UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number 1-10890

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   37-0911756

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1 Horace Mann Plaza, Springfield, Illinois 62715-0001

(Address of principal executive offices, including Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: 217-789-2500

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

  

Name of each exchange on

which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share    New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes   x     No   ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes   ¨     No   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   x     No   ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

Indicate by check mark the registrant’s filer status, as such terms are defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.

Large accelerated filer   x     Accelerated filer   ¨     Non-accelerated filer   ¨     Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.    Yes   ¨     No   x

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant based on the closing price of the registrant’s Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange and the shares outstanding on June 30, 2008, was $547.6 million.

As of February 19, 2009, 39,164,537 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, were outstanding, net of 21,813,196 shares of treasury stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Certain portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part II Item 5 and Part III Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Form 10-K as specified in those Items and will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2008.

 

 


HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

FORM 10-K

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008

INDEX

 

Part

  

Item

        Page

I

   1.   

Business

   1
     

Forward-looking Information

   1
     

Overview and Available Information

   1
     

History

   2
     

Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data

   3
     

Corporate Strategy and Marketing

   4
     

Property and Casualty Segment

   7
     

Annuity Segment

   15
     

Life Segment

   18
     

Competition

   19
     

Investments

   20
     

Cash Flow

   23
     

Regulation

   23
     

Employees

   26
   1A.   

Risk Factors

   26
   1B.   

Unresolved Staff Comments

   38
   2.   

Properties

   38
   3.   

Legal Proceedings

   39
   4.   

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   39

II

   5.   

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

   39
   6.   

Selected Financial Data

   41
   7.   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   41
   7A.   

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   41
   8.   

Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   41
   9.   

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

   41
   9A.   

Controls and Procedures

   41
   9B.   

Other Information

   42

III

   10.   

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

   43
   11.   

Executive Compensation

   43
   12.   

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

   43
   13.   

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

   43
   14.   

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

   43

IV

   15.   

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

   44
     

Signatures

   50
     

Index to Financial Information

   F-1


PART I

 

ITEM 1. Business

Forward-looking Information

It is important to note that the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Forward-looking Information”.

Overview and Available Information

Horace Mann Educators Corporation (“HMEC”; and together with its subsidiaries, the “Company” or “Horace Mann”) is an insurance holding company incorporated in Delaware. Through its subsidiaries, HMEC markets and underwrites personal lines of property and casualty (primarily private passenger automobile and homeowners) insurance, retirement annuities (primarily tax-qualified products) and life insurance in the United States of America (“U.S.”). HMEC’s principal insurance subsidiaries are Horace Mann Life Insurance Company (“HMLIC”), Horace Mann Insurance Company (“HMIC”) and Teachers Insurance Company (“TIC”), each of which is an Illinois corporation; Horace Mann Property & Casualty Insurance Company (“HMPCIC”), a California corporation; and Horace Mann Lloyds (“HM Lloyds”), an insurance company domiciled in Texas.

The Company markets its products primarily to K-12 teachers, administrators and other employees of public schools and their families. The Company’s nearly one million customers typically have moderate annual incomes, with many belonging to two-income households. Their financial planning tends to focus on retirement, security, savings and primary insurance needs. Management believes that Horace Mann is the largest national multiline insurance company focused on the nation’s educators as its primary market.

Horace Mann markets and services its products primarily through a dedicated sales force of full-time agents trained to sell the Company’s multiline products. These agents sell Horace Mann’s products and limited additional third-party vendor products authorized by the Company. Some of these agents are former educators or individuals with close ties to the educational community who utilize their contacts within, and knowledge of, the target market. Compensation for agents includes an incentive element based upon the profitability of the business they write. This dedicated agent sales force is supplemented by an independent agent distribution channel for the Company’s annuity products.

The Company’s insurance premiums written and contract deposits for the year ended December 31, 2008 were $960.1 million and net income was $10.9 million. The Company’s total assets were $5.5 billion at December 31, 2008. The property and casualty segment accounted for 57% of the Company’s insurance premiums written and contract deposits for the year ended December 31, 2008; the annuity and life insurance segments together accounted for 43% of insurance premiums written and contract deposits for the year ended December 31, 2008 (32% and 11%, respectively).

 

1


The Company is one of the largest participants in the 403(b) tax-qualified annuity market, measured by 403(b) net written premium on a statutory accounting basis. The Company’s 403(b) tax-qualified annuities are annuities purchased voluntarily by individuals employed by public school systems or other tax-exempt organizations. The Company has approved 403(b) payroll reduction capabilities in approximately one-third of the 15,500 school districts in the U.S.

The Company’s investment portfolio had an aggregate fair value of $3.9 billion at December 31, 2008. Investments consist principally of investment grade, publicly traded fixed income securities.

The Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, and all amendments to those reports are available free of charge through the Investor Relations section of the Company’s Internet Web site, www.horacemann.com , as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The EDGAR filings of such reports are also available at the SEC’s Web site, www.sec.gov .

Also available in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s Web site are its corporate governance principles, code of conduct and code of ethics as well as the charters of the Board’s Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Executive Committee, Investment and Finance Committee, and Nominating and Governance Committee.

Louis G. Lower II, Chief Executive Officer of HMEC, timely submitted the Annual Section 12(a) CEO Certification to the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on May 30, 2008 without any qualifications. The Company filed with the SEC, as exhibits to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, the CEO and CFO certifications required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

History

The Company’s business was founded in Springfield, Illinois in 1945 by two school teachers to sell automobile insurance to other teachers within the State of Illinois. The Company expanded its business to other states and broadened its product line to include life insurance in 1949, 403(b) tax-qualified retirement annuities in 1961 and homeowners insurance in 1965. In November 1991, HMEC completed an initial public offering of its common stock (the “IPO”). The common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HMN”.

 

2


SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The following consolidated statement of operations and balance sheet data have been derived from the consolidated financial statements of the Company, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements of the Company for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2008 have been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. The following selected historical consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of HMEC and its subsidiaries and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2008     2007     2006     2005    2004
     (Dollars in millions, except per share data)

Statement of Operations Data:

           

Insurance premiums and contract charges earned

   $ 658.5     $ 654.3     $ 653.9     $ 664.9    $ 674.7

Net investment income

     230.3       223.8       209.0       194.6      191.4

Realized investment gains (losses)

     (63.9 )     (3.4 )     10.9       9.8      12.2

Total revenues

     834.8       887.0       885.8       880.2      883.2

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

     5.3       5.4       6.1       5.1      6.0

Interest expense

     14.5       14.1       13.1       8.9      6.8

Income before income taxes

     0.2       117.1       140.3       94.0      69.7

Net income (2)

     10.9       82.8       98.7       77.3      56.3

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (3)

     1.0x       1.8x       2.0x       1.8x      1.6x

Per Share Data (4):

           

Net income per share:

           

Basic

   $ 0.27     $ 1.92     $ 2.29     $ 1.80    $ 1.32

Diluted

   $ 0.27     $ 1.86     $ 2.19     $ 1.67    $ 1.25

Shares of Common Stock (in millions):

           

Weighted average - basic

     39.8       43.1       43.0       42.9      42.8

Weighted average - diluted

     40.6       44.6       45.8       47.9      47.3

Ending outstanding

     39.1       42.2       43.1       43.0      42.8

Cash dividends per share

   $ 0.3675     $ 0.42     $ 0.42     $ 0.42    $ 0.42

Book value per share

   $ 11.49     $ 16.41     $ 15.25     $ 13.51    $ 13.45

Balance Sheet Data, at Year End:

           

Total investments

   $ 3,901.8     $ 4,180.3     $ 4,302.2     $ 3,996.5    $ 3,657.2

Total assets

     5,507.7       6,259.3       6,329.7       5,840.6      5,371.9

Total policy liabilities

     3,563.2       3,383.3       3,301.4       3,172.1      3,010.6

Short-term debt

     38.0       —         —         —        25.0

Long-term debt

     199.5       199.5       232.0       190.9      144.7

Total shareholders’ equity

     448.8       693.3       657.1       580.6      576.2

Segment Information (5):

           

Insurance premiums written and contract deposits

           

Property and casualty

   $ 545.9     $ 535.2     $ 539.8     $ 546.9    $ 562.3

Annuity

     311.7       337.1       325.7       320.1      327.0

Life

     102.5       102.4       103.9       105.6      109.1

Total

     960.1       974.7       969.4       972.6      998.4

Net income (loss)

           

Property and casualty

   $ 28.1     $ 61.2     $ 74.3     $ 45.0    $ 27.6

Annuity

     17.3       17.6       13.2       15.1      12.6

Life

     16.4       17.3       14.5       13.4      14.8

Corporate and other (6)

     (50.9 )     (13.3 )     (3.3 )     3.8      1.3

Total

     10.9       82.8       98.7       77.3      56.3

 

  (1) Amortization of intangible assets is comprised of amortization of acquired value of insurance in force and is the result of purchase accounting adjustments related to the 1989 acquisition of the Company.

 

  (2) In 2008, the Company’s federal income tax expense reflected a reduction of $4.2 million from the closing of tax years 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006 with favorable resolution of the contingent tax liabilities related to those prior year taxes. For similar reasons, in 2005, the Company’s federal income tax expense reflected a reduction of $9.1 million from the closing of tax years 1996 through 2001.

 

  (3) For the purpose of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, “earnings” consist of income before income taxes or benefits and fixed charges, and “fixed charges” consist of interest expense (including amortization of debt issuance cost) and interest credited to policyholders on interest-sensitive contracts.

 

  (4) Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares and common stock equivalents outstanding. The Company’s common stock equivalents relate to outstanding common stock options, Director Stock Plan units, Employee Stock Plan units and restricted stock units. The Company’s Senior Convertible Notes, which were issued in May 2002, were considered potentially dilutive securities and were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share, to the extent dilutive, per Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issue 04-8, “The Effect of Contingently Convertible Instruments on Diluted Earnings per Share”. In May 2007, the Company redeemed all remaining Senior Convertible Notes.

