Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B) vs Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)

A side-by-side comparison of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and Microsoft Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare
Different business models: BRK.B is classified in Financial Services; MSFT is classified in Technology. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnBRK.B vs MSFT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
BRK.B +2314.3%MSFT +7530.9%MSFT compounded faster
02k4k6k8k10kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,414$7,631
BRK.B MSFT

BRK.B vs MSFT: by the numbers

  • MSFT is the larger company ($2.92T vs $1.11T market cap).
  • BRK.B trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (14.80 vs 23.16 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MSFT converts more revenue to profit (39.34% vs 19.31% net margin).
  • MSFT grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.75% vs 8.57% CAGR).
  • MSFT pays a dividend (0.91% yield), while BRK.B has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricBRK.BMSFT
P/E ratio14.8023.16
Forward P/E23.8922.87
P/S ratio2.869.10
P/B ratio1.476.99
PEG ratio1.262.34
EV / EBITDAN/A15.53
FCF yieldN/A2.52%

Profitability

MetricBRK.BMSFT
Gross margin25.14%68.31%
Operating margin16.06%46.80%
Net margin19.31%39.34%
ROE9.97%30.22%
ROIC4.12%21.63%

Dividends

MetricBRK.BMSFT
Dividend yieldN/A0.91%
Payout ratioN/A25.99%

Growth (annualized)

MetricBRK.BMSFT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.57%14.75%
EPS CAGR (5Y)11.79%18.68%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A6.27%
Total return CAGR (5Y)12.93%7.19%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, BRK.B or MSFT?
BRK.B has the lower trailing P/E: BRK.B trades at 14.80 and MSFT at 23.16. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, BRK.B or MSFT?
Over the past five years, MSFT grew revenue faster — BRK.B at a 8.57% CAGR versus MSFT at 14.75%.
Does BRK.B or MSFT pay a bigger dividend?
MSFT pays a dividend (0.91% yield), while BRK.B has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is BRK.B or MSFT more profitable?
MSFT runs the higher net margin — BRK.B at 19.31% versus MSFT at 39.34%.
How have BRK.B and MSFT total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, BRK.B delivered 13.47% and MSFT delivered 22.86% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 28, 2026.