08.02.2022 22:15:00

CNO Financial Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results

CARMEL, Ind., Feb. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) today announced that for the quarter ended December 31, 2021, net income was $115.8 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, compared to net income of $111.8 million, or $0.80 per diluted share, in 4Q20. Net operating income (1) in 4Q21 was $108.5 million, or $0.87 per diluted share, compared to $86.0 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, in 4Q20.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $441.0 million, or $3.36 per diluted share, compared to $301.8 million, or $2.11 per diluted share, in 2020. Net operating income (1) for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $365.6 million, or $2.79 per diluted share, compared to $362.3 million, or $2.53 per diluted share, in 2020.

"Solid fourth quarter results capped off another strong year, demonstrating CNO's continued agility navigating the pandemic and the successful execution of our strategic priorities," said Gary C. Bhojwani, chief executive officer. "While visibility into COVID's ongoing impact on our business remains unclear, the dedication of our associates and agents and the strength of our model will enable us to continue to drive value for all of the constituents we serve."

Full Year 2021 Highlights

  • Earnings per diluted share of $3.36, up 59% compared to 2020
  • Operating (1) EPS of $2.79, up 10% from 2020
  • Total new annualized premiums (NAP) (4) up 9% from 2020
  • Direct-to-consumer life insurance NAP (4) up 16% from 2020, exceeding $100 million for first time, up 40% from 2019
  • Annuity collected premiums up 20% from 2020
  • Returned $468.1 million to shareholders in the form of share repurchases (a record $402.4 million) and dividends ($65.7 million)
  • Return on equity (ROE) of 8.5%; operating ROE, as adjusted (6), of 12.1%

Fourth Quarter 2021 Highlights

  • Earnings per diluted share of $0.93 in 4Q21, up 16% compared to 4Q20
  • Operating (1) EPS of $0.87 in 4Q21, up 43% compared to 4Q20
  • Total NAP (4) up 2% from 4Q20
  • Direct-to-consumer life insurance NAP (4) up 21% from 4Q20
  • Annuity collected premiums up 15% from 4Q20
  • Returned $115.7 million to shareholders in the form of share repurchases ($100.0 million) and dividends ($15.7 million); reduced weighted average share count by 11% since 4Q20
  • Book value per share was $43.69, up 8% from 4Q20; book value per diluted share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (2), was $26.86, up 12% from 4Q20

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


December 31,


December 31,


2021



2020


%
change


2021



2020


%
change















Income from insurance products (b)

$           0.89



$            0.48


85


$     110.5



$      67.9


63

Fee income

0.02



0.02



2.9



2.9


Investment income not allocated to product lines (c)

0.34



0.41


(17)


42.8



57.8


(26)

Expenses not allocated to product lines

(0.14)



(0.12)


17


(17.4)



(17.8)


(2)

Operating earnings before taxes

1.11



0.79




138.8



110.8



Income tax expense on operating income

(0.24)



(0.18)


33


(30.3)



(24.8)


22

Net operating income (1)

0.87



0.61


43


108.5



86.0


26

Net realized investment gains from sales,
impairments and change in allowance for credit
losses (net of related amortization)

0.04



0.09




4.7



12.6



Net change in market value of investments
recognized in earnings

(0.10)



0.04




(12.1)



6.0



Fair value changes in embedded derivative liabilities
(net of related amortization)

0.15



0.12




19.1



16.3



Other

(0.02)



(0.01)




(2.4)



(2.2)



Non-operating income before taxes

0.07



0.24




9.3



32.7



Income tax expense on non-operating income

(0.01)



(0.05)




(2.0)



(6.9)



Net non-operating income

0.06



0.19




7.3



25.8



Net income

$           0.93



$            0.80




$     115.8



$    111.8

















Weighted average diluted shares outstanding

125.0



140.4










 

 

FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Year End

(Amounts in millions, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 


Per diluted share









Year ended


Year ended


December 31,


December 31,


2021



2020


%
change


2021



2020


%
change















Income from insurance products (b)

$           2.65



$            2.54


4


$     347.2



$    363.8


(5)

Fee income

0.15



0.11


36


19.4



16.7


16

Investment income not allocated to product lines (c)

1.41



1.17


21


184.5



167.1


10

Expenses not allocated to product lines

(0.62)