 

  (5) Information regarding assets by segment at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 is contained in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 13 — Segment Information” listed on page F-1 of this report.

 

  (6) The corporate and other segment primarily includes interest expense on debt and the impact of realized investment gains and losses, debt retirement costs and gains and certain public company expenses.

 

3


Corporate Strategy and Marketing

The Horace Mann Value Proposition

The Horace Mann Value Proposition articulates the Company’s overarching strategy and business purpose: Provide lifelong financial well-being for educators and their families through personalized service, advice, and a full range of tailored insurance and financial products.

Target Market

Management believes that Horace Mann is the largest national multiline insurance company focused on the nation’s educators as its primary market. The Company’s target market consists primarily of K-12 teachers, administrators and other employees of public schools and their families located throughout the U.S. The U.S. Department of Education estimates that there are approximately 6.1 million teachers, school administrators and education support personnel in public schools in the U.S.; approximately 3.1 million of these individuals are elementary and secondary teachers.

Dedicated Agency Force

A cornerstone of Horace Mann’s marketing strategy is its dedicated sales force of full-time agents trained to sell the Company’s multiline products. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had 670 agents, approximately 80% of which are licensed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), formerly the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (“NASD”), to sell variable annuities and variable universal life policies. Some individuals in the agency force were previously teachers, other members of the education profession or persons with close ties to the educational community. The Company’s dedicated agents are under contract to market only the Company’s products and limited additional third-party vendor products authorized by the Company. Collectively, the Company’s principal insurance subsidiaries are licensed to write business in 49 states and the District of Columbia.

In 2006, the Company began the transition from a single-person agent operation to its Agency Business Model (“ABM”), with agents in outside offices with support personnel and licensed producers, designed to remove capacity constraints and increase productivity. The first Agency Business School (“ABS”) session was conducted in October 2006, beginning the formal roll-out of this model. As of December 31, 2008, 245 of the agents at year-end and all field sales management except those hired in recent months, have completed this training. At the time of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, management anticipates conducting additional schools in 2009 and beyond for those agents who meet the Company’s qualifications and demonstrate they are able to successfully migrate into the ABM model. On an ongoing basis, the Company will also provide follow-up training and support to those agents who have completed the school, to further embed repeatable processes and fully maximize the potential of ABM. Property and casualty initiatives to support that transition and drive business growth include the Company’s Educator Segmentation Model — a more precise approach to pricing automobile and homeowners business — and its Product Management Organization — focused on localized approaches to pricing, underwriting and marketing. Also, the Company is developing a new property and casualty policy administration system with an automated point-of-sale front end. Annuity and life initiatives to support the transition to ABM included the roll out of additional Horace Mann manufactured and branded products, as described in “Annuity Segment” and “Life Segment”.

 

4


Building on the foundation of ABM, in the fourth quarter of 2008 the Company introduced its Exclusive Agent (“EA”) agreement which is designed to place agents in the position to become business owners and invest their own capital to grow their agencies. These independent contractors will be under contract and trained to market only the Company’s multiline products and limited additional third-party vendor products authorized by the Company. By January 1, 2009, the first 71 individuals migrated from being employee agents to functioning as independent Exclusive Agents. Going forward, the EA agreement will be offered not only to qualified employee agents, but also to individuals just starting their association with Horace Mann. Management expects that all future agent recruits will be under the EA agreement or will be contractually converted to the EA agreement within a specified period of time.

Broadening Distribution Options

To complement and extend the reach of the Company’s agency force and to more fully utilize its approved payroll reduction slots in school systems across the country, the Company utilizes a network of independent agents to distribute the Company’s 403(b) tax-qualified annuity products. In addition to serving educators in areas where the Company does not have dedicated agents, the independent agents complement the annuity capabilities of the Company’s agency force in under-penetrated areas. At December 31, 2008, there were 1,108 independent agents approved to market the Company’s annuity products throughout the U.S. During 2008, collected contract deposits from this distribution channel were approximately $34 million.

 

5


Geographic Composition of Business

The Company’s business is geographically diversified. For the year ended December 31, 2008, based on direct insurance premiums and contract deposits for all product lines, the top five states and their portion of total direct insurance premiums and contract deposits were Florida, 6.9%; Illinois, 6.9%; California, 6.8%; North Carolina, 6.7%; and Minnesota, 5.2%.

HMEC’s property and casualty subsidiaries are licensed to write business in 48 states and the District of Columbia. The following table sets forth the Company’s top ten property and casualty states based on total direct premiums in 2008:

Property and Casualty Segment Top Ten States

(Dollars in millions)

 

     Property and Casualty
Segment
 
     Direct
Premiums (1)
   Percent
of Total
 

State

     

Florida

   $ 53.0    9.4 %

California

     49.5    8.8  

North Carolina

     39.6    7.1  

Minnesota

     36.7    6.6  

Texas

     32.3    5.8  

Louisiana

     29.7    5.3  

South Carolina

     25.4    4.5  

Pennsylvania

     23.7    4.2  

Georgia

     17.8    3.2  

Maine

     16.8    3.0  
             

Total of top ten states

     324.5    57.9  

All other areas

     236.0    42.1  
             

Total direct premiums

   $ 560.5    100.0 %
             

 

(1) Defined as earned premiums before reinsurance and is determined under statutory accounting principles.

HMEC’s principal life insurance subsidiary is licensed to write business in 48 states and the District of Columbia. The following table sets forth the Company’s top ten combined life and annuity states based on total direct premiums and contract deposits in 2008:

Combined Life and Annuity Segments Top Ten States

(Dollars in millions)

 

     Direct
Premiums
and
Contract
Deposits (1)
   Percent
of Total
 

State 

     

Illinois

   $ 55.5    13.2 %

Virginia

     26.6    6.3  

North Carolina

     25.8    6.2  

South Carolina

     23.4    5.6  

Pennsylvania

     21.9    5.2  

California

     17.2    4.1  

Texas

     16.8    4.0  

Tennessee

     16.3    3.9  

Florida

     15.1    3.6  

Indiana

     14.9    3.5  
             

Total of top ten states

     233.5    55.6  

All other areas

     186.6    44.4  
             

Total direct premiums

   $ 420.1    100.0 %
             

 

(1) Defined as collected premiums before reinsurance and is determined under statutory accounting principles.

 

6


National, State and Local Education Associations

The Company has had a long relationship with the National Education Association (“NEA”), the nation’s largest confederation of state and local teachers’ associations, and many of the state and local education associations affiliated with the NEA. The NEA has approximately 3.2 million members. The Company maintains a special advisory board, primarily composed of leaders of state education associations, that meets with Company management at least annually. The NEA and its affiliated state and local associations sponsor various insurance products and services of the Company and its competitors. The Company does not pay the NEA or any affiliated associations any consideration in exchange for sponsorship of Company products. The Company does pay for certain special functions and advertising that appears in NEA and state education association publications.

The Company also has established relationships with a number of other educator groups, such as school administrator and principal associations, throughout the U.S. The Company does not pay these other educator groups any consideration in exchange for sponsorship of Company products. The Company does pay for certain special functions and advertising that appears in publications of these organizations.

Property and Casualty Segment

The property and casualty segment represented 57% of the Company’s total insurance premiums written and contract deposits in 2008.

The primary property and casualty product offered by the Company is private passenger automobile insurance, which in 2008 represented 39% of the Company’s total insurance premiums written and contract deposits and 67% of property and casualty net written premiums. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had approximately 535,000 voluntary automobile policies in force with annual premiums of approximately $367 million. The Company’s automobile business is primarily preferred risk, defined as a household whose drivers have had no recent accidents and no more than one recent moving violation.

In 2008, homeowners insurance represented 18% of the Company’s total insurance premiums written and contract deposits and 32% of property and casualty net written premiums. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had approximately 263,000 homeowners policies in force with annual premiums of approximately $190 million. The Company insures primarily residential homes.

Through 2006, educator excess professional liability insurance represented less than 1% of the Company’s total insurance premiums written and contract deposits and less than 2% of property and casualty written premiums. The NEA’s contract to purchase this insurance from the Company expired in August 2007. The Company’s underwriting results from educator excess professional liability insurance had generally represented amounts which were not a material portion of net income for the Company or for the property and casualty segment.

The Company has programs in a majority of states to provide higher-risk automobile and homeowners coverages, with third-party vendors underwriting and bearing the risk of such insurance and the Company receiving commissions on the sales. As an example, in Florida the Company has partnered with three companies to place certain homeowners business to help control the Company’s coastal risk exposure.

 

7


Selected Historical Financial Information For Property and Casualty Segment

The following table sets forth certain financial information with respect to the property and casualty segment for the periods indicated.

Property and Casualty Segment

Selected Historical Financial Information

(Dollars in millions)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Operations Data:

      

Insurance premiums written

   $ 545.9     $ 535.2     $ 539.8  

Insurance premiums earned

     541.1       535.1       537.7  

Net investment income

     35.7       38.0       35.3  

Income before income taxes

     33.7       84.7       104.8  

Net income

     28.1       61.2       74.3  

Catastrophe costs, pretax (1)

     73.9       23.6       19.8  

Operating Statistics:

      

Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio

     76.9 %     67.4 %     63.3 %

Expense ratio

     23.8 %     24.5 %     24.3 %

Combined loss and expense ratio

     100.7 %     91.9 %     87.6 %

Effect of catastrophe costs on the combined ratio (1)

     13.7 %     4.4 %     3.6 %

Automobile and Homeowners (Voluntary):

      

Insurance premiums written

      

Automobile

   $ 367.8     $ 365.3     $ 368.0  

Homeowners

     174.4       165.3       158.6  

Total

     542.2       530.6       526.6  

Insurance premiums earned

      

Automobile

     365.5       364.6       368.5  

Homeowners

     172.3       160.5       156.5  

Total

     537.8       525.1       525.0  

Policies in force (in thousands)

      

Automobile

     535       535       533  

Homeowners

     263       266       266  

Total

     798       801       799  

 

(1) These measures are used by the Company’s management to evaluate performance against historical results and establish targets on a consolidated basis. These measures are components of net income but are considered non-GAAP financial measures under applicable SEC rules because they are not displayed as separate line items in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and require inclusion or exclusion of certain items not ordinarily included or excluded in a GAAP financial measure. In the opinion of the Company’s management, a discussion of these measures is meaningful to provide investors with an understanding of the significant factors that comprise the Company’s periodic results of operations.

