CNO Financial Group Reports First Quarter 2023 Results

Total new annualized premiums up 7%
Capital and liquidity remain above target levels

CARMEL, Ind., May 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) today reported a net loss of $0.8 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, in 1Q23 compared to net income of $183.4 million, or $1.52 per diluted share, in 1Q22.  Non-economic accounting impacts of market volatility often result in significant increases and decreases to our non-operating income and drove the net loss in 1Q23.  Net operating income ⁽¹⁾, which excludes these non-economic accounting impacts, was $58.6 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, in 1Q23 compared to $64.5 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, in 1Q22.

"Strengthening insurance margins, solid customer persistency and significant growth in fee income substantiate the fundamental health of CNO's operating businesses," said Gary C. Bhojwani, chief executive officer. "We posted record direct-to-consumer Life sales, record Medicare growth and continued sales momentum across nearly all insurance product categories. Successful agent recruiting generated producing agent count growth for both our Consumer and Worksite Divisions, evidencing a critical inflection point since the pandemic."

"Our capital and liquidity positions are above target levels. Our cash flow remains robust. We continue to be confident in our operating plan and reiterate our full-year operating guidance."

First Quarter 2023 Highlights (as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year where applicable)

• Total new annualized premiums ("NAP") ⁽⁴⁾ up 7%
• Medicare Supplement NAP up 20%; Medicare Advantage sales up 55%
• Consumer Division field producing agent count up 1%; Worksite Division producing agent count up 38%
• Returned $32.2 million to shareholders
• Return on equity ("ROE") of 21.8%; operating ROE, as adjusted ⁽⁶⁾, of 10.3%

Adoption of New Accounting Standard

Effective January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU 2018-12 related to targeted improvements to the accounting for long-duration insurance contracts. We selected the modified retrospective transition method except for market risk benefits where we were required to use the full retrospective approach. All prior periods presented have been recast in accordance with the new standard. As a result of the adoption of the new guidance, shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2022, increased $368.0 million and was comprised of increases to retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of $232.2 million and $135.8 million, respectively. Net income and operating earnings ⁽¹⁾ for the first quarter of 2022 increased $71.1 million and $13.4 million, respectively. Concurrent with the adoption of the new guidance, we updated the method of determining non-operating earnings for our fixed indexed annuities to better identify the volatile non-economic accounting impacts of that line of business.

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 realized investment gains (losses) from sales and change in the allowance for credit losses, changes in fair values of embedded derivatives and market risk benefits 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,
	2023			2022		% change		2023			2022		% change
Income from insurance products (b)	$           0.56			$            0.52		8		$       63.7			$      62.4		2
Fee income	0.13			0.08		63		15.5			9.9		57
Investment income not allocated to product lines (c)	0.14			0.22		(36)		15.5			27.0		(43)
Expenses not allocated to product lines (d)	(0.16)			(0.12)		33		(18.3)			(14.8)		24
Operating earnings before taxes	0.67			0.70				76.4			84.5
Income tax expense on operating income	(0.16)			(0.16)		—		(17.8)			(20.0)		(11)
Net operating income (1)	0.51			0.54		(6)		58.6			64.5		(9)
Net realized investment gains (losses) from sales and change in allowance for credit losses	(0.11)			(0.06)				(12.7)			(7.2)
Net change in market value of investments recognized in earnings	(0.02)			(0.21)				(1.9)			(25.5)
Changes in fair value of embedded derivative liabilities and market risk benefits	(0.57)			1.37				(65.1)			165.4
Other	0.02			0.19				2.3			23.1
Non-operating income (loss) before taxes	(0.68)			1.29				(77.4)			155.8
Income tax (expense) benefit on non-operating income	0.16			(0.31)				18.0			(36.9)
Net non-operating income (loss)	(0.52)			0.98				(59.4)			118.9
Net income (loss)	$          (0.01)			$            1.52				$       (0.8)			$    183.4
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	114.5			121.0