(0.58)


7


(80.5)



(83.8)


(4)

Operating earnings before taxes

3.59



3.24




470.6



463.8



Income tax expense on operating income

(0.80)



(0.71)


13


(105.0)



(101.5)


3

Net operating income (1)

2.79



2.53


10


365.6



362.3


1

Net realized investment gains (losses) from sales,
impairments and change in allowance for credit
losses (net of related amortization)

0.27



(0.22)




34.8



(31.1)



Net change in market value of investments
recognized in earnings

(0.13)



(0.02)




(17.4)



(2.7)



Fair value changes in embedded derivative liabilities
(net of related amortization)

0.51



(0.55)




67.2



(79.1)



Other

0.09



(0.04)




12.5



(6.6)



Non-operating income (loss) before taxes

0.74



(0.83)




97.1



(119.5)



Income tax (expense) benefit on non-operating income

(0.17)



0.17




(21.7)



25.0



Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and other
tax items



0.24






34.0



Net non-operating income (loss)

0.57



(0.42)




75.4



(60.5)



Net income

$           3.36



$            2.11




$     441.0



$    301.8

















Weighted average diluted shares outstanding

131.1



143.2












(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


December 31,


2021


2020





Trailing twelve months return on equity (a)

8.5%


6.5%

Trailing twelve months operating return on equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
and net operating loss carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure) (6)

12.1%


12.9%

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)

11.8%


12.0%









Shareholders' equity

$     5,259.7


$    5,484.2

Accumulated other comprehensive income

(1,947.1)


(2,186.1)





Shareholders' equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income

3,312.6


3,298.1

Net operating loss carryforwards

(243.7)


(341.9)

Shareholders' equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income and net operating loss
carryforwards

$     3,068.9


$    2,956.2





Book value per diluted share

$        42.65


$       39.82

Accumulated other comprehensive income

(15.79)


(15.87)





Book value per diluted share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (a non-GAAP financial
measure) (2)

$        26.86


$       23.95

 

(a)

Calculated using average shareholders' equity for the measurement period.

 

INSURANCE OPERATIONS

Annuity products accounted for 37 percent of the Company's margin for the quarter.

Annuity premiums collected increased 15 percent and annuity account values increased 7 percent in 4Q21 compared to 4Q20.

Health products accounted for 51 percent of the Company's insurance margin for the quarter and 66 percent of insurance policy income.

Life products accounted for 12 percent of the Company's insurance margin for the quarter and 33 percent of insurance policy income.

Sales of health products were down 3 percent and sales of life products were up 7 percent in 4Q21 compared to 4Q20.

 

ANNUITY COLLECTED PREMIUMS

(Dollars in millions)

(Unaudited)

 


Quarter ended December 31,




2021


2020


%
change

Annuity collected premiums

$             397.4


$             345.0


15

 

 

INSURANCE POLICY INCOME

(Dollars in millions)

(Unaudited)

 


Quarter ended December 31,




2021


2020


%
change

Annuity

$                 4.1


$                 4.4


(7)

Health

415.2


422.6


(2)

Life

210.6


202.0


4

Total insurance policy income

$             629.9


$             629.0


 

 

SALES MEASURED AS NEW ANNUALIZED PREMIUMS FOR

LIFE AND HEALTH PRODUCTS

(Dollars in millions)

(Unaudited)

 


Quarter ended December 31,




2021


2020


%
change

Health

$               47.7


$               49.1


(3)

Life

39.8


37.1


7

Total new annualized premiums (4)

$               87.5


$               86.2


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


December 31,
2021


% of
insurance
policy
income



December 31,
2020


% of
insurance
policy
income


%
change

Margin











Annuity interest margin

$               93.9





$               68.1




38

Life insurance interest margin

1.3





0.4




225

Total interest-sensitive margin

95.2





68.5




39

Insurance margin











Health

129.5


31



125.2


30


3

Life (a)

29.1


14



36.9


18


(21)

Total other insurance margin

158.6


25



162.1


26


(2)












Total insurance margin

253.8





230.6
















Allocated expenses

(143.3)





(162.7)





Income from insurance products

$             110.5





$               67.9
















Per diluted share

$               0.89





$               0.48





Weighted average diluted shares

125.0





140.4







(a)

Net of $21.8 million and $15.6 million of non-deferred television advertising expense related to our direct distribution channel in the 2021 and 2020 periods, respectively.

