Progressive Corporation News

A proposed ballot question that would legalize the medicinal use of marijuana in Massachusetts is being bankrolled almost entirely by an Ohio billionaire who has backed similar efforts in other states.

BOSTON - A ballot question supporting the medicinal use of marijuana in Massachusetts is being bankrolled almost entirely by an Ohio billionaire who has backed similar efforts in other states.

A.M. Best reiterated issuer credit ratings of "a" and debt ratings of senior unsecured notes on The Progressive Corporation .

Progressive was downgraded by equities research analysts at Goldman Sachs from a "neutral" rating to a "sell" rating in a research note issued to investors on Thursday.

Phone representatives will sell policies, answer customer questions or help customers file accident claims.

Progressive 's stock had its "neutral" rating reaffirmed by Zacks Investment Research in a report issued on Monday.

Progressive Corp .'s earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2011 were 42 cents, declining 8% from 45 cents in the year-ago quarter.