CNO Financial Group Reports First Quarter 2022 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

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%.

Positive

• Total new annualized premiums (NAP) rose 2% from Q1 2021.
• Direct-to-consumer life insurance NAP increased by 16% compared to Q1 2021.
• Annuity collected premiums grew by 13% year-over-year.
• Returned $116.1 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.

Negative

• Net income decreased by 24% year-over-year.
• Net operating income fell 32% compared to Q1 2021.
• Earnings impacted by $15 million decrease in variable investment income.
• Book value per share dropped 14% from the previous year.

Solid production, agent productivity and capital return; $100 million in share repurchases

CARMEL, Ind., May 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) today announced that for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, net income was $112.3 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, compared to $147.4 million, or $1.08 per diluted share, in 1Q21. Net operating income (1) in 1Q22 was $51.1 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, compared to $75.2 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, in 1Q21.

"Our results in the first quarter continued to demonstrate the strength and resilience of our business," said Gary C. Bhojwani, chief executive officer. "From a production standpoint, we generated increases in four of our five growth scorecard metrics and delivered sharp improvement in agent productivity, while returning significant capital to our shareholders."

"Earnings were pressured by market volatility in the quarter and we saw several factors begin to normalize, including moderation in our alternative investment returns and a trend back toward pre-pandemic claims levels in certain of our healthcare products. Adjusting for these factors and an increase in non-deferrable advertising expense, our underlying margins and earnings remained stable."

"While economic uncertainty is likely to persist, CNO is well-positioned to navigate prevailing market conditions and capitalize on the growth opportunities in front of us."

First Quarter 2022 Highlights

• Earnings per diluted share of $0.93 in 1Q22, compared to $1.08 in 1Q21
• Operating (1) EPS of $0.42 in 1Q22, compared to $0.55 in 1Q21
• Pre-tax operating earnings of $68.0 million in 1Q22, compared to $96.9 million (or $104.7 million excluding significant items) in 1Q21, reflecting:
• $15 million decrease from moderating variable investment income returns
• $10 million unfavorable impact to fixed income annuity margin from market volatility
• $6 million decrease in net favorable COVID benefits
• $6 million increase in non-deferrable advertising spend
• Total new annualized premiums (NAP) (4) up 2% from 1Q21
• Direct-to-consumer life insurance NAP (4) up 16% from 1Q21
• Annuity collected premiums up 13% from 1Q21
• Returned $116.1 million to shareholders in the form of share repurchases ($100.0 million) and dividends ($16.1 million); reduced weighted average share count by 11% since 1Q21
• Book value per share was $31.48, down 14% from 1Q21; book value per diluted share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (2), was $27.70, up 12% from 1Q21
• Return on equity (ROE) of 8.1%; operating ROE, as adjusted (6), of 11.2%

 

FINANCIAL SUMMARY Quarter End (Amounts in millions, except per share data) (Unaudited)
Net operating income, a non-GAAP(a) financial measure, is used consistently by CNO's management to evaluate the operating performance of the Company and is a measure commonly used in the life insurance industry.  It differs from net income primarily because it excludes certain non-operating items such as net investment gains (losses), changes in fair values of embedded derivatives and the liability for a deferred compensation plan, and certain significant and unusual items included in net income.  Management believes an analysis of net operating income is important in understanding the profitability and operating trends of the Company's business.  Net income is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
	Per diluted share
	Quarter ended							Quarter ended
	March 31,							March 31,
	2022			2021		% change		2022			2021		% change
Income from insurance products (b)	$           0.37			$            0.50		(26)		$       44.4			$      68.6		(35)
Fee income	0.08			0.05		60		9.9			7.3		36
Investment income not allocated to product lines (c)	0.23			0.32		(28)		28.5			43.0		(34)
Expenses not allocated to product lines	(0.12)			(0.16)		(25)		(14.8)			(22.0)		(33)
Operating earnings before taxes	0.56			0.71				68.0			96.9
Income tax expense on operating income	(0.14)			(0.16)		(13)		(16.9)			(21.7)		(22)
Net operating income (1)	0.42			0.55		(24)		51.1			75.2		(32)
Net realized investment gains from sales, impairments and change in allowance for credit losses (net of related amortization)	(0.06)			0.03				(7.1)			3.6
Net change in market value of investments recognized in earnings	(0.21)			(0.05)				(25.5)			(6.4)
Fair value changes in embedded derivative liabilities (net of related amortization)	0.75			0.60				90.8			82.1
Other	0.19			0.10				23.1			13.8
Non-operating income before taxes	0.67			0.68				81.3			93.1
Income tax expense on non-operating income	(0.16)			(0.15)				(20.1)			(20.9)
Net non-operating income	0.51			0.53				61.2			72.2
Net income	$           0.93			$            1.08				$     112.3			$    147.4
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	121.0			136.7

(a)	GAAP is defined as accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
(b)	Income from insurance products is the sum of the insurance margins of the annuity, health and life segments, less allocated insurance administrative expenses.  It excludes the fee income segment, excess investment income, parent company expenses and income taxes.  Insurance margin is management's measure of the profitability of its annuity, health and life segments' performance and consists of premiums plus allocated investment income less insurance policy benefits, interest credited, commissions, advertising expense and amortization of acquisition costs.
(c)	Investment income not allocated to product lines is defined as net investment income less: (i) equity returns credited to policyholder account balances; (ii) the investment income allocated to our product lines; (iii) interest expense on notes payable and investment borrowings; and (iv) certain expenses related to benefit plans that are offset by special-purpose investment income.

