Banks Are Essential for a Bull Market: 3 Stocks Showing Positive Trends.
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 16 2025
0mins
Source: Barron's
- Willie Sutton's Quote: Willie Sutton famously stated he robbed banks "because that’s where the money is," highlighting a pragmatic approach to crime.
- Insight into Criminal Mindset: The quote reflects a broader understanding of criminal motivations, emphasizing the pursuit of financial gain.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy PGR?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on PGR
Wall Street analysts forecast PGR stock price to rise
16 Analyst Rating
9 Buy
6 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 213.660
Low
214.00
Averages
257.11
High
328.00
Current: 213.660
Low
214.00
Averages
257.11
High
328.00
About PGR
The Progressive Corporation is an insurance holding company, which has insurance and non-insurance subsidiaries and affiliates. The Company’s segments include Personal Lines, Commercial Lines and Other indemnity. The Personal Lines segment writes insurance for personal autos and special lines products. Its special lines of products include recreational vehicles, such as motorcycles, RVs, and watercraft. Its Personal Lines products are sold through both the agency and direct channels. The Commercial Lines segment writes auto-related liability and physical damage insurance, business-related general liability and commercial property insurance predominately for small businesses, and workers’ compensation insurance primarily for the transportation industry. Its reinsurance activity includes both transactions which are regulated and those that are non-regulated. It offers shopping tools and services, such as Name Your Price, Snapshot, and HomeQuote Explorer.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Walmart Beats Earnings Expectations, E-commerce Penetration Hits Record High
- Walmart Earnings Surprise: Walmart reported earnings of $0.74 per share, exceeding expectations, although its conservative guidance raises concerns about potential economic slowdown as its market share among high-income households grows.
- Record E-commerce Penetration: Walmart's e-commerce penetration reached 23%, a record high, driving operating income growth and demonstrating success in its digital transformation, thereby enhancing its competitive position in the market.
- Booking Holdings Stock Volatility: Despite Booking Holdings posting strong earnings and guiding for 15% revenue growth next quarter, its shares fell 7.5%, indicating investor concerns over its stock split announcement and future growth prospects.
- eBay Acquires Etsy's Depop: eBay's acquisition of Etsy's Depop business for over $1 billion has been positively received by the market, but analysts warn that this may impact eBay's shareholder returns, while Etsy benefits from cash flow, making it the bigger winner in the deal.
See More
Walmart Beats Earnings Expectations, E-commerce Penetration Hits Record High
- Earnings Beat: Walmart reported earnings of $0.74 per share, exceeding expectations, and while its guidance remains conservative, the company's historical trend of raising forecasts suggests potential for future growth, enhancing investor confidence.
- Record E-commerce Penetration: Walmart's e-commerce penetration reached 23%, a record high, which not only boosts operating income but also indicates successful digital transformation, further solidifying its market position.
- Booking Holdings Stock Volatility: Despite Booking Holdings posting strong earnings, its stock fell 7.5%, indicating market skepticism towards its 25-for-1 stock split, even as it forecasts 15% revenue growth for the upcoming quarter, reflecting investor concerns about future growth.
- Etsy and eBay Acquisition Deal: eBay's acquisition of Etsy's Depop business was met with positive market reactions, but analysts suggest Etsy is the bigger winner, gaining cash flow while shedding a distraction, highlighting its successful strategic realignment.
See More
Major Earnings Reports Expected Before Monday's Open
- Earnings Release Companies: Before Monday's market open, major companies such as Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), Uniti Group (UNIT), Progressive Corporation (PGR), uniQure N.V. (QURE), and Xeris Biopharma Holdings (XERS) are set to report earnings, which may have a notable impact on the market.
- Additional Earnings Announcements: In addition to the major players, companies like AAON, ADT, CGEN, CRC, CRCQW, GASS, KNTNF, KOS, KSPI, NEXT, RDNT, SATS, SEE, SNN, TPB, URGN, VG, VTS, WHF, and ZYME will also release earnings before Monday's open, potentially influencing investor decisions.
- Market Reaction Expectations: Investors are expected to closely monitor these earnings reports to assess company performance in the current economic climate, which could affect market sentiment and stock price volatility.
- Earnings Season Calendar: Seeking Alpha offers a comprehensive earnings season calendar, allowing investors to access more information to aid in their investment strategies.
