CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) has published its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, revealing a notable start to the year. The company reported a net income of $13.7 million, translating to $0.13 per diluted share. Comparatively, this falls from $112.3 million, or $1.01 per diluted share, seen in the first quarter of 2024. However, it is essential to note that the recent results were adversely influenced by non-economic accounting effects associated with market volatility.
The company's net operating income, which omits these accounting impacts, stood at an impressive $81.1 million, or $0.79 per diluted share. This figure marks a considerable increase from $57.5 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, compared to the same quarter last year. Significant factors positively influencing both net income and net operating income by $5.3 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, highlight CNO's robust performance despite external market pressures.
Gary C. Bhojwani, the CEO of CNO Financial Group, expressed satisfaction with these results, affirming their ongoing commitment to enhancing profitability while strategically growing earnings. The figures for the quarter reinforce the manageability and resilience of CNO's business model as it adapts to prevailing macroeconomic challenges.
In discussing the achievements of the first quarter, Bhojwani emphasized the company's strong performance indicators, including agent production efficiency, policyholder retention rates, underwriting profit margins, and effective capital management. He stated, "Our foundational business aspects continue to yield positive results along with favorable demographic trends. Our proactive strategies are designed to overcome market fluctuations, and we remain optimistic about our growth trajectory in 2025."
Key Highlights from the First Quarter of 2025:
- - Reaffirmed guidance for full-year 2025 and a three-year return on equity (ROE).
- - Annuity collected premiums saw a 12% uptick compared to figures from last year.
- - Broker and advisory client assets grew by 16%.
- - New annualized premiums in the Consumer Division Health surged by 9%, with Medicare Supplement premiums escalating by 24%.
- - The Worksite Division reflected an 11% increase in new annualized premiums and an 8% growth in the agent count.
- - Shareholder returns reached over $116.8 million, contributing to a book value per share showing positive growth, now at $25.33, and adjusted book value per diluted share rising to $37.03.
- - The company recorded a ROE of 12.1%, with an operational ROE of 12.6%, marking a solid foundation moving into the second quarter.
Looking ahead, CNO Financial is equipped to leverage its strengths and navigate uncertainties through strategic adaptability. The company remains well-positioned to continue delivering value to shareholders, illustrated by its historic investment management performances and effective policyholder retention strategies. Continuing to build on the momentum from 2024, CNO aims to pursue innovative growth strategies while delivering exceptional service to its 3.2 million policyholders across its diverse brands.
The company is slated to follow up this report with a conference call on April 29, 2025, providing further insights into performance and operational strategies moving forward. For more detailed information, stakeholders and investors are encouraged to visit the investor relations section on the CNO Financial Group website.