 

FINANCIAL SUMMARY (continued) Management vs. GAAP Measures (Dollars in millions, except per share data) (Unaudited)
Shareholders' equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, and book value per share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, are non-GAAP measures that are utilized by management to view the business without the effect of accumulated other comprehensive income which is primarily attributable to fluctuations in interest rates associated with fixed maturities, available for sale.  Management views the business in this manner because the Company has the ability and generally, the intent, to hold investments to maturity and meaningful trends can be more easily identified without the fluctuations.  In addition, shareholders' equity excludes net operating loss carryforwards in our non-GAAP return on equity measures as such assets are not discounted and, accordingly, will not provide a return to shareholders until after it is realized as a reduction to taxes that would otherwise be paid.  Management believes that excluding this value from the equity component of this measure enhances the understanding of the effect these non-discounted assets have on operating returns.
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2022		2021
Trailing twelve months return on equity (a)	8.1 %		9.6 %
Trailing twelve months operating return on equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure) (6)	11.2 %		12.3 %
Trailing twelve months operating return, excluding significant items, on equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure) (6)	10.7 %		11.7 %
Shareholders' equity	$     3,690.9		$    4,860.7
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(380.5)		(1,518.1)
Shareholders' equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income	3,310.4		3,342.6
Net operating loss carryforwards	(238.2)		(323.1)
Shareholders' equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income and net operating loss carryforwards	$     3,072.2		$    3,019.5
Book value per diluted share	$        30.89		$       36.11
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(3.19)		(11.28)
Book value per diluted share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (a non-GAAP financial measure) (2)	$        27.70		$       24.83

(a)	Calculated using average shareholders' equity for the measurement period.

INSURANCE OPERATIONS 

Annuity products accounted for 24 percent of the Company's margin for the quarter.

Annuity premiums collected increased 13 percent and annuity account values increased 8 percent in 1Q22 compared to 1Q21.

Health products accounted for 66 percent of the Company's insurance margin for the quarter and 65 percent of insurance policy income.

Life products accounted for 10 percent of the Company's insurance margin for the quarter and 34 percent of insurance policy income.

Sales of health products were down 3 percent and sales of life products were up 5 percent in 1Q22 compared to 1Q21.

ANNUITY COLLECTED PREMIUMS (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)
	Quarter ended March 31,
	2022		2021		% change
Annuity collected premiums	$             368.6		$             325.4		13
INSURANCE POLICY INCOME (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)
	Quarter ended March 31,
	2022		2021		% change
Annuity	$                 5.0		$                 5.4		(7)
Health	406.7		416.5		(2)
Life	213.3		210.5		1
Total insurance policy income	$             625.0		$             632.4		(1)
SALES MEASURED AS NEW ANNUALIZED PREMIUMS FOR LIFE AND HEALTH PRODUCTS (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)
	Quarter ended March 31,
	2022		2021		% change
Health	$               34.8		$               35.7		(3)
Life	55.8		53.0		5
Total new annualized premiums (4)	$               90.6		$               88.7		2

 

INSURANCE MARGIN (Amounts in millions, except per share data) (Unaudited)
Insurance margin is management's measure of profitability of its annuity, health and life segments' performance and consists of premiums plus allocated investment income less insurance policy benefits, interest credited, commissions, advertising expense and amortization of acquisition costs. Income from insurance products is the sum of the insurance margins of the annuity, health and life segments, less allocated insurance administrative expenses.  It excludes the fee income segment, investment income not allocated to product lines, expenses not allocated to product lines and income taxes. Management believes this information helps provide a better understanding of the business and a more meaningful analysis of our operations. Insurance income, a non-GAAP measure, is a component of net operating income, which is reconciled to net income in the Financial Summary section above.
	Quarter ended
	March 31, 2022		% of insurance policy income			March 31, 2021		% of insurance policy income		% change
Margin
Annuity interest margin	$               44.6					$               57.9				(23)
Life insurance interest margin	1.5					1.9				(21)
Total interest-sensitive margin	46.1					59.8				(23)
Insurance margin
Health	124.8		31			124.7		30		—
Life (a)	18.3		9			25.2		12		(27)
Total other insurance margin	143.1		23			149.9		24		(5)
Total insurance margin	189.2					209.7
Allocated expenses	(144.8)					(141.1)
Income from insurance products	$               44.4					$               68.6
Per diluted share	$               0.37					$               0.50
Weighted average diluted shares	121.0					136.7

(a)	Net of $29.3 million and $23.3 million of non-deferred television advertising expense related to our direct distribution channel in the 2022 and 2021 periods, respectively.

Total allocated expenses were $144.8 million, up 3 percent from the year-ago quarter.

Total insurance margins were favorably impacted by approximately $16 million and $22 million in the quarters ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, due to the estimated impacts of COVID-19.

