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CNA vs HIG
Which Stock Would AI Choose? CNA Financial (CNA) vs. The Hartford Financial Services Group (HIG) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CNA is a commercial and specialty property and casualty (P&C) insurer majority-owned by Loews Corporation, while HIG operates a more diversified platform spanning commercial lines, personal lines, group benefits, and mutual funds.
- CNA has shown stronger recent momentum, with its shares up by double digits on a year-to-date basis, whereas HIG experienced a notable pullback in recent weeks after a prolonged stretch of outperformance.
- Both companies have benefited from higher net investment income, a theme supporting the broader insurance sector.
- CNA trades at a higher price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple but offers a richer dividend yield; HIG screens cheaper on earnings and is deploying a sizable multi-year share buyback.
- The relative performance gap reflects different business mixes, growth drivers, and risk profiles rather than a simple quality gap between the two insurers.
Introduction
Investors evaluating the insurance sector frequently weigh pure-play commercial underwriters against more diversified financial services names. This stock comparison examines CNA Financial Corporation, a Chicago-based commercial and specialty P&C insurer controlled by Loews Corporation, against HIG, The Hartford Financial Services Group, a Connecticut-based insurer with commercial, personal, and group benefits operations plus a mutual fund business. Both generate the bulk of earnings from underwriting and investment income, yet their market positioning, growth profiles, and recent stock behavior have diverged. This analysis is relevant to traders tracking sector rotation and to long-term investors comparing valuation, capital returns, and risk exposure across two established, investment-grade insurers.
CNA Overview and Recent Performance
CNA Financial Corporation is a commercial property and casualty insurer with a focus on specialty, commercial, and international lines, serving middle-market and large businesses primarily through independent agents. Loews Corporation holds a stake of roughly 92%, giving the company a stable ownership structure but a relatively small public float.
In recent quarters, CNA has delivered premium growth supported by strong new business activity, while net investment income has risen on higher reinvestment rates and returns from limited partnerships and common stocks. However, underwriting margins have narrowed as the combined ratio (a key insurance metric measuring losses and expenses as a percentage of premiums; lower is better) has crept higher, reflecting elevated casualty loss trends and catastrophe impacts. Market sentiment has been mixed: analysts have adjusted price targets in both directions, and the stock's relative performance has improved in recent weeks after a period of consolidation. Longer term, CNA's steady revenue growth, modest valuation, and consistent dividend have supported investor interest, even as legacy long-term care and mass tort exposures remain watch items.
HIG Overview and Recent Performance
HIG, The Hartford Financial Services Group, operates a diversified insurance and financial services business. Its segments include commercial (Business Insurance), personal lines such as auto and home (including the AARP auto program), group benefits and absence management, and Hartford Funds, a mutual fund and exchange-traded fund manager.
The company has reported higher core earnings and return on equity (ROE) in recent quarters, aided by strong investment income and improved profitability in its personal insurance business, though prior-period reserve developments and higher expense ratios have intermittently pressured results. Management has emphasized underwriting discipline and pricing rigor, and the board authorized a multi-year share repurchase plan extending into 2028. Despite these fundamentals, the stock has lagged recently, including a notable multi-day decline that pushed shares lower on a year-to-date basis. That pullback contrasts with HIG's strong multi-year track record and reflects shifting sentiment around commercial casualty loss trends and the personal auto pricing cycle rather than a deterioration in the company's core franchise.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between the two companies is business concentration versus diversification. CNA is a focused commercial and specialty underwriter, giving it direct exposure to pricing trends in casualty, professional liability, and specialty lines, but also concentrating its sensitivity to reserve development and social inflation (rising litigation costs). HIG spreads risk across commercial lines, personal auto and home, group benefits, and asset management, which can smooth earnings but adds exposure to the competitive personal auto market and equity-market-sensitive fund flows.
On valuation, HIG generally trades at a lower P/E multiple than CNA, while CNA offers a higher dividend yield and is more thinly held due to Loews' dominant ownership. Both companies have used higher investment income to offset underwriting pressure, and both face similar macro risks: catastrophe losses, casualty loss-cost inflation, and interest-rate swings. The key trade-off is that CNA's pure-play profile offers sharper leverage to commercial insurance pricing, whereas HIG's broader franchise provides diversification at a discounted earnings multiple.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, relative momentum, valuation, and catalyst visibility, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward CNA in the current environment. CNA's steadier recent price action, its position above key moving averages, and its supportive dividend and investment-income backdrop give it a more constructive trend profile than HIG, which is still working through a recent correction despite a cheaper multiple and a sizable buyback. The assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive: HIG's lower valuation and capital return program represent meaningful offsets, and any shift in personal auto pricing or commercial loss trends could alter the relative setup. AI-driven models would weigh these trade-offs continuously rather than relying on a single fixed conclusion.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CNA is a Hold and HIG is a StrongBuy.