(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, investment income not allocated to product lines, expenses not allocated to product lines and income taxes.  Insurance margin is management's measure of the profitability of its annuity, health and life segments' performance and consists of insurance policy income 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) impact of annual option forfeitures related to fixed indexed annuity surrenders; (iv) interest expense on notes payable and investment borrowings; (v) expenses related to the funding agreement-backed notes ("FABN") program; and (vi) 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 (loss), and book value per share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), are non-GAAP measures that are utilized by management to view the business without the effect of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 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,
	2023		2022
Trailing twelve months return on equity (a)	21.8 %		14.1 %
Trailing twelve months operating return on equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure) (6)	10.3 %		12.2 %
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)	9.8 %		12.3 %
Shareholders' equity	$     2,031.8		$    2,818.4
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,664.4		561.5
Shareholders' equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss	3,696.2		3,379.9
Net operating loss carryforwards	(152.4)		(238.2)
Shareholders' equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss and net operating loss carryforwards	$     3,543.8		$    3,141.7
Book value per diluted share	$        17.49		$       23.58
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	14.33		4.70
Book value per diluted share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss (a non-GAAP financial measure) (2)	$        31.82		$       28.28

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

INSURANCE OPERATIONS 

Annuity products accounted for 26 percent of the Company's margin for the quarter and annuity premiums collected increased 1 percent in 1Q23 compared to 1Q22.

Health products accounted for 53 percent of the Company's insurance margin for the quarter and 64 percent of insurance policy income.

Life products accounted for 21 percent of the Company's insurance margin for the quarter and 35 percent of insurance policy income.

Sales of health products were up 14 percent and sales of life products were up 2 percent in 1Q23 compared to 1Q22.

ANNUITY COLLECTED PREMIUMS (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)
	Quarter ended March 31,
	2023		2022		% change
Annuity collected premiums	$             370.9		$             368.6		1

 

INSURANCE POLICY INCOME (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)
	Quarter ended March 31,
	2023		2022		% change
Annuity	$                 5.1		$                 5.0		2
Health	401.4		406.7		(1)
Life	219.0		213.3		3
Total insurance policy income	$             625.5		$             625.0		—

 

SALES MEASURED AS NEW ANNUALIZED PREMIUMS FOR LIFE AND HEALTH PRODUCTS (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)
	Quarter ended March 31,
	2023		2022		% change
Health	$               39.5		$               34.8		14
Life	57.1		55.8		2
Total new annualized premiums (4)	$               96.6		$               90.6		7

 

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 insurance policy income 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, 2023		% of insurance policy income			March 31, 2022		% of insurance policy income		% change
Margin
Annuity interest margin	$               57.3					$               55.9				3
Life insurance interest margin	1.1					1.1				—
Total interest-sensitive margin	58.4					57.0				2
Insurance margin
Health	116.5		29			115.3		28		1
Life (a)	46.3		21			34.9		16		33
Total other insurance margin	162.8		26			150.2		24		8
Total insurance margin	221.2					207.2
Allocated expenses	(157.5)					(144.8)
Income from insurance products	$               63.7					$               62.4
Per diluted share	$               0.56					$               0.52
Weighted average diluted shares	114.5					121.0

(a)	Net of $28.7 million and $29.3 million of non-deferred television advertising expense related to our direct distribution channel in the 2023 and 2022 periods, respectively.

Total allocated expenses were $157.5 million, up 9 percent from 1Q22.

ANNUITY RESULTS BY PRODUCT TYPE (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)
Annuity margin
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2023		2022
Fixed indexed annuities	$           46.5		$            44.8
Fixed interest annuities	9.1		8.5
Other annuities	1.7		2.6
Total	$           57.3		$            55.9

 

Annuity collected premiums
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2023		2022
Annuity collected premiums	$         370.9		$          368.6

 

Average net insurance liabilities (5)
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2023		2022
Fixed indexed annuities	$       9,183.8		$       8,486.3
Fixed interest annuities	1,630.9		1,761.2
Other annuities	469.5		490.2
Total	$     11,284.2		$     10,737.7

 

Margin/average net insurance liabilities (a)
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2023		2022
Fixed indexed annuities	2.03 %		2.11 %
Fixed interest annuities	2.23 %		1.93 %
Other annuities	1.45 %		2.12 %
Total	2.03 %		2.08 %

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

 

