leadership in the digital travel space. Despite minor downward revisions in short-term analyst estimates, Booking Holdings is expected to grow its earnings by 10.6% this fiscal year and by an additional 15.9% the following years, solid growth figures that justify a premium valuation.

Investor sentiment is also influenced by trends in earnings estimates. When analysts revise earnings forecasts upward, it often indicates increased fair value, attracting more buyers and pushing stock prices higher. While recent revisions have dipped slightly, Booking’s long-term outlook remains positive, sustaining investor interest and supporting its high share price.

3. Seaboard Corp. (SEB) 

Share price: US$2,555.00*

Seaboard Corporation is a diversified conglomerate operating across the food, energy, and transportation sectors. Its holdings span pork production, grain milling and trading, sugar and alcohol manufacturing, and power generation. Seaboard also owns Seaboard Marine, a logistics and shipping company serving North America, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Their high share price is driven by a combination of strong financial performance, a diversified and resilient business model, and a relatively limited number of outstanding shares. In Q4 of fiscal 2024, Seaboard reported a 9% year-over-year increase in revenue, with net earnings more than doubling to US$154 million. Its earnings per share (EPS) reached an impressive US$158.58 for the quarter, highlighting both profitability and the impact of its low share count. 

This financial strength, combined with consistent returns across cyclical industries, makes SEB an attractive investment and helps sustain its elevated stock price.

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4. AutoZone Inc. (AZO) 

Share price: US$3,569.24*

AutoZone is a well-known name among vehicle owners. As the leading retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts in the United States, AutoZone offers a wide selection of products, from motor oil to windshield wipers. The company also offers customers free diagnostic services and connects them with local mechanics through its Shop Referral programme.

With a market capitalisation of US$61.56 billion and a P/E ratio of 23.88, its stock price reflects its solid earnings performance and investors' belief in its continued profitability. While some may consider the stock slightly overvalued in the short term, its financial fundamentals indicate a business well-positioned for long-term resilience and earnings growth.

*The share prices provided are as of market close on April 21, 2025, as recorded on MarketWatch.

It’s important to remember that getting the priciest stock doesn’t automatically mean it’s a smart investment. A more reliable way to assess a company's overall value is by examining its market capitalisation, also known as its market cap. This figure is calculated by multiplying the total number of outstanding shares by the current share price. 

For instance, if a company’s stock trades at US$100 and it has 10 million shares outstanding, its market cap would be US$1 billion.

As of this writing, Berkshire Hathaway’s market cap exceeds US$1.09 trillion.

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If buying a full share of an expensive stock is too costly, there are still ways to gain exposure. One option is to invest through an index fund. These funds are collections of stocks that mirror the performance of a specific market index, like the S&P 500. Since many high-priced stocks are included in these indexes, investing in an index fund gives you a small stake in companies, alongside hundreds of others. It’s a more affordable alternative to purchasing shares outright, and it also helps in the diversification of your portfolio, reducing overall investment risk.

If you're committed to owning individual stocks, consider brokers that offer fractional shares. Fractional shares enable you to purchase a portion of a stock. That way, you can invest in high-priced companies without needing the full share price upfront. Keep in mind that not all brokers support fractional trading for every stock, but platforms like Interactive Brokers offer stocks from US, Canadian, and European companies.

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