Quick verdict: CNA vs KNSL in 2026

While the comprehensive scorecard indicates a tie between CNA and KNSL, a deeper examination reveals distinct investment profiles. Kinsale Capital Group (KNSL) stands out as the growth and profitability leader, showcasing robust revenue expansion and superior operating margins, whereas CNA Financial Corporation (CNA) offers a compelling proposition for value investors due to its significantly lower valuation multiples and impressive discounted cash flow (DCF) upside. Analyst sentiment, though showing a slightly higher buy percentage for CNA, points to Kinsale Capital Group for substantial price target upside, making KNSL the stock with the most immediate upside potential according to targets. Not investment advice.

CNA vs KNSL: key metrics side by side

Full side-by-side comparison of CNA and KNSL across valuation, profitability, growth and analyst sentiment. Data updated 2026-05-04.

CNA vs KNSL valuation comparison

When evaluating the CNA vs KNSL valuation, CNA Financial Corporation presents a significantly more attractive profile for value-oriented investors as of 2026-05-04. CNA trades at a trailing twelve-month Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of 10.18x, which is notably lower than Kinsale Capital Group’s (KNSL) P/E of 13.59x. This suggests that investors are paying less for each dollar of CNA’s earnings compared to KNSL. Furthermore, CNA’s Price-to-Book (P/B) ratio of 1.12x is substantially below KNSL’s P/B of 3.64x, indicating that CNA’s assets are valued much more conservatively by the market.

Beyond traditional multiples, the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) models suggest a compelling upside for CNA. CNA’s DCF valuation points to an impressive upside of +146.2% from its current price, implying that the stock is considerably undervalued based on its future cash flow generation. While KNSL also shows a positive DCF upside of +70.1%, it pales in comparison to CNA’s potential. Based on these core valuation metrics, CNA is unequivocally the cheaper stock, offering a more appealing entry point for investors focusing on intrinsic value in this cna vs knsl valuation comparison.

CNA vs KNSL growth comparison

In terms of growth, Kinsale Capital Group (KNSL) demonstrates significantly stronger momentum compared to CNA Financial Corporation (CNA). KNSL reported a robust year-over-year revenue growth rate of +18.0%, which is more than triple CNA’s +5.1% revenue growth. This indicates that KNSL is expanding its top line at a much faster pace, reflecting higher demand for its services and potentially a more agile business model. This superior revenue growth is a critical factor for investors prioritizing expansion and market share capture in the cna vs knsl stock comparison 2026.

KNSL’s growth is also supported by its impressive profitability margins, which, while covered in detail later, indirectly fuel its ability to reinvest and sustain growth. Although explicit forward growth estimates are not provided, KNSL’s higher analyst price target upside of +38.9% versus CNA’s -6.2% further underscores the market’s expectation of continued strong performance and future growth for KNSL. Investors looking for companies with high growth potential and strong business momentum would find KNSL to be the more attractive option in this growth comparison.

CNA vs KNSL profitability

When analyzing CNA vs KNSL profitability, Kinsale Capital Group (KNSL) exhibits dramatically superior operational efficiency and margin performance. KNSL boasts a net profit margin of 27.48%, which is more than three times higher than CNA Financial Corporation’s (CNA) net margin of 8.69%. This substantial difference signifies KNSL’s ability to convert a much larger portion of its revenue into actual profit, indicating better cost management, pricing power, or a more favorable business mix. Similarly, KNSL’s EBITDA margin stands at an impressive 35.4%, significantly outpacing CNA’s 12.4%, further highlighting its efficiency at the operational level before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

While both companies have an “N/A%” reported for Return on Equity (ROE), preventing a direct comparison on that front, the Free Cash Flow (FCF) yield provides another angle on profitability and cash generation. Here, CNA takes the lead with an FCF yield of 18.51%, which is higher than KNSL’s 14.1%. This suggests that while KNSL is more profitable on a net income and EBITDA basis, CNA is currently generating more free cash flow relative to its market capitalization. For investors focused on immediate cash generation and efficiency in converting earnings into cash, CNA’s higher FCF yield is a positive indicator.

Analyst ratings: CNA vs KNSL

Looking at analyst ratings, there are some interesting divergences in sentiment for the cna vs knsl fundamentals and valuation. CNA Financial Corporation (CNA) is covered by 7 analysts, with 28.6% issuing a “Buy” rating. The consensus among analysts for CNA is “Hold,” and their average price target is $45, which represents a -6.2% downside from the current price of $47.99. This suggests that while some analysts see upside, the overall sentiment indicates that the stock might be fairly valued or slightly overvalued at its current level.

In contrast, Kinsale Capital Group (KNSL) is covered by a larger pool of 13 analysts, with 23.1% recommending a “Buy.” Despite a slightly lower percentage of “Buy” ratings compared to CNA, the consensus for KNSL is also “Hold.” Crucially, KNSL’s average price target is $433, which implies a substantial upside of +38.9% from its current price of $311.74. This significant target price upside for KNSL suggests that analysts, despite a “Hold” consensus, see considerably more appreciation potential for KNSL’s stock than for CNA’s, indicating a preference for KNSL’s future growth trajectory.

Should I buy CNA or KNSL stock in 2026?

Deciding whether should I buy CNA or KNSL stock in 2026 largely depends on your investment philosophy and what you prioritize in a company. For growth investors seeking dynamic expansion and superior operational efficiency, Kinsale Capital Group (KNSL) presents a compelling case. Its impressive +18.0% year-over-year revenue growth and exceptional net and EBITDA margins (27.48% and 35.4% respectively) demonstrate a strong, profitable growth trajectory. KNSL also has a significant analyst price target upside of +38.9%, suggesting continued strong performance is anticipated by the market.

Conversely, if you are a value investor focused on acquiring assets at a discount, CNA Financial Corporation (CNA) appears to be the more attractive option based on the cna vs knsl fundamentals and valuation. CNA trades at a more appealing P/E ratio of 10.18x and a P/B ratio of 1.12x, significantly lower than KNSL’s multiples. Furthermore, CNA’s discounted cash flow (DCF) model indicates a remarkable +146.2% upside, suggesting it is substantially undervalued. This could present a significant opportunity for patient investors seeking deep value.

For income-focused investors, the choice between CNA and KNSL is straightforward, though the income itself is modest. CNA offers a dividend yield of 0.08%, whereas KNSL currently pays no dividend (0.0%). While CNA’s yield is minimal, it does provide some level of shareholder return through dividends, unlike KNSL. Therefore, if any form of dividend income is a factor in your decision, CNA would be the preferred, albeit low-yielding, option. Ultimately, your choice between CNA and KNSL in 2026 should align with your specific financial goals and risk tolerance. This is not investment advice.

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FAQ: CNA vs KNSL