 

   

Catastrophe costs—The sum of catastrophe losses and property and casualty catastrophe reinsurance reinstatement premiums.

 

   

Catastrophe losses—In categorizing property and casualty claims as being from a catastrophe, the Company utilizes the designations of the Property Claims Service, a subsidiary of Insurance Services Office, Inc. (“ISO”), and additionally beginning in 2007, includes losses from all such events that meet the definition of covered loss in the Company’s primary catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance contract, and reports loss and loss adjustment expense amounts net of reinsurance recoverables. A catastrophe is a severe loss resulting from natural and man-made events within a particular territory, including risks such as hurricane, fire, earthquake, windstorm, explosion, terrorism and other similar events, that causes $25 million or more in insured property and casualty losses for the industry and affects a significant number of property and casualty insurers and policyholders. Each catastrophe has unique characteristics. Catastrophes are not predictable as to timing or amount in advance. Their effects are not included in earnings or claim and claim adjustment expense reserves prior to occurrence. In the opinion of the Company’s management, a discussion of the impact of catastrophes is meaningful for investors to understand the variability in periodic earnings.

 

8


Catastrophe Costs

The level of catastrophe costs can fluctuate significantly from year to year. Catastrophe costs before federal income tax benefits for the Company and the property and casualty industry for the ten years ended December 31, 2008 were as follows:

Catastrophe Costs

(Dollars in millions)

 

     The
Company (1)
   Property and
Casualty
Industry (2)

Year Ended December 31,

     

2008

   $ 73.9    $ 25,200.0

2007

     23.6      6,700.0

2006

     19.8      9,200.0

2005

     69.2      62,300.0

2004

     75.5      27,500.0

2003

     33.2      12,900.0

2002

     11.9      5,900.0

2001

     11.2      26,500.0

2000

     16.2      4,600.0

1999

     19.6      8,300.0

 

(1) Net of reinsurance and before federal income tax benefits. Includes allocated loss adjustment expenses and reinsurance reinstatement premiums. The Company’s individually significant catastrophe losses net of reinsurance were as follows:

 

2008 -    $16.5 million, Hurricane Gustav; $15.5 million, Hurricane Ike; $9.8 million, May wind/hail/tornadoes; $7.0 million, June wind/hail/tornadoes; $3.0 million, December winter storm.
2007 -    $4.7 million, August wind/hail/tornadoes; $4.5 million, October California wildfires; $3.5 million, June wind/hail/tornadoes.
2006 -    $5.0 million, August wind/hail/tornadoes; $3.9 million, April wind/hail/tornadoes.
2005 -    $23.7 million, Hurricane Katrina; $15.0 million, Hurricane Wilma; $10.8 million, Hurricane Rita; $6.5 million, September Minnesota tornadoes; $5.0 million, Hurricane Dennis.
2004 -    $19.9 million, Hurricane Charley; $11.9 million, Hurricane Frances; $19.2 million, Hurricane Ivan; $18.2 million, Hurricane Jeanne.
2003 -    $12.0 million, California wildfires; $9.6 million, May hail/tornadoes/wind; $5.0 million, Hurricane Isabel; $2.7 million, early April winter storms.
2002 -    $4.2 million, Hurricane Lili; $1.7 million, April Eastern states hail, tornadoes, wind and heavy rain; $1.2 million, Eastern states winter storms.
2001 -    $3.7 million, June Midwest wind/hail/tornadoes; $2.3 million, April tornadoes; $2.2 million, Tropical Storm Allison.
2000 -    $5.0 million, May tornadoes; $2.7 million, December winter storms.
1999 -    $5.4 million, Hurricane Floyd; $3.1 million, May tornadoes primarily in Oklahoma.

 

(2) Source: ISO news release dated January 20, 2009. These amounts represent anticipated insured losses from catastrophes for personal and commercial property items, business interruption, terrorism, workers compensation and additional living expenses and exclude all loss adjustment expenses and are before federal income tax benefits.

 

9


Fluctuations from year to year in the level of catastrophe losses impact a property and casualty insurance company’s loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred and paid. For comparison purposes, the following table provides amounts for the Company excluding catastrophe losses:

Impact of Catastrophe Losses (1)

(Dollars in millions)

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2008    2007    2006

Claims and claim expense incurred (2)

   $ 416.1    $ 360.4    $ 340.6

Amount attributable to catastrophes

     73.9      23.6      19.2
                    

Excluding catastrophes (2)

   $ 342.2    $ 336.8    $ 321.4
                    

Claims and claim expense payments

   $ 423.5    $ 365.5    $ 356.3

Amount attributable to catastrophes

     65.7      22.3      12.1
                    

Excluding catastrophes

   $ 357.8    $ 343.2    $ 344.2
                    

 

(1) Net of reinsurance and before federal income tax benefits. Includes allocated loss adjustment expenses.

 

(2) Includes the impact of development of prior years’ reserves as quantified in “Property and Casualty Reserves”.

Property and Casualty Reserves

Property and casualty unpaid claims and claim settlement expenses (“loss reserves”) represent management’s estimate of ultimate unpaid costs of losses and settlement expenses for claims that have been reported and claims that have been incurred but not yet reported. The Company calculates and records a single best reserve estimate as of each balance sheet date in conformity with generally accepted actuarial standards. For additional information regarding the process used to estimate property and casualty reserves, the risk factors involved and reserve development recorded in each of the three years ended December 31, 2008, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 4 — Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies — Liabilities for Property and Casualty Claims and Claim Settlement Expenses”.

All of the Company’s property and casualty reserves for unpaid claims and claim settlement expenses are carried at the full value of estimated liabilities and are not discounted for interest expected to be earned on reserves. Due to the nature of the Company’s personal lines business, the Company has no exposure to claims for toxic waste cleanup, other environmental remediation or asbestos-related illnesses other than claims under homeowners insurance policies for environmentally related items such as mold.

 

10


The following table is a summary reconciliation of the beginning and ending property and casualty insurance claims and claim expense reserves for each of the last three years. The table presents reserves on a net (after reinsurance) basis. The total net property and casualty insurance claims and claim expense incurred amounts are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations listed on page F-1 of this report. The end of the year gross reserve (before reinsurance) balances are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets also listed on page F-1 of this report.

Reconciliation of Property and Casualty Claims and Claim Expense Reserves

(Dollars in millions)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Gross reserves, beginning of year (1)

   $ 306.2     $ 317.8     $ 342.7  

Less reinsurance recoverables

     15.9       22.4       31.6  
                        

Net reserves, beginning of year (2)

     290.3       295.4       311.1  
                        

Incurred claims and claim expenses:

      

Claims occurring in the current year

     434.2       380.4       359.8  

Decrease in estimated reserves for claims occurring in prior years (3)

     (18.1 )     (20.0 )     (19.2 )
                        

Total claims and claim expenses incurred (4)

     416.1       360.4       340.6  
                        

Claims and claim expense payments for claims occurring during:

      

Current year

     289.3       236.2       221.0  

Prior years

     134.1       129.3       135.3  
                        

Total claims and claim expense payments

     423.4       365.5       356.3  
                        

Net reserves, end of year (2)

     283.0       290.3       295.4  

Plus reinsurance recoverables

     14.8       15.9       22.4  
                        

Reported gross reserves, end of year (1)

   $ 297.8     $ 306.2     $ 317.8  
                        

 

(1) Unpaid claims and claim expenses as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, listed on page F-1 of this report, also include life, annuity, and group accident and health reserves of $13.4 million, $9.2 million, $8.9 million and $8.1 million at December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, in addition to property and casualty reserves.

 

(2) Reserves net of anticipated reinsurance recoverables.

 

(3) Shows the amounts by which the Company decreased its reserves in each of the periods indicated for claims occurring in previous periods to reflect subsequent information on such claims and changes in their projected final settlement costs. For discussion of the reserve development recorded by the Company in 2008, 2007 and 2006, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 4 — Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses” listed on page F-1 of this report.

 

(4) Benefits, claims and settlement expenses as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, listed on page F-1 of this report, also include life, annuity and group accident and health amounts of $55.4 million, $48.1 million and $48.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, in addition to the property and casualty amounts.

The claim reserve development table below illustrates the change over time in the Net Reserves (defined in footnote 2 to the table above) established for property and casualty insurance claims and claim expenses at the end of various calendar years. The first section shows the reserves as originally reported at the end of the stated year. The second section, reading down, shows the cumulative amounts of claims for which settlements have been made in cash as of the end of successive years with respect to that reserve liability. The third section, reading down, shows retroactive reestimates of the original recorded reserve as of the end of each successive year which is the result of the Company’s learning additional facts that pertain to the unsettled claims. The fourth section compares the latest reestimated reserve to the reserve originally established, and indicates whether or not the original reserve was adequate or inadequate to cover the estimated costs of unsettled claims. The table also presents the gross reestimated liability as of the end of the latest reestimation period, with separate disclosure of the related reestimated reinsurance recoverable. The claim reserve development table is cumulative and, therefore, ending balances should not be added since the amount at the end of each calendar year includes activity for both the current and prior years.

 

11


In evaluating the information in the table below, it should be noted that each amount includes the effects of all changes in amounts of prior periods. For example, if a claim determined in 2007 to be $150 thousand was first reserved in 1998 at $100 thousand, the $50 thousand deficiency (actual claim minus original estimate) would be included in the cumulative deficiency in each of the years 1998-2006 shown below. This table presents development data by calendar year and does not relate the data to the year in which the accident actually occurred. Conditions and trends that have affected the development of these reserves in the past will not necessarily recur in the future. It may not be appropriate to use this cumulative history in the projection of future performance.

