Berkshire Hathaway vs. Markel: Which Is the Better Buy Now?

By Matt Frankel, CFP and Tyler Crowe – Sep 17, 2023 at 6:37AM EST

NYSE: BRK.B

Berkshire Hathaway

Market Cap

$1.1T

Today's Change

(-0.69%) $3.43

Current Price

$495.24

Price as of January 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET

Which of these unique businesses is the best long-term investment?

Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A 0.74%)(BRK.B 0.69%) and Markel (MKL 1.04%) have quite a few similarities, as both are insurance businesses at their core, and both use their insurance operations to invest in other businesses. But which one is the better buy for you?

*Stock prices used were the afternoon prices of Sep. 14, 2023. The video was published on Sep. 15, 2023.

Matt Frankel, CFP, is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst and personal finance expert covering financial stocks, REITs, SPACs, and personal finance. Prior to The Motley Fool, Matt taught high school and college mathematics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of South Carolina, a master’s degree in mathematics from Nova Southeastern University, and a graduate certificate in financial planning from Florida State University. He won a SABEW award for coverage of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He is also regularly interviewed by Cheddar, The National Desk, and other TV networks and publications for his financial, stock market, and investing expertise.

TMFMattFrankel

@MattFrankelCFP

Stocks Mentioned

*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.

Berkshire Hathaway vs. Markel: Which Is the Better Buy Now?

NYSE: BRK.B