WallStSmart

CNO Financial Group Inc (CNO)vsMetLife Inc (MET)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

MetLife Inc generates 1618% more annual revenue ($77.08B vs $4.49B). CNO leads profitability with a 5.1% profit margin vs 4.4%. MET appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.60. MET earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

CNO

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.0Value: 7.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 5/9

MET

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 4.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CNOSignificantly Overvalued (-175.4%)

Margin of Safety

-175.4%

Fair Value

$15.64

Current Price

$40.61

$24.97 premium

UndervaluedFair: $15.64Overvalued
METSignificantly Overvalued (-146.3%)

Margin of Safety

-146.3%

Fair Value

$32.03

Current Price

$70.39

$38.36 premium

UndervaluedFair: $32.03Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNO2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

P/E RatioValuation
17.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

MET5 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.608/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
14.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
27.6%8/10

Revenue surging 27.6% year-over-year

Free Cash FlowQuality
$8.09B8/10

Generating 8.1B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CNO4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.2%4/10

4.2% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
5.1%3/10

5.1% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.543/10

Elevated debt levels

EPS GrowthGrowth
-45.2%2/10

Earnings declined 45.2%

MET3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Profit MarginProfitability
4.4%3/10

4.4% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.7%3/10

Operating margin of 4.7%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-34.2%2/10

Earnings declined 34.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CNO

The strongest argument for CNO centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.29 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : MET

The strongest argument for MET centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 27.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.60 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CNO

The primary concerns for CNO are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.54 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : MET

The primary concerns for MET are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Thin 4.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNO profiles as a value stock while MET is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

CNO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.85 — expect wider price swings.

MET is growing revenue faster at 27.6% — sustainability is the question.

MET generates stronger free cash flow (8.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MET scores higher overall (63/100 vs 56/100) and 27.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

CNO Financial Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - LIFE · USA

CNO Financial Group, Inc. develops, markets, and manages health insurance, annuities, individual life insurance, and other insurance products for the middle-income and senior markets in the United States. The company is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana.

Visit Website →

MetLife Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - LIFE · USA

MetLife, Inc. is the holding corporation for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MLIC), better known as MetLife, and its affiliates. MetLife is among the largest global providers of insurance, annuities, and employee benefit programs, with 90 million customers in over 60 countries.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?