Property and Casualty

Claims and Claims Expense Reserve Development

(Dollars in millions)

 

     December 31,
     1998     1999     2000     2001     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008

Gross reserves for property and casualty claims and claim expenses

   $ 275.6     $ 271.2     $ 272.1     $ 275.7     $ 275.7     $ 304.3     $ 335.0     $ 342.7     $ 317.8     $ 306.2     $ 297.8

Deduct: Reinsurance recoverables

     55.9       64.4       49.1       34.1       44.7       20.6       25.7       31.6       22.4       15.9       14.8
                                                                                      

Net Reserves for property and casualty claims and claim expenses (1)

     219.7       206.8       223.0       241.6       231.0       283.7       309.3       311.1       295.4       290.3       283.0

Paid cumulative as of:

                      

One year later

     129.3       135.9       139.0       153.4       160.4       145.2       143.9       138.3       129.8       134.1    

Two years later

     185.7       191.6       202.6       226.0       222.3       209.5       202.5       196.5       184.1      

Three years later

     215.4       225.4       243.3       258.4       258.6       244.1       236.6       225.0        

Four years later

     232.1       246.9       256.1       276.3       278.7       264.1       252.7          

Five years later

     243.3       252.7       264.1       286.5       291.4       272.4            

Six years later

     245.1       257.6       268.6       294.2       296.1              

Seven years later

     249.0       259.8       273.6       296.9                

Eight years later

     249.6       264.1       275.4                  

Nine years later

     252.2       265.0                    

Ten years later

     252.7                      

Net Reserves reestimated as of (1):

                      

End of year

     219.7       206.8       223.0       241.6       231.0       283.7       309.3       311.1       295.4       290.3       283.0

One year later

     215.1       229.5       239.5       265.6       287.3       287.5       296.2       291.8       275.4       272.2    

Two years later

     237.9       248.3       260.5       294.7       297.1       283.1       282.7       279.7       262.1      

Three years later

     245.4       256.0       277.0       301.3       297.9       283.5       278.2       270.2        

Four years later

     248.0       266.9       280.2       298.5       301.8       281.3       272.8          

Five years later

     254.7       269.3       277.9       301.8       300.6       280.6            

Six years later

     257.8       268.1       279.9       299.4       300.2              

Seven years later

     257.1       269.2       276.6       299.0                

Eight years later

     257.8       265.9       276.3                  

Nine years later

     253.1       265.6                    

Ten years later

     253.1                      

Net Reserve redundancy (deficiency) – initial net reserves in excess of (less than) reestimated reserves:

                      

Amount (2)

   $ (33.4 )   $ (58.8 )   $ (53.3 )   $ (57.4 )   $ (69.2 )   $ 3.1     $ 36.5     $ 40.9     $ 33.3     $ 18.1    

Percent

     -15.2 %     -28.4 %     -23.9 %     -23.8 %     -30.0 %     1.1 %     11.8 %     13.1 %     11.3 %     6.2 %  

Gross reestimated liability - latest

   $ 303.4     $ 317.5     $ 330.3     $ 356.9     $ 363.6     $ 325.6     $ 323.5     $ 333.8     $ 291.2     $ 292.4    

Reestimated reinsurance recoverables - latest

     50.3       51.9       54.0       57.9       63.4       45.0       50.7       63.6       29.1       20.2    
                                                                                  

Net Reserve reestimated - latest (1)

   $ 253.1     $ 265.6     $ 276.3     $ 299.0     $ 300.2     $ 280.6     $ 272.8     $ 270.2     $ 262.1     $ 272.2    

Gross cumulative excess (deficiency) (2)

   $ (27.8 )   $ (46.3 )   $ (58.2 )   $ (81.2 )   $ (87.9 )   $ (21.3 )   $ 11.5     $ 8.9     $ 26.6     $ 13.8    

 

(1) Reserves net of anticipated reinsurance recoverables (“Net Reserves”). Net Reserves is a measure used by the Company’s management to evaluate the overall adequacy of the property and casualty loss reserves and management believes it provides an alternative view of the Company’s anticipated liabilities after reflecting expected recoveries from its reinsurers. This is considered a non-GAAP financial measure under applicable SEC rules because it is not displayed as a separate item in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For balance sheet reporting, GAAP does not permit the Company to offset expected reinsurance recoveries against liabilities, yet management believes it is useful to investors to take these expected recoveries into account. These adjustments only affect the classification of these items in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and there is no impact on the Company’s benefits, claims and settlement expenses incurred as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

(2) For discussion of the reserve development, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 4 — Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses” listed on page F-1 of this report.

 

12


Property and Casualty Reinsurance

All reinsurance is obtained through contracts which generally are renewed each calendar year. Although reinsurance does not legally discharge the Company from primary liability for the full amount of its policies, it does make the assuming reinsurer liable to the extent of the reinsurance ceded. Historically, the Company’s losses from uncollectible reinsurance recoverables have been insignificant due to the Company’s emphasis on the credit worthiness of its reinsurers. Past due reinsurance recoverables as of December 31, 2008 were insignificant.

Through 2008, the Company maintained catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance coverage. The excess of loss coverage consisted of three contracts in addition to coverage with the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”). The primary contract (“first event”) provided 95% coverage of catastrophe losses above a retention of $25.0 million per occurrence up to $150.0 million per occurrence. This contract consisted of three layers, each of which provided for one mandatory reinstatement. The layers were $25.0 million excess of $25.0 million, $40.0 million excess of $50.0 million, and $60.0 million excess of $90.0 million. The second excess of loss contract (“second event”) provided 95% coverage of catastrophe losses above a retention of $15.0 million per occurrence up to $25.0 million per occurrence, after the Company retained $10.0 million of losses above $15.0 million per occurrence. The third excess of loss contract (“third event”) provided 95% coverage of catastrophe losses above a retention of $15.0 million per occurrence up to $25.0 million per occurrence, after the Company retained $10.0 million of losses above $15.0 million per occurrence and less than $25.0 million per occurrence, and after the second excess of loss contract described above was exhausted. Neither the second nor the third excess of loss contract provided for a reinstatement. In addition, the Company’s predominant insurance subsidiary for property and casualty business written in Florida reinsured 90% of hurricane losses in that state above an estimated retention of $13.8 million up to $77.8 million with the FHCF, based on the FHCF’s financial resources. The FHCF contract is a one-year contract, effective June 1, 2008. The Company’s FHCF coverage reflects the acquisition of additional coverage made available to the industry by the FHCF for the 2008-2009 contract period which resulted in changes to attachment points under the Company’s primary reinsurance contract. Additional coverage made available by the FHCF to the industry in future contract periods could increase the likelihood of assessments in periods following significant hurricane losses.

Effective January 1, 2009, the Company purchased catastrophe excess of loss coverage. The excess of loss coverage consists of three contracts in addition to the FHCF. The primary contract (“first event”) provides 95% coverage of catastrophe losses above a retention of $25.0 million per occurrence up to $170.0 million per occurrence. This contract consists of four layers, each of which provide for one mandatory reinstatement unless noted otherwise. The layers are $25.0 million excess of $25.0 million (82.5% provides for one mandatory reinstatement), $40.0 million excess of $50.0 million (92.25% provides for one mandatory reinstatement), $60.0 million excess of $90.0 million, and $20.0 million excess of $150.0 million. The second excess of loss contract (“second event”) provides 95% coverage of catastrophe losses above a retention of $15.0 million per occurrence up to $25.0 million per occurrence, after the Company retains $10.0 million of losses above $15.0 million per occurrence. The third excess of loss contract (“third event”) provides 95% coverage of catastrophe losses above a retention of $15.0 million per occurrence up to $25.0 million per occurrence, after the Company retains $10.0 million of losses above $15.0 million per occurrence and less than $25.0 million per occurrence, and after the second excess of loss contract described above is exhausted. Neither the second nor the third excess of loss

 

13


contract provide for a reinstatement. The FHCF limits described above continue through June 1, 2009, at which time a new annual contract may begin.

The Company has not joined the California Earthquake Authority (“CEA”). The Company’s exposure to losses from earthquakes is managed through its underwriting standards, its earthquake policy coverage limits and deductible levels, and the geographic distribution of its business, as well as its reinsurance program. After reviewing the exposure to earthquake losses from the Company’s own policies and from what it would be with participation in the CEA, management believes it is in the Company’s best economic interest to offer earthquake coverage directly to its homeowners policyholders.

For liability coverages, in 2008 the Company reinsured each loss above a retention of $700,000 up to $20.0 million. For property coverages in 2008, the Company reinsured each loss above a retention of $750,000 up to $2.5 million, including catastrophe losses that in the aggregate were less than the retention levels above. Effective January 1, 2009, the retention for liability coverages remains $700,000 and the retention for property coverages remains $750,000, with no change to the maximum limits.

The following table identifies the Company’s most significant reinsurers under the catastrophe first event excess of loss reinsurance program, their percentage participation in this program and their ratings by A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”) and Standard & Poor’s Corporation (“S&P” or “Standard & Poor’s”) as of January 1, 2009. No other single reinsurer’s percentage participation in 2009 or 2008 exceeds 5%. For 2008, the Company’s catastrophe second event and third event excess of loss reinsurance was each provided by four reinsurers, although not the same four for both contracts, all rated A- or above by A.M. Best. For 2009, the Company’s catastrophe second event and third event excess of loss reinsurance is provided by four reinsurers, all rated A- or above by A.M. Best.

