Conseco agrees with analyst estimates of $5.25-$5.50 operating EPS in 1995, $7.00-$7.25 in 1996; says it will lower quarterly dividend in July 1995 and focus on reinvesting earnings for future growth.

CARMEL, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 3, 1995--Conseco, Inc. (NYSE: CNC) said today that it agrees with analyst estimates of Conseco's operating earnings per share of $5.25-$5.50 in 1995 and $7.00-$7.25 in 1996, assuming completion by July 1995 of the purchases of the remaining outstanding shares of CCP Insurance, Inc. (NYSE: CCP) and Bankers Life Holding Corp. (NYSE: BLH), as proposed. (Operating earnings exclude trading income (losses), realized investment gains (losses), restructuring income and extraordinary charge.) These estimates also exclude any impact from potential acquisitions through Conseco's partnership, Conseco Capital Partners II, L.P., the company said.

Conseco's board of directors yesterday declared a dividend on its common stock of 12-1/2 cents per share, payable April 3, 1995, to holders of record on March 20, 1995. Conseco said, however, that it plans to reduce its quarterly cash dividend to 2 cents per share, effective with the dividend to be paid in July 1995. Conseco Chairman Stephen C. Hilbert said, "Management feels that, after the CCP and BLH transactions, Conseco can best maximize shareholder value by reinvesting our earnings for future growth."

Conseco, headquartered in Carmel, Ind., owns, operates and provides services to companies in the financial services industry (primarily life insurance companies, to date). Historically, Conseco's earnings have resulted from: (1) operating life insurance companies and other financial services businesses; (2) recurring fee income from providing investment management, administrative and other services to affiliated businesses and to non-affiliates; and (3) acquiring and restructuring life insurance companies in partnership with other investors.

CONTACT: Conseco, Inc., Carmel

James W. Rosensteele, Vice President-Investor Relations,

317/817-2893