ANNUITY RESULTS BY PRODUCT TYPE (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)
Annuity margin
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2022		2021
Fixed index annuities	$           33.2		$            48.3
Fixed interest annuities	8.1		8.8
Other annuities	3.3		0.8
Total	$           44.6		$            57.9
Annuity collected premiums
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2022		2021
Annuity collected premiums	$         368.6		$          325.4
Average net insurance liabilities (5)
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2022		2021
Fixed index annuities	$       8,268.4		$       7,464.8
Fixed interest annuities	1,761.9		1,951.6
Other annuities	488.0		512.2
Total	$     10,518.3		$       9,928.6
Margin/average net insurance liabilities (a)
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2022		2021
Fixed index annuities	1.61%		2.59%
Fixed interest annuities	1.84%		1.80%
Other annuities	2.70%		0.62%
Total	1.70%		2.33%

(a)	Defined as annualized quarterly annuity margin divided by average net insurance liabilities (5).

Total annuity margins were favorably impacted by approximately nil and $1 million in the quarters ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, due to the estimated impacts of COVID-19.

HEALTH INSURANCE RESULTS BY PRODUCT TYPE (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)
Health margin
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2022				2021
	Amount		% of insurance policy income		Amount		% of insurance policy income		% change
Supplemental health and other health	$           57.2		33		$           50.4		30		13
Medicare supplement	36.2		22		38.2		21		(5)
Long-term care	31.4		47		36.1		55		(13)
Total	$         124.8		31		$         124.7		30		—

 

 

Health insurance policy income
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2022		2021		% change
Supplemental health and other health	$         173.5		$         169.8		2
Medicare supplement	166.8		181.0		(8)
Long-term care	66.4		65.7		1
Total	$         406.7		$         416.5		(2)
Health NAP (4)
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2022		2021		% change
Supplemental health and other health	$           21.5		$           21.1		2
Medicare supplement	6.5		8.2		(21)
Long-term care	6.8		6.4		6
Total	$           34.8		$           35.7		(3)

Total health margins were favorably impacted by approximately $32 million and $40 million in the quarters ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, due to the estimated impacts of COVID-19.

LIFE INSURANCE RESULTS BY PRODUCT TYPE (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)
Life margin
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2022				2021
	Amount		% of insurance policy income		Amount		% of insurance policy income		% change
Life insurance interest margin	$             1.5				$             1.9				(21)
Life insurance margin:
Traditional life	2.9		2		12.9		8		(78)
Interest sensitive life	15.4		36		12.3		30		25
Subtotal	18.3		9		25.2		12		(27)
Total margin	$           19.8				$           27.1				(27)

 

Life insurance policy income
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2022		2021		% change
Traditional life	$         170.2		$         169.7		—
Interest sensitive life	43.1		40.8		6
Total	$         213.3		$         210.5		1
Life NAP (4)
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2022		2021		% change
Traditional life	$           48.2		$           45.9		5
Interest sensitive life	7.6		7.1		7
Total	$           55.8		$           53.0		5
Average net insurance liabilities (5) and interest margin
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2022		2021		% change
Interest sensitive life products	$   1,011.9		$     954.7		6
Interest margin/average net insurance liabilities (5)	0.59 %		0.80 %		(26)

Total life margins were unfavorably impacted by approximately $16 million and $19 million in the quarters ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, due to the estimated impacts of COVID-19.

QUARTERLY AVERAGE EXCLUSIVE PRODUCING AGENTS
	Average Exclusive Producing Agent Count
	Quarter ended
	March 31,				%
	2022		2021		change
Consumer
Field agents (a) (c)	3,939		4,389		(10)
Tele-sales agents	217		258		(16)
Total agents	4,156		4,647		(11)
Registered agents (b) (c)	663		646		3
Worksite (a) (c)	208		241		(14)

(a)	Producing agents represent the monthly average of exclusive agents that have submitted at least one policy in the month.
(b)	Registered agents are dually licensed as insurance agents and financial representatives who can buy and sell securities for clients, and/or investment advisors who can provide ongoing investment advice for clients.
(c)	Agent counts represent the average of the last 3 months.

 

INVESTMENTS INVESTMENT INCOME NOT ALLOCATED TO PRODUCT LINES (Dollars in millions, except per share data)
Management uses investment income not allocated to product lines as the measure to evaluate the performance of the investment segment.  It is defined as net investment income less the investment income allocated to our product segments and interest expense on debt.  We also view investment income not allocated to product lines per diluted share as an important and useful measure to evaluate performance of the investment segment as it takes into consideration our share repurchase program.
	Quarter ended March 31,
	2022		2021		% change
Net investment income	$            208.2		$            338.2		(38)
Allocated to product lines:
Annuity	(115.1)		(115.7)		(1)
Health	(71.8)		(71.5)		—
Life	(36.3)		(35.8)		1
Equity returns credited to policyholder account balances	71.9		(42.5)		(269)
Amounts allocated to product lines and credited to policyholder account balances	(151.3)		(265.5)		(43)
Amount related to variable interest entities and other non-operating items	(7.2)		(7.8)		(8)
Interest expense on corporate debt	(15.7)		(15.5)		1
Interest expense on investment borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank program	(2.4)		(2.7)		(11)
Expenses related to funding agreement-backed note program	(7.3)		—		n/m
Less amounts credited to deferred compensation plans (offsetting investment income)	4.2		(3.7)		(214)
Total adjustments	(28.4)		(29.7)
Investment income not allocated to product lines	$              28.5		$              43.0		(34)
Per diluted share	$              0.23		$              0.32

