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EQH vs PFG
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Equitable Holdings (EQH) vs. Principal Financial Group (PFG) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Equitable Holdings (EQH) is executing a transformative all-stock merger with Corebridge Financial, creating a diversified retirement, wealth, and asset-management franchise with roughly $1.5 trillion in assets.
- Principal Financial Group (PFG) is delivering double-digit earnings growth and expanding margins, supported by its retirement, benefits, and asset-management businesses.
- Both names have rallied sharply in recent months, though EQH trades at a meaningfully lower forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple than PFG.
- Asset-management flows are a shared watchpoint: AllianceBernstein (majority-owned by EQH) has seen volatile flows, while PFG faces concentrated investment-management outflows.
- Relative performance and market positioning favor both stocks, but their risk profiles differ on merger-execution exposure versus underwriting and benefits momentum.
- For deeper coverage, explore EQH Major News, EQH Today's Price Move, PFG Major News, and PFG Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated systems are positioning across these and other tickers, visit Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Investors evaluating the insurance, retirement, and asset-management sector frequently weigh established franchises with overlapping business lines but distinct strategic trajectories. This stock comparison examines EQH and PFG—two diversified financial services companies with sizable retirement businesses, growing wealth and benefits platforms, and active capital-return programs. Because both names compete for similar investor capital while pursuing different growth and merger strategies, the comparison is particularly relevant for value-oriented investors, dividend-focused traders, and those tracking momentum across the financial sector. Understanding their relative performance, market positioning, and catalysts can help readers weigh how each stock fits a broader portfolio framework.
EQH Overview and Recent Performance
Equitable Holdings, trading as EQH, is a financial services holding company anchored by its retirement and protection business, the Equitable Advisors wealth platform, and a roughly 68% ownership stake in global investment manager AllianceBernstein (AB). The company reported solid recent-quarter fundamentals, with total assets under management and administration (AUM/A) rising about 10% year over year to roughly $1.2 trillion, supported by positive net flows in Retirement and Wealth Management and a return to inflows at AllianceBernstein.
The dominant catalyst in recent weeks has been the pending all-stock merger with Corebridge Financial, which received shareholder approval and is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory sign-off. Management projects the combination will be immediately accretive to earnings per share (EPS) and cash generation, with 10% or more run-rate accretion by year-end 2028. The stock has rallied strongly over the past several months, trading near its 52-week high, reflecting merger-related repricing, a dividend increase, and continued buybacks. Watchpoints include variable-annuity guarantee exposure, active-equity outflows at AllianceBernstein, and a valuation that has become richer after the run-up.
PFG Overview and Recent Performance
Principal Financial Group, trading as PFG, operates across retirement and income solutions, benefits and protection, asset management, and international pension businesses. Recent performance has been driven by double-digit earnings growth and margin expansion. In its latest quarter, the company reported non-GAAP operating earnings up roughly 12% year over year, with adjusted EPS rising about 16% and total operating margin expanding to around 32%. Its specialty benefits segment delivered record earnings on improved loss ratios and favorable underwriting.
The company has continued returning capital aggressively, completing a share-repurchase program, raising its common dividend for a 13th consecutive quarter, and closing the acquisition of digital benefits provider Beam Benefits in September. Managed assets under management (AUM) reached roughly $808 billion. Sentiment has been supported by strong retirement transfer deposits and a possible strategic stake by Samsung Life, though asset-management net outflows and higher corporate expenses remain counterweights. The shares have appreciated considerably over the past year and recently traded near the upper end of their range, prompting a more mixed analyst posture on valuation.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron maintains hundreds of AI Trading Bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, yet only a select subset earns a place in the curated Trending AI Robots section. These bots span a wide range of trading styles, strategies, timeframes, performance statistics, and target-ticker sets, and the trending list is intended to surface only those best aligned with current market conditions. The platform organizes bots by attributes such as win rate, trade frequency, and asset focus, allowing traders to compare automated approaches rather than relying on a single strategy. For readers monitoring names like EQH and PFG, reviewing the Trending AI Robots page can provide a data-driven complement to fundamental analysis.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Although both companies operate in retirement and asset management, their business mixes and catalysts differ. EQH skews toward annuities, retirement, and wealth management, with AllianceBernstein contributing meaningful fee-based earnings; its primary near-term driver is the Corebridge merger and its projected accretion and scale benefits. PFG carries a more diversified mix that includes group benefits and protection, where favorable underwriting has recently boosted margins, alongside retirement and asset management.
On valuation, EQH trades at a materially lower forward earnings multiple, reflecting lingering merger-execution uncertainty and the variable-annuity risk profile. PFG commands a higher multiple, supported by steadier earnings visibility and a longer dividend-growth record, but some analysts view the valuation as more fully reflecting recent strength. Growth drivers also contrast: EQH's story is concentrated in merger synergy and fee growth, while PFG emphasizes retirement deposits, benefits margin improvement, and product innovation. Shared risks include sensitivity to equity markets, interest rates, and passive-investing fee pressure across asset-management units.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely assign a slight edge to PFG in the current environment. The company's steadier earnings trajectory, expanding margins, improving underwriting results, and consistent capital returns suggest a more balanced and less event-dependent risk profile. EQH offers compelling merger-driven upside and a lower valuation, but its outlook is more contingent on deal execution and flow stability at AllianceBernstein. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive and reflects current market conditions; relative positioning could shift as merger milestones, rate movements, and flow data evolve.
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 EQH is a Hold and PFG is a Hold.