Total allocated expenses were $143.3 million, down 12 percent from the year-ago quarter.

Total insurance margins were favorably impacted by $25.9 million and $11.8 million in the quarters ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, due to adjustments arising from our comprehensive annual actuarial review of assumptions.  See pages 19 and 21 for summaries of the impacts of significant items.

In addition, total insurance margins were favorably impacted by approximately $16 million and $19 million in the quarters ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, due to the estimated impacts of COVID-19.

 

ANNUITY RESULTS BY PRODUCT TYPE

(Dollars in millions)

(Unaudited)


Annuity margin


Quarter ended


December 31,


2021


2020

Fixed index annuities

$           77.4


$            58.1

Fixed interest annuities

10.1


8.5

Other annuities

6.4


1.5

Total

$           93.9


$            68.1

 

Annuity collected premiums


Quarter ended


December 31,


2021


2020

Annuity collected premiums

$         397.4


$          345.0

 

Average net insurance liabilities (5)


Quarter ended


December 31,


2021


2020

Fixed index annuities

$       8,096.7


$       7,342.1

Fixed interest annuities

1,813.3


2,000.1

Other annuities

495.8


517.9

Total

$     10,405.8


$       9,860.1

 

Margin/average net insurance liabilities (a)


Quarter ended


December 31,


2021


2020

Fixed index annuities

3.82%


3.17%

Fixed interest annuities

2.23%


1.70%

Other annuities

5.16%


1.16%

Total

3.61%


2.76%



(a)

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

Total annuity margins were favorably impacted by $26.9 million and $16.1 million in the quarters ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, due to adjustments arising from our comprehensive annual actuarial review of assumptions.  See pages 19 and 21 for summaries of the impacts of significant items.

In addition, total annuity margins were favorably (unfavorably) impacted by approximately $1 million and $(1) million in the quarters ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, due to the estimated impacts of COVID-19.

 

 

HEALTH INSURANCE RESULTS BY PRODUCT TYPE

(Dollars in millions)

(Unaudited)


Health margin


Quarter ended


December 31,


2021


2020




Amount


% of
insurance
policy
income


Amount


% of
insurance
policy
income


%
change

Supplemental health and other health

$           54.0


31


$           53.0


31


2

Medicare supplement

42.8


24


43.3


23


(1)

Long-term care

32.7


49


28.9


44


13

Total

$         129.5


31


$         125.2


30


3

 

Health insurance policy income


Quarter ended




December 31,




2021


2020


% change

Supplemental health and other health

$         172.8


$         170.6


1

Medicare supplement

176.0


186.0


(5)

Long-term care

66.4


66.0


1

Total

$         415.2


$         422.6


(2)

 

Health NAP (4)


Quarter ended




December 31,




2021


2020


% change

Supplemental health and other health

$           28.1


$           29.7


(5)

Medicare supplement

9.1


12.2


(25)

Long-term care

10.5


7.2


46

Total

$           47.7


$           49.1


(3)

 

Total health margins were favorably impacted by approximately $35 million in each of the quarters ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, due to the estimated impacts of COVID-19.

 

 

LIFE INSURANCE RESULTS BY PRODUCT TYPE

(Dollars in millions)

(Unaudited)

 


Life margin


Quarter ended




December 31,




2021


2020




Amount


% of
insurance
policy
income


Amount


% of
insurance
policy
income


%
change

Life insurance interest margin

$             1.3




$             0.4




225

Life insurance margin:










Traditional life

15.7


9


26.8


17


(41)

Interest sensitive life

13.4


31


10.1


25


33

Subtotal

29.1


14


36.9


18


(21)

Total margin

$           30.4




$           37.3




(18)

 

Life insurance policy income


Quarter ended




December 31,




2021


2020


% change

Traditional life

$         168.0


$         161.6


4

Interest sensitive life

42.6


40.4


5

Total

$         210.6


$         202.0


4

 

Life NAP (4)


Quarter ended




December 31,




2021


2020


% change

Traditional life

$           31.2


$           29.8


5

Interest sensitive life

8.6


7.3


18

Total

$           39.8


$           37.1


7

 

Average net insurance liabilities (5) and interest margin




Quarter ended




December 31,




2021


2020


% change

Interest sensitive life products

$      996.9


$     939.9


6

Interest margin/average net insurance liabilities (5)

0.52%


0.17%


206

Total life margins were unfavorably impacted by $1.0 million and $4.3 million in the quarters ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, due to adjustments arising from our comprehensive annual actuarial review of assumptions.  See pages 19 and 21 for summaries of the impact of significant items.