HEALTH INSURANCE RESULTS BY PRODUCT TYPE (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)
Health margin
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2023				2022
	Amount		% of insurance policy income		Amount		% of insurance policy income		% change
Supplemental health and other health	$           63.3		35		$           56.1		32		13
Medicare supplement	26.1		17		34.6		21		(25)
Long-term care	27.1		41		24.6		37		10
Total	$         116.5		29		$         115.3		28		1

 

Health insurance policy income
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2023		2022		% change
Supplemental health and other health	$         179.0		$         173.5		3
Medicare supplement	156.5		166.8		(6)
Long-term care	65.9		66.4		(1)
Total	$         401.4		$         406.7		(1)

 

Health NAP (4)
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2023		2022		% change
Supplemental health and other health	$           25.5		$           21.5		19
Medicare supplement	7.8		6.5		20
Long-term care	6.2		6.8		(9)
Total	$           39.5		$           34.8		14

 

LIFE INSURANCE RESULTS BY PRODUCT TYPE (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)
Life margin
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2023				2022
	Amount		% of insurance policy income		Amount		% of insurance policy income		% change
Life insurance interest margin	$             1.1				$             1.1				—
Life insurance margin:
Traditional life	24.6		14		18.7		11		32
Interest sensitive life	21.7		49		16.2		38		34
Subtotal	46.3		21		34.9		16		33
Total margin	$           47.4				$           36.0				32

 

Life insurance policy income
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2023		2022		% change
Traditional life	$         174.5		$         170.2		3
Interest sensitive life	44.5		43.1		3
Total	$         219.0		$         213.3		3

 

Life NAP (4)
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2023		2022		% change
Traditional life	$           49.7		$           48.2		3
Interest sensitive life	7.4		7.6		(3)
Total	$           57.1		$           55.8		2

 

Average net insurance liabilities (5) and interest margin
	Quarter ended
	March 31,
	2023		2022		% change
Interest sensitive life products	$   1,032.0		$  1,009.4		2
Interest margin/average net insurance liabilities (5)	0.43 %		0.44 %		(2)

 

QUARTERLY AVERAGE EXCLUSIVE PRODUCING AGENTS
			Average Exclusive Producing Agent Count
			Quarter ended
			March 31,				%
			2023		2022		change
Consumer
Field agents (a) (c)			3,985		3,939		1
Registered agents (b) (c)			695		663		5
Worksite (a) (c)			288		208		38

(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: (i) equity returns credited to policyholder account balances; (ii) the investment income allocated to our product lines; (iii) impact of annual option forfeitures related to fixed indexed annuity surrenders; (iv) interest expense on notes payable and investment borrowings; (v) expenses related to the FABN program; and (vi) certain expenses related to benefit plans that are offset by special-purpose investment income. 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,
	2023		2022		% change
Net investment income	$            343.0		$            208.2		65
Allocated to product lines:
Annuity	(125.4)		(117.5)		7
Health	(74.0)		(73.3)		1
Life	(36.3)		(35.5)		2
Equity returns credited to policyholder account balances	(18.6)		71.9		(126)
Amounts allocated to product lines and credited to policyholder account balances	(254.3)		(154.4)		65
Impact of annual option forfeitures related to fixed indexed annuity surrenders	—		1.6		(100)
Amount related to variable interest entities and other non-operating items	(20.9)		(7.2)		190
Interest expense on corporate debt	(15.7)		(15.7)		—
Interest expense on investment borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank program	(21.7)		(2.4)		804
Expenses related to FABN program	(7.6)		(7.3)		4
Less amounts credited to deferred compensation plans (offsetting investment income)	(7.3)		4.2		(274)
Total adjustments	(73.2)		(26.8)
Investment income not allocated to product lines	$              15.5		$              27.0		(43)
Per diluted share	$              0.14		$              0.22

 

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO (Dollars in millions)
The composition of the investment portfolio at March 31, 2023 is as follows:
	$		% of total
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value	$     21,107.1		83
Equity securities at fair value	106.1		—
Mortgage loans	1,676.1		7
Policy loans	123.0		1
Trading securities	208.1		1
Investments held by variable interest entities	1,017.9		4
Other invested assets	1,097.1		4
Total investment portfolio	$     25,335.4		100

