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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, health, and annuity insurer serving middle-income Americans, while MET is a globally diversified insurance and asset-management leader serving more than 100 million customers.
- CNO has delivered stronger recent price momentum, while MetLife offers a larger, more geographically and segment-diversified earnings base.
- Both companies raised or met the top end of their profitability targets in recent quarters, but CNO's results leaned partly on one-time actuarial benefits and investment timing.
- MetLife trades near the top of its return-on-equity target range, while CNO now trades above several widely followed fair-value estimates.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: MetLife (MET) is the current AI-favored ticker, based on more consistent trend stability, broader diversification, and relatively stronger valuation positioning.
- Explore CNO Major News and CNO Today's Price Move, plus MET Major News and MET Today's Price Move, for real-time updates on each stock.
- Discover curated, market-ready strategies on the Trending AI Robots page to see which automated systems are best suited to current conditions.
Introduction
Life and health insurers have drawn renewed investor attention as elevated interest rates support investment income and favorable underwriting trends. CNO Financial Group and MetLife (MET) operate in the same broad industry yet serve very different markets and growth profiles. This stock comparison is relevant for investors weighing a domestic, middle-income-focused specialist against a global, diversified insurance franchise. Both stocks have posted strong gains in recent market activity, making their relative performance and market positioning a useful lens for traders and longer-term investors alike.
CNO Overview and Recent Performance
CNO Financial Group is a holding company for life and health insurers and annuity providers serving middle-income, pre-retiree, and retired Americans through brands including Bankers Life, Colonial Penn, Optavise, and Washington National. It distributes products through a captive agent network and a growing worksite channel, a model management describes as a durable competitive advantage.
In recent weeks, CNO reported a quarter in which operating earnings per share (EPS) rose roughly 47% year over year, aided by strong insurance product margins and a 13% increase in net investment income. Management raised full-year operating EPS guidance for a second consecutive quarter and highlighted its 17th straight quarter of sales growth and 15th straight quarter of agent-count growth. However, part of the earnings uplift reflected the annual actuarial review and above-trend alternative investment income, items that may not repeat. The stock has gained more than 30% year to date, and some fair-value models now flag it as trading modestly above intrinsic-value estimates, even as discounted cash-flow views remain more constructive.
MET Overview and Recent Performance
MetLife (MET) is one of the world's largest life insurers, with businesses spanning Group Benefits, Retirement & Income Solutions (RIS), Asia, Latin America, EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa), and its MetLife Investment Management (MIM) asset-management arm. The company's "New Frontier" efficiency program has been associated with double-digit EPS growth and a return on equity (ROE) near the top of its 15% to 17% target range.
In recent quarters, MetLife has delivered broad-based growth, with standout results in Group Benefits, Asia, and EMEA, supported by favorable underwriting and variable investment income. Adjusted EPS rose by roughly 20% year over year in its most recent report. The stock has advanced more than 20% year to date, and several fair-value frameworks suggest it remains modestly undervalued relative to intrinsic value. That said, MetLife's price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple sits above the broader U.S. insurance industry, a point of caution cited by some analysts.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The sharpest contrast between these two insurers is scale and diversification. CNO is a domestic specialist concentrated on the middle-income retirement market, giving it a focused growth runway but also greater sensitivity to U.S. morbidity, Medicare Supplement pricing, and captive-distribution productivity. MetLife (MET) spreads its earnings across multiple geographies and product lines, reducing single-market risk but exposing results to currency movements, international regulation, and the integration of acquired asset-management capabilities.
On recent momentum, CNO has outpaced MetLife, driven by consecutive guidance increases and rapid sales growth. Yet CNO's earnings quality has drawn scrutiny because actuarial-review benefits and elevated alternative investment income contributed meaningfully to the beat. MetLife's growth has been more evenly distributed across segments, with ROE already at the top of its stated target range. From a valuation standpoint, MetLife appears closer to several fair-value estimates, whereas CNO now trades above a widely followed consensus target, introducing a more balanced risk-reward profile for MetLife despite its higher absolute multiple.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Weighing trend consistency, stability, catalysts, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward MetLife (MET). Its earnings are supported by a more diversified base across segments and regions, its profitability is already tracking at the top of its target range, and it trades nearer to multiple fair-value benchmarks. CNO offers compelling momentum and demonstrated sales discipline, but a portion of its recent outperformance stems from factors that may be less durable, and its valuation now appears fuller. The AI's preference for MetLife reflects a probabilistic judgment favoring stability and diversification over near-term 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 CNO is a Buy and MET is a StrongBuy.
Momentum Indicator for CNO turns positive, indicating new upward trend
CNO saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 13, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 85 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 61 of the 85 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 72%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
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 25 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
CNO moved above its 50-day moving average on October 27, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for CNO 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 10 of 15 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 67%.
Following a +4.20% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CNO advanced for three days, in 210 of 331 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 184 of 296 cases where CNO Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 62%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for CNO moved out of overbought territory on November 03, 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 41 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 25 of the 41 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 61%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 34 of 68 cases where CNO's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 50%.
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 46%.
CNO broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 30, 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 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 13 (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 41 (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 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 61 (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 (1.980) is normal, around the industry mean (1.337). P/E Ratio (18.733) is within average values for comparable stocks, (19.773). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.210) is also within normal values, averaging (0.463). Dividend Yield (0.013) settles around the average of (0.047) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.156) is also within normal values, averaging (1.303).
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 upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026
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 12 of 15 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 80%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 34 of 55 cases where MET's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on November 06, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on MET as a result. In 48 of 84 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for MET just turned positive on November 10, 2026. Looking at past instances where MET's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 33 of 53 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
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.
Following a +4.24% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MET advanced for three days, in 229 of 347 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 153 of 283 cases where MET Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 54%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for MET 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 47 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 20 of the 47 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 43%.
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 51%.
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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 15 (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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 19 (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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 23 (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 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 (2.276) is slightly higher than the industry average of (1.337). P/E Ratio (18.683) is within average values for comparable stocks, (19.773). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.506) is also within normal values, averaging (0.463). Dividend Yield (0.024) settles around the average of (0.047) 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 | 46 | 28 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 61 Fair valued | 55 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 3 | 19 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 94 | 99 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 41 | 23 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 13 | 15 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 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 (61). 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 (19). 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 (23) in the Life Or Health Insurance industry is in the same range as CNO (41). This means that MET’s stock grew similarly to CNO’s over the last 12 months.
CNO's P/E Growth Rating (13) in the Life Or Health Insurance industry is in the same range as MET (15). This means that CNO’s stock grew similarly to MET’s over the last 12 months.
| CNO | MET | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 43% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 50% | 2 days ago 62% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 72% | 2 days ago 57% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 53% | 2 days ago 62% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 61% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 54% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 66% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 46% | 6 days ago 51% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | 2 days ago 44% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 54% |
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 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while MET’s TA Score has 7 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CNO’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- MET’s TA Score: 7 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
CNO (@Life/Health Insurance) experienced а +0.68% price change this week, while MET (@Life/Health Insurance) price change was +1.76% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Life/Health Insurance industry was +0.54%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +3.46%, and the average quarterly price growth was -0.73%.
Reported Earning Dates
CNO is expected to report earnings on Feb 09, 2027.
MET is expected to report earnings on Feb 03, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Life/Health Insurance (+0.54% 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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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.