WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

MetLife Inc generates 1609% more annual revenue ($79.40B vs $4.65B). CNO leads profitability with a 6.0% profit margin vs 4.6%. MET appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.51. CNO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

CNO

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 5.5Value: 5.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.12

MET

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 5.0Value: 6.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.08

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNO2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
46.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 46.2% YoY

MET4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$61.73B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.518/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.23B8/10

Generating 2.2B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CNO3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Profit MarginProfitability
6.0%3/10

6.0% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.763/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.122/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MET2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
4.6%3/10

4.6% margin — thin

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.082/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CNO

The strongest argument for CNO centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 11.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.29 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : MET

The strongest argument for MET centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.51 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CNO

The primary concerns for CNO are Profit Margin, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.76 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : MET

The primary concerns for MET are Profit Margin, Altman Z-Score. Thin 4.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.81 — expect wider price swings.

CNO is growing revenue faster at 11.6% — sustainability is the question.

MET generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor INSURANCE - LIFE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

CNO scores higher overall (72/100 vs 63/100) and 11.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.

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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.

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