CNO (CNO) Receives Upgrade to Buy: Reasons Explained
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 10 2025
0mins
Should l Buy CNO?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
CNO Financial Upgrade: CNO Financial has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) due to an upward trend in earnings estimates, indicating a positive outlook for the company's stock price.
Earnings Estimates Impact: The Zacks rating system, which focuses on earnings estimate revisions, shows a strong correlation between these revisions and near-term stock price movements, making it a valuable tool for investors.
Institutional Investor Influence: Changes in earnings estimates affect the fair value calculations used by institutional investors, leading to significant stock price movements based on their buying or selling actions.
Historical Performance: The Zacks Rank system has a proven track record, with Zacks Rank #1 stocks averaging a +25% annual return since 1988, highlighting the potential for CNO to deliver market-beating returns in the near term.
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Analyst Views on CNO
Wall Street analysts forecast CNO stock price to rise
3 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 42.190
Low
47.00
Averages
48.00
High
50.00
Current: 42.190
Low
47.00
Averages
48.00
High
50.00
About CNO
CNO Financial Group, Inc. is a holding company for a group of insurance companies. It provides life and health insurance, annuities, financial services and workforce benefits solutions through its family of brands, including Bankers Life, Colonial Penn, Optavise and Washington National. It is focused on serving middle-income pre-retiree and retired Americans. It markets its products through the Consumer and Worksite Divisions that reflect the customers served by the Company. The Consumer Division serves individual consumers, engaging with them on the phone, virtually, online, face-to-face with agents, or through a combination of sales channels. The Worksite Division focuses on the sale of voluntary benefit life and health insurance products in the workplace for businesses, associations and other membership groups, interacting with customers at their place of employment and virtually. It also offers a suite of voluntary benefits, benefits administration technology and advocacy services.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Bankers Life Launches Enhanced Death Benefit Rider for Annuities
- New Rider Launch: Bankers Life has introduced the Enhanced Death Benefit (EDB) Rider, designed to provide greater financial security for Americans nearing retirement, enhancing clients' confidence in leaving a legacy while enjoying retirement income.
- Wide Availability: The EDB Rider is now available in 48 states and Washington, D.C., applicable to single-life Guaranteed Lifetime Income Annuities (GLIA) and GLIA Plus products, further expanding Bankers Life's market reach to meet middle-income retirement needs.
- Flexibility and Security: The EDB Rider offers clients flexibility by allowing spousal continuation if income withdrawals have not been taken, ensuring that clients can enjoy their income while providing security for their families, thus increasing the product's appeal.
- Income Security and Legacy: GLIA and GLIA Plus products allow for maximum premium limits of up to $2 million, with income payments that may increase the longer clients wait to begin withdrawals, helping clients secure stable income while ensuring the value of their legacy.
See More
Bankers Life Launches Enhanced Death Benefit Rider for Annuities
- New Rider Launch: Bankers Life has introduced the Enhanced Death Benefit (EDB) Rider, designed to provide better financial security for Americans nearing retirement, enhancing clients' confidence in leaving a legacy while enjoying retirement income.
- Wide Availability: The EDB Rider is now available in 48 states and Washington, D.C., applicable to single-life Guaranteed Lifetime Income Annuity (GLIA) and GLIA Plus products, thereby expanding Bankers Life's market reach.
- Flexibility and Security: The EDB Rider offers clients flexible options, particularly for those taking Lifetime Income Withdrawals (LIWs) or Required Minimum Distributions, ensuring their annuity provides not only a stable income stream but also greater benefits for beneficiaries.
- Market Demand Response: In response to the growing concerns of middle-income Americans about their financial futures, Bankers Life addresses client needs with this rider, allowing them to enjoy current income while maintaining peace of mind about the future, thereby strengthening its competitive position in the insurance market.
See More
CNO Financial Group Honors Volunteer of the Year
- Volunteer Recognition: CNO Financial Group honored Stacy Muentzer Oakey as Volunteer of the Year for her contributions to Scouting America's Pathway to Adventure Council, reflecting the company's commitment to community service.
- Donation Program: Through its 2026 Invested in Giving Back® program, CNO will donate $180,000 to 12 nonprofit organizations, showcasing the company's dedication to supporting community initiatives.
- Service Contribution: In 2025, Muentzer Oakey contributed over 410 hours of volunteer service, including 16 nights of camping and more than 1,500 miles of transportation, ensuring Scouts had access to essential outdoor experiences and events.