In addition, total life margins were unfavorably impacted by approximately $20 million and $15 million in the quarters ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, due to the estimated impacts of COVID-19.

 

QUARTERLY AVERAGE EXCLUSIVE PRODUCING AGENTS



Average Exclusive Producing Agent Count


Quarter ended




December 31,


%


2021


2020


change

Consumer






Field agents (a) (c)

4,008


4,539


(12)

Tele-sales agents

220


257


(14)

Total agents

4,228


4,796


(12)

Registered agents (b) (c)

655


641


2

Worksite (a) (c)

227


255


(11)

____________________

(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 December 31,




2021


2020


%
change

Net investment income

$            395.1


$            390.6


1

Allocated to product lines:






Annuity

(116.3)


(115.5)


1

Health

(72.4)


(70.9)


2

Life

(36.4)


(35.4)


3

Equity returns credited to policyholder account balances

(94.0)


(77.6)


21

Amounts allocated to product lines and credited to policyholder account balances

(319.1)


(299.4)


7

Amount related to variable interest entities and other non-operating items

(7.6)


(8.2)


(7)

Interest expense on corporate debt

(15.7)


(14.4)


9

Interest expense on investment borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank program

(2.3)


(2.9)


(21)

Expenses related to funding agreement-backed note program

(2.3)



n/m

Less amounts credited to deferred compensation plans (offsetting investment income)

(5.3)


(7.9)


(33)

Total adjustments

(33.2)


(33.4)



Investment income not allocated to product lines

$              42.8


$              57.8


(26)







Per diluted share

$              0.34


$              0.41



 

 

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

(Dollars in millions)

 

The composition of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2021 is as follows:

 



$


% of total

Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value

$     24,805.4


86

Equity securities at fair value

131.1


1

Mortgage loans

1,218.6


4

Policy loans

120.2


Trading securities

227.2


1

Investments held by variable interest entities

1,199.6


4

Other invested assets

1,224.0


4

Total investment portfolio

$     28,926.1


100

 

Fixed maturities, available for sale, at amortized cost by asset class as of December 31, 2021 are as follows:



Investment
grade


Below
investment
grade


Total

Corporate securities

$     12,384.0


$          811.4


$     13,195.4

United States Treasury securities and obligations of the United States government
and agencies

166.2



166.2

States and political subdivisions

2,637.4


11.6


2,649.0

Foreign governments

85.4



85.4

Asset-backed securities

983.1


145.9


1,129.0

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities

36.7



36.7

Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities

1,141.0


729.4

(a)

1,870.4

Collateralized loan obligations

574.2


13.1


587.3

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

2,064.6


83.6


2,148.2







Total

$     20,072.6


$       1,795.0


$     21,867.6

____________________

(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 $24.8 billion compared with an amortized cost of $21.9 billion.  Net unrealized gains were comprised of gross unrealized gains of $3.0 billion and gross unrealized losses of $41 million.  The allowance for credit losses was $7.6 million at December 31, 2021.

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

Non-Operating Items
Net investment gains in 4Q21 were $4.7 million (net of related amortization) including the unfavorable change in the allowance for credit losses of $1.7 million which was recorded in earnings.  Net investment gains in 4Q20 were $12.6 million (net of related amortization) including the favorable change in the allowance for credit losses of $12.9 million which was recorded in earnings.

During 4Q21 and 4Q20, we recognized an increase (decrease) in earnings of $(12.1) million and $6.0 million, respectively, due to the net change in market value of investments recognized in earnings.

