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CNO Financial Group Reports Strong Financial Results for 2025

CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) has announced its financial performance for the fourth quarter and the entire year of 2025, showcasing remarkable achievements in various metrics. The company has experienced consistent growth, achieving and often surpassing its 2025 projections throughout the year.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, CNO's net income reached $93 million, equating to $0.95 per diluted share. Meanwhile, the net operating income for the same period was noted at $143 million, or $1.47 per diluted share. Looking at the full year, CNO reported a net income of $229 million ($2.30 per diluted share) and a net operating income of $439 million ($4.40 per diluted share).

Financial Highlights

• - Return on Equity (ROE): CNO reported a ROE of 8.9%. The operating ROE, which excludes significant items, stood at 11.4%. As part of CNO's commitment to shareholder value, they returned a substantial $386 million to shareholders in 2025, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. This showcases CNO's ability to generate healthy free cash flow, supported by smart capital management and investment results.
• - Book Value Achievement: The book value per share climbed to $27.92, and when excluding the accumulated other comprehensive loss, it rose to $38.81. These figures underline the company’s robust financial health and solid foundations for future growth.

CNO’s outstanding performance is also reflected in the significant growth of its new annualized premiums (NAP) for the year, which surged by 15% compared to previous results, setting a new record for the company. This growth is attributed to consistent sales momentum that has propelled the firm forward.

Leadership Insights

Gary C. Bhojwani, CEO of CNO, expressed satisfaction with these results, stating, “CNO has again delivered an excellent quarterly and full-year performance, demonstrating the repeatable results that drive our momentum. We have established our 14th consecutive quarter of strong insurance sales, resulting in substantial growth for our company.” This statement illustrates CNO's steadfast dedication to its strategic initiatives and overall business development.

The company attributes its operational success to the dedication of its workforce, including thousands of associates and agents who have worked tirelessly to enhance profitability while aligning with long-term strategic goals.

Challenges and Future Goals

Despite a profitable year, CNO also faced challenges, such as the goodwill impairment, which impacted its net income for 2025 compared to 2024. The company remained resilient in its responses to market volatility and has initiated several strategic projects such as the TechMod initiative to modernize its technology infrastructure.

As 2026 unfolds, CNO is poised for growth with a robust capital position, aiming to achieve its long-term ROE target of 12.5% by 2027, supported by a forward-looking strategy grounded in operational efficiency and market demand.

Conclusion

With a solid framework built on effective capital management, disciplined operations, and a committed workforce, CNO Financial Group is well-positioned to not only navigate market challenges but also to seize opportunities for expansion and growth in the evolving landscape of financial services. As it continues to safeguard the financial futures of middle-income America through various insurance products and financial services, CNO remains an influential player in the industry.