- Corporate Mission: CNO Financial Group is dedicated to providing insurance and financial services to middle-income America, managing $38.8 billion in assets with 3,300 employees and 5,000 exclusive agents to help clients achieve financial security.
See More
CNO Financial Group Honors Volunteer of the Year
- Volunteer Recognition: CNO Financial Group honored Stacy Muentzer Oakey as Volunteer of the Year for her outstanding contributions to Scouting America's Pathway to Adventure Council, highlighting the company's commitment to community service.
- Donation Initiative: Through the 2026 Invested in Giving Back program, CNO will donate $180,000 to 12 nonprofit organizations, reflecting the company's support and responsibility towards the community, thereby enhancing its brand image.
- Service Contribution: In 2025, Muentzer Oakey contributed over 410 hours of volunteer service, including 16 nights of camping and over 1,500 miles of transportation, ensuring youth access to essential outdoor experiences and enhancing the organization's impact.
- Community Impact: CNO's Invested in Giving Back program, now in its eighth year, encourages employees to nominate and vote for community projects, fostering employee engagement and strengthening the connection between the company and the community.
See More
Middle-Income Americans' Retirement Confidence Declines
- Declining Retirement Confidence: A CNO Financial Group survey reveals that 32% of middle-income Americans aged 50 to 85 feel less confident in their retirement plans compared to last year, highlighting the impact of economic uncertainty and inflation on retirement preparedness.
- Rising Financial Anxiety: 44% of respondents report increased anxiety about their personal finances, with pre-retirees being twice as likely to feel much more anxious than retirees, reflecting heightened concerns about their ability to retire on schedule.
- Eroding Confidence in Social Security: 43% of middle-income Americans express doubts about the future availability of Social Security, while nearly half (47%) believe Medicare benefits will be cut in the future, indicating a significant decline in trust in government safety nets.
- Severe Impact on Women and Pre-Retirees: 25% of women lack confidence in their financial security for retirement, nearly double the rate of men, and 49% of pre-retirees expect to delay retirement by at least a year, demonstrating significant gender and age disparities in retirement confidence.
See More
CNO Financial Group Announces Director Retirement and Dividend Declaration
- Quarterly Cash Dividend: CNO Financial Group has declared a cash dividend of $0.17 per share, payable on March 24, 2026, which not only demonstrates the company's commitment to shareholder returns but also reflects its stable financial health and profitability.
- Annual Meeting Arrangement: The company will hold its annual shareholder meeting via a virtual live webcast on May 12, 2026, allowing recorded shareholders to participate in voting and questions, enhancing shareholder engagement and transparency through this innovative format.
- Board Member Change: Director Nina Henderson will retire at the end of her term, having served on the board since 2012 and as Chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, her extensive experience has significantly contributed to the company's governance and operations, with the board continuing to consist of nine directors.
- Company Background: CNO Financial Group focuses on securing the future of middle-income America, providing life and health insurance, annuities, and financial services, managing 3.2 million policies and $38.8 billion in total assets, underscoring its significant market position and influence.
See More
Bankers Life Launches Enhanced Death Benefit Rider for Annuities
- New Rider Launch: Bankers Life has introduced the Enhanced Death Benefit (EDB) Rider, designed to provide greater financial security for Americans nearing retirement, enhancing clients' confidence in leaving a legacy while enjoying retirement income.
- Wide Availability: The EDB Rider is now available in 48 states and Washington, D.C., applicable to single-life Guaranteed Lifetime Income Annuities (GLIA) and GLIA Plus products, further expanding Bankers Life's market reach to meet middle-income retirement needs.
- Flexibility and Security: The EDB Rider offers clients flexibility by allowing spousal continuation if income withdrawals have not been taken, ensuring that clients can enjoy their income while providing security for their families, thus increasing the product's appeal.
- Income Security and Legacy: GLIA and GLIA Plus products allow for maximum premium limits of up to $2 million, with income payments that may increase the longer clients wait to begin withdrawals, helping clients secure stable income while ensuring the value of their legacy.
See More
Bankers Life Launches Enhanced Death Benefit Rider for Annuities
- New Rider Launch: Bankers Life has introduced the Enhanced Death Benefit (EDB) Rider, designed to provide better financial security for Americans nearing retirement, enhancing clients' confidence in leaving a legacy while enjoying retirement income.
