Insurance - Life
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3 / 10Stock Comparison
GL vs CNO vs FGL
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
Insurance - Life
Engineering & Construction
GL vs CNO vs FGL — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | Insurance - Life | Insurance - Life | Engineering & Construction |
| Market Cap | $12.11B | $4.28B | $34M |
| Revenue (TTM) | $6.00B | $4.49B | $90M |
| Net Income (TTM) | $1.16B | $222M | $-5M |
| Gross Margin | 33.4% | 40.2% | 6.9% |
| Operating Margin | 24.4% | 6.3% | -6.2% |
| Forward P/E | 9.9x | 10.4x | — |
| Total Debt | $2.63B | $4.05B | $36M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $145M | $956M | $14M |
GL vs CNO vs FGL — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
| Stock | Oct 24 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Globe Life Inc. (GL) | 100 | 146.2 | +46.2% |
| CNO Financial Group… (CNO) | 100 | 132.9 | +32.9% |
| Founder Group Limit… (FGL) | 100 | 0.5 | -99.5% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: GL vs CNO vs FGL
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
GL carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 23 yrs, beta 0.48, yield 0.7%
- Rev growth 3.8%, EPS growth 17.8%, 3Y rev CAGR 4.7%
- 179.3% 10Y total return vs CNO's 170.9%
In this particular matchup, CNO is outpaced on most metrics by others in the set.
FGL plays a supporting role in this comparison — it may shine differently against other peers.
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | 3.8% revenue growth vs FGL's -39.0% | |
| Value | Better valuation composite | |
| Quality / Margins | 19.4% margin vs FGL's -5.7% | |
| Stability / Safety | Beta 0.48 vs FGL's 1.89, lower leverage | |
| Dividends | 0.7% yield, 23-year raise streak, vs CNO's 1.5%, (1 stock pays no dividend) | |
| Momentum (1Y) | +29.2% vs FGL's -98.4% | |
| Efficiency (ROA) | 3.8% ROA vs FGL's -5.2%, ROIC 13.4% vs -11.5% |
GL vs CNO vs FGL — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
Segment breakdown not available.
GL vs CNO vs FGL — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 3 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
GL leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
GL is the larger business by revenue, generating $6.0B annually — 66.4x FGL's $90M. GL is the more profitable business, keeping 19.4% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to FGL's -5.7%.
| Metric | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $6.0B | $4.5B | $90M |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $1.6B | $573M | — |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $1.2B | $222M | — |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $1.3B | $676M | — |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +33.4% | +40.2% | +6.9% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +24.4% | +6.3% | -6.2% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +19.4% | +4.9% | -5.7% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +20.9% | +15.1% | -8.2% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +3.9% | +4.2% | — |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +9.3% | -39.2% | — |
Valuation Metrics
Evenly matched — GL and CNO each lead in 3 of 7 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 11.0x trailing earnings, GL trades at a 44% valuation discount to CNO's 19.5x P/E. Adjusting for growth (PEG ratio), GL offers better value at 0.71x vs CNO's 8.93x — a lower PEG means you pay less per unit of expected earnings growth.
| Metric | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $12.1B | $4.3B | $34M |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $14.6B | $7.4B | $39M |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 10.98x | 19.45x | -118.74x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 9.93x | 10.41x | — |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | 0.71x | 8.93x | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 9.17x | 14.08x | — |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 2.02x | 0.95x | 1.48x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 2.09x | 1.69x | 7.80x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 9.66x | 6.34x | — |
Profitability & Efficiency
GL leads this category, winning 7 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
GL delivers a 20.6% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $21 in annual profit, vs $-32 for FGL. GL carries lower financial leverage with a 0.44x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to FGL's 2.09x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), GL scores 8/9 vs FGL's 1/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +20.6% | +8.6% | -32.3% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +3.8% | +0.6% | -5.2% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +13.4% | +4.0% | -11.5% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +5.2% | +1.5% | -31.7% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 8 | 6 | 1 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.44x | 1.54x | 2.09x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $2.5B | $3.1B | $22M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $145M | $956M | $14M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $2.6B | $4.1B | $36M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 11.27x | 2.23x | -2.71x |
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
Evenly matched — GL and CNO each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in CNO five years ago would be worth $18,101 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $63 for FGL. Over the past 12 months, GL leads with a +29.2% total return vs FGL's -98.4%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors CNO at 30.0% vs FGL's -81.5% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +12.0% | +8.7% | -87.8% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +29.2% | +23.8% | -98.4% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +45.4% | +119.7% | -99.4% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +49.7% | +81.0% | -99.4% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +179.3% | +170.9% | -99.2% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +13.3% | +30.0% | -81.5% |
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — GL and CNO each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
GL is the less volatile stock with a 0.48 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than FGL's 1.89 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. CNO currently trades 99.0% from its 52-week high vs FGL's 1.4% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.48x | 0.80x | 1.89x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $156.69 | $46.19 | $143.00 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $116.73 | $35.24 | $0.14 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +98.5% | +99.0% | +1.4% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 66.6 | 72.0 | 39.7 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 452K | 558K | 140K |
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — GL and CNO each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Analyst consensus: GL as "Hold", CNO as "Hold". Consensus price targets imply 10.9% upside for GL (target: $171) vs 2.1% for CNO (target: $47). For income investors, CNO offers the higher dividend yield at 1.48% vs GL's 0.69%.
