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CNO vs MET
Which Stock Would AI Choose? CNO Financial Group (CNO) vs. MetLife (MET) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CNO is a U.S.-focused life and health insurer serving middle-income pre-retirees and retirees, while MET is a diversified global insurer spanning group benefits, retirement, and asset management.
- Both stocks have delivered strong year-to-date gains, with MET trading near record territory and CNO extending a multi-quarter earnings streak.
- CNO offers a focused, capital-return-oriented story, while MET provides broader geographic and business-line diversification.
- Recent earnings momentum has been favorable for both companies, though their growth drivers and risk profiles differ meaningfully.
- Valuation and scale separate the two: MET is a large-cap bellwether, whereas CNO is a mid-cap specialist.
Introduction
Investors evaluating the insurance sector often weigh scale and diversification against focus and specialization. That is precisely the contrast between CNO Financial Group and MetLife. CNO concentrates on middle-income American consumers through health, life, and annuity products, while MetLife operates a global franchise spanning group benefits, retirement solutions, and asset management. This stock comparison examines recent market activity, relative performance, and market positioning to help traders and long-term investors understand where each company stands. The analysis is especially relevant for those seeking to differentiate between a nimble domestic specialist and a diversified multinational insurer amid shifting interest-rate and mortality trends.
CNO Overview and Recent Performance
CNO Financial Group develops and administers health insurance, annuities, individual life insurance, and related products aimed primarily at middle-income pre-retiree and retired Americans. The company has maintained a consistent growth streak, reporting 15 consecutive quarters of sales growth and rising new annualized premiums (NAP), a key industry metric measuring newly written business. In recent quarters, CNO has posted stronger operating earnings per share (EPS) and raised its full-year guidance, supported by gains in Medicare Supplement and supplemental health products, record annuity collected premiums, and disciplined expense management.
Recent market activity has reflected this momentum, with shares advancing steadily over recent months. The company has also reinforced its shareholder-return posture through a dividend increase and ongoing share repurchases, while managing its balance-sheet leverage. Sentiment has been supported by improving insurance product margins and growing agent counts, though investors remain attentive to reserve-related variability and a technology-modernization initiative that adds near-term costs.
MET Overview and Recent Performance
MetLife is one of the world's largest financial-services and insurance companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits, and asset management globally. Its "New Frontier" strategy emphasizes capital-light, fee-generating growth and disciplined expense management. Recent results have been broadly strong, with adjusted earnings rising double digits, adjusted return on equity (ROE) reaching the top of its target range, and growth across Group Benefits, Asia, and the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) segment. The company has also authorized a sizable new share repurchase program, reinforcing its capital-return framework.
In recent market activity, MET shares have climbed near record levels, supported by favorable mortality trends, volume growth, and a higher-rate investment environment. Analysts have raised price targets in recent months, citing continued earnings momentum. Risks include sensitivity to investment spreads, currency moves, and a valuation that sits above the broader insurance peer average, leaving less room for error if sentiment cools.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The sharpest contrast between these two insurers is scope. CNO is a domestic mid-cap with a concentrated focus on middle-income consumers, which gives it a clear niche but limits diversification. MET is a global large-cap whose earnings are spread across the Americas, Asia, and EMEA, reducing reliance on any single market or product line. Scale also differs dramatically: MetLife's asset base and revenue are many multiples of CNO's, supporting a more diversified investment portfolio.
On growth drivers, CNO relies on sustained sales momentum in health and annuity products and improving product margins, while MET benefits from international expansion, group-benefits underwriting strength, and asset-management fee income. On relative performance, both stocks have posted strong recent returns, though MET trades at a higher price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple than the insurance peer average, whereas CNO screens more modestly valued. Risk factors differ as well: CNO faces concentration and reserve variability, while MetLife contends with currency exposure, investment-spread pressure, and pension-risk-transfer (PRT) volatility.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, stability, and catalyst breadth, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward MET as the more durable current setup. Its diversified revenue base, broad-based earnings growth across segments, and near-record share price reflect stronger trend persistence and lower single-market risk. That said, CNO presents a compelling case for investors favoring a focused, capital-return-driven story at a more modest valuation, with its own sustained sales streak supporting momentum. The outcome is probabilistic rather than certain: MetLife's positioning appears more resilient under a range of conditions, while CNO offers a higher-conviction, narrower thesis that may appeal to traders comfortable with concentration risk.
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 CNO is a Buy and MET is a Buy.
CNO in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026
CNO 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 34 of 50 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 13, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on CNO as a result. In 52 of 87 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for CNO just turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where CNO's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 27 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
Following a +2.48% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CNO advanced for three days, in 207 of 333 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 3 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 10-day moving average for CNO crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 29, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 3 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 20%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CNO 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%.