EQH in +3.43% Uptrend, advancing for three consecutive days on November 04, 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 EQH advanced for three days, in 232 of 350 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 155 of 251 cases where EQH 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 Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 41 of 65 cases where EQH's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 63%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 05, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on EQH as a result. In 61 of 89 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 69%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for EQH turned negative on November 05, 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 47 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 35 of the 47 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 74%.
EQH moved below its 50-day moving average on November 05, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where EQH 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 67%.
EQH broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 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 Valuation Rating of 9 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued 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: EQH's P/B Ratio (-7.752) is slightly lower than the industry average of (2.444). P/E Ratio (-16.006) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-2.345). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.030) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). Dividend Yield (0.023) settles around the average of (0.269) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.452) is also within normal values, averaging (15.694).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 34 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 80, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. EQH’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 59 (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 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 100 (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.
PFG saw its Stochastic Oscillator recovers from the overbought zone
The Stochastic Oscillator for PFG moved out of overbought territory on November 06, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock and investors may want to consider selling or taking a defensive position. A.I.dvisor looked at 63 similar instances where the indicator exited the overbought zone. In 39 of the 63 cases the stock moved lower. This puts the odds of a downward move at 62%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for PFG moved out of overbought territory on November 05, 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 27 of the 47 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 57%.
PFG moved below its 50-day moving average on November 06, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where PFG 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 57%.
PFG broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 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 PFG entered a downward trend on October 23, 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.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 22, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on PFG as a result. In 57 of 85 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for PFG just turned positive on October 22, 2026. Looking at past instances where PFG's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 30 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
The 10-day moving average for PFG crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on November 05, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 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 61%.
Following a +3.15% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where PFG advanced for three days, in 205 of 318 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
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 31 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. PFG’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 78 (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 (1.956) is normal, around the industry mean (2.444). P/E Ratio (15.577) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-2.345). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.410) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). Dividend Yield (0.030) settles around the average of (0.269) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.647) is also within normal values, averaging (15.694).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 100 (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.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. PFG’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 80, placing this stock worse than average.
EQH | PFG | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 32 | 26 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 9 Undervalued | 78 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 34 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 100 | 100 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 45 | 31 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 59 | 16 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 75 | 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.
EQH's Valuation (9) in the Financial Conglomerates industry is significantly better than the same rating for PFG (78) in the Life Or Health Insurance industry. This means that EQH’s stock grew significantly faster than PFG’s over the last 12 months.
EQH's Profit vs Risk Rating (34) in the Financial Conglomerates industry is significantly better than the same rating for PFG (100) in the Life Or Health Insurance industry. This means that EQH’s stock grew significantly faster than PFG’s over the last 12 months.
EQH's SMR Rating (100) in the Financial Conglomerates industry is in the same range as PFG (100) in the Life Or Health Insurance industry. This means that EQH’s stock grew similarly to PFG’s over the last 12 months.
PFG's Price Growth Rating (31) in the Life Or Health Insurance industry is in the same range as EQH (45) in the Financial Conglomerates industry. This means that PFG’s stock grew similarly to EQH’s over the last 12 months.
PFG's P/E Growth Rating (16) in the Life Or Health Insurance industry is somewhat better than the same rating for EQH (59) in the Financial Conglomerates industry. This means that PFG’s stock grew somewhat faster than EQH’s over the last 12 months.
| EQH | PFG | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | 2 days ago 57% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 62% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 67% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 74% | 2 days ago 68% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 65% | 2 days ago 53% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 57% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 66% | 12 days ago 64% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 57% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 49% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 45% |
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).
EQH’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while PFG’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- EQH’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- PFG’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 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.
EQH’s TA Score shows that 2 TA indicator(s) are bullish while PFG’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- EQH’s TA Score: 2 bullish, 6 bearish.
- PFG’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
EQH (@Investment Managers) experienced а -2.21% price change this week, while PFG (@Investment Managers) price change was -0.64% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Investment Managers industry was -1.02%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -4.60%, and the average quarterly price growth was -5.52%.
Reported Earning Dates
EQH is expected to report earnings on Feb 10, 2027.
PFG is expected to report earnings on Feb 10, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Investment Managers (-1.02% weekly)Investment Managers manage financial assets and other investments of clients. Management includes designing a short- or long-term strategy for buying/holding and selling of portfolio holdings. It can also include tax services and other aspects of financial planning as well. While it is perceived that the industry is faced with growing competition from robo-advisors/digital platforms and passive/ index-tracking funds, many investors still find value in actively managed in-person services that investment management companies often emphasize on. At the same time, many wealth managers are also incorporating digital initiatives/low cost options in addition to their in-person customized services. Their main sources of revenues are fees as a percentage of assets under management, in addition to a certain portion of clients’ gains from asset appreciation. BlackRock, Inc., Blackstone Group Inc and Brookfield Asset Management are some of the major investment management companies.
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EQH and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, EQH has been closely correlated with CRBG. These tickers have moved in lockstep 89% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if EQH jumps, then CRBG could also see price increases.
PFG and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, PFG has been loosely correlated with EQH. These tickers have moved in lockstep 59% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if PFG jumps, then EQH could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To PFG | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFG | 100% | -1.69% | ||
| EQH - PFG | 59% Loosely correlated | -0.47% | ||
| CRBG - PFG | 58% Loosely correlated | -0.44% | ||
| RJF - PFG | 58% Loosely correlated | -1.22% | ||
| BBUC - PFG | 54% Loosely correlated | -1.98% | ||
| CG - PFG | 53% Loosely correlated | -0.65% | ||
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