3 Stocks Over $1,200 Outperforming S&P 500

The landscape of U.S.-listed stocks reveals a striking rarity: only 16 companies currently trade above $1,000 per share. This exclusivity stems from corporate preferences for maintaining affordable share prices through regular stock splits, which encourages broader investor participation. The notable exception is Berkshire Hathaway, whose Class A shares trade at nearly $750,000 each – the highest price on the market – demonstrating the company’s long-standing resistance to stock splits. While high share prices often signal strong historical performance, they don’t guarantee future gains, making selective investment crucial in this elite category.

The three highlighted stocks – Booking Holdings trading at nearly $5,550, MercadoLibre commanding over $2,480, and Netflix hovering at $1,210 – represent exceptional cases where premium valuations align with outstanding operational performance. Each has delivered year-to-date returns that substantially outpace the S&P 500’s 16% gain, with Booking Holdings surging 45%, MercadoLibre returning 45%, and Netflix gaining 35%. This performance divergence underscores why these particular high-priced stocks merit investor attention despite their intimidating share prices.

Booking Holdings, the parent company of Booking.com and other travel platforms, trades at almost $5,550 per share – a level that might deter some retail investors but reflects its commanding 40% market share in online travel bookings. The company’s 45% year-to-date stock performance significantly outpaces the broader market, driven by robust post-pandemic recovery and strategic execution. Second-quarter results demonstrated this strength, with revenue climbing 16% year-over-year to $6.8 billion, fueled by a 13% increase in gross bookings to $46.7 billion.

The company’s financial discipline shines through its 32% increase in adjusted earnings to $55.40 per share and impressive free cash flow generation of $3.1 billion, up 32% from the previous year. This financial strength funds strategic initiatives including share buybacks and technology investments in AI-driven personalization through platforms like OpenTable. Growth is particularly strong in emerging markets, with Asia-Pacific bookings growing by low double-digit percentages, while U.S. leisure travel remains robust despite economic headwinds.

Analysts project 11% revenue growth for 2025, with earnings expanding 18% to $221.41 per share. Trading at 21 times forward earnings – below its five-year average – Booking Holdings offers relative value despite its premium share price. While geopolitical tensions present risks, the company’s powerful network effects create a sustainable competitive moat: more listings attract more users, which in turn boosts commission revenue. For long-term investors, this high-flyer represents a compelling opportunity for steady compounding growth.

MercadoLibre, often called the ‘Amazon of Latin America,’ commands over $2,480 per share, reflecting its dominance across a region serving 650 million consumers. The company’s 45% year-to-date return crushes the S&P 500’s performance, making it a compelling investment amid accelerating digital adoption waves throughout Latin America. Second-quarter results highlight this momentum, with revenue reaching $6.8 billion – a 34% increase – while merchandise volume grew 21% to $15.3 billion.

The company’s fintech arm, Mercado Pago, demonstrates remarkable growth, processing $64.6 billion in payments – a 39% year-over-year increase – as user penetration expanded significantly in key markets like Brazil and Argentina. Operating income soared 13% to $825 million, supported by logistics expansions that have reduced delivery times and improved customer experience. Economic recoveries across Latin America bolster prospects, with Argentina’s inflation cooling to 1.9% monthly spurring 70% e-commerce growth, while Brazil’s stable policies drove 26% payment volume gains.

MercadoLibre’s integrated ecosystem – spanning retail, finance, and logistics – yields impressive 21% take rates, far exceeding industry peers. While the stock’s forward P/E ratio of 37 appears steep, projected 30% annual EPS growth through 2027 justifies this premium valuation. Currency volatility remains a challenge, but the company’s hedging strategies mitigate approximately 80% of this exposure. With significant market share and substantial room for growth in underserved areas, MercadoLibre’s long-term revenue growth prospects remain exceptionally strong for investors seeking emerging market exposure.

Netflix’s $1,210 share price highlights its successful evolution from DVD rentals to global entertainment juggernaut, with the company’s 35% year-to-date performance easily topping the S&P 500’s gains. This outperformance is driven by robust subscriber growth and the remarkable success of its ad-supported tier, making it a compelling investment ahead of potential earnings catalysts. The ad-supported plan, launched in 2023, has exploded in popularity during 2025, with 45% of new sign-ups choosing this option.

The company added 8 million subscribers in the second quarter to reach 285 million globally, while revenue increased 17% to $9.8 billion. The ad-tier success has pushed average revenue per user to $12.50, representing an 8% increase. Operating margins expanded to 25%, generating $2.5 billion in free cash flow that supports continued content investments. Netflix’s venture into live events has proven particularly successful, with hits like the Mike Tyson fight last year drawing 50 million viewers and boosting engagement by 20%.

International expansion continues to drive growth, with Asia and EMEA regions adding 5 million subscribers quarterly, while crackdowns on password sharing have stabilized churn at just 2%. Analysts forecast 15% revenue growth and a 32% EPS increase for 2025, with ad revenue projected to hit $2 billion. Trading at 37 times forward earnings, Netflix’s valuation aligns with growth peers despite ongoing competition from Disney. The company’s 80% original content library and sophisticated data-driven algorithms ensure strong retention rates, positioning Netflix to capitalize as broadband penetration reaches 90% of emerging market households.