CNA in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026
CNA moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 30 of 52 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 08, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on CNA as a result. In 47 of 92 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 51%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for CNA just turned positive on October 06, 2026. Looking at past instances where CNA's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 25 of 50 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
Following a +1.40% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CNA advanced for three days, in 165 of 334 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 49%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 8 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CNA declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 44%.
CNA broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for CNA entered a downward trend on October 12, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 18 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 52, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 34 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.169) is normal, around the industry mean (-1.701). P/E Ratio (10.596) is within average values for comparable stocks, (9.658). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.060) is also within normal values, averaging (3.303). Dividend Yield (0.040) settles around the average of (0.026) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.881) is also within normal values, averaging (1.594).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 51 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. CNA’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 65 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 71 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 92 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
HIG in upward trend: price may ascend as a result of having broken its lower Bollinger Band on September 17, 2026
HIG may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 21 of 32 cases where HIG's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 07, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on HIG as a result. In 50 of 94 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for HIG just turned positive on October 07, 2026. Looking at past instances where HIG's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 29 of 49 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
HIG moved above its 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for HIG crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 19 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
Following a +2.40% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where HIG advanced for three days, in 197 of 355 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 11 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 50-day moving average for HIG moved below the 200-day moving average on October 09, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where HIG declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 47%.
The Aroon Indicator for HIG entered a downward trend on October 12, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 6 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 56, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 46 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.906) is normal, around the industry mean (1.611). P/E Ratio (8.679) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.593). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.540) is also within normal values, averaging (0.465). Dividend Yield (0.018) settles around the average of (0.062) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.313) is also within normal values, averaging (1.806).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 48 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. HIG’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 68 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 91 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
CNA | HIG | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 21 | 38 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 34 Fair valued | 46 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 18 | 6 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 92 | 91 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 51 | 48 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 71 | 68 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 65 | 75 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CNA's Valuation (34) in the Multi Line Insurance industry is in the same range as HIG (46). This means that CNA’s stock grew similarly to HIG’s over the last 12 months.
HIG's Profit vs Risk Rating (6) in the Multi Line Insurance industry is in the same range as CNA (18). This means that HIG’s stock grew similarly to CNA’s over the last 12 months.
HIG's SMR Rating (91) in the Multi Line Insurance industry is in the same range as CNA (92). This means that HIG’s stock grew similarly to CNA’s over the last 12 months.
HIG's Price Growth Rating (48) in the Multi Line Insurance industry is in the same range as CNA (51). This means that HIG’s stock grew similarly to CNA’s over the last 12 months.
HIG's P/E Growth Rating (68) in the Multi Line Insurance industry is in the same range as CNA (71). This means that HIG’s stock grew similarly to CNA’s over the last 12 months.
| CNA | HIG | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 47% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 56% | 1 day ago 46% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 51% | 1 day ago 53% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 50% | 1 day ago 59% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 49% | 1 day ago 53% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 51% | 1 day ago 51% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 49% | 7 days ago 55% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 25 days ago 44% | 23 days ago 47% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 4 days ago 66% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 69% | 1 day ago 41% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CNA’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while HIG’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- CNA’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- HIG’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CNA’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while HIG’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CNA’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- HIG’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
CNA (@Property/Casualty Insurance) experienced а +2.29% price change this week, while HIG (@Multi-Line Insurance) price change was +2.93% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Property/Casualty Insurance industry was +3.54%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +7.25%, and the average quarterly price growth was +19.07%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Multi-Line Insurance industry was +1.99%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +2.20%, and the average quarterly price growth was -0.55%.
Reported Earning Dates
CNA is expected to report earnings on Nov 02, 2026.
HIG is expected to report earnings on Oct 26, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Property/Casualty Insurance (+3.54% weekly)Property and casualty companies insure against accidents of non-physical harm, such as lawsuits, damage to personal assets, car crashes and more. Progressive Corporation, Travelers Companies, Inc. and Allstate Corporation are some of the biggest providers of such products.
@Multi-Line Insurance (+1.99% weekly)A multi-line insurance contract bundles together exposures to risk and covers them under a single contract. For providers of such policies, the bundle is a potential risk diversification strategy since their exposure gets spread over several factors, which helps them mitigate a financial burden if a catastrophic event were to occur. Other potential benefits include getting more premiums from including more than one type of insurance in a bundle, and getting a competitive edge by procuring multiple insurance contracts with a customer. Examples of companies in this industry are Berkshire Hathaway (which owns several insurance companies), Chubb Limited, American International Group, Inc. and Sun Life Financial Inc.
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CNA and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CNA has been closely correlated with L. These tickers have moved in lockstep 81% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if CNA jumps, then L could also see price increases.
HIG and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, HIG has been closely correlated with TRV. These tickers have moved in lockstep 88% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if HIG jumps, then TRV could also see price increases.