 

Fixed maturities, available for sale, at amortized cost by asset class as of March 31, 2023 are as follows:
	Investment grade		Below investment grade		Total
Corporate securities	$     12,874.0		$          623.0		$     13,497.0
United States Treasury securities and obligations of the United States government and agencies	174.7		—		174.7
States and political subdivisions	2,778.8		10.6		2,789.4
Foreign governments	88.8		—		88.8
Asset-backed securities	1,335.6		123.0		1,458.6
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	213.3		—		213.3
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	1,212.4		565.8	(a)	1,778.2
Collateralized loan obligations	954.3		—		954.3
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	2,480.1		83.5		2,563.6
Total	$     22,112.0		$       1,405.9		$     23,517.9

(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 $21.1 billion compared with an amortized cost of $23.5 billion.  Net unrealized losses were comprised of gross unrealized gains of $143.7 million and gross unrealized losses of $2,495.4 million.  The allowance for credit losses was $59.1 million at March 31, 2023.

At both amortized cost and fair value, 94 percent of fixed maturities, available for sale, were rated "investment grade".

Non-Operating Items
Net investment losses in 1Q23 were $12.7 million including the unfavorable change in the allowance for credit losses of $1.5 million which was recorded in earnings.  Net investment losses in 1Q22 were $7.2 million including the unfavorable change in the allowance for credit losses of $30.7 million which was recorded in earnings.

During 1Q23 and 1Q22, we recognized a decrease in earnings of $1.9 million and $25.5 million, respectively, due to the net change in market value of investments recognized in earnings.

During 1Q23 and 1Q22, we recognized an increase (decrease) in earnings of $(65.1) million and $165.4 million, respectively, resulting from changes in the estimated fair value of embedded derivative liabilities and market risk benefits related to our fixed indexed annuities.  Such amounts include the impacts of changes in market interest rates and equity impacts used to determine the estimated fair values of the embedded derivatives and market risk benefits.

In 1Q22, other non-operating items included an increase in earnings of $22.7 million 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 380% at March 31, 2023, reflecting estimated 1Q23 statutory operating income of $39 million and the payment of insurance company dividends to the holding company of $34.2 million during 1Q23.

During 1Q23, we repurchased $15.1 million of common stock under our securities repurchase program.  We repurchased .6 million common shares at an average cost of $23.87 per share.  As of March 31, 2023, we had 114.9 million shares outstanding and had authority to repurchase up to an additional $171.8 million of our common stock.  During 1Q23, dividends paid on common stock totaled $17.1 million.

Unrestricted cash and investments held by our holding company were $158 million at March 31, 2023, compared to $167 million at December 31, 2022.

Book value per common share was $17.68 at March 31, 2023 compared to $15.47 at December 31, 2022.  Book value per diluted share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2), was $31.82 at March 31, 2023, compared to $31.89 at December 31, 2022. 

The debt-to-capital ratio was 35.9 percent and 39.2 percent at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.  Our debt-to-total capital ratio, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (3) was 23.6 percent at March 31, 2023, compared to 23.4 percent at December 31, 2022.

