Horace Mann Educators Q4 Earnings Call Highlights

Core Insights - Horace Mann reported record core earnings per share (EPS) of $4.71 for 2025, with a 12.4% return on equity (ROE), attributed to unusually low catastrophe losses and strong performance across all business segments [3][7] - The company provided 2026 guidance for core EPS in the range of $4.20 to $4.50, indicating nearly 10% growth compared to normalized 2025 earnings [5][12] Financial Performance - The normalized core EPS for 2025 was approximately $3.95, which serves as a baseline for 2026 comparisons [1][7] - Total revenues increased by 7% year-over-year, with net premiums and contract deposits also rising over 7% [3][4] Segment Performance - Property & Casualty (P&C) segment showed significant improvement with a combined ratio of 84.3%, and core earnings of $112 million, more than double the previous year [6][8] - Life & Retirement segment core earnings rose 13% to $61 million, with record life sales up 21% year-over-year [6][9] - Supplemental & Group Benefits segment generated record sales, contributing 25% of core earnings, with core earnings reported at $59 million [9] Marketing and Distribution - The company expanded its distribution and marketing capabilities, achieving a 35% increase in unaided brand awareness from less than 10% the previous year [10] - New-business customer interactions increased by 37% in Q4, and distribution points rose by 15% [10][11] Capital Management - Horace Mann repurchased $21 million of shares in 2025, with an additional $50 million buyback authorization approved [16] - The company reported a tangible book value per share increase of over 9% year-over-year [16] Community Initiatives - In Q4, Horace Mann donated $5 million to the Horace Mann Educators Foundation, supporting various educational initiatives [17]