See More
Berkshire Hathaway Reports Significant Decline in Q4 Operating Earnings
- Operating Earnings Decline: Berkshire Hathaway reported Q4 operating earnings of $10.2 billion, down 29% year-over-year, primarily due to weakness in its insurance business, highlighting challenges in its diversified operations.
- Insurance Business Losses: Insurance underwriting profits plummeted 54% to $1.56 billion, while investment income fell nearly 25% to $3.1 billion, reflecting pressures in the insurance market and its impact on overall profitability.
- Annual Overall Earnings Drop: Total overall earnings for 2025 fell to $66.97 billion from $89 billion the previous year, indicating volatility in investment performance and potential implications for shareholders.
- Cash Reserves Slightly Decrease: Despite no stock buybacks, Berkshire's cash reserves dipped from $381.6 billion to $373.3 billion, demonstrating a cautious approach to capital allocation and reflecting its strategy in navigating market fluctuations.
See More
Billionaire Investor Halvorsen's Portfolio Changes in Q4 2025
- Portfolio Adjustment: In Q4 2025, Viking Global Investors sold significant positions in Nike, Netflix, and Meta Platforms, shifting focus to three insurance stocks, indicating a strategic pivot towards traditional sectors amid uncertainties in tech stocks.
- New Insurance Investments: Viking's new positions in insurance stocks UnitedHealth Group, Chubb, and Progressive, each valued between $300 million and $400 million, suggest Halvorsen's optimistic outlook on the insurance sector's potential growth despite increasing market competition.
- Nike's Challenges: Nike is undergoing a brand turnaround after years of competitive pressure, but slow progress and Trump's tariff policies may have led Halvorsen to believe that the investment's return timeline was too lengthy, prompting his exit.
- Netflix Acquisition Risks: Netflix's pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery assets faces regulatory scrutiny and skepticism regarding its acquisition capabilities, and Halvorsen's divestment may reflect concerns about the company's future growth strategy.
See More
Tiger Cubs Thrive: Viking Global's Strategic Shift
- Portfolio Adjustment: In Q4 2025, Viking Global Investors exited positions in Nike, Netflix, and Meta, which collectively accounted for about 5% of the fund's capital, indicating a cautious outlook on these companies amid increasing market competition.
- Nike's Turnaround Challenges: Nike is struggling with its brand turnaround due to intensified competition and internal strategy issues, leading Viking's team to perceive the investment's return timeline as too lengthy, prompting their exit.
- Netflix Acquisition Risks: Netflix is in a bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery assets, and despite skepticism about its acquisition capabilities, the stock rose 13.77% in 2025, reflecting market expectations for potential growth.
- Insurance Stock Investments: Viking initiated new positions in insurance stocks including UnitedHealth, Chubb, and Progressive, each valued between $300 million and $400 million, showcasing confidence in the insurance sector's future growth despite market competition and regulatory pressures.
See More
Walmart Beats Earnings Expectations, E-commerce Penetration Hits Record High
- Walmart Earnings Surprise: Walmart reported earnings of $0.74 per share, exceeding expectations, although its conservative guidance raises concerns about potential economic slowdown as its market share among high-income households grows.
- Record E-commerce Penetration: Walmart's e-commerce penetration reached 23%, a record high, driving operating income growth and demonstrating success in its digital transformation, thereby enhancing its competitive position in the market.
- Booking Holdings Stock Volatility: Despite Booking Holdings posting strong earnings and guiding for 15% revenue growth next quarter, its shares fell 7.5%, indicating investor concerns over its stock split announcement and future growth prospects.
- eBay Acquires Etsy's Depop: eBay's acquisition of Etsy's Depop business for over $1 billion has been positively received by the market, but analysts warn that this may impact eBay's shareholder returns, while Etsy benefits from cash flow, making it the bigger winner in the deal.
See More
Walmart Beats Earnings Expectations, E-commerce Penetration Hits Record High
- Earnings Beat: Walmart reported earnings of $0.74 per share, exceeding expectations, and while its guidance remains conservative, the company's historical trend of raising forecasts suggests potential for future growth, enhancing investor confidence.
- Record E-commerce Penetration: Walmart's e-commerce penetration reached 23%, a record high, which not only boosts operating income but also indicates successful digital transformation, further solidifying its market position.