 

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO (Dollars in millions)
The composition of the investment portfolio at March 31, 2022 is as follows:
	$		% of total
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value	$     23,479.4		86
Equity securities at fair value	91.0		—
Mortgage loans	1,213.3		4
Policy loans	119.5		1
Trading securities	223.0		1
Investments held by variable interest entities	1,180.8		4
Other invested assets	1,121.8		4
Total investment portfolio	$     27,428.8		100

 

Fixed maturities, available for sale, at amortized cost by asset class as of March 31, 2022 are as follows:
	Investment grade		Below investment grade		Total
Corporate securities	$     13,110.8		$          821.8		$     13,932.6
United States Treasury securities and obligations of the United States government and agencies	168.0		—		168.0
States and political subdivisions	2,634.4		11.6		2,646.0
Foreign governments	78.2		—		78.2
Asset-backed securities	1,034.6		155.1		1,189.7
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	33.9		—		33.9
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	1,163.9		662.7	(a)	1,826.6
Collateralized loan obligations	681.8		7.4		689.2
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	2,341.3		83.8		2,425.1
Total	$     21,246.9		$       1,742.4		$     22,989.3

(a)	Certain structured securities rated below investment grade by Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations may be assigned a NAIC 1 or NAIC 2 designation based on the cost basis of the security relative to estimated recoverable amounts as determined by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

The fair value of CNO's available for sale fixed maturity portfolio was $23.5 billion compared with an amortized cost of $23.0 billion.  Net unrealized gains were comprised of gross unrealized gains of $1.2 billion and gross unrealized losses of $647 million.  The allowance for credit losses was $36.6 million at March 31, 2022.

At both amortized cost and fair value, 92 percent of fixed maturities, available for sale, were rated "investment grade".

Non-Operating Items

Net investment losses in 1Q22 were $7.1 million (net of related amortization) including the unfavorable change in the allowance for credit losses of $30.7 million which was recorded in earnings.  Net investment gains in 1Q21 were $3.6 million (net of related amortization) including the favorable change in the allowance for credit losses of $9.6 million which was recorded in earnings.

During 1Q22 and 1Q21, we recognized a decrease in earnings of $25.5 million and $6.4 million, respectively, due to the net change in market value of investments recognized in earnings.

During 1Q22 and 1Q21, we recognized an increase in earnings of $90.8 million and $82.1 million, respectively, resulting from changes in the estimated fair value of embedded derivative liabilities related to our fixed index annuities, net of related amortization.  Such amounts include the impacts of changes in market interest rates used to determine the derivative's estimated fair value.

In 1Q22 and 1Q21, other non-operating items included an increase in earnings of $22.7 million and $13.2 million, respectively, for the mark-to-market change in the agent deferred compensation plan liability which was impacted by changes in the underlying actuarial assumptions used to value the liability. We recognize the mark-to-market change in the estimated value of this liability through earnings as assumptions change.

Statutory (based on non-GAAP measures) and GAAP Capital Information

Our consolidated statutory risk-based capital ratio was estimated at 365% at March 31, 2022, reflecting estimated 1Q22 statutory operating income of $30 million and the payment of insurance company dividends to the holding company of $69.6 million during 1Q22.

During the first quarter of 2022, we repurchased $100.0 million of common stock under our securities repurchase program.  We repurchased 4.1 million common shares at an average cost of $24.65 per share.  As of March 31, 2022, we had 117.2 million shares outstanding and had authority to repurchase up to an additional $266.9 million of our common stock.  During 1Q22, dividends paid on common stock totaled $16.1 million.

Unrestricted cash and investments held by our holding company were $192 million at March 31, 2022, compared to $249 million at December 31, 2021.

Book value per common share was $31.48 at March 31, 2022 compared to $43.69 at December 31, 2021.  Book value per diluted share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (2), was $27.70 at March 31, 2022, compared to $26.86 at December 31, 2021. 

The debt-to-capital ratio was 23.6 percent and 17.8 percent at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.  Our debt-to-total capital ratio, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (3) was 25.6 percent at both March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

Return on equity for the trailing four quarters ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, was 8.1% and 9.6%, respectively.  Operating return, excluding significant items, on equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income and net operating loss carryforwards (6) for the trailing four quarters ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, was 10.7% and 11.7%, respectively.

In this news release, CNO includes non-GAAP measures to enhance investors' understanding of management's view of the business.  The non-GAAP measures are not a substitute for GAAP, but rather a supplement to increase transparency by providing broader perspective.  CNO's definitions of non-GAAP measures may differ from other companies' definitions.  More detailed information including various GAAP and non-GAAP measurements are located at CNOinc.com in the Investors section under SEC Filings.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws.  These prospective statements reflect management's current expectations, but are not guarantees of future performance.  Accordingly, please refer to CNO's cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements, and the business environment in which the Company operates, contained in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and any subsequent Form 10-Q or Form 10-K on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and on the Company's website at CNOinc.com in the Investors section.  CNO specifically disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement because of new information, future developments or otherwise.

EARNINGS RELEASE CONFERENCE CALL WEBCAST:

The Company will host a conference call to discuss results on May 3, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.  During the call, we will be referring to a presentation that will be available at the Investors section of the company's website.