During 4Q21 and 4Q20, we recognized an increase in earnings of $19.1 million and $16.3 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 4Q21 and 4Q20, other non-operating items included a decrease in earnings of $4.3 million and $3.1 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 386% at December 31, 2021, reflecting estimated 4Q21 statutory operating income of $88 million (and $289 million during 2021) and the payment of insurance company dividends to the holding company of $328.3 million during 2021 (none of which was paid in 4Q21).

During the fourth quarter of 2021, 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 $24.69 per share.  As of December 31, 2021, we had 120.4 million shares outstanding and had authority to repurchase up to an additional $366.9 million of our common stock.  During 4Q21, dividends paid on common stock totaled $15.7 million.

Unrestricted cash and investments held by our holding company were $249 million at December 31, 2021, compared to $388 million at December 31, 2020.

Book value per common share was $43.69 at December 31, 2021 compared to $40.54 at December 31, 2020.  Book value per diluted share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (2), was $26.86 at December 31, 2021, compared to $23.95 at December 31, 2020. 

The debt-to-capital ratio was 17.8 percent and 17.2 percent at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.  Our debt-to-total capital ratio, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (3) was 25.6 percent at both December 31, 2021 and 2020.

Return on equity for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, was 8.5% and 6.5%, respectively.  Operating return, excluding significant items, on equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income and net operating loss carryforwards (6) for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, was 11.8% and 12.0%, 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, 2020 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 February 9, 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 https://www.directeventreg.com/registration/event/7844578. 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 $36 billion in total assets. Our 3,400 associates, 4,500 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)

 


December 31,
2021


December 31,
2020

ASSETS




Investments:




Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (net of allowance for credit losses: 2021 -
$7.6 and 2020 - $2.2; amortized cost: 2021 - $21,867.6 and 2020 - $19,921.1)

$           24,805.4


$           23,383.6

Equity securities at fair value

131.1


151.2

Mortgage loans (net of allowance for credit losses: 2021 - $5.6 and 2020 - $11.8)

1,218.6


1,358.7

Policy loans

120.2


123.0

Trading securities

227.2


232.0

Investments held by variable interest entities (net of allowance for credit losses: 2021 - $3.7
and 2020 - $15.1; amortized cost: 2021 - $1,206.8 and 2020 - $1,211.3)

1,199.6


1,189.4

Other invested assets

1,224.0


1,146.4

Total investments

28,926.1


27,584.3

Cash and cash equivalents - unrestricted

632.1


937.8

Cash and cash equivalents held by variable interest entities

99.6


54.1

Accrued investment income

216.4


205.8

Present value of future profits

222.6


249.4

Deferred acquisition costs

1,112.0


1,027.8

Reinsurance receivables (net of allowance for credit losses: 2021 - $3.0 and 2020 - $4.0)

4,354.3


4,584.3

Income tax assets, net

118.3


199.4

Assets held in separate accounts

3.9


4.2

Other assets

519.1


492.8

Total assets

$           36,204.4


$           35,339.9

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY




Liabilities:




Liabilities for insurance products:




Policyholder account liabilities

$           13,689.7


$           12,540.6

Future policy benefits

11,670.7


11,744.2

Liability for policy and contract claims

501.8


561.8

Unearned and advanced premiums

246.7


252.6

Liabilities related to separate accounts

3.9


4.2

Other liabilities

830.9


821.8

Investment borrowings

1,715.8


1,642.5

Borrowings related to variable interest entities

1,147.9


1,151.8

Notes payable – direct corporate obligations

1,137.3


1,136.2

Total liabilities

30,944.7


29,855.7

Commitments and Contingencies




Shareholders' equity:




Common stock ($0.01 par value, 8,000,000,000 shares authorized, shares issued and
outstanding: 2021 - 120,377,152 and 2020 - 135,279,119)

1.2


1.3

Additional paid-in capital

2,184.2


2,544.5

Accumulated other comprehensive income

1,947.1


2,186.1

Retained earnings

1,127.2


752.3

Total shareholders' equity

5,259.7


5,484.2

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$           36,204.4


$           35,339.9

 

 

CNO FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 


Three months ended


Year ended


December 31,


December 31,


2021


2020


2021


2020

Revenues:








Insurance policy income

$              629.9


$             629.0


$          2,523.4


$                 2,511.3

Net investment income:








