CNO Financial Group(US:CNO)2025-07-29 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - CNO Financial Group reported operating earnings per diluted share of $0.87, benefiting from favorable insurance product margins and solid investment results [7][22] - Book value per diluted share, excluding AOCI, increased by 6% to $38.5 [8] - The company returned $117 million to shareholders in the quarter and $234 million year-to-date [8][22] - Operating return on equity was 11.8% to 12.1% on a trailing twelve-month basis, with a target of around 10.5% for the full year 2025 [23][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Consumer division achieved record total new annualized premiums of $120 million, up 17%, with double-digit growth in both divisions [7][10] - Annuity collected premiums surpassed $500 million for the first time in a single quarter, driven by 19% growth [11] - Life and Health NAP posted double-digit growth of 17%, with total life insurance up 20% and direct-to-consumer life insurance sales up 29% [13][14] - Worksite life and health NAP increased by 16%, with life insurance sales up 54% [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Client assets in brokerage and advisory rose by 27% to $4.6 billion, with new accounts up 13% [12] - The market value of invested assets grew by 5% in the quarter, with 96% of the fixed maturity portfolio rated investment grade [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - CNO aims to serve the growing needs of the middle-income market with diverse products and distribution channels [31] - The company is focused on improving return on equity and delivering consistent, repeatable results [31][32] - Investments in technology are enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency [17][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustained profitable growth and the ability to navigate the evolving economic environment [31][32] - The company anticipates continued strong sales momentum and improved profitability in the second half of the year [31] Other Important Information - CNO reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, lowering the upper bound of the expense ratio range to 19.2% from 19.4% [29] - The company is engaged in discussions with regulators regarding opportunities with its Bermuda operation [97][98] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on the momentum from the web digital piece of direct-to-consumer sales? - Management noted strong growth in direct-to-consumer sales, particularly from web and digital channels, which were up 39% year-over-year [36][37] Question: Can you discuss the expense experience in the quarter and the change in guidance? - Management indicated that expenses were generally in line with expectations, with a better expense ratio reflecting improved operating leverage [52] Question: What is the claims experience for long-term care? - Management reported a continuation of favorable claims experience, with expectations for LTC claims to trend closer to pre-COVID levels [54] Question: How diversified is the mix of carriers for Medicare Advantage? - Management confirmed a diversified mix of about 20 carriers, with no concentration risk, and expressed confidence in the demand for both Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage products [66][68] Question: What is the outlook for annuity sales and spreads? - Management indicated that while strong sales are expected to continue, comparable conditions may become tougher, and spreads have remained stable [70][73]