To participate by dial-in, please register at http://www.directeventreg.com/registration/event/7976502. Upon registering, you will be provided with call details and a registrant ID used to track attendance on the conference call. Reminders will also be sent to registered participants via email.

For those investors who prefer to listen to the call online, we will be broadcasting the call live via webcast.  The event can be accessed through the Investors section of the company's website: ir.CNOinc.com.  Participants should go to the website at least 15 minutes before the event to register and download any necessary audio software.

ABOUT CNO FINANCIAL GROUP

CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) secures the future of middle-income America.  CNO provides life and health insurance, annuities, financial services, and workforce benefits solutions through our family of brands, including Bankers Life, Colonial Penn and Washington National.  Our customers work hard to save for the future, and we help protect their health, income and retirement needs with 3.2 million policies and $35 billion in total assets. Our 3,400 associates, 4,400 exclusive agents and 4,700 independent partner agents guide individuals, families and businesses through a lifetime of financial decisions. For more information, visit CNOinc.com.

 

CNO FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Dollars in millions) (unaudited)
	March 31, 2022		December 31, 2021
ASSETS
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (net of allowance for credit losses: March 31,   2022 - $36.6 and December 31, 2021 - $7.6; amortized cost: March 31, 2022 - $22,989.3 and   December 31, 2021 - $21,867.6)	$           23,479.4		$           24,805.4
Equity securities at fair value	91.0		131.1
Mortgage loans (net of allowance for credit losses: March 31, 2022 - $5.1 and December 31,   2021 - $5.6)	1,213.3		1,218.6
Policy loans	119.5		120.2
Trading securities	223.0		227.2
Investments held by variable interest entities (net of allowance for credit losses: March 31, 2022   - $5.9 and December 31, 2021 - $3.7; amortized cost: March 31, 2022 - $1,198.9 and   December 31, 2021 - $1,206.8)	1,180.8		1,199.6
Other invested assets	1,121.8		1,224.0
Total investments	27,428.8		28,926.1
Cash and cash equivalents - unrestricted	546.0		632.1
Cash and cash equivalents held by variable interest entities	48.0		99.6
Accrued investment income	227.9		216.4
Present value of future profits	222.8		222.6
Deferred acquisition costs	1,487.6		1,112.0
Reinsurance receivables (net of allowance for credit losses: March 31, 2022 - $3.0 and December 31, 2021 - $3.0)	4,298.2		4,354.3
Income tax assets, net	534.2		118.3
Assets held in separate accounts	3.6		3.9
Other assets	671.0		519.1
Total assets	$           35,468.1		$           36,204.4
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Liabilities for insurance products:
Policyholder account liabilities	$           14,546.3		$           13,689.7
Future policy benefits	11,646.5		11,670.7
Liability for policy and contract claims	507.3		501.8
Unearned and advanced premiums	250.0		246.7
Liabilities related to separate accounts	3.6		3.9
Other liabilities	912.3		830.9
Investment borrowings	1,640.5		1,715.8
Borrowings related to variable interest entities	1,133.1		1,147.9
Notes payable – direct corporate obligations	1,137.6		1,137.3
Total liabilities	31,777.2		30,944.7
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock ($0.01 par value, 8,000,000,000 shares authorized, shares issued and    outstanding: March 31, 2022 – 117,241,006; December 31, 2021 – 120,377,152)	1.2		1.2
Additional paid-in capital	2,085.7		2,184.2
Accumulated other comprehensive income	380.5		1,947.1
Retained earnings	1,223.5		1,127.2
Total shareholders' equity	3,690.9		5,259.7
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$           35,468.1		$           36,204.4

 

CNO FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Dollars in millions, except per share data) (unaudited)
	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2022		2021
Revenues:
Insurance policy income	$              625.0		$             632.4
Net investment income:
General account assets	277.5		282.7
Policyholder and other special-purpose portfolios	(69.3)		55.5
Investment gains (losses):
Realized investment gains (losses)	18.8		(6.0)
Other investment gains (losses)	(51.5)		3.2
Total investment losses	(32.7)		(2.8)
Fee revenue and other income	42.4		38.2
Total revenues	842.9		1,006.0
Benefits and expenses:
Insurance policy benefits	346.7		459.1
Interest expense	23.8		24.1
Amortization	103.9		99.7
Other operating costs and expenses	219.2		233.1
Total benefits and expenses	693.6		816.0
Income before income taxes	149.3		190.0
Income tax expense on period income	37.0		42.6
Net income	$              112.3		$             147.4
Earnings per common share:
Basic:
Weighted average shares outstanding	118,622,000		134,140,000
Net income	$                  .95		$               1.10
Diluted:
Weighted average shares outstanding	121,002,000		136,653,000
Net income	$                  .93		$               1.08

 