- Booking Holdings Stock Volatility: Despite Booking Holdings posting strong earnings, its stock fell 7.5%, indicating market skepticism towards its 25-for-1 stock split, even as it forecasts 15% revenue growth for the upcoming quarter, reflecting investor concerns about future growth.
- Etsy and eBay Acquisition Deal: eBay's acquisition of Etsy's Depop business was met with positive market reactions, but analysts suggest Etsy is the bigger winner, gaining cash flow while shedding a distraction, highlighting its successful strategic realignment.
See More
Major Earnings Reports Expected Before Monday's Open
- Earnings Release Companies: Before Monday's market open, major companies such as Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), Uniti Group (UNIT), Progressive Corporation (PGR), uniQure N.V. (QURE), and Xeris Biopharma Holdings (XERS) are set to report earnings, which may have a notable impact on the market.
- Additional Earnings Announcements: In addition to the major players, companies like AAON, ADT, CGEN, CRC, CRCQW, GASS, KNTNF, KOS, KSPI, NEXT, RDNT, SATS, SEE, SNN, TPB, URGN, VG, VTS, WHF, and ZYME will also release earnings before Monday's open, potentially influencing investor decisions.
- Market Reaction Expectations: Investors are expected to closely monitor these earnings reports to assess company performance in the current economic climate, which could affect market sentiment and stock price volatility.
- Earnings Season Calendar: Seeking Alpha offers a comprehensive earnings season calendar, allowing investors to access more information to aid in their investment strategies.
See More
Berkshire Hathaway Reports Significant Decline in Q4 Operating Earnings
- Operating Earnings Decline: Berkshire Hathaway reported Q4 operating earnings of $10.2 billion, down 29% year-over-year, primarily due to weakness in its insurance business, highlighting challenges in its diversified operations.
- Insurance Business Losses: Insurance underwriting profits plummeted 54% to $1.56 billion, while investment income fell nearly 25% to $3.1 billion, reflecting pressures in the insurance market and its impact on overall profitability.
- Annual Overall Earnings Drop: Total overall earnings for 2025 fell to $66.97 billion from $89 billion the previous year, indicating volatility in investment performance and potential implications for shareholders.
- Cash Reserves Slightly Decrease: Despite no stock buybacks, Berkshire's cash reserves dipped from $381.6 billion to $373.3 billion, demonstrating a cautious approach to capital allocation and reflecting its strategy in navigating market fluctuations.
See More
Billionaire Investor Halvorsen's Portfolio Changes in Q4 2025
- Portfolio Adjustment: In Q4 2025, Viking Global Investors sold significant positions in Nike, Netflix, and Meta Platforms, shifting focus to three insurance stocks, indicating a strategic pivot towards traditional sectors amid uncertainties in tech stocks.
- New Insurance Investments: Viking's new positions in insurance stocks UnitedHealth Group, Chubb, and Progressive, each valued between $300 million and $400 million, suggest Halvorsen's optimistic outlook on the insurance sector's potential growth despite increasing market competition.
- Nike's Challenges: Nike is undergoing a brand turnaround after years of competitive pressure, but slow progress and Trump's tariff policies may have led Halvorsen to believe that the investment's return timeline was too lengthy, prompting his exit.
- Netflix Acquisition Risks: Netflix's pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery assets faces regulatory scrutiny and skepticism regarding its acquisition capabilities, and Halvorsen's divestment may reflect concerns about the company's future growth strategy.
See More
Tiger Cubs Thrive: Viking Global's Strategic Shift
- Portfolio Adjustment: In Q4 2025, Viking Global Investors exited positions in Nike, Netflix, and Meta, which collectively accounted for about 5% of the fund's capital, indicating a cautious outlook on these companies amid increasing market competition.
- Nike's Turnaround Challenges: Nike is struggling with its brand turnaround due to intensified competition and internal strategy issues, leading Viking's team to perceive the investment's return timeline as too lengthy, prompting their exit.
- Netflix Acquisition Risks: Netflix is in a bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery assets, and despite skepticism about its acquisition capabilities, the stock rose 13.77% in 2025, reflecting market expectations for potential growth.
- Insurance Stock Investments: Viking initiated new positions in insurance stocks including UnitedHealth, Chubb, and Progressive, each valued between $300 million and $400 million, showcasing confidence in the insurance sector's future growth despite market competition and regulatory pressures.
See More