Property Catastrophe First Event Excess of Loss Reinsurance Participants In Excess of 5%

 

A.M. Best
Rating

   S&P
Rating
  

Reinsurer

  

Parent

   Participation  
            2009     2008  
A+    AA    Tokio Millennium Re Ltd.    Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.    24 %   17 %
A-    NR    Flagstone Reassurance Suisse SA    Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Limited    11 %   12 %
A    A+    AXIS Specialty Limited    AXIS Capital Holdings Limited    10 %   8 %
A+    A+   

Swiss Reinsurance America

Corporation

   Swiss Reinsurance Company, Zurich    6 %   8 %
A    A    Aspen Insurance Limited    Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited    6 %   6 %
A-    A-    Paris Re, France    Paris Re Holdings, Limited    6 %   6 %
A    A+    Transatlantic Reinsurance Company    American International Group, Inc.    5 %   *  

 

* Less than 5%
NR Not rated.

For 2009, property catastrophe reinsurers representing 100% of the Company’s total reinsured catastrophe coverage were rated “A- (Excellent)” or above by A.M. Best.

 

14


Annuity Segment

Beginning in 1961, educators in the Company’s target market benefit from the provisions of Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. This section of the Code allows public school employees and employees of other tax-exempt organizations, such as not-for-profit private schools, to reduce their pretax income by making periodic contributions to a qualified retirement plan. (Also see “Regulation — Regulation at Federal Level”.) The Company entered the educators retirement annuity market in 1961 and is one of the largest participants in the 403(b) tax-qualified annuity market, measured by 403(b) net written premium on a statutory accounting basis. The Company has approved 403(b) payroll reduction capabilities in approximately one-third of the 15,500 school districts in the U.S. Approximately 66% of the Company’s new annuity contract deposits in 2008 were for 403(b) tax-qualified annuities; approximately 73% of accumulated annuity value on deposit is 403(b) tax-qualified. In 2008, annuities represented 32% of the Company’s total insurance premiums written and contract deposits.

The Company markets tax-qualified annuities utilizing both fixed account only and combination contracts. The combination contract allows the contractholder to allocate funds to both fixed and variable alternatives. Under the fixed account option, both the principal and a rate of return are guaranteed. Contractholders of this product can change at any time their allocation of deposits between the guaranteed interest rate fixed account and available variable investment options. In general, the policyholder bears the investment risk related to funds allocated to variable investment options. Variable annuity contracts with a guaranteed minimum death benefit (“GMDB”) provide a benefit if the annuitant dies and the contract value is less than a contractually defined amount. The Company has a relatively low exposure to GMDB because approximately 27% of contract values have no guarantee; approximately 67% have only a return of premium guarantee; and only 6% have a guarantee of premium roll-up at an annual interest rate of 3% or 5%.

In 2006, the Company introduced new Horace Mann manufactured and branded annuity products. The Goal Planning Annuity (“GPA”) offers educators a variable annuity product with a fixed interest account option and two optional riders that enhance the death benefit feature of the product. Developed in partnership with Wilshire Associates, the Company’s funds advisor, GPA provides educators the opportunity to invest with fund families such as T. Rowe Price, Fidelity, Alliance, Davis, Ariel Capital Management and Putnam, among others. By utilizing tools that provide assistance in determining needs and making asset allocation decisions, educators are able to choose the investment mix that matches their personal risk tolerance and retirement goals. Expanding Horizon is a fixed interest rate annuity contract for more conservative investors. This product offers educators a competitive rate of interest on their retirement dollars and the choice of bonuses to optimize their benefits at retirement. Also in 2006, the Company added additional investment options to its variable annuity products. This included lifecycle funds, with assets allocated among multiple investment classes within each fund based on its specific target date.

In August 2007, the Company completed development of group variable and fixed annuity products that allow greater flexibility in customizing 403(b) annuity programs to meet the needs of its school district partners. The first sales of these new group annuity products occurred in January 2008.

 

15


As of December 31, 2008, the Company’s 56 variable account options included funds managed by some of the best-known names in the mutual fund industry, such as Wilshire, Fidelity, JPMorgan, T. Rowe Price, Neuberger Berman, AllianceBernstein, Rainier, Davis, Credit Suisse, BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, Dreyfus, Franklin Templeton, Ariel, Wells Fargo, Royce, Lord Abbett, Putnam and Delaware, offering the Company’s customers multiple investment options to address their personal investment objectives and risk tolerance. Total accumulated fixed and variable annuity cash value on deposit at December 31, 2008 was $3.3 billion.

To assist agents in delivering the Value Proposition, the Company has entered into a third-party vendor agreement with American Funds Distributors, Inc. (“AFD”) to market their retail mutual funds. In addition to retail mutual funds accounts, the Company’s agents can also offer a 529 college savings program and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts through this marketing alliance. The Company has also expanded its product offerings to include fixed indexed annuities and single premium immediate annuities through additional marketing alliances. These third-party vendors underwrite these accounts or contracts and the Company receives commissions on the sales of these products.

 

16


Selected Historical Financial Information For Annuity Segment

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the Company’s annuity products for the periods indicated.

Annuity Segment

Selected Historical Financial Information

(Dollars in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Operations Data:

      

Contract deposits:

      

Variable

   $ 134.4     $ 149.9     $ 138.5  

Fixed

     177.3       187.2       187.2  

Total

     311.7       337.1       325.7  

Contract charges earned

     17.7       21.8       19.7  

Net investment income

     136.2       128.9       119.9  

Net interest margin (without realized investment gains and losses)

     42.7       38.9       33.4  

Income before income taxes

     20.6       25.9       17.9  

Net income

     17.3       17.6       13.2  

Operating Statistics:

      

Fixed:

      

Accumulated value

   $ 2,297.1     $ 2,151.9     $ 2,085.5  

Accumulated value persistency

     93.5 %     91.6 %     93.7 %

Variable:

      

Accumulated value

   $ 965.2     $ 1,562.2     $ 1,494.6  

Accumulated value persistency

     93.2 %     90.9 %     91.5 %

Number of contracts in force

     171,055       166,980       164,842  

Average accumulated cash value (in dollars)

   $ 19,072     $ 22,243     $ 21,719  

Average annual deposit by contractholders (in dollars)

   $ 2,390     $ 2,427     $ 2,474  

Annuity contracts terminated due to surrender, death, maturity or other:

      

Number of contracts

     7,994       9,578       8,634  

Amount

   $ 258.0     $ 345.0     $ 274.8  

Fixed accumulated cash value grouped by applicable surrender charge:

      

0%

   $ 766.4     $ 700.1     $ 682.4  

Greater than 0% but less than 5%

     170.6       157.4       133.0  

5% and greater but less than 10%

     1,225.9       1,165.2       1,147.7  

10% and greater

     21.1       15.6       11.5  

Supplementary contracts with life contingencies not subject to discretionary withdrawal

     113.1       113.6       110.9  
                        

Total

   $ 2,297.1     $ 2,151.9     $ 2,085.5  
                        

 

17


Life Segment

The Company entered the individual life insurance business in 1949 with traditional term and whole life insurance products. In 2006, the Company introduced new Horace Mann manufactured and branded products to better address the financial planning needs of educators. Also in 2006, the Company introduced Life by Design, a new portfolio of life insurance products. The Life by Design portfolio features new individual and joint whole life, and individual and joint term products, including 10-, 20- and 30-year level term policies. The Life by Design policies have premiums that are guaranteed for the duration of the contract and offer lower minimum face amounts. After December 31, 2006, the Company no longer issues new policies for its “Experience Life” product, a flexible, adjustable-premium life insurance contract that includes availability of an interest-bearing account.

The Company’s traditional term, whole life and group life business in force consists of approximately 150,000 policies, representing approximately $9.0 billion of life insurance in force, with annual insurance premiums and contract deposits of approximately $43.4 million as of December 31, 2008. In addition, the Company also had in force approximately 71,000 Experience Life policies, representing approximately $4.7 billion of life insurance in force, with annual insurance premiums and contract deposits of approximately $56.2 million.

In 2008, the life segment represented 11% of the Company’s total insurance premiums written and contract deposits, including less than 1 percentage point attributable to the Company’s group life and group disability income business.

During 2008, the average face amount of ordinary life insurance policies issued by the Company was $164,242 and the average face amount of all ordinary life insurance policies in force at December 31, 2008 was $73,331.

The maximum individual life insurance risk retained by the Company is $200,000 on any individual life, while either $100,000 or $125,000 is retained on each group life policy depending on the type of coverage. With the exception of one reinsurer that provided immaterial amounts of reinsurance coverage, the excess of the amounts retained are reinsured with life reinsurers that are rated “A- (Excellent)” or above by A.M. Best. The Company also maintains a life catastrophe reinsurance program. The Company reinsures 100% of the catastrophe risk in excess of $1 million up to $15 million per occurrence, with one reinstatement. In 2008 and 2009, the Company’s catastrophe risk reinsurance program covers acts of terrorism and includes nuclear, biological and chemical explosions but excludes other acts of war.

The Company has programs to offer long-term care policies, variable universal life policies and fixed interest rate universal life insurance with three third-party vendors underwriting such insurance. Under these programs, the third-party vendors underwrite and bear the risk of these insurance policies and the Company receives a commission on the sale of that business.

 

18


Selected Historical Financial Information For Life Segment

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the Company’s life products for the periods indicated.

Life Segment

Selected Historical Financial Information

(Dollars in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Operations Data:

      

Insurance premiums and contract deposits

   $ 102.5     $ 102.4     $ 103.9  

Insurance premiums and contract charges earned

     99.7       97.4       96.5  

Net investment income

     59.3       57.0       53.4  

Income before income taxes

     25.6       26.6       22.3  

Net income

     16.4       17.3       14.5  

Operating Statistics:

      

Life insurance in force:

      

Ordinary life

   $ 12,293     $ 12,093     $ 11,862  

Group life

     1,379       1,484       1,538  
                        

Total

   $ 13,672     $ 13,577     $ 13,400  
                        

Number of policies in force:

      

Ordinary life

     167,637       170,388       173,443  

Group life

     53,717       56,114       58,866  
                        

Total

     221,354       226,502       232,309  
                        

Average face amount in force (in dollars):

      

Ordinary life

   $ 73,331     $ 70,973     $ 68,391  

Group life

     25,672       26,446       26,127  

Total

     61,765       59,942       57,682  

Lapse ratio (ordinary life insurance in force)

     5.4 %     5.8 %     5.7 %

Ordinary life insurance terminated due to death, surrender, lapse or other:

      

Face amount of insurance surrendered or lapsed

   $ 618.7     $ 659.4     $ 669.8  

Number of policies

     5,429       5,690       6,278  

Amount of death claims opened

   $ 38.6     $ 34.8     $ 35.5  

Number of death claims opened

     1,330       1,344       1,305  

Competition

The Company operates in a highly competitive environment. The insurance industry consists of a large number of insurance companies, some of which have substantially greater financial resources, more diversified product lines, greater economies of scale and/or lower-cost marketing approaches, such as direct marketing, mail, Internet and telemarketing, compared to the Company.