NOTES
(1)	Management believes that an analysis of Net income applicable to common stock before: (i) net realized investment gains or losses from sales, impairments and the change in allowance for credit losses, net of related amortization and taxes; (ii) net change in market value of investments recognized in earnings, net of taxes; (iii) fair value changes due to fluctuations in the interest rates used to discount embedded derivative liabilities related to our fixed index annuities, net of related amortization and taxes; (iv) fair value changes related to the agent deferred compensation plan, net of taxes; (v) loss on extinguishment of debt, net of taxes; (vi) changes in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and other tax items; and (viii) other non-operating items consisting primarily of earnings attributable to variable interest entities, net of taxes ("Net operating income," a non-GAAP financial measure) is important to evaluate the financial performance of the company, and is a key measure commonly used in the life insurance industry.  Management uses this measure to evaluate performance because the items excluded from net operating income can be affected by events that are unrelated to the company's underlying fundamentals.  A reconciliation of Net operating income to Net income applicable to common stock is provided in the table on page 2.  Additional information concerning this non-GAAP measure is included in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that are available in the "Investors - SEC Filings" section of CNO's website, CNOinc.com.
(2)	Book value per diluted share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding stock options were exercised and restricted stock and performance units were vested.  The dilution from options, restricted shares and performance units is calculated using the treasury stock method.  Under this method, we assume the proceeds from the exercise of the options (or the unrecognized compensation expense with respect to restricted stock and performance units) will be used to purchase shares of our common stock at the closing market price on the last day of the period.  In addition, the calculation of this non-GAAP measure differs from the corresponding GAAP measure because accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) has been excluded from the value of capital used to determine this measure.  Management believes this non-GAAP measure is useful because it removes the volatility that arises from changes in the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of our investments.
(3)	The calculation of this non-GAAP measure differs from the corresponding GAAP measure because accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) has been excluded from the value of capital used to determine this measure.  Management believes this non-GAAP measure is useful because it removes the volatility that arises from changes in the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of our investments.
(4)	Measured by new annualized premiums for life and health products, which includes 10% of single premium whole life deposits and 100% of all other premiums (excluding annuities).  Sales of third-party products are excluded.
(5)	Net insurance liabilities are equal to total insurance liabilities less: (i) amounts related to reinsured business; (ii) deferred acquisition costs; (iii) present value of future profits; and (iv) the value of unexpired options credited to insurance liabilities.
(6)	The following summarizes the calculations of: (i) operating return on equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure); (ii) operating return, excluding significant items, on equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure); and (iii) return on equity are as follows (dollars in millions):

			Trailing twelve months ended
			1Q22		1Q21
Net operating income			$        341.5		$     353.2
Net operating income, excluding significant items			$        327.1		$     335.2
Net income			$        405.9		$     470.4
Average common equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure)			$     3,046.7		$  2,876.5
Average common shareholders' equity			$     5,023.1		$  4,903.1
Operating return on equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss  carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure)			11.2 %		12.3 %
Operating return, excluding significant items, on equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure)			10.7 %		11.7 %
Return on equity			8.1 %		9.6 %

 

The following summarizes: (i) operating earnings; (ii) significant items; (iii) operating earnings, excluding significant items; and (iv) net income (loss) (dollars in millions):

								Net operating
						Net operating		income,
						income,		excluding				Net
						excluding		significant				income -
		Net operating		Significant		significant		items - trailing		Net		trailing
		income		items		items (a)		four quarters		income		four quarters
2Q20		$                  79.4		$                 (17.7)	(b)	$                  61.7		$                285.9		$                  82.0		$                380.8
3Q20		112.6		—		112.6		329.3		129.2		468.0
4Q20		86.0		(6.4)	(c)	79.6		338.2		111.8		301.8
1Q21		75.2		6.1	(d)	81.3		335.2		147.4		470.4
2Q21		89.1		3.5	(e)	92.6		366.1		78.0		466.4
3Q21		92.8		2.3	(f)	95.1		348.6		99.8		437.0
4Q21		108.5		(20.2)	(g)	88.3		357.3		115.8		441.0
1Q22		51.1		—		51.1		327.1		112.3		405.9

(a)	See note (7) for additional information.
(b)	Comprised of: (i) $45.9 million of net favorable adjustments arising from our review of actuarial assumptions; (ii) $23.5 million unfavorable impact related to regulatory matters; and (iii) an increase in tax expense of $4.7 million.
(c)	Comprised of: (i) $11.8 million of net favorable adjustments arising from our review of actuarial assumptions; (ii) $3.7 million unfavorable impact related to asset impairments; and (iii) an increase in tax expense of $1.7 million.
(d)	Comprised of: (i) $5.3 million from legal and regulatory matters; (ii) $2.5 million of transaction expenses related to the previously announced acquisition of DirectPath, LLC; and (iii) a decrease in tax expense of $1.7 million.
(e)	Comprised of: (i) $4.5 million from legal and regulatory matters; and (ii) a decrease in tax expense of $1.0 million.
(f)	Comprised of: (i) $3.0 million from legal and regulatory matters; and (ii) a decrease in tax expense of $.7 million.
(g)	Comprised of: (i) $25.9 million of net favorable adjustments arising from our review of actuarial assumptions; and (ii) an increase in tax expense of $5.7 million.

