Cno Finl Group Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

CNO Financial Group reported a net income of $112.3 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, for Q1 2022, down from $147.4 million, or $1.08 per diluted share in Q1 2021. Net operating income was $51.1 million ($0.42 per diluted share), also lower than $75.2 million ($0.55) in the prior year. The company repurchased $100 million of shares, returning $116.1 million to shareholders overall. However, earnings were impacted by market volatility, decreased investment income, and increased advertising costs. On a positive note, total new annualized premiums grew 2%, and direct-to-consumer life insurance premiums surged 16%.

CNO Financial Group (NYSE: CNO) announced the acquisition of a strategic minority interest in Rialto Capital, an investment platform specializing in commercial real estate with $14.2 billion in assets under management. This partnership aims to enhance CNO's investment capabilities and diversify its portfolio, ultimately benefiting shareholder returns. CNO's CEO, Gary Bhojwani, emphasized the significance of this investment in Rialto, noting the team's expertise in the sector. The financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed.

CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) will report its first-quarter 2022 earnings after market close on May 2, 2022. A conference call is scheduled for May 3, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss the results. The call will be accessible via dial-in and webcast, with replay options available on their official website. CNO is focused on securing the future of middle-income America, providing services through brands like Bankers Life and Colonial Penn, managing $36 billion in total assets.

CNO Financial Group has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per share, payable on March 24, 2022, to shareholders of record by the close of business on March 10, 2022. The company will hold a virtual annual meeting for shareholders on May 19, 2022, where eligible participants can vote and ask questions. Additionally, Board member Robert Greving will retire after 11 years of service, leaving the Board with nine members, eight of whom are independent. CNO offers life and health insurance and manages $36 billion in total assets.

CNO Financial Group reported a strong performance for Q4 2021, achieving net income of $115.8 million ($0.93/share), up from $111.8 million ($0.80/share) in Q4 2020. For the full year 2021, net income reached $441.0 million ($3.36/share), a significant increase from $301.8 million ($2.11/share) in 2020. Key highlights include a 10% rise in net operating income and a return on equity of 8.5%. Shareholders benefited from $468.1 million returned through repurchases and dividends. However, the ongoing impact of COVID-19 remains a concern.

CNO Financial Group (NYSE: CNO) received an upgrade in its financial strength rating from AM Best, rising from A- (Excellent) to A (Excellent). This upgrade reflects CNO's very strong balance sheet and robust operating performance, alongside a stable credit rating outlook. AM Best highlighted the improvement in CNO's earnings profile, diversification, quality of investments, and liquidity. CEO Gary C. Bhojwani expressed satisfaction with the acknowledgment of CNO's strategic initiatives focused on sustainable growth and enhancing shareholder value.

AM Best has upgraded CNO Financial Group, Inc.'s Financial Strength Rating (FSR) to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (ICR) to 'a' (Excellent) from 'a-' (Excellent). These upgrades reflect CNO's improved earnings profile, strong balance sheet strength, and enhanced operating performance. CNO's risk-based capital is estimated at 388%. Despite challenges in increasing margins, the company has shown consistent favorable earnings, particularly in its annuity operations. The outlook for these ratings has been revised to stable from positive.