Starter Stock Portfolio: 14 Safe Stocks to Buy Now

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2. The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR)

The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR) ranks among the 14 safe stocks to buy now for a starter stock portfolio. Goldman Sachs reaffirmed its buy rating and $225 price target for The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR) on February 23 in response to the company’s January 2026 results. The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR) recorded net income of $1.16 billion, up 4% from $1.12 billion in the same month of the previous year. The company’s net premiums written increased 4% to $6.74 billion, while net premiums earned rose 5% to $6.92 billion.

The company’s average earnings per share forecast for 2026–2028 remains unchanged, indicating that a somewhat lower growth outlook is offset by a slightly higher buyback expectation.

Notably, Goldman Sachs considers The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR) to be one of the more appealing investment prospects among property and liability insurers. The firm expects policies in force growth to be 8.1% in 2026, compared to street estimates of 7.3%.

The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR) is an insurance holding company that provides residential property insurance, personal and commercial auto insurance, and other specialty property-casualty insurance and related services.

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