The Company competes in its target market with a number of national providers of personal automobile, homeowners and life insurance such as State Farm, Allstate, Farmers and Nationwide as well as several regional companies. The Company also competes for automobile business with other companies such as American International Group (“AIG”), GEICO, Progressive and USAA, many of which feature direct marketing distribution.

Among the major national providers of annuities to educators, Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company (“VALIC”), a subsidiary of AIG, is one of the Company’s major tax-qualified annuity competitors, as are ING US Financial Services, Lincoln Financial Group, MetLife and Security Benefit. Mutual fund families, independent agent companies and financial planners also compete in this marketplace.

 

19


The market for tax-deferred annuity products will likely continue to be impacted by the new Internal Revenue Service Section 403(b) regulations, which make the 403(b) market more similar to the 401(k) market than it has been in the past. While this may drive some competitors out of this market, it may make the 403(b) market more attractive to some of the larger 401(k) providers, including both insurance and mutual fund companies, that had not previously been active competitors in this business.

Investments

The Company’s investments are selected to balance the objectives of protecting principal, minimizing exposure to interest rate risk and providing a high current yield. These objectives are implemented through a portfolio that emphasizes investment grade, publicly traded fixed income securities. When impairment of the value of an investment is considered other than temporary, the decrease in value is recorded as a charge to the results of operations and a new cost basis is established. At December 31, 2008, fixed income securities represented 89.3% of the Company’s total investment portfolio, at fair value. Of the fixed income investment portfolio, 96.1% was investment grade and nearly 100% was publicly traded. At December 31, 2008, the average quality and average option-adjusted duration of the total fixed income portfolio were AA- and 5.9 years, respectively. At December 31, 2008, investments in non-investment grade fixed income securities represented 3.5% of the total investment portfolio, at fair value. There are no significant investments in mortgage loans, real estate, foreign securities, privately placed securities, or common stocks. As of December 31, 2008 and as of the time of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company’s securities lending program is suspended and no securities are on loan.

The Company has separate investment strategies and guidelines for its property and casualty, annuity and life assets, which recognize different characteristics of the associated insurance liabilities, as well as different tax and regulatory environments. The Company manages interest rate exposure for its portfolios through asset/liability management techniques which attempt to coordinate the duration of the assets with the duration of the insurance policy liabilities. Duration of assets and liabilities will generally differ only because of opportunities to significantly increase yields or because policy values are not interest-sensitive, as is the case in the property and casualty segment.

The investments of each insurance subsidiary must comply with the insurance laws of such insurance subsidiary’s domiciliary state. These laws prescribe the type and amount of investments that may be purchased and held by insurance companies. In general, these laws permit investments, within specified limits and subject to certain qualifications, in federal, state and municipal obligations, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed bonds, other asset-backed bonds, preferred stocks, common stocks, real estate mortgages and real estate.

 

20


The following table sets forth the carrying values and amortized cost of the Company’s investment portfolio as of December 31, 2008:

Investment Portfolio

(Dollars in millions)

 

     Percentage
of Total
Carrying
Value
                    
       Carrying Value     
            Life and
Annuity
   Property and
Casualty
   Amortized
Cost
       Total         

Publicly Traded Fixed Maturity Securities, Equity Securities and Short-term Investments:

             

U.S. government and agency obligations (1):

             

Mortgage-backed securities

   21.8 %   $ 849.5    $ 814.9    $ 34.6    $ 828.8

Other

   3.6       139.0      126.3      12.7      134.2

Investment grade corporate and public utility bonds

   37.4       1,461.4      1,400.2      61.2      1,600.6

Municipal bonds

   12.6       493.4      49.4      444.0      507.5

Other mortgage-backed securities

   9.1       353.5      346.7      6.8      472.2

Non-investment grade corporate and public utility bonds (2)

   3.4       134.1      88.0      46.1      175.4

Foreign government bonds

   0.4       14.9      13.7      1.2      14.4

Investment grade redeemable preferred stock

   1.0       39.4      37.4      2.0      54.7

Non-investment grade redeemable preferred stocks (2)

   —         —        —        —        —  

Equity securities:

             

Investment grade non-redeemable preferred stocks

   1.5       57.4      34.9      22.5      81.4

Non-investment grade non-redeemable preferred stocks (2)

   —         1.9      1.5      0.4      2.4

Common stocks

   0.1       2.3      1.9      0.4      2.4

Short-term investments (3)

   6.3       245.6      154.0      91.6      245.6

Short-term investments, loaned securities collateral (3)

   —         —        —        —        —  
                                 

Total publicly traded securities

   97.2       3,792.4      3,068.9      723.5      4,119.6
                                 

Other Investments:

             

Private placements, investment grade (4)

   —         —        —        —        —  

Private placements, non-investment grade (2) (4)

   —         0.1      0.1      —        0.1

Mortgage loans (5)

   0.1       2.8      2.8      —        2.8

Policy loans

   2.7       106.5      106.5      —        106.5
                                 

Total other investments

   2.8       109.4      109.4      —        109.4
                                 

Total investments (6)

   100.0 %   $ 3,901.8    $ 3,178.3    $ 723.5    $ 4,229.0
                                 

 

(1) Includes $174.8 million fair value of investments guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government and $813.7 million fair value of federally sponsored agency securities which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

 

(2) A non-investment grade rating is assigned to a security when it is acquired, primarily on the basis of the Standard & Poor’s Corporation (“Standard & Poor’s” or “S&P”) rating for such security, or if there is no S&P rating, the Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) rating for such security, or if there is no S&P or Moody’s rating, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (the “NAIC”) rating for such security. The rating agencies monitor securities, and their issuers, regularly and make changes to the ratings as necessary. The Company incorporates rating changes on a monthly basis.

 

(3) Short-term investments mature within one year of being acquired and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Short-term investments represent $244.6 million in money market funds rated “AAA” and $1.1 million of short-term corporate bonds maturing during 2009. As of December 31, 2008 and the time of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company’s securities lending program is suspended.

 

(4) Fair values for private placements are estimated by the Company with the assistance of its investment advisors.

 

(5) Mortgage loans are carried at amortized cost or unpaid principal balance.

 

(6) Approximately 9% of the Company’s investment portfolio, having a carrying value of $335.6 million as of December 31, 2008, consisted of securities with some form of credit support, such as insurance. Of the securities with credit support as of December 31, 2008, municipal bonds represented $305.2 million carrying value. Of the securities with credit support, 42% have the highest investment grade rating.

 

21


Fixed Maturity Securities and Equity Securities

The following table sets forth the composition of the Company’s fixed maturity securities and equity securities portfolios by rating as of December 31, 2008:

Rating of Fixed Maturity Securities and Equity Securities(1)

(Dollars in millions)

 

     Percent
of Total
Carrying
Value
    Carrying
Value
   Amortized
Cost

Fixed maturity securities

       

AAA

   43.5 %   $ 1,518.9    $ 1,524.2

AA

   9.4       328.6      354.7

A

   24.1       838.9      961.7

BBB

   19.1       664.1      770.9

BB

   2.3       78.6      100.2

B

   1.5       52.4      72.1

CCC or lower

   0.1       3.7      4.0

Not rated (2)

   —         0.1      0.1
                   

Total fixed maturity securities

   100.0 %   $ 3,485.3    $ 3,787.9
                   

Equity securities

       

AAA

   9.8 %   $ 6.0    $ 6.0

AA

   1.0       0.6      0.8

A

   54.5       33.6      51.8

BBB

   27.9       17.2      22.9

BB

   2.9       1.8      2.3

B

   —         —        —  

CCC or lower

   0.2       0.1      0.1

Not rated (3)

   3.7       2.3      2.3
                   

Total equity securities

   100.0 %   $ 61.6    $ 86.2
                   

 

(1) Ratings are as assigned primarily by S&P when available, with remaining ratings as assigned on an equivalent basis by Moody’s. Ratings for publicly traded securities are determined when the securities are acquired and are updated monthly to reflect any changes in ratings.

 

(2) Included in this category is $0.1 million fair value of private placement securities not rated by either S&P or Moody’s. The NAIC has rated 60.5% of these private placement securities as investment grade.

 

(3) This category represents common stocks that are not rated by either S&P or Moody’s.

At December 31, 2008, 37.1% of the Company’s fixed maturity securities portfolio was expected to mature within the next 5 years. Mortgage-backed securities, including mortgage-backed securities of U.S. governmental agencies, represented 30.9% of the total investment portfolio at December 31, 2008. These securities typically have average lives shorter than their stated maturities due to unscheduled prepayments on the underlying mortgages. Mortgages are prepaid for a variety of reasons, including sales of existing homes, interest rate changes over time that encourage homeowners to refinance their mortgages and defaults by homeowners on mortgages that are then paid by guarantors.

For financial reporting purposes, the Company has classified the entire fixed maturity portfolio as “available for sale”. Fixed maturities to be held for indefinite periods of time and not intended to be held to maturity are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value. The net adjustment for unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale is recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, net of applicable deferred tax asset or liability and the related impact on deferred policy acquisition costs and value of acquired insurance in force associated with interest-sensitive life and annuity contracts. Fixed maturities held for indefinite periods of time include securities that management intends to use as part of its asset/liability management strategy and that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, resultant prepayment risk and other related factors, other than securities that are in an unrealized loss position for which management has the stated intent to hold until recovery.