General account assets

285.9


290.1


1,140.2


1,079.0

Policyholder and other special-purpose portfolios

109.2


100.5


280.5


143.5

Investment gains (losses):








Net investment gains (losses)

(5.4)


6.3


6.9


(17.7)

Change in allowance for credit losses and other-than-temporary
impairment losses

(1.7)


12.9


12.2


(18.5)

Total investment gains (losses)

(7.1)


19.2


19.1


(36.2)

Fee revenue and other income

56.9


37.4


159.0


123.5

Total revenues

1,074.8


1,076.2


4,122.2


3,821.1

Benefits and expenses:








Insurance policy benefits

549.4


566.1


2,190.7


2,157.9

Interest expense

23.6


23.3


95.4


108.8

Amortization

80.9


75.9


281.1


268.1

Other operating costs and expenses

272.8


267.4


987.3


942.0

Total benefits and expenses

926.7


932.7


3,554.5


3,476.8

Income before income taxes

148.1


143.5


567.7


344.3

Income tax expense (benefit):








Tax expense on period income

32.3


31.7


126.7


76.5

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and other tax items




(34.0)

Net income

$              115.8


$             111.8


$             441.0


$                    301.8

Earnings per common share:








Basic:








Weighted average shares outstanding

122,017,000


138,232,000


128,400,000


142,096,000

Net income

$                  .95


$                 .81


$               3.43


$                      2.12

Diluted:








Weighted average shares outstanding

125,020,000


140,387,000


131,126,000


143,164,000

Net income

$                  .93


$                 .80


$               3.36


$                      2.11

 

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 tables on pages 2 and 3.  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):






Year ended




4Q21


4Q20

Net operating income

$        365.6


$     362.3







Net operating income, excluding significant items

$        357.3


$     338.2







Net income

$        441.0


$     301.8







Average common equity, excluding accumulated other





comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss





carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure)

$     3,026.0


$  2,812.4







Average common shareholders' equity

$     5,197.4


$  4,665.4







Operating return on equity, excluding accumulated other





comprehensive income (loss) and net operating loss





carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure)

12.1%


12.9%







Operating return, excluding significant items, on equity, excluding





accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and net





operating loss carryforwards (a non-GAAP financial measure)

11.8%


12.0%







Return on equity

8.5%


6.5%

 

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 (loss) -



Net operating


Significant


significant


items - trailing


Net


trailing



income


items


items (a)


four quarters


income (loss)


four quarters

1Q20


$                  84.3


$                     —


$                  84.3


$                300.6


$                 (21.2)


$                336.4

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














(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):


Year ended


4Q21


4Q20

Pre-tax operating earnings (a non-GAAP financial measure)

$           470.6


$            463.8

Income tax expense

(105.0)


(101.5)

Net operating income

365.6


362.3

Non-operating items:




Net realized investment gains (losses) from sales, impairments and change in allowance for
credit losses, net of related amortization

34.8


(31.1)

Net change in market value of investments recognized in earnings

(17.4)


(2.7)

Fair value changes in embedded derivative liabilities, net of related amortization

67.2


(79.1)

Fair value changes related to the agent deferred compensation plan

8.9


(16.3)

Other

3.6


9.7

Non-operating income (loss) before taxes

97.1


(119.5)

Income tax (expense) benefit:




    On non-operating income (loss)

(21.7)


25.0

    Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and other tax items


34.0

Net non-operating income (loss)

75.4


(60.5)

Net income

$           441.0


$            301.8





 


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):











4Q19

Consolidated capital, excluding accumulated other comprehensive









income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards









(a non-GAAP financial measure)







$    2,761.9

Net operating loss carryforwards







542.6

Accumulated other comprehensive income







1,372.5

Common shareholders' equity







$    4,677.0














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











 

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




4Q21


4Q20

Consolidated capital, excluding accumulated other comprehensive





income (loss) and net operating loss carryforwards





(a non-GAAP financial measure)

$        3,026.0


$        2,812.4

Net operating loss carryforwards

293.9


428.9

Accumulated other comprehensive income

1,877.5


1,424.1

Common shareholders' equity

$        5,197.4


$        4,665.4

 

(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 41 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.

 

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cno-financial-group-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2021-results-301478093.html

SOURCE CNO Financial Group, Inc.

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