- Wide Availability: The EDB Rider is now available in 48 states and Washington, D.C., applicable to single-life Guaranteed Lifetime Income Annuity (GLIA) and GLIA Plus products, thereby expanding Bankers Life's market reach.
- Flexibility and Security: The EDB Rider offers clients flexible options, particularly for those taking Lifetime Income Withdrawals (LIWs) or Required Minimum Distributions, ensuring their annuity provides not only a stable income stream but also greater benefits for beneficiaries.
- Market Demand Response: In response to the growing concerns of middle-income Americans about their financial futures, Bankers Life addresses client needs with this rider, allowing them to enjoy current income while maintaining peace of mind about the future, thereby strengthening its competitive position in the insurance market.
See More
CNO Financial Group Honors Volunteer of the Year
- Volunteer Recognition: CNO Financial Group honored Stacy Muentzer Oakey as Volunteer of the Year for her contributions to Scouting America's Pathway to Adventure Council, reflecting the company's commitment to community service.
- Donation Program: Through its 2026 Invested in Giving Back® program, CNO will donate $180,000 to 12 nonprofit organizations, showcasing the company's dedication to supporting community initiatives.
- Service Contribution: In 2025, Muentzer Oakey contributed over 410 hours of volunteer service, including 16 nights of camping and more than 1,500 miles of transportation, ensuring Scouts had access to essential outdoor experiences and events.
- Corporate Mission: CNO Financial Group is dedicated to providing insurance and financial services to middle-income America, managing $38.8 billion in assets with 3,300 employees and 5,000 exclusive agents to help clients achieve financial security.
See More
CNO Financial Group Honors Volunteer of the Year
- Volunteer Recognition: CNO Financial Group honored Stacy Muentzer Oakey as Volunteer of the Year for her outstanding contributions to Scouting America's Pathway to Adventure Council, highlighting the company's commitment to community service.
- Donation Initiative: Through the 2026 Invested in Giving Back program, CNO will donate $180,000 to 12 nonprofit organizations, reflecting the company's support and responsibility towards the community, thereby enhancing its brand image.
- Service Contribution: In 2025, Muentzer Oakey contributed over 410 hours of volunteer service, including 16 nights of camping and over 1,500 miles of transportation, ensuring youth access to essential outdoor experiences and enhancing the organization's impact.
- Community Impact: CNO's Invested in Giving Back program, now in its eighth year, encourages employees to nominate and vote for community projects, fostering employee engagement and strengthening the connection between the company and the community.
See More
Middle-Income Americans' Retirement Confidence Declines
- Declining Retirement Confidence: A CNO Financial Group survey reveals that 32% of middle-income Americans aged 50 to 85 feel less confident in their retirement plans compared to last year, highlighting the impact of economic uncertainty and inflation on retirement preparedness.
- Rising Financial Anxiety: 44% of respondents report increased anxiety about their personal finances, with pre-retirees being twice as likely to feel much more anxious than retirees, reflecting heightened concerns about their ability to retire on schedule.
- Eroding Confidence in Social Security: 43% of middle-income Americans express doubts about the future availability of Social Security, while nearly half (47%) believe Medicare benefits will be cut in the future, indicating a significant decline in trust in government safety nets.
- Severe Impact on Women and Pre-Retirees: 25% of women lack confidence in their financial security for retirement, nearly double the rate of men, and 49% of pre-retirees expect to delay retirement by at least a year, demonstrating significant gender and age disparities in retirement confidence.
See More
CNO Financial Group Announces Director Retirement and Dividend Declaration
- Quarterly Cash Dividend: CNO Financial Group has declared a cash dividend of $0.17 per share, payable on March 24, 2026, which not only demonstrates the company's commitment to shareholder returns but also reflects its stable financial health and profitability.
- Annual Meeting Arrangement: The company will hold its annual shareholder meeting via a virtual live webcast on May 12, 2026, allowing recorded shareholders to participate in voting and questions, enhancing shareholder engagement and transparency through this innovative format.
- Board Member Change: Director Nina Henderson will retire at the end of her term, having served on the board since 2012 and as Chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, her extensive experience has significantly contributed to the company's governance and operations, with the board continuing to consist of nine directors.
- Company Background: CNO Financial Group focuses on securing the future of middle-income America, providing life and health insurance, annuities, and financial services, managing 3.2 million policies and $38.8 billion in total assets, underscoring its significant market position and influence.
See More
