Horace Mann(US:HMN)2025-05-07 17:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a core EPS of $1.70 for Q1 2025, a significant increase compared to the prior year, marking a record first quarter [6] - Core earnings reached $45 million or $1.07 per share, reflecting a 73% increase over the prior year [19] - Total net written premiums and contract deposits increased by 7%, with total revenues up by 8% [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Property and Casualty segment showed strong performance with a combined ratio of 89.4%, improving by 10.5 points over the prior year [7] - In Life and Retirement, earnings were below the prior year primarily due to higher mortality, which was within expected actuarial ranges [8] - Individual Supplemental and Group Benefits segment earnings slightly increased, with net written premiums of $67.6 million, a 5% increase over the prior year [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Individual supplemental sales surged by 61%, while auto sales increased by 8% and annuity net contract deposits rose by 6% [10] - The company experienced a 40% increase in website visitors, contributing to strong new business sales [11] - The auto rate increase of 14.5% in California went into effect in mid-April, with a property increase of nearly 20% set for July 1 [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve a shareholder return on equity above 10% for 2025, focusing on sustained profitable growth [6][16] - Investments in omnichannel distribution capabilities are expected to drive continued growth and profitability [10] - The company is committed to supporting educators and local communities, as highlighted by their Corporate Social Responsibility efforts [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong financial foundation and ability to navigate macroeconomic uncertainties [15] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in the second quarter, despite historical trends indicating it is typically the highest quarter for catastrophe costs [38] - Management emphasized the importance of their multiline business model in delivering consistent earnings across various economic environments [29] Other Important Information - The company reported a total net investment income of $116 million, a 10% increase over the prior year [9] - The annualized pretax investment yield on the portfolio was 5.09%, with core new money yields at 5.51% [27] - The company has returned $7 million to shareholders through share repurchases year-to-date [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Could you talk about the run rate earnings power of the Life and the Supplemental Group Benefits segments? - Management indicated that the Life and Retirement business experienced a mortality blip, but overall performance is expected to normalize [33] Question: Could you talk about the cat activity in Q2 2025 year to date and also remind us how we should account for seasonality going into the second quarter? - Management noted that Q1 saw California wildfires with an ultimate loss of $3.7 million, and they expect the second quarter to be their heaviest for catastrophe costs historically [36][38] Question: Were there any new school districts added that drove the growth in individual supplemental distribution? - Management confirmed that there were no new districts added, attributing growth to strong activity from benefit specialists [41] Question: Is there any consideration for increasing reserves for supplemental group benefits products due to macro deterioration? - Management stated that current utilization trends do not indicate a need for increased reserves, and they remain confident in their expectations for group benefits [49][50]