Berkshire's outlook for 2018 is bright, Barron's adds, with a combination of solid economic fundamentals and a reduced federal income tax rate leading them to estimate that 2018 EPS easily will surpass $12,000 per class A share. Given Thursday's close of $299,210 per share, that implies a forward P/E ratio of 24.9. Additionally, Barron's projects that Berkshire's book value per share will end the fourth quarter at about $211,000, giving it a price to book ratio of 1.4.
Berkshire's diverse array of operating divisions include, among others, the Burlington Northern railroad, Lubrizol chemicals, and aircraft parts manufacturer Precision Castparts. Barron's indicates that manufacturing and industrial businesses such as these are likely to benefit from robust economic conditions in 2018.
Read more: Why Buffett's Berkshire Is Biggest Winner of 2017 | Investopedia www.investopedia.com/news/...ggest-winner-2017/#ixzz52fRJcy00