Splurge-Worthy Stocks For Your Portfolio

Many investment media outlets have been buzzing in recent years, about which stock would be the next to cross the coveted $1,000 per share barrier. Would be Google GOOG, or Apple AAPL?

The fact is while the $1,000 per share may be a psychological milestone, it also offers real indication of a company's strength and health. Investors who might be willing to take a risk at $20 or even $100 per share might think twice about spending such a large amount on a single share.

And while the following companies do not have as high a stock price as Google, they nonetheless represent companies whose stock prices are relatively high, but are still worth a look:

BlackRock Inc. BLK. This past February, when Benzinga featured the 20 most expensive stocks in the U.S., BlackRock already had an impressive per share value of $239.92. The company has continued its impressive record of earnings and per share growth, leaping to just over $300 in recent trading. This investment management firm has profited nicely in the easy-lending environment under quantitative easing.

Amazon AMZN. The company came in at 263.11 back in February. We ranked it as the ninth most expensive stock in the U.S. at the time. Since then the company's stock has shot up to over $325.00 per share. Amazon is benefiting from continuing growth of its online store, which now offers everything from books to music to live plants. The Kindle series of products has also revolutionized the company's business and helped expand the bottom line.

Chipotle CMG This restaurant chain has a stock chart that would make any investor smile. The company came in at $313.29 in our February assessment. The stock is now trading in the range of $515, nearly a 65 percent increase. For the sake of comparison, Chipotle was number eight on the list in February. Its price today would have qualified it to be number three.

Google GOOG. It certainly has had quite the run, crossing the $1,000 per share mark  and beating out Apple for that distinction in the process. Google is riding high off the success of its Android operating system and strong domination of the internet search market, and is currently trading in the range of $1,010.

Priceline PCLN was number two on our February list, with a stock price of $698.54. The company has since overtaken Google as tops on this list, with a stock price of just under $1,060 as of the writing of this article. Priceline offers discounted travel and accommodations online.

Honorable Mention

The U.S. company with the highest stock price is Berkshire Hathaway BRK. The company has the highest stock price in the U.S., but was not included in our February listing because it is not listed in the S&P 500. To purchase a share of this company, run by legendary investor Warren Buffett, will cost approximately $175,000.