| Metric | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Hold | — |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $171.25 | $46.67 | — |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 28 | 17 | — |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +0.7% | +1.5% | — |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 23 | 13 | — |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $1.06 | $0.68 | — |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +7.3% | +7.7% | 0.0% |
GL leads in 2 of 6 categories — strongest in Income & Cash Flow and Profitability & Efficiency. 4 categories are tied.
GL vs CNO vs FGL: Key Questions Answered
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is GL or CNO or FGL a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Globe Life Inc.
(GL) is the stronger pick with 3. 8% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -39. 0% for Founder Group Limited Ordinary Shares (FGL). Globe Life Inc. (GL) offers the better valuation at 11. 0x trailing P/E (9. 9x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Globe Life Inc. (GL) a "Hold" — based on 28 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — GL or CNO or FGL?
On trailing P/E, Globe Life Inc.
(GL) is the cheapest at 11. 0x versus CNO Financial Group, Inc. at 19. 5x. On forward P/E, Globe Life Inc. is actually cheaper at 9. 9x. The PEG ratio (P/E divided by earnings growth rate) is the most growth-adjusted single valuation metric: Globe Life Inc. wins at 0. 64x versus CNO Financial Group, Inc. 's 4. 78x — a PEG below 1. 0 traditionally signals the market is underpricing earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — GL or CNO or FGL?
Over the past 5 years, CNO Financial Group, Inc.
(CNO) delivered a total return of +81. 0%, compared to -99. 4% for Founder Group Limited Ordinary Shares (FGL). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: GL returned +179. 3% versus FGL's -99. 2%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — GL or CNO or FGL?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Globe Life Inc.
(GL) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 48β versus Founder Group Limited Ordinary Shares's 1. 89β — meaning FGL is approximately 293% more volatile than GL relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Globe Life Inc. (GL) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 44% versus 2% for Founder Group Limited Ordinary Shares — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — GL or CNO or FGL?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Globe Life Inc.
(GL) is pulling ahead at 3. 8% versus -39. 0% for Founder Group Limited Ordinary Shares (FGL). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Globe Life Inc. grew EPS 17. 8% year-over-year, compared to -114. 5% for Founder Group Limited Ordinary Shares. Over a 3-year CAGR, FGL leads at 53. 1% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — GL or CNO or FGL?
Globe Life Inc.
(GL) is the more profitable company, earning 19. 4% net margin versus -5. 7% for Founder Group Limited Ordinary Shares — meaning it keeps 19. 4% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: GL leads at 24. 4% versus -6. 2% for FGL. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — CNO leads at 44. 8%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is GL or CNO or FGL more undervalued right now?
The PEG ratio (forward P/E divided by expected earnings growth rate) is the most precise measure of undervaluation relative to growth potential.
By this metric, Globe Life Inc. (GL) is the more undervalued stock at a PEG of 0. 64x versus CNO Financial Group, Inc. 's 4. 78x. A PEG below 1. 0 is traditionally considered the threshold for growth-adjusted undervaluation. On forward earnings alone, Globe Life Inc. (GL) trades at 9. 9x forward P/E versus 10. 4x for CNO Financial Group, Inc. — 0. 5x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for GL: 10. 9% to $171. 25.
08Which pays a better dividend — GL or CNO or FGL?
In this comparison, CNO (1.
5% yield), GL (0. 7% yield) pay a dividend. FGL does not pay a meaningful dividend and should not be held primarily for income.
09Is GL or CNO or FGL better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Globe Life Inc.
(GL) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 48), 0. 7% yield, +179. 3% 10Y return). Founder Group Limited Ordinary Shares (FGL) carries a higher beta of 1. 89 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (GL: +179. 3%, FGL: -99. 2%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between GL and CNO and FGL?
These companies operate in different sectors (GL (Financial Services) and CNO (Financial Services) and FGL (Industrials)), which means they face different economic cycles, regulatory environments, and macro sensitivities — making direct comparison nuanced.
In terms of investment character: GL is a mid-cap deep-value stock; CNO is a small-cap quality compounder stock; FGL is a small-cap quality compounder stock. GL, CNO pay a dividend while FGL does not, making them suitable for different income and tax situations. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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