Return on equity for the trailing four quarters ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, was 21.8% and 14.1%, respectively.  Operating return, excluding significant items, on equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards (6) for the trailing four quarters ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, was 9.8% and 12.3%, 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, 2022 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 2, 2023 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 https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login?show=e35d9938&confId=‌49849.  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, Optavise 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 $34 billion in total assets. Our 3,400 associates, 4,300 exclusive agents and 4,000 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, 2023		December 31, 2022
ASSETS
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (net of allowance for credit losses: March 31, 2023 - $59.1 and December 31, 2022 - $56.0; amortized cost: March 31, 2023 - $23,517.9 and December 31, 2022 - $23,384.2)	$           21,107.1		$           20,353.4
Equity securities at fair value	106.1		135.3
Mortgage loans (net of allowance for credit losses: March 31, 2023 - $8.4 and December 31, 2022 - $8.0)	1,676.1		1,411.9
Policy loans	123.0		121.6
Trading securities	208.1		207.9
Investments held by variable interest entities (net of allowance for credit losses: March 31, 2023 - $3.5 and December 31, 2022 - $5.5; amortized cost: March 31, 2023 - $1,060.3 and December 31, 2022 - $1,134.2)	1,017.9		1,077.6
Other invested assets	1,097.1		1,034.7
Total investments	25,335.4		24,342.4
Cash and cash equivalents - unrestricted	425.0		575.7
Cash and cash equivalents held by variable interest entities	97.1		69.2
Accrued investment income	241.3		235.6
Present value of future profits	197.6		203.7
Deferred acquisition costs	1,811.3		1,770.9
Reinsurance receivables (net of allowance for credit losses: March 31, 2023 - $2.0 and December 31, 2022 - $2.0)	4,189.6		4,223.4
Market risk benefit asset	57.8		65.3
Income tax assets, net	988.1		1,063.4
Assets held in separate accounts	2.8		2.7
Other assets	669.0		580.8
Total assets	$           34,015.0		$           33,133.1
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Liabilities for insurance products:
Policyholder account liabilities	$           15,302.9		$           15,234.2
Future policy benefits	11,623.3		11,240.2
Market risk benefit liability	17.6		11.3
Liability for life insurance policy claims	67.6		64.1
Unearned and advanced premiums	243.5		235.0
Liabilities related to separate accounts	2.8		2.7
Other liabilities	681.3		693.9
Investment borrowings	1,839.6		1,639.5
Borrowings related to variable interest entities	1,065.4		1,104.6
Notes payable – direct corporate obligations	1,139.2		1,138.8
Total liabilities	31,983.2		31,364.3
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock ($0.01 par value, 8,000,000,000 shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding: March 31, 2023 – 114,905,172; December 31, 2022 – 114,343,070)	1.1		1.1
Additional paid-in capital	2,021.1		2,033.8
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,664.4)		(1,957.3)
Retained earnings	1,674.0		1,691.2
Total shareholders' equity	2,031.8		1,768.8
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$           34,015.0		$           33,133.1

 

CNO FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Dollars in millions, except per share data) (unaudited)
	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2023		2022
Revenues:
Insurance policy income	$              625.5		$             625.0
Net investment income:
General account assets	292.2		277.5
Policyholder and other special-purpose portfolios	50.8		(69.3)
Investment gains (losses):
Realized investment gains (losses)	(14.6)		18.8
Other investment losses	—		(51.5)
Total investment losses	(14.6)		(32.7)
Fee revenue and other income	52.1		42.4
Total revenues	1,006.0		842.9
Benefits and expenses:
Insurance policy benefits	609.7		333.9
Liability for future policy benefits remeasurement loss	0.6		7.0
Change in fair value of market risk benefits	14.8		(32.7)
Interest expense	54.7		23.8
Amortization	55.5		52.3
Other operating costs and expenses	271.7		218.3
Total benefits and expenses	1,007.0		602.6
Income (loss) before income taxes	(1.0)		240.3
Income tax expense (benefit) on period income (loss)	(0.2)		56.9
Net income (loss)	$                (0.8)		$             183.4
Earnings per common share:
Basic:
Weighted average shares outstanding	114,545,000		118,622,000
Net income (loss)	$                (.01)		$               1.55
Diluted:
Weighted average shares outstanding	114,545,000		121,002,000
Net income (loss)	$                (.01)		$               1.52

 

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 taxes; (ii) net change in market value of investments recognized in earnings, net of taxes; (iii) changes in fair value of embedded derivative liabilities and market risk benefits related to our fixed indexed annuities, net of 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 for the purpose of allocating investment income to product lines are equal to: (i) policyholder account balances for annuity products; (ii) total reserves before the fair value adjustments reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), if applicable, for all other products; less (iii) amounts related to reinsurance business; (iv) deferred acquisition costs; (v) the present value of future profits; and (vi) 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
			1Q23		1Q22
Net operating income			$        354.5		$     369.7
Net operating income, excluding significant items			$        336.6		$     373.2
Net income			$        446.4		$     491.7
Average common equity, excluding accumulated other
	comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss
	carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure)		$     3,434.8		$  3,030.5
Average common shareholders' equity			$     2,046.3		$  3,495.0
Operating return on equity, excluding accumulated other
	comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss
	carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure)		10.3 %		12.2 %
Operating return, excluding significant items, on equity, excluding
	accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and net
	operating loss carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure)		9.8 %		12.3 %
Return on equity			21.8 %		14.1 %

