CFO Ryan Greenier provided a normalized view, saying that when adjusting for catastrophe losses that were “more than one standard deviation below historic averages,” as well as favorable prior-year reserve development, opportunistic share repurchases, and incremental strategic spending, normalized core EPS was approximately $3.95 . Greenier said this was in line with the company’s original 2025 guidance range of $3.85 to $4.15 and should be used as the baseline for comparing 2026 guidance.Zuraitis noted 202 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record 2025 full-year core earnings per share of $4.71, a 39% increase over the prior year, with a shareholder return on equity of 12.4% [4][15] - Total revenues increased by 7% year-over-year, with net premiums and contract deposits earned also up more than 7% [4][15] - Core earnings for 2025 were $196 million, reflecting strong underlying profitability across the business [15][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Property and Casualty (P&C), the underlying combined ratio improved to 84.3%, a 5-point improvement year-over-year, with sales increasing by 6% [5][19] - Auto reported a combined ratio of 96.5%, improving nearly 2 points over the prior year, with policyholder retention stable at 84% [6][19] - Life and Retirement saw record life sales in Q4, up 21% year-over-year, with retirement deposits increasing by 4% [6][21] - Individual Supplemental sales increased nearly 40% year-over-year, while Group Benefits recorded a 33% increase [4][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expanded its distribution organization significantly, increasing points of distribution by 15% across all channels [8] - Unaided brand awareness reached 35% in 2025, up from less than 10% a year ago, indicating strong market recognition [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for a 10% average compound annual growth rate in core EPS and a sustainable 12%-13% shareholder return on equity over the next three years [11][26] - Investments in marketing, infrastructure improvements, and product expansion are prioritized to support sustained profitable growth [11][12] - The introduction of the Horace Mann Club aims to provide educators with financial wellness tools and resources, enhancing community engagement [9] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that 2025 benefited from unusually light severe weather activity, with pre-tax catastrophe losses of $62 million contributing positively to core earnings [5][10] - The company does not expect a similarly low level of catastrophe losses in 2026 or subsequent years, indicating a cautious outlook [10][18] - Management expressed confidence in achieving long-term financial targets while navigating a competitive environment [26] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $21 million of shares in 2025, the highest annual level since 2022, with an additional $50 million authorization for share repurchases [14][25] - The early retirement offering was taken up by about 8% of eligible employees, aimed at aligning the workforce with future needs [56][59] Q&A Session Summary Question: Distribution initiatives and policy count growth outlook - Management indicated that 2025 was the strongest year for distribution, with significant sales momentum and increased brand awareness [30][31] Question: EPS outlook for 2026 and growth acceleration - Management confirmed expectations for a 10% annual EPS growth rate and anticipated accelerating top-line growth due to investments made [32][34] Question: Catastrophe loss assumptions in guidance - Management clarified that the $90 million catastrophe loss assumption for 2026 is based on a consistent year-over-year approach, not influenced by prior year developments [36][37] Question: Early retirement offering participation - Approximately 8% of eligible employees participated in the early retirement offering, aimed at workforce planning [56][59] Question: Free cash flow conversion targets - The company achieved about 80% free cash flow conversion in 2025 and targets over 75% for 2026, supported by capital-efficient business growth [63][64] Question: Investment in Supplemental and Group segment - Management expressed satisfaction with progress in Individual Supplemental and Group Benefits, with strong sales and distribution efforts [70][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Horace Mann reported record 2025 full-year core earnings per share of $4.71, a 39% increase over the prior year, with a shareholder return on equity of 12.4% [4][15] - Total revenues increased by 7% year-over-year, with net premiums and contract deposits earned also up more than 7% [4][15] - Core earnings for 2025 were $196 million, reflecting strong underlying profitability across the business [15][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Property and Casualty (P&C), core earnings were $112 million, more than double the prior year, with a reported combined ratio of 89.7, improving over 8 points year-over-year [19] - Auto net written premiums increased to $502 million, with a combined ratio of 96.5, improving nearly 2 points [19] - Life and retirement segment saw core earnings increase by 13% to $61 million, with net premiums written and contract deposits growing to $612 million, up 7% year-over-year [21] - Individual supplemental sales increased nearly 40% year-over-year, while group benefits recorded a 33% increase [6][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Unaided brand awareness reached 35% in 2025, up from less than 10% a year ago, indicating significant growth in market recognition [7] - New business customer interactions increased by 37% in the fourth quarter, reflecting improved marketing effectiveness [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for a 10% average compound annual growth rate in core EPS and a sustainable 12%-13% shareholder return on equity over the next three years [11][26] - Investments in marketing, infrastructure improvements, and product expansion are prioritized to support sustained profitable growth [12][14] - The introduction of the Horace Mann Club aims to enhance