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CNA vs RLI
Which Stock Would AI Choose? CNA Financial Corporation (CNA) vs. RLI Corp. (RLI) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CNA Financial (CNA) is a Chicago-based commercial insurer with a larger scale and a higher dividend yield, but recent combined ratios have weakened above 100% in early 2026.
- RLI Corp. (RLI) is a specialty insurer known for underwriting discipline, sustaining an 86.2% combined ratio in its latest quarter — far stronger than CNA's recent figures.
- Both are property and casualty (P&C) insurers, but CNA skews toward commercial and specialty lines, while RLI focuses on niche specialty products, surety, and casualty.
- CNA has rebounded strongly in recent weeks, trading near the top of its 52-week range, while RLI has been comparatively rangebound with a smaller year-to-date gain.
- Analyst sentiment is mixed for RLI (consensus "Hold") and relatively constructive for CNA (Zacks Rank #2, Buy), highlighting divergent near-term positioning.
- Relative performance, valuation, and momentum differ meaningfully, making this a useful contrast for income-oriented versus quality-growth investors.
Introduction
Investors comparing insurance stocks often face a trade-off between yield and underwriting quality. This stock comparison examines CNA Financial Corporation and RLI Corp., two established U.S. property and casualty insurers with distinct business models, growth profiles, and market positions. CNA offers scale, a meaningful dividend, and a diversified commercial platform, while RLI emphasizes niche specialty expertise and disciplined risk selection. Traders and investors evaluating relative performance, momentum, and risk may find this side-by-side useful for understanding where each name stands in the current market environment. Both trade on the NYSE and are influenced by similar industry forces, including pricing cycles, catastrophe losses, and investment income trends.
CNA Overview and Recent Performance
CNA Financial Corporation is a commercial property and casualty insurer operating through Specialty, Commercial, and International segments, with additional Life & Group and Corporate operations. A majority of its shares are held by Loews Corporation. The company writes coverage for small, middle-market, and large businesses through independent agents and brokers.
In recent market activity, CNA has staged a notable recovery, trading near the upper end of its 52-week range after a pullback earlier in the year. This rebound has lifted the stock's year-to-date and one-year returns into double-digit territory. Supporting the move has been premium growth and record new business — roughly $718 million in new business in its latest reported quarter, with retention near 83%. Net investment income has also climbed, aided by higher reinvestment rates.
However, underwriting margins have softened. CNA's P&C combined ratio (a key measure where figures below 100% indicate an underwriting profit) deteriorated to 102.2% in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting higher loss trends, unfavorable prior-period reserve development in excess casualty and professional liability lines, and catastrophe activity. Management has emphasized underwriting discipline and added reserve prudence in response to social inflation pressures.
RLI Overview and Recent Performance
RLI Corp. is a specialty insurer founded in 1965 and headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. It underwrites property, casualty, and surety products through wholesale brokers, independent agents, and carrier partnerships, with a portfolio of niche products including personal umbrella, transportation, marine, and specialty property.
RLI's recent performance has been defined by consistency. In its latest reported quarter, the company posted operating earnings of $0.86 per share, up from $0.82 a year earlier, with a combined ratio of 86.2% and underwriting income of roughly $58.8 million. Net investment income rose 13%, and gross premiums written grew 2%. The property segment was particularly strong, generating a 60.1% combined ratio, while surety improved to 79.8%. Book value per share has grown about 10% from year-end when including dividends and share repurchases.
Despite this operational strength, RLI's stock has been more subdued, with a modest year-to-date gain and a comparatively rangebound pattern. Pricing remains competitive in several lines, and management has prioritized discipline over volume, allowing premium to decline in segments such as E&S (excess and surplus) property rather than chase under-priced business.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between CNA and RLI lies in underwriting profitability versus scale and yield. RLI's combined ratios have consistently remained well below 100%, reflecting disciplined risk selection and favorable reserve development. CNA's recent combined ratios have crossed above 100%, pressured by reserve additions in casualty lines — though its larger, diversified platform and stronger premium growth provide a different kind of resilience.
On valuation, CNA trades at a lower price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio and carries a substantially higher dividend yield near 3.5%, versus RLI's roughly 1.2% regular yield. RLI compensates with stronger return on equity (ROE) — near 22% on a trailing basis — and a history of special dividends. Growth drivers also differ: CNA's momentum is tied to commercial and specialty premium expansion, while RLI is pursuing newer initiatives such as strategic distribution partnerships and rate-driven growth in personal umbrella.
