Early Bird Prime for July 26, 2026

The Progressive Corporation $PGR ( ▲ 3.27% ), the insurance giant, is up 0.81% in 2026. Yes, you read that right: 0.81%. While the broader market is great, Progressive seems to be stuck.

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty. Progressive’s recent financial results were mixed. The net premiums earned have been disappointing, and the slower premium growth is an issue. Add in the pressure from a higher core loss ratio, and you’ve got an underperforming stock.

But just when you thought the story was over, an analyst at Morgan Stanley praised the stock recently. They’ve upgraded the stock to Equalweight, citing “relatively steady” trends and a reset on its valuation.

Progressive is still one of the largest auto insurers in the United States. Its brand recognition is strong, and its data advantages in pricing risk are sharp. So, while the financial results might be a bit of a rollercoaster, the company’s fundamentals are as solid as a rock.

One thing Progressive has going for it is its reputation for disciplined capital allocation. It has a good balance sheet and gives dividends when there’s excess cash.

Should you buy Progressive’s stock right now in 2026 or avoid it? Here’s the answer…