 

A reconciliation of pre-tax operating earnings (a non-GAAP financial measure) to net income is as follows (dollars in millions):

			Twelve months ended
			1Q22		1Q21
Pre-tax operating earnings (a non-GAAP financial measure)			$           441.7		$            455.2
Income tax expense			(100.2)		(102.0)
Net operating income			341.5		353.2
Non-operating items:
Net realized investment gains (losses) from sales, impairments and change in allowance for credit losses, net of related amortization			24.1		36.2
Net change in market value of investments recognized in earnings			(36.5)		39.3
Fair value changes in embedded derivative liabilities, net of related amortization			75.9		69.7
Fair value changes related to the agent deferred compensation plan			18.4		(3.1)
Other			3.4		8.0
Non-operating income (loss) before taxes			85.3		150.1
Income tax expense on non-operating income			(20.9)		(32.9)
Net non-operating income			64.4		117.2
Net income			$           405.9		$            470.4

 

A reconciliation of consolidated capital, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure) to common shareholders' equity, is as follows (dollars in millions):
			1Q20		2Q20		3Q20		4Q20
Consolidated capital, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure)			$    2,701.2		$    2,784.2		$    2,905.1		$    2,956.2
Net operating loss carryforwards			469.4		426.8		377.2		341.9
Accumulated other comprehensive income			595.2		1,520.2		1,801.6		2,186.1
Common shareholders' equity			$    3,765.8		$    4,731.2		$    5,083.9		$    5,484.2
			1Q21		2Q21		3Q21		4Q21
Consolidated capital, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure)			$    3,019.5		$    3,035.6		$    3,036.3		$    3,068.9
Net operating loss carryforwards			323.1		292.9		266.9		243.7
Accumulated other comprehensive income			1,518.1		1,995.5		1,929.7		1,947.1
Common shareholders' equity			$    4,860.7		$    5,324.0		$    5,232.9		$    5,259.7
			1Q22
Consolidated capital, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure)			$    3,072.2
Net operating loss carryforwards			238.2
Accumulated other comprehensive income			380.5
Common shareholders' equity			$    3,690.9

 

A reconciliation of consolidated capital, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure) to common shareholders' equity, is as follows (dollars in millions):
			Trailing four quarter average
			1Q22		1Q21
Consolidated capital, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure)			$        3,046.7		$        2,876.5
Net operating loss carryforwards			271.0		385.5
Accumulated other comprehensive income			1,705.4		1,641.1
Common shareholders' equity			$        5,023.1		$        4,903.1

(7)	The tables below summarize the financial impact of significant items on our net operating income.  Management believes that identifying the impact of these items enhances the understanding of our operating results (dollars in millions, except per share data).

		Three months ended
		December 31, 2021
		Actual results		Significant items		Excluding significant items
Insurance product margin
Annuity margin		$         93.9		$         (26.9)	(a)	$          67.0
Health margin		129.5		—		129.5
Life margin		30.4		1.0	(a)	31.4
Total insurance product margin		253.8		(25.9)		227.9
Allocated expenses		(143.3)		—		(143.3)
Income from insurance products		110.5		(25.9)		84.6
Fee income		2.9		—		2.9
Investment income not allocated to product lines		42.8		—		42.8
Expenses not allocated to product lines		(17.4)		—		(17.4)
Operating earnings before taxes		138.8		(25.9)		112.9
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income		(30.3)		5.7		(24.6)
Net operating income		$        108.5		$         (20.2)		$          88.3
Net operating income per diluted share		$         0.87		$         (0.16)		$          0.71

(a)	Adjustments arising from our comprehensive annual actuarial review of assumptions.

 

		Three months ended
		September 30, 2021
		Actual results		Significant items		Excluding significant items
Insurance product margin
Annuity margin		$         52.5		$             —		$          52.5
Health margin		117.9		—		117.9
Life margin		53.2		—		53.2
Total insurance product margin		223.6		—		223.6
Allocated expenses		(140.5)		—		(140.5)
Income from insurance products		83.1		—		83.1
Fee income		2.6		—		2.6
Investment income not allocated to product lines		50.9		—		50.9
Expenses not allocated to product lines		(17.3)		3.0	(a)	(14.3)
Operating earnings before taxes		119.3		3.0		122.3
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income		(26.5)		(0.7)		(27.2)
Net operating income		$         92.8		$            2.3		$          95.1
Net operating income per diluted share		$         0.72		$          0.02		$          0.74

(a)	Comprised of $3.0 million from legal and regulatory matters.

 

		Three months ended
		June 30, 2021
		Actual results		Significant items		Excluding significant items
Insurance product margin
Annuity margin		$         66.0		$             —		$          66.0
Health margin		120.9		—		120.9
Life margin		39.7		—		39.7
Total insurance product margin		226.6		—		226.6
Allocated expenses		(141.6)		—		(141.6)
Income from insurance products		85.0		—		85.0
Fee income		6.6		—		6.6
Investment income not allocated to product lines		47.8		—		47.8
Expenses not allocated to product lines		(23.8)		4.5	(a)	(19.3)
Operating earnings before taxes		115.6		4.5		120.1
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income		(26.5)		(1.0)		(27.5)
Net operating income		$         89.1		$            3.5		$          92.6
Net operating income per diluted share		$         0.66		$          0.03		$          0.69

(a)	Comprised of $4.5 million from legal and regulatory matters.