Risk factors overlap but differ in emphasis. Both face a softening pricing cycle and social inflation in casualty lines. CNA carries additional exposure to its run-off long-term care book and reserve volatility, while RLI faces competitive pressure in E&S property and transportation. Sentiment is mixed: CNA holds a constructive Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), while RLI carries a consensus "Hold" with several sell ratings among analysts.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor CNA for its stronger recent momentum and rebounding trend, which is the kind of signal that trend-following systems tend to reward. The stock's climb toward the top of its 52-week range, improving premium and new-business momentum, and elevated dividend yield present a more dynamic setup for momentum-oriented bots. Conversely, RLI's superior and highly consistent underwriting results, stronger ROE, and steadier fundamental profile would likely appeal more to stability- and quality-focused strategies. In probabilistic terms, CNA currently offers the stronger near-term trend and momentum characteristics, while RLI presents a more defensive, quality-driven profile that has yet to translate into comparable price momentum.
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 StrongBuy and RLI is a StrongBuy.
CNA in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026
The 10-day moving average for CNA crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 13 of 20 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 65%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on November 10, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on CNA as a result. In 52 of 91 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
CNA moved above its 50-day moving average on November 10, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +1.77% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CNA advanced for three days, in 166 of 331 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 101 of 237 cases where CNA Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 43%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for CNA moved out of overbought territory on October 23, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 38 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 18 of the 38 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 47%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 21 of 62 cases where CNA's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 34%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CNA turned negative on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 52 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 24 of the 52 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 46%.
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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 22 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 50, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 35 (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 (1.145) is normal, around the industry mean (-2.070). P/E Ratio (10.377) is within average values for comparable stocks, (9.942). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.060) is also within normal values, averaging (3.303). Dividend Yield (0.041) settles around the average of (0.027) 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 49 (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 50 (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 66 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to 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.
RLI in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026
The 10-day moving average for RLI crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 13 of 18 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 72%.
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 RLI as a result. In 39 of 78 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for RLI just turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where RLI's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 29 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
RLI 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.
Following a +4.31% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where RLI advanced for three days, in 184 of 334 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 129 of 244 cases where RLI Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 53%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for RLI moved out of overbought territory on November 06, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 29 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 10 of the 29 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 34%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 37 of 62 cases where RLI's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 60%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where RLI 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 53%.
RLI broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 13, 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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 38 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. RLI’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 40 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable 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.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 50, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent 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 Valuation Rating of 79 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued 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 (3.580) is normal, around the industry mean (-2.070). P/E Ratio (14.329) is within average values for comparable stocks, (9.942). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.120) is also within normal values, averaging (3.303). Dividend Yield (0.011) settles around the average of (0.027) among similar stocks. RLI's P/S Ratio (2.829) is slightly higher than the industry average of (1.594).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly 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.
CNA | RLI | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 31 | 45 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 35 Fair valued | 79 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 22 | 46 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 92 | 40 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 49 | 38 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 66 | 60 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 85 |
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 (35) in the Multi Line Insurance industry is somewhat better than the same rating for RLI (79) in the Property Or Casualty Insurance industry. This means that CNA’s stock grew somewhat faster than RLI’s over the last 12 months.
CNA's Profit vs Risk Rating (22) in the Multi Line Insurance industry is in the same range as RLI (46) in the Property Or Casualty Insurance industry. This means that CNA’s stock grew similarly to RLI’s over the last 12 months.
RLI's SMR Rating (40) in the Property Or Casualty Insurance industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CNA (92) in the Multi Line Insurance industry. This means that RLI’s stock grew somewhat faster than CNA’s over the last 12 months.
RLI's Price Growth Rating (38) in the Property Or Casualty Insurance industry is in the same range as CNA (49) in the Multi Line Insurance industry. This means that RLI’s stock grew similarly to CNA’s over the last 12 months.
RLI's P/E Growth Rating (60) in the Property Or Casualty Insurance industry is in the same range as CNA (66) in the Multi Line Insurance industry. This means that RLI’s stock grew similarly to CNA’s over the last 12 months.
| CNA | RLI | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 34% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 34% | 2 days ago 60% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 3 days ago 50% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 46% | 3 days ago 62% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 50% | 2 days ago 55% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 51% | 2 days ago 54% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 50% | 7 days ago 55% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 44% | 3 days ago 53% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 50% | 2 days ago 58% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 43% | 2 days ago 53% |
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 RLI’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- CNA’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- RLI’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 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 RLI’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CNA’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- RLI’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
CNA (@Property/Casualty Insurance) experienced а +1.97% price change this week, while RLI (@Property/Casualty Insurance) price change was +3.04% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Property/Casualty Insurance industry was -0.68%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +7.44%, and the average quarterly price growth was +23.32%.
Reported Earning Dates
CNA is expected to report earnings on Feb 08, 2027.
RLI is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Property/Casualty Insurance (-0.68% 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.
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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.
RLI and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, RLI has been closely correlated with HIG. These tickers have moved in lockstep 68% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if RLI jumps, then HIG could also see price increases.
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