WallStSmart

CNO Financial Group Inc (CNO)vsPrudential PLC ADR (PUK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Prudential PLC ADR generates 222% more annual revenue ($14.43B vs $4.49B). PUK leads profitability with a 27.6% profit margin vs 5.1%. CNO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.29. PUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).

CNO

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

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

PUK

Strong Buy

79

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.0Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 6.5
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
PUKUndervalued (+77.7%)

Margin of Safety

+77.7%

Fair Value

$143.68

Current Price

$29.67

$114.01 discount

UndervaluedFair: $143.68Overvalued

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

PUK6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
45.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 45.5%

Return on EquityProfitability
20.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
27.6%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.299/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

EPS GrowthGrowth
30.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 30.8% YoY

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%

PUK0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

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 : PUK

The strongest argument for PUK centers on P/E Ratio, Operating Margin, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.6% and operating margin at 45.5%. Revenue growth of 14.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : PUK

No major red flags identified for PUK, but monitor valuation.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNO profiles as a value stock while PUK is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

PUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.92 — expect wider price swings.

PUK is growing revenue faster at 14.5% — sustainability is the question.

PUK generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

PUK scores higher overall (79/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 27.6% margins and 14.5% 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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Prudential PLC ADR

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - LIFE · USA

Prudential plc offers life and health insurance, retirement and asset management solutions to people in Asia, the United States and Africa. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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