 

		Three months ended
		March 31, 2021
		Actual results		Significant items		Excluding significant items
Insurance product margin
Annuity margin		$         57.9		$             —		$          57.9
Health margin		124.7		—		124.7
Life margin		27.1		—		27.1
Total insurance product margin		209.7		—		209.7
Allocated expenses		(141.1)		—		(141.1)
Income from insurance products		68.6		—		68.6
Fee income		7.3		—		7.3
Investment income not allocated to product lines		43.0		—		43.0
Expenses not allocated to product lines		(22.0)		7.8	(a)	(14.2)
Operating earnings before taxes		96.9		7.8		104.7
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income		(21.7)		(1.7)		(23.4)
Net operating income		$         75.2		$            6.1		$          81.3
Net operating income per diluted share		$         0.55		$          0.04		$          0.59

(a)	Comprised of: (i) $5.3 million from legal and regulatory matters; and (ii) $2.5 million of transaction expenses related to the previously announced acquisition of DirectPath, LLC. The legal and regulatory matters primarily consist of an increase to our liability for claims and interest pursuant to the Global Resolution Agreement, as we have now processed and verified most of the claims provided by the third party auditor allowing us to more accurately estimate the ultimate liability.

 

		Three months ended
		December 31, 2020
		Actual results		Significant items		Excluding significant items
Insurance product margin
Annuity margin		$         68.1		$         (16.1)	(a)	$          52.0
Health margin		125.2		—		125.2
Life margin		37.3		4.3	(a)	41.6
Total insurance product margin		230.6		(11.8)		218.8
Allocated expenses		(162.7)		—		(162.7)
Income from insurance products		67.9		(11.8)		56.1
Fee income		2.9		—		2.9
Investment income not allocated to product lines		57.8		—		57.8
Expenses not allocated to product lines		(17.8)		3.7	(b)	(14.1)
Operating earnings before taxes		110.8		(8.1)		102.7
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income		(24.8)		1.7		(23.1)
Net operating income		$         86.0		$          (6.4)		$          79.6
Net operating income per diluted share		$         0.61		$         (0.04)		$          0.57

(a)	Adjustments arising from our comprehensive annual actuarial review of assumptions.
(b)	Unfavorable impact related to asset impairments.

 

		Three months ended
		June 30, 2020
		Actual results		Significant items		Excluding significant items
Insurance product margin
Annuity margin		$        123.8		$          40.0	(a)	$          72.3
				(91.5)	(a)
Health margin		95.5		—		95.5
Life margin		36.1		5.6	(a)	41.7
Total insurance product margin		255.4		(45.9)		209.5
Allocated expenses		(128.1)		—		(128.1)
Income from insurance products		127.3		(45.9)		81.4
Fee income		5.2		—		5.2
Investment income not allocated to product lines		8.2		—		8.2
Expenses not allocated to product lines		(38.5)		23.5	(b)	(15.0)
Operating earnings before taxes		102.2		(22.4)		79.8
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income		(22.8)		4.7		(18.1)
Net operating income		$         79.4		$         (17.7)		$          61.7
Net operating income per diluted share		$         0.55		$         (0.12)		$          0.43

(a)	Given our expectation that interest rates will remain low for the long-term, we performed an actuarial unlocking exercise in the second quarter of 2020 to reflect our assumption that average new money rates will remain flat at 4 percent forever.  This change and the related impacts to persistency assumptions had a $45.6 million unfavorable impact on pre-tax earnings.  As part of the actuarial unlocking exercise, we also changed our assumptions related to the future option costs we incur in providing benefits on fixed index annuities which had a favorable impact on pre-tax earnings of $91.5 million.  The impact of these changes in assumptions is summarized below (dollars in millions):

	Line of business
	Fixed index annuities		Fixed interest annuities		Interest- sensitive life		Total
	Favorable (unfavorable)
Impacts of an average new money rate assumption of 4 percent
Insurance policy benefits	$                     (5.0)		$                         —		$                      (7.4)		$                    (12.4)
Amortization	(25.6)		(9.4)		1.8		(33.2)
Subtotal	(30.6)		(9.4)		(5.6)		(45.6)
Impacts of changes in future option costs
Insurance policy benefits	104.8		—		—		104.8
Amortization	(13.3)		—		—		(13.3)
Subtotal	91.5		—		—		91.5
Impact on pre-tax income	$                    60.9		$                      (9.4)		$                      (5.6)		$                     45.9

	This actuarial unlocking exercise did not replace our comprehensive annual review of all assumptions for our insurance products, which we completed in the fourth quarter of 2020.
(b)	We increased our liability for claims and interest pursuant to the previously disclosed Global Resolution Agreement entered into in November 2018.  Pursuant to this agreement, a third-party auditor is acting on behalf of 42 states and the District of Columbia for the purpose of identifying deceased insureds and contract holders where benefits are payable pursuant to unclaimed property laws.  The third-party auditor has provided information that we have processed and verified allowing us to more accurately estimate the ultimate liability pursuant to this agreement.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cno-financial-group-reports-first-quarter-2022-results-301537660.html

SOURCE CNO Financial Group

FAQ

What were CNO's earnings per share for Q1 2022?

CNO reported earnings per share of $0.93 for Q1 2022, down from $1.08 in Q1 2021.

How much capital did CNO return to shareholders in Q1 2022?

CNO returned a total of $116.1 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in Q1 2022.

What contributed to the increase in CNO's direct-to-consumer life insurance premiums?

CNO's direct-to-consumer life insurance premiums increased by 16% in Q1 2022 compared to Q1 2021, reflecting strong agent productivity.

How did market conditions affect CNO's Q1 2022 earnings?

CNO's earnings were pressured by market volatility, contributing to a decrease in net operating income.

What is the stock symbol for CNO Financial Group?

CNO Financial Group's stock symbol is CNO.