Two Stocks for $2K? (Don’t Panic)

Okay, let’s be real. The stock market right now? It’s like trying to find a reasonably priced avocado. Everything feels…inflated. The Shiller P/E ratio – which, let’s face it, sounds like a law firm – is basically screaming that we’re in expensive territory. It’s enough to make you want to just stuff your money under a mattress and binge-watch documentaries about competitive cheese rolling. But, you know, diversification. So, if you’ve got two grand burning a hole in your pocket, and you’re not planning a spontaneous trip to Iceland, here are a couple of stocks that might not make you rich overnight, but won’t leave you questioning all your life choices.

This Oil and Gas Giant (Yes, Still)

Chevron (CVX +0.91%) is in the oil and gas business. I know, groundbreaking. It’s a sector that’s basically a rollercoaster powered by global instability. But Chevron, bless their corporate hearts, has a strategy. It’s called “being an integrated oil and gas company.” Which basically means they do everything from pulling the stuff out of the ground to turning it into gasoline, so they can, you know, profit no matter which way the price swings. It’s like having a hedge fund built into an energy company. Very efficient.

They’ve also been really good at finding assets that aren’t, shall we say, completely reliant on a global oil crisis. The Stabroek Block in Guyana – acquired with the Hess deal – is a big deal. Low-cost production, decades of potential, and a break-even price that won’t make you weep. Plus, they’re in the Permian Basin, which is basically the Texas oil patch. If prices go up, they can ramp things up. It’s like having a dimmer switch on your oil production. And right now, the market is giving them a valuation that suggests it doesn’t fully appreciate this. Analysts see earnings per share climbing to $9.09 in 2027 and $11.01 in 2028. That’s not a bad trajectory, even for a company that drills holes in the earth.

This Blue Chip is Having a Moment (of Undervaluation)

Progressive (PGR 2.54%) is an insurance company. Shocking, I know. But this isn’t your uncle’s Geico. They consistently outperform their peers in underwriting profitability. It’s like they have a secret formula… or just really good actuaries. They aim for a consistent underwriting profit of at least 4% of premiums, which, in the insurance world, is like hitting a hole-in-one. It’s a long game, and they’re playing it well.

The stock has taken a hit recently – down 30% from its all-time high. Apparently, the insurance market is getting… competitive. After years of inflation driving up premiums, things are softening. It’s like everyone suddenly realized they could shop around. But Progressive is still crushing it. Last year, they earned $11.3 billion on $83 billion of premiums. Their combined ratio was a stellar 87.4%. And they even threw in a special dividend of $13.50 per share in December. Which, let’s be honest, is a nice way to say, “We’re still doing okay, despite everything.”

Currently, Progressive is trading at 12.9 times forward earnings. Which, in the world of blue-chip stocks, is basically a steal. It’s like finding a designer handbag at a thrift store. It’s not going to solve all your problems, but it’s a good start.

2026-02-07 15:52

This Oil and Gas Giant (Yes, Still)

This Blue Chip is Having a Moment (of Undervaluation)

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