 

22


Cash Flow

As a holding company, HMEC conducts its principal operations through its subsidiaries. Payment by HMEC of principal and interest with respect to HMEC’s indebtedness, and payment by HMEC of dividends to its shareholders, are dependent upon the ability of its insurance subsidiaries to pay cash dividends or make other cash payments to HMEC, including tax payments pursuant to tax sharing agreements. Restrictions on the subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends or to make other cash payments to HMEC may materially affect HMEC’s ability to pay principal and interest on its indebtedness and dividends on its common stock.

The ability of the insurance subsidiaries to pay cash dividends to HMEC is subject to state insurance department regulations which generally permit dividends to be paid for any 12 month period in amounts equal to the greater of (i) net income for the preceding calendar year or (ii) 10% of surplus, determined in conformity with statutory accounting principles, as of the preceding December 31st. Any dividend in excess of these levels requires the prior approval of the Director or Commissioner of the state insurance department of the state in which the dividend paying insurance subsidiary is domiciled. The aggregate amount of dividends that may be paid in 2009 from all of HMEC’s insurance subsidiaries without prior regulatory approval is approximately $55 million.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if insurance regulators otherwise determine that payment of a dividend or any other payment to an affiliate would be detrimental to an insurance subsidiary’s policyholders or creditors, because of the financial condition of the insurance subsidiary or otherwise, the regulators may block dividends or other payments to affiliates that would otherwise be permitted without prior approval.

Regulation

General Regulation at State Level

As an insurance holding company, HMEC is subject to extensive regulation by the states in which its insurance subsidiaries are domiciled or transact business. In addition, the laws of the various states establish regulatory agencies with broad administrative powers to grant and revoke licenses to transact business, regulate trade practices, license agents, require statutory financial statements, and prescribe the type and amount of investments permitted.

The NAIC has adopted risk-based capital guidelines to evaluate the adequacy of statutory capital and surplus in relation to an insurance company’s risks. State insurance regulations prohibit insurance companies from making any public statements or representations with regard to their risk-based capital levels. Based on current guidelines, the risk-based capital statutory requirements are not expected to have a negative regulatory impact on the Company’s insurance subsidiaries. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, statutory capital and surplus of each of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries was above required levels.

 

23


Assessments Against Insurers

Under insurance insolvency or guaranty laws in most states in which the Company operates, insurers doing business therein can be assessed for policyholder losses related to insolvencies of other insurance companies. The amount and timing of any future assessments on the Company under these laws cannot be reasonably estimated and are beyond the control of the Company. Most of these laws do provide, however, that an assessment may be excused or deferred if it would threaten an insurer’s financial strength, and many assessments paid by the Company pursuant to these laws may be used as credits for a portion of the Company’s premium taxes in certain states. For the three years ended December 31, 2008, the Company’s assessments, net of the related premium tax credits, were not significant.

In 2005, the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation of Florida (“Florida Citizens”) assessed the Company $1.8 million and the Louisiana Citizens Fair and Coastal Plan (“Louisiana Citizens”) assessed the Company $1.3 million. This $3.1 million reflected additional assessments related to hurricanes which occurred in 2005 and 2004 and contributed to the net loss reported from participation in mandatory insurance facilities in 2005. In 2006, the Company also paid an additional assessment of $0.6 million to Florida Citizens. The Company in turn is assessing its policyholders in the respective states and received $0.3 million, $0.5 million and $2.9 million in recoupments of these amounts in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The 2008, 2007 and 2006 recoupments and assessment are reflected in the respective net gains reported below.

Mandatory Insurance Facilities

The Company is required to participate in various mandatory insurance facilities in proportion to the amount of the Company’s direct writings in the applicable state.

In 2008 and 2007, the Company reflected pretax net gains from participation in such mandatory pools and underwriting associations of $0.9 million and $2.3 million, respectively. In 2006, the Company reflected a pretax net gain of $3.5 million, primarily as a result of recoveries on assessments following hurricanes in 2005 and 2004.

Regulation at Federal Level

Although the federal government generally does not directly regulate the insurance industry, federal initiatives often impact the insurance business. Current and proposed federal measures which may significantly affect insurance and annuity business include employee benefits regulation, controls on the costs of medical care, medical entitlement programs such as Medicare, structure of retirement plans and accounts, changes to the insurance industry anti-trust exemption, and minimum solvency requirements. Other federal regulation such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and USA PATRIOT Act, including its anti-money laundering regulations, also impact the Company’s business.

The variable annuities underwritten by HMLIC are regulated by the SEC. Horace Mann Investors, Inc., the broker-dealer subsidiary of HMEC, also is regulated by the SEC, FINRA, the Municipal Securities Rule-making Board (“MSRB”) and various state securities regulators.

 

24


Federal income taxation of the build-up of cash value within a life insurance policy or an annuity contract could have a materially adverse impact on the Company’s ability to market and sell such products. Various legislation to this effect has been proposed in the past, but has not been enacted. Although no such legislative proposals are known to exist at this time, such proposals may be made again in the future.

Changes in other federal and state laws and regulations could also affect the relative tax and other advantages of the Company’s life and annuity products to customers. For instance, new Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Section 403(b) regulations were effective January 1, 2009 with limited exceptions. The new regulations alter the nature of 403(b) arrangements causing them to more closely resemble other traditional employer sponsored plans, compared to the historical view of 403(b) arrangements being individual plans funded by salary reduction. Under the new regulations, contributions to Section 403(b) tax-qualified arrangements, including annuities, are required to be made pursuant to a written plan which includes all of the terms and conditions for eligibility, limitations and benefits under the plan, and which may incorporate other documents by reference including annuity contracts issued by approved product providers. Other highlights of the new regulations include modified distribution and transfer rules and the incorporation of numerous positions previously taken by the IRS since last issuing formal comprehensive Section 403(b) regulations in 1964. While the deadline for plan sponsors to have a formal written plan in place has been extended until December 31, 2009, such plans must satisfy the regulations that were in effect as of January 1, 2009, and sponsors must correct operations that are in conflict with the terms of the plan as of the plan’s effective date. Since the proposed new regulations were promulgated in 2004, the Company, and many other providers of 403(b) arrangements, has been adapting its administrative systems, products and services offered to better meet the changing needs of the school district sponsors of 403(b) plans. The lead time to the effective date, combined with preparations made by the Company since the new regulations were first proposed, has provided time to assist the key school districts where Horace Mann has Section 403(b) payroll slots with the development of their written plans and to implement the new products and services required to enable the Company to continue to effectively serve this market.

One immediate impact of the new Section 403(b) regulations has been that previous rules governing a participant’s ability to exchange one 403(b) annuity or funding agreement for another without incurring income tax liability were changed effective September 25, 2007. Under the new regulations, plan sponsors control whether such exchanges are even permitted within their plan, and which providers are eligible to receive them. The fact that this change occurred prior to the effective date of the remainder of the new regulations created some confusion among plan sponsors and product providers in the period from September 25, 2007 through December 2008, which slowed the pace of such exchanges. This contributed to both reduced sales and improved retention for the Company in 2008 and similarly impacted the industry as a whole. A return to a more normal flow of exchanges is likely to be experienced gradually, given the extension granted by the IRS on the finalization of the written plan and as sponsors and providers each get more comfortable with the new rules governing exchanges.

 

25


Proposed Federal Oversight of Financial Institutions

As of the time of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, consideration of significant reform of the federal oversight of financial institutions is underway by the 111 th Congress and the Obama Administration. A central objective of this reform would be to identify and manage the systemic risk posed by the various financial institutions and their products and services to the broader U.S. economy. The question of the extent to which the insurance industry poses such risk and whether it should be the subject of federal oversight is expected to be actively considered in these reform debates. Proposals for federal oversight of the insurance industry range from comprehensive supervision through an optional federal charter to a more circumspect approach of establishing a federal insurance information office. Management will closely monitor these developments for impact on the Company, insurers of similar size and the insurance industry as a whole.

Employees

At December 31, 2008, the Company had approximately 2,200 employees, including 670 full-time agents. The Company has no collective bargaining agreement with any employees.

 

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

The following are certain risk factors that could affect the Company’s business, financial results and results of operations. In addition, refer to the risk factors disclosed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Forward-looking Information”, listed on page F-1 of this report for certain important factors that may cause our financial condition and results of operations to differ materially from current expectations. The risks that the Company has highlighted in these two sections of this report are not the only ones that the Company faces. In this discussion, the Company is also referred to as “our”, “we” and “us”.

The Company’s business involves various risks and uncertainties which are based on the lines of business the Company writes as well as more global risks associated with the general business and insurance industry environments.

Current volatile financial markets and economic environments.

Markets in the U.S. and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and disruption for more than 12 months, due largely to the stresses affecting the global banking system, which accelerated significantly in the second half of 2008. The U.S. has entered a severe recession that is likely to persist well into and perhaps even beyond 2009, despite past and expected governmental intervention in the economy. These circumstances have exerted significant downward pressure on prices of equity securities and many other investment asset classes and have resulted in substantially increased market volatility, severely constrained credit and capital markets, particularly for financial institutions, and an overall loss of investor confidence. Economic conditions have continued to deteriorate in early 2009. Like other financial institutions, which face significant financial markets risk in their operations, the Company has been adversely affected by these conditions.

 

26


If our investment strategy is not successful, we could suffer unexpected losses.

