Progressive Stock Tumbles Nearly 6% Despite Earnings Growth
Progressive Corp. (PGR) shares plunged almost 6% Wednesday despite reporting double-digit growth in key metrics, as investors reacted to earnings misses against analyst expectations. The insurer's Q3 net premiums written ROSE 10% to $21.4 billion while GAAP net income climbed 12% to $2.6 billion, yet both figures fell short of Wall Street's $21.8 billion and $5.05 per share estimates.
Policy growth emerged as a bright spot, with September figures showing 12% year-over-year expansion to 38 million total policies. Auto insurance led the gains, though management offered minimal commentary in the earnings release. Market participants now await Tuesday's conference call for clarity on the mixed results.