CNO broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 21, 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 CNO 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 3 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 60, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 16 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 42 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. CNO’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 59 (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 (1.978) is normal, around the industry mean (1.338). P/E Ratio (18.720) is within average values for comparable stocks, (19.749). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.210) is also within normal values, averaging (0.463). Dividend Yield (0.013) settles around the average of (0.046) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.156) is also within normal values, averaging (1.303).
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.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 94 (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.
MET in +2.61% Uptrend, growing for three consecutive days on October 21, 2026
Moving higher for three straight days is viewed as a bullish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future growth. Considering data from situations where MET advanced for three days, in 224 of 344 cases, the price rose further within 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 October 08, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on MET as a result. In 46 of 83 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for MET just turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where MET's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 28 of 51 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
MET moved above its 50-day moving average on October 08, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for MET crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 7 of 16 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 44%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 9 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 MET 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 52%.
MET broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 12, 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 MET entered a downward trend on October 09, 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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 11 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 17 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. MET’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 20 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 60, placing this stock better than average.
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 Valuation Rating of 55 (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: MET's P/B Ratio (2.366) is slightly higher than the industry average of (1.338). P/E Ratio (19.426) is within average values for comparable stocks, (19.749). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.506) is also within normal values, averaging (0.463). Dividend Yield (0.023) settles around the average of (0.046) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.824) is also within normal values, averaging (1.303).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 99 (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.
CNO | MET | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 32 | 41 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 59 Fair valued | 55 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 3 | 20 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 94 | 99 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 42 | 17 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 16 | 11 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 50 |
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.
MET's Valuation (55) in the Life Or Health Insurance industry is in the same range as CNO (59). This means that MET’s stock grew similarly to CNO’s over the last 12 months.
CNO's Profit vs Risk Rating (3) in the Life Or Health Insurance industry is in the same range as MET (20). This means that CNO’s stock grew similarly to MET’s over the last 12 months.
CNO's SMR Rating (94) in the Life Or Health Insurance industry is in the same range as MET (99). This means that CNO’s stock grew similarly to MET’s over the last 12 months.
MET's Price Growth Rating (17) in the Life Or Health Insurance industry is in the same range as CNO (42). This means that MET’s stock grew similarly to CNO’s over the last 12 months.
MET's P/E Growth Rating (11) in the Life Or Health Insurance industry is in the same range as CNO (16). This means that MET’s stock grew similarly to CNO’s over the last 12 months.
| CNO | MET | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 50% | 1 day ago 57% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 55% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 55% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 60% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 54% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 62% | 1 day ago 65% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 23 days ago 47% | 23 days ago 52% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 62% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 45% | 1 day ago 48% |
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).
CNO’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while MET’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- CNO’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- MET’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 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.
CNO’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while MET’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CNO’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
- MET’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
CNO (@Life/Health Insurance) experienced а +3.47% price change this week, while MET (@Life/Health Insurance) price change was +2.47% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Life/Health Insurance industry was +3.11%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -2.07%, and the average quarterly price growth was -2.61%.
Reported Earning Dates
CNO is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
MET is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Life/Health Insurance (+3.11% weekly)Life insurance companies mainly sell policies that pay a death benefit as a lump sum upon the death of the insured to their beneficiaries. Life insurance policies may be sold as term life, (which guarantees payment of a stated death benefit and expires at the end of a specified term) or permanent /typically whole life (which is more expensive but lasts a lifetime and carries a cash accumulation component). Life insurance firms may also sell long-term disability policies that help to replace the insured individual’s income if they become sick or disabled. Health insurance, on the other hand, helps pay for medical expenses. Anthem, Inc., MetLife, Inc. and Aflac Incorporated are some of the largest U.S. companies in this industry.
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|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| GQGU | 25.58 | 0.28 | +1.11% |
| GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU) | |||
| SMLF | 85.04 | 0.40 | +0.47% |
| iShares U.S. SmallCap Equity Factor ETF (SMLF) | |||
| DIM | 86.27 | 0.25 | +0.29% |
| WisdomTree International MidCap Dividend Fund (DIM) | |||
| NMB | 23.44 | 0.02 | +0.11% |
| Simplify National Muni Bond ETF (NMB) | |||
| KDVD | 28.27 | N/A | N/A |
| Keeley Dividend ETF (KDVD) | |||
CNO and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CNO has been loosely correlated with LNC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 63% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if CNO jumps, then LNC could also see price increases.
MET and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MET has been closely correlated with PRU. These tickers have moved in lockstep 72% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if MET jumps, then PRU could also see price increases.