engagement with educators and provide financial wellness tools [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that 2025 benefited from unusually light severe weather activity, with pre-tax catastrophe losses of $62 million contributing positively to core earnings [5] - The company expects a normalized core earnings per share guidance range of $4.20-$4.50 for 2026, reflecting a nearly 10% increase [11][17] - Management expressed confidence in achieving long-term financial targets despite potential macroeconomic uncertainties [26] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $21 million of shares in 2025, the highest annual level since 2022, with an additional $50 million authorization in May [14][25] - The early retirement offering was taken up by about 8% of eligible employees, aimed at aligning the workforce with future needs [56][59] Q&A Session Summary Question: Distribution initiatives and policy count growth outlook - Management indicated strong sales momentum driven by distribution efforts, with brand awareness and website traffic significantly increasing [30][31] Question: EPS outlook for 2026 and growth acceleration - Management confirmed expectations for a 10% annual earnings per share growth rate, with anticipated accelerating top-line growth due to investments made [33][34] Question: Catastrophe loss assumptions and reinsurance program - Management clarified that the catastrophe loss guidance for 2026 is based on a consistent approach, not influenced by one year's results [36][37] Question: Early retirement offering participation - Approximately 8% of eligible employees participated in the early retirement offering, aimed at workforce planning [56][59] Question: Investment in supplemental and group segment - Management expressed satisfaction with progress in individual supplemental and group benefits, with strong sales and distribution efforts [70][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Horace Mann reported record full-year core earnings per share of $4.71, a 39% increase over the prior year, with a shareholder return on equity of 12.4% [4][16] - Total revenues increased by 7% year-over-year, with net premiums and contract deposits earned also up more than 7% [4][16] - Core earnings for 2025 were $196 million, reflecting strong underlying profitability across the business [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Property and Casualty (P&C), core earnings were $112 million, more than double the prior year, with net written premiums increasing by 7% to $830 million [20] - The reported combined ratio for P&C improved to 89.7, an improvement of over 8 points year-over-year [20] - Life and retirement segment saw core earnings increase by 13% to $61 million, with net premiums written and contract deposits growing to $612 million, up 7% year-over-year [22] - Individual supplemental sales increased by nearly 40% year-over-year, while group benefits recorded a 33% increase [6][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Unaided brand awareness reached 35% in 2025, up from less than 10% a year ago, indicating significant growth in market recognition [8] - New business customer interactions increased by 37% in the fourth quarter, reflecting enhanced marketing and distribution efforts [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for a 10% average compound annual growth rate in core EPS and a sustainable 12%-13% shareholder return on equity over the next three years [12][28] - Investments in marketing, infrastructure improvements, and product expansion are prioritized to support long-term growth [12][13] - The introduction of the Horace Mann Club aims to provide educators with financial wellness tools and resources, enhancing community engagement [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that 2025 benefited from unusually light severe weather activity, with pre-tax catastrophe losses of $62 million contributing positively to core earnings [5] - The company expects a normalized core earnings per share guidance range of $4.20-$4.50 for 2026, reflecting a nearly 10% increase [12][18] - Management expressed confidence in achieving long-term financial targets while navigating a competitive environment [28] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $21 million of shares in 2025, the highest annual level since 2022, with an additional $50 million authorization in May [14][27] - The early retirement offering was taken up by about 8% of eligible employees, aimed at aligning the workforce with future needs [58][59] Q&A Session Summary Question: Distribution initiatives and policy count growth outlook - Management highlighted strong sales momentum driven by distribution efforts, with brand awareness and website traffic significantly increasing [31][32] Question: EPS outlook for 2026 and growth acceleration - Management confirmed expectations for a 10% annual earnings per share growth rate, with accelerating top-line growth anticipated as investments yield results [34][36] Question: Catastrophe loss assumptions and reinsurance program - Management clarified that the $90 million catastrophe loss assumption for 2026 is based on consistent year-over-year approaches and does not include prior year development in planning [39][40] Question: Increase in educator household access - Management noted a significant increase in accessible educator households due to strategic marketing and partnerships, contributing to overall growth [44][51] Question: Long-term target for net interest spread in retirement - Management reaffirmed a target of a 200 basis point spread for fixed annuities, although 2025 performance was impacted by underperformance in commercial mortgage loans [52] Question: Early retirement offering participation - Management reported a satisfactory participation rate in the early retirement offering, aimed at workforce planning and future skill alignment [58][61] Question: Investment in supplemental and group segment - Management expressed confidence in the growth and earnings diversification from individual supplemental and group benefits, with favorable benefit ratios expected to normalize [71][76]

