Horace Mann(HMN) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

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]