Allstate vs Progressive Which Should You Buy?

Both Allstate and Progressive are major players in the insurance industry, but their stocks appeal to different types of investors. Allstate is a stable, dividend-paying company that has a long history of profitability and a strong market presence. On the other hand, Progressive is known for its growth potential and innovative approach to auto insurance. Investors looking for steady returns may prefer Allstate, while those seeking high-growth opportunities may be more interested in Progressive. Ultimately, both stocks offer unique advantages and should be considered based on individual investment goals.

Allstate or Progressive?

When comparing Allstate and Progressive, different investors may prioritize various metrics based on their investment strategies and goals. So, ask yourself what type of investor you are. This will guide you in determining which metrics are most important for your investment decision between Allstate and Progressive.

Dividend Investors:

Dividend investors look for stable and growing income streams, using dividend metrics to assess potential investments. A company's dividend yield essentially measures the size of its dividend relative to the total market value of the company. Allstate has a dividend yield of 1.91%, while Progressive has a dividend yield of 0.47%. Beyond the yield itself, considering the growth and sustainability of these dividends is also crucial. Allstate reports a 5-year dividend growth of 14.11% year and a payout ratio of 25.45%. On the other hand, Progressive reports a 5-year dividend growth of -18.68% year and a payout ratio of 8.53%.

Value Investors:

Value investors focus on financial metrics to determine a stock's intrinsic value compared to its market value. The Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio links stock price to a company's earnings per share, with Allstate P/E ratio at 12.03 and Progressive's P/E ratio at 17.53. Another crucial valuation metric is the Price-to-Book (P/B) Ratio, which compares stock price with book value per share. Allstate P/B ratio is 2.44 while Progressive's P/B ratio is 5.23.

Growth Investors:

Growth investors prioritize metrics indicative of a company's expansion potential. Focusing on top-line growth, Allstate has seen a 5-year revenue growth of 0.90%, while Progressive's is 0.93%. Return on Equity (ROE) measures how effectively a company uses equity investment to generate earnings, with Allstate's ROE at 22.29% and Progressive's ROE at 35.04%.

Retail Investors:

Retail investors often consider stock affordability and company familiarity. For example, day low prices are $191.95 for Allstate and $241.33 for Progressive. Over the past year, Allstate's prices ranged from $134.17 to $209.88, with a yearly change of 56.43%. Progressive's prices fluctuated between $149.14 and $270.62, with a yearly change of 81.45%. Brand recognition also plays a role, as familiarity with a company can influence investment decisions.