Table of Contents | | Page | | --- | --- | | Consolidated Financial Highlights | 3 | | Consolidated Statements of Operations | 4 | | Consolidated Balance Sheets | 5 | | Capital Metrics | 6 | | Property & Casualty Segment | | | Statements of Operations | 7 | | Auto Products | 8 | | Property & Other Products | 9 | | Life & Retirement Segment | | | Statements of Operations | 10 | | Life Insurance Products | 10 | | Retirement Products | 11 | | Account Value Rollforward | 12 | | Supplemental & Group Benefits | | ...

For the quarter ended December 2025, Horace Mann (HMN) reported revenue of $434.8 million, up 6.3% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $1.21, compared to $1.62 in the year-ago quarter.The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $443.7 million, representing a surprise of -2.01%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +2.98%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $1.18.While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street ...

Financial Performance - Total revenues for Q4 2025 were $434.8 million, a 6.3% increase from Q4 2024, while full-year revenues reached $1,701.4 million, up 6.7% year-over-year[2]. - Net income for Q4 2025 was $36.2 million, or $0.87 per share, down 5.2% from Q4 2024; full-year net income was $162.1 million, or $3.90 per share, a 57.7% increase compared to the previous year[2][5]. - Core earnings for Q4 2025 were $50.3 million, or $1.21 per share, a decrease of 27.9% from Q4 2024; however, full-year core earnings reached a record $195.8 million, or $4.71 per share, up 38.6% year-over-year[2][5]. - The company reported net investment losses after tax of $(5.6) million for Q4 2025, compared to $(13.7) million in Q4 2024, indicating improved investment performance[2]. Shareholder Value - The company emphasized its strategy to deliver consistent value to shareholders through a diversified business model and a solid balance sheet[6]. - Book value per share increased to $36.47, representing a 15.7% growth year-over-year, while adjusted book value per share rose to $40.21, a 7.1% increase[2][5]. Strategic Goals - Horace Mann aims for sustained, profitable growth in 2026 and beyond, supported by strong underlying results across all segments[4]. - The company plans to enhance customer experience and expand its products and solutions to a larger share of the education market[9]. - Management will discuss the financial results in a webcast on February 4, 2026, providing further insights into company performance and future strategies[7]. Operational Efficiency - The Property & Casualty segment reported a combined ratio of 89.7% for the full year, improving by more than 8 points compared to the prior year[5].

Marsh Risk Expands US Surety Team With 3 Leadership AppointmentsMarsh Risk, headquartered in New York City, made three leadership appointments. Jimmy Tse was named U.S. financial institutions surety growth leader. Tse has 20 years of experience in financial institutions, with expertise in developing integrated strategies that connect financial institutions with surety markets. Prior to joining Marsh, he led ANZ’s Funds and Insurance Coverage business. Based in New York, Tse will report to Carrick Bligh, U.S ...

AXA XL, the P&C and specialty risk division of AXA, has announced the appointment of Jason C. Billingslea as Head of Energy, E&S, based in Dallas, Texas.Billingslea, who brings a wealth of experience in E&S Energy, will lead the development and growth of the energy sector team.In this new role, he will focus on portfolio expansion, strengthening broker relationships, and delivering innovative, solution-driven strategies to enhance profitability.Betsy Higgens, Head of Casualty for E&S, commented: “Jason’s in ...

Core Viewpoint - The analysis suggests that Horace Mann Educators Corporation (HMN) is a Buy based on its Q2 earnings and growth prospects for the remainder of 2025 [1] Group 1: Company Analysis - The stock of Horace Mann Educators Corporation is considered undervalued and presents a potential investment opportunity due to its growth prospects [1] - The company operates in the insurance holding sector, which may not be widely followed by average investors, creating opportunities for profit [1] Group 2: Market Perspective - The financial markets are viewed as efficient, with most stocks reflecting their real current value, indicating that the best investment opportunities often lie in less-followed stocks [1]