The success of our investment strategy is crucial to the success of our business. Specifically, our fixed income portfolio is subject to a number of risks including:

 

   

market value risk , which is the risk that our invested assets will decrease in value due to a change in the yields realized on our assets and prevailing market yields for similar assets, an unfavorable change in the liquidity of the investment or an unfavorable change in the financial prospects or a downgrade in the credit rating of the issuer of the investment;

 

   

credit risk , which is the risk that the value of certain investments becomes impaired due to deterioration in financial condition of one or more issuers of those instruments or the deterioration in performance or credit quality of the underlying collateral of certain structured securities and, ultimately, the risk of permanent loss in the event of default by an issuer or underlying credit;

 

   

market fundamentals risk , which is the risk that there are changes in the market that can have an unfavorable impact on securities valuation such as availability of credit in the capital markets, re-pricing of credit risk, reduced market liquidity, and increased market volatility;

 

   

reinvestment risk , which is the risk that interest rates will decline and funds reinvested will earn less than expected;

 

   

concentration risk , which is the risk that the portfolio may be too heavily concentrated in the securities of one or more issuers, sectors or industries, which could result in a significant decrease in the value of the portfolio in the event of deterioration in the financial condition of those issuers or the market value of their securities;

 

   

liquidity risk , which is the risk that liabilities are surrendered or mature sooner than anticipated requiring us to sell assets at an undesirable time to provide for policyholder surrenders, withdrawals or claims; and

 

   

regulatory risk , which is the risk that regulatory bodies or governments, in the U.S. or in other countries, may make substantial investments or take significant ownership positions in, or ultimately nationalize, financial institutions or other issuers of securities held in the Company’s investment portfolio, which could adversely impact the seniority or contractual terms of the securities.

In addition to significant steps taken to mitigate these risks through our investment guidelines, policies and procedures, we also attempt to mitigate these risks through product pricing, product features and the establishment of policy reserves, but we cannot provide assurance that assets will be properly matched to meet anticipated liabilities or that our investments will provide sufficient returns to enable us to satisfy our guaranteed fixed benefit obligations.

Although historically the Company has not been a party to these transactions, from time to time we could also enter into foreign currency, interest rate, credit derivative and other hedging transactions in an effort to manage risks. We cannot provide assurance that we will successfully structure those derivatives and hedges so as to effectively manage these risks. If our calculations are incorrect, or if we do not properly structure our derivatives or hedges, we may have unexpected losses and our assets may not be adequate to meet our needed reserves, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Declining financial markets could also cause, and in the past have caused, the value of the investments in our defined benefit pension plan to decrease, resulting in additional pension expense, a reduction in other comprehensive income and an increase in required contributions to the defined benefit pension plan.

 

27


Our financial condition and results of operations may be, and in the past have been, adversely affected by volatile or declining financial market conditions.

Conditions in the U.S. and international financial markets affect the sale and profitability of our annuity products. In general, sales of variable annuities decrease when financial markets are declining or experiencing a higher than normal level of volatility over an extended period of time. Therefore, weak and/or volatile financial market performance may adversely affect sales of our variable annuity products to potential customers, may cause current customers to withdraw or reduce the amounts invested in our variable annuity products and may reduce the market value of existing customers’ investments in our variable annuity products, in turn reducing the amount of variable annuity fee revenues generated. In addition, some of our variable annuity contracts offer guaranteed minimum death benefit features, which provide for a benefit if the annuitant dies and the contract value is less than a specified amount. A decline in the financial markets could cause the contract value to fall below this specified amount, increasing our exposure to losses from variable annuity products featuring guaranteed minimum death benefits. Declining or volatile financial markets may also impact the valuations of deferred policy acquisition costs.

Interest rate fluctuations could negatively affect the income we derive from the difference between the interest rates we earn on our investments and the interest we pay under our fixed annuity and interest-sensitive life contracts.

Significant changes in interest rates expose us to the risk of not earning income or experiencing losses based on the differences between the interest rates earned on our investments and the credited interest rates paid on our outstanding fixed annuity and interest-sensitive life contracts. Significant changes in interest rates may affect:

 

   

the unrealized gains and losses in our investment portfolio and the related after-tax effect on our shareholders’ equity and total capital;

 

   

the book yield of our investment portfolio; and

 

   

the ability of our insurance subsidiaries to maintain appropriate interest rate spreads over the fixed rates guaranteed in their life and annuity products.

Both rising and declining interest rates can negatively affect the income we derive from these interest rate spreads. During periods of falling interest rates, our investment earnings will be lower because new investments in fixed maturity securities will likely bear lower interest rates. We may not be able to fully offset the decline in investment earnings with lower crediting rates on our annuity contracts. During periods of rising interest rates, there may be competitive pressure to increase the crediting rates on our annuity contracts. We may not, however, have the ability immediately to acquire investments with interest rates sufficient to offset an increase in crediting rates under our annuity contracts. Although we develop and maintain asset/liability management programs and procedures designed to reduce the volatility of our income when interest rates are rising or falling, changes in interest rates can affect our interest rate spreads.

Changes in interest rates may also affect our business in other ways. For example, a rapidly changing interest rate environment may result in less competitive crediting rates on certain of our fixed-rate products which could make those products less attractive, leading to lower sales and/or increases in the level of life insurance and annuity product surrenders and withdrawals. Interest rate fluctuations may also impact the valuations of deferred policy acquisition costs.

 

28


Losses due to defaults by others could reduce our profitability or negatively affect the value of our investments.

Third parties that owe us money, securities or other assets may not pay or perform their obligations. These parties may include the issuers whose securities we hold, borrowers under mortgage loans, customers, trading counterparties, counterparties under swaps and other derivative contracts, reinsurers, clearing agents, exchanges, clearing houses and other financial intermediaries. These parties may default on their obligations to us due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, downturns in the economy or real estate values, operational failure or other reasons.

The default of a major market participant could disrupt the securities markets or clearance and settlement systems in the U.S. or abroad. A failure of a major market participant could cause some clearance and settlement systems to assess members of that system, including our broker-dealer subsidiary, or could lead to a chain of defaults that could adversely affect us. A default of a major market participant could disrupt various markets, which could in turn cause market declines or volatility and negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.

Catastrophic events can have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Underwriting results of property and casualty insurers are subject to weather and other conditions prevailing in an accident year. While one year may be relatively free of major weather or other disasters, another year may have numerous such events causing results for such a year to be materially worse than for other years.

Our property and casualty insurance subsidiaries have experienced, and we anticipate that in the future they will continue to experience, catastrophe losses. A catastrophic event or a series of multiple catastrophic events could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations of our insurance subsidiaries.

Various events can cause catastrophes, including hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, hail, terrorism, explosions, severe winter weather and wildfires. The frequency and severity of these catastrophes are inherently unpredictable. The extent of losses from a catastrophe is a function of both the total amount of insured exposures in the area affected by the event and the severity of the event. Although catastrophes can cause losses in a variety of property and casualty lines, most of the catastrophe-related claims of our insurance subsidiaries are related to homeowners’ coverages. Our ability to provide accurate estimates of ultimate catastrophe costs is based on several factors, including:

 

   

the proximity of the catastrophe occurrence date to the date of our estimate;

 

   

potential inflation of property repair costs in the affected area;

 

   

the occurrence of multiple catastrophes in a geographic area over a relatively short period of time; and

 

   

the outcome of litigation which may be filed against the Company by policyholders, state attorneys general and other parties relative to loss coverage disputes and loss settlement payments.

 

29


Based on 2008 direct premiums earned, approximately 58% of the total annual premiums for our property and casualty business were for policies issued in the ten largest states in which our insurance subsidiaries write property and casualty coverage. Included in this top ten group are certain states which are considered to be more prone to catastrophe occurrences: Florida, California, North Carolina, Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina and Georgia.

As an ongoing practice, but particularly following the significant catastrophic claims from hurricanes in 2005 and 2004, we attempt to manage our exposure to catastrophes. Reductions in property and casualty business written in catastrophe-prone areas may have a negative impact on near-term business growth and results of operations.

In addition to the potential impact on our property and casualty subsidiaries, our life subsidiary could experience claims of a catastrophic magnitude from events such as pandemics; terrorism; nuclear, biological or chemical explosions; or other acts of war.

Our insurance subsidiaries seek to reduce their exposure to catastrophe losses through their underwriting strategies and the purchase of catastrophe reinsurance. Nevertheless, reinsurance may prove inadequate if:

 

   

a major catastrophic loss exceeds the reinsurance limit;

 

   

a series of major catastrophic events in a single year exhaust the reinsurance coverage; or

 

   

an insurance subsidiary incurs multiple, smaller catastrophic losses which, individually, do not exceed the subsidiary’s loss retention level.

Uncollectible reinsurance, as well as reinsurance availability and pricing, can have a material adverse effect upon our business volume and profitability.

Reinsurance is a contract by which one insurer, called a reinsurer, agrees to cover a portion of the losses incurred by a second insurer in the event a claim is made under a policy issued by the second insurer. Our insurance subsidiaries obtain reinsurance to help manage their exposure to property, casualty and life insurance risks. Although a reinsurer is liable to our insurance subsidiaries according to the terms of its reinsurance policy, the insurance subsidiaries remain primarily liable as the direct insurers on all risks reinsured. As a result, reinsurance does not eliminate the obligation of our insurance subsidiaries to pay all claims, and each insurance subsidiary is subject to the risk that one or more of its reinsurers will be unable or unwilling to honor its obligations.

Although we limit participation in our reinsurance programs to reinsurers with high financial strength ratings, our insurance subsidiaries cannot guarantee that their reinsurers will pay in a timely fashion, if at all. Reinsurers may become financially unsound by the time that they are called upon to pay amounts due, which may not occur for many years. In the case of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”), financial deficits and difficulties in accessing the capital markets may require the FHCF to make additional assessments against participating insurers. Additional coverage made available by the FHCF to the insurance industry in future contract periods, as was done for the 2007 and 2008 contract periods, could increase the likelihood of assessments in periods following significant hurricane losses.

 

30


Additionally, the availability and cost of reinsurance are subject to prevailing market conditions beyond our control. For example, the significant level of losses from hurricanes in 2005 and 2004 and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 have had a significant adverse pricing impact on the reinsurance market.

If one of our insurance subsidiaries is unable to