 

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 (loss)		four quarters
2Q21		$                  94.0		$                    3.5	(b)	$                  97.5		N/A		$                  47.7		N/A
3Q21		108.1		2.3	(c)	110.4		N/A		103.4		N/A
4Q21		103.1		(2.3)	(d)	100.8		$                410.0		157.2		$                570.3
1Q22		64.5		—		64.5		373.2		183.4		491.7
2Q22		135.1		(17.4)	(e)	117.7		393.4		233.3		677.3
3Q22		77.9		—		77.9		360.9		175.9		749.8
4Q22		82.9		(0.5)	(f)	82.4		342.5		38.0		630.6
1Q23		58.6		—		58.6		336.6		(0.8)		446.4

(a)

See note (7) for additional information.

(b)

Comprised of: (i) $4.5 million from legal and regulatory matters; and (ii) a decrease in tax expense of $1.0 million.

(c)

Comprised of: (i) $3.0 million from legal and regulatory matters; and (ii) a decrease in tax expense of $.7 million.

(d)

Comprised of: (i) $3.0 million of net favorable adjustments arising from our review of actuarial assumptions; and (ii) an increase in tax expense of $.7 million.

(e)

Comprised of: (i) an experience refund of $22.5 million related to a reinsurance agreement; and (ii) an increase in tax expense of $5.1 million.

(f)

Comprised of: (i) $.7 million of net favorable adjustments arising from our review of actuarial assumptions; and (ii) an increase in tax expense of $.2 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
			1Q23		1Q22
Pre-tax operating earnings (a non-GAAP financial measure)			$           458.6		$            476.9
Income tax expense			(104.1)		(107.2)
Net operating income			354.5		369.7
Non-operating items:
Net realized investment gains (losses) from sales, impairments and change in allowance for credit losses			(67.7)		25.7
Net change in market value of investments recognized in earnings			(49.6)		(36.5)
Changes in fair value of embedded derivative liabilities and market risk benefits			209.7		148.9
Fair value changes related to the agent deferred compensation plan			26.2		18.4
Other			(2.0)		3.4
Non-operating income before taxes			116.6		159.9
Income tax expense on non-operating income			(24.7)		(37.9)
Net non-operating income			91.9		122.0
Net income			$           446.4		$            491.7

 

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):

			1Q21		2Q21		3Q21		4Q21
Consolidated capital, excluding accumulated other comprehensive
	income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards
	(a non-GAAP financial measure)		$    3,003.2		$    2,989.0		$    2,993.3		$    3,067.3
Net operating loss carryforwards			323.1		292.9		266.9		243.7
Accumulated other comprehensive income			73.1		306.7		337.5		373.7
Common shareholders' equity			$    3,399.4		$    3,588.6		$    3,597.7		$    3,684.7
			1Q22		2Q22		3Q22		4Q22
Consolidated capital, excluding accumulated other comprehensive
	income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards
	(a non-GAAP financial measure)		$    3,141.7		$    3,329.0		$    3,510.3		$    3,557.1
Net operating loss carryforwards			238.2		214.7		190.9		169.0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(561.5)		(1,415.8)		(1,837.8)		(1,957.3)
Common shareholders' equity			$    2,818.4		$    2,127.9		$    1,863.4		$    1,768.8
			1Q23
Consolidated capital, excluding accumulated other comprehensive
	income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards
	(a non-GAAP financial measure)		$    3,543.8
Net operating loss carryforwards			152.4
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(1,664.4)
Common shareholders' equity			$    2,031.8

 

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
			1Q23		1Q22
Consolidated capital, excluding accumulated other comprehensive
	income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards
	(a non-GAAP financial measure)		$        3,434.8		$        3,030.5
Net operating loss carryforwards			192.5		271.1
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,581.0)		193.4
Common shareholders' equity			$        2,046.3		$        3,495.0

