Berkshire Hathaway vs Progressive (BRK-B vs PGR)
Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-B) vs Progressive (PGR) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-B) and Progressive (PGR) compete in insurance. Here are Berkshire Hathaway and Progressive side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Berkshire Hathaway or Progressive.
Berkshire Hathaway vs Progressive: the figures
| Figure | Berkshire Hathaway | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $579.09 (November 4, 2026) | $234.82 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $1.24 trillion | $136.0 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 14.6x | 11.8x |
| Forward P/E | 25.8x | 14.5x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +10.0% | +3.0% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 22.3% | 12.7% |
| ROE | 12.1% | 33.2% |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.17% |
| Beta | 0.57 | 0.20 |
Berkshire Hathaway and Progressive figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Berkshire Hathaway or Progressive figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Berkshire Hathaway and Progressive
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Berkshire Hathaway keeps 22.3 as net profit and Progressive keeps 12.7.
- Debt: Progressive owes 0.4x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Berkshire Hathaway holds more cash than debt.
- Size: Berkshire Hathaway is worth $1.24 trillion on the stock market, about 9.1 times Progressive ($136.0 billion).
Berkshire Hathaway or Progressive: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Berkshire Hathaway is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Progressive pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Berkshire Hathaway has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Progressive trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Berkshire Hathaway nor Progressive wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Berkshire Hathaway and Progressive make money
Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-B)
Berkshire Hathaway is a conglomerate built around insurance, including GEICO, General Re and Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance, whose premiums it invests. It also owns the BNSF railroad, Berkshire Hathaway Energy and manufacturing, service and retail businesses such as Precision Castparts, Lubrizol, McLane and Dairy Queen, plus a large stock portfolio. Full Berkshire Hathaway analysis.
Progressive (PGR)
Progressive sells car insurance to individuals, its main business, both directly online and by phone and through independent agents. Its segments are Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, which covers trucks and business vehicles, and Property, which writes homeowners policies. It operates in the United States. Full Progressive analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Berkshire Hathaway vs Progressive
Is Berkshire Hathaway or Progressive the better stock?
Choosing between Berkshire Hathaway and Progressive depends on what you are looking for. Berkshire Hathaway is growing faster right now, and Progressive trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Berkshire Hathaway or Progressive: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Berkshire Hathaway or Progressive?
As of November 4, 2026, Progressive yields 0.17% and Berkshire Hathaway pays none. Also check how much of their profit Berkshire Hathaway and Progressive pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Berkshire Hathaway or Progressive?
On P/E, Berkshire Hathaway (14.6x) is more expensive than Progressive (11.8x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Berkshire Hathaway and Progressive?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Berkshire Hathaway and Progressive, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Berkshire Hathaway or Progressive.
More comparisons with Berkshire Hathaway or Progressive
More companies like Berkshire Hathaway and Progressive: insurance stocks. Educational content about Berkshire Hathaway and Progressive, not investment advice.