 

(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, 2022
		Actual results		Significant items		Excluding significant items
Insurance product margin
Annuity margin		$         50.8		$            3.2	(a)	$          54.0
Health margin		140.4		(18.3)	(a)	122.1
Life margin		43.3		14.4	(a)	57.7
Total insurance product margin		234.5		(0.7)		233.8
Allocated expenses		(149.1)		—		(149.1)
Income from insurance products		85.4		(0.7)		84.7
Fee income		9.2		—		9.2
Investment income not allocated to product lines		25.2		—		25.2
Expenses not allocated to product lines		(12.8)		—		(12.8)
Operating earnings before taxes		107.0		(0.7)		106.3
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income		(24.1)		0.2		(23.9)
Net operating income		$         82.9		$          (0.5)		$          82.4
Net operating income per diluted share		$         0.71		$             —		$          0.71

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

 

		Three months ended
		June 30, 2022
		Actual results		Significant items		Excluding significant items
Insurance product margin
Annuity margin		$         60.1		$             —		$          60.1
Health margin		125.4		—		125.4
Life margin		70.2		—		70.2
Total insurance product margin		255.7		—		255.7
Allocated expenses		(152.2)		—		(152.2)
Income from insurance products		103.5		—		103.5
Fee income		3.2		—		3.2
Investment income not allocated to product lines		64.6		—		64.6
Expenses not allocated to product lines		2.9		(22.5)	(a)	(19.6)
Operating earnings before taxes		174.2		(22.5)		151.7
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income		(39.1)		5.1		(34.0)
Net operating income		$        135.1		$        (17.4)		$        117.7
Net operating income per diluted share		$         1.15		$        (0.15)		$          1.00

(a)	Comprised of an experience refund of $22.5 million related to a reinsurance agreement.

 

		Three months ended
		December 31, 2021
		Actual results		Significant items		Excluding significant items
Insurance product margin
Annuity margin		$         65.6		$            0.7	(a)	$          66.3
Health margin		126.2		(7.1)	(a)	119.1
Life margin		53.4		3.4	(a)	56.8
Total insurance product margin		245.2		(3.0)		242.2
Allocated expenses		(143.3)		—		(143.3)
Income from insurance products		101.9		(3.0)		98.9
Fee income		2.9		—		2.9
Investment income not allocated to product lines		44.4		—		44.4
Expenses not allocated to product lines		(17.4)		—		(17.4)
Operating earnings before taxes		131.8		(3.0)		128.8
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income		(28.7)		0.7		(28.0)
Net operating income		$        103.1		$          (2.3)		$        100.8
Net operating income per diluted share		$         0.83		$        (0.02)		$          0.81

(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		$         58.5		$             —		$          58.5
Health margin		122.8		—		122.8
Life margin		60.8		—		60.8
Total insurance product margin		242.1		—		242.1
Allocated expenses		(140.5)		—		(140.5)
Income from insurance products		101.6		—		101.6
Fee income		2.6		—		2.6
Investment income not allocated to product lines		51.9		—		51.9
Expenses not allocated to product lines		(17.3)		3.0	(a)	(14.3)
Operating earnings before taxes		138.8		3.0		141.8
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income		(30.7)		(0.7)		(31.4)
Net operating income		$        108.1		$            2.3		$        110.4
Net operating income per diluted share		$         0.84		$          0.02		$          0.86

(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		$         60.0		$             —		$          60.0
Health margin		121.7		—		121.7
Life margin		50.3		—		50.3
Total insurance product margin		232.0		—		232.0
Allocated expenses		(141.6)		—		(141.6)
Income from insurance products		90.4		—		90.4
Fee income		6.6		—		6.6
Investment income not allocated to product lines		48.6		—		48.6
Expenses not allocated to product lines		(23.8)		4.5	(a)	(19.3)
Operating earnings before taxes		121.8		4.5		126.3
Income tax (expense) benefit on operating income		(27.8)		(1.0)		(28.8)
Net operating income		$         94.0		$            3.5		$          97.5
Net operating income per diluted share		$         0.70		$          0.03		$          0.73

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

 

 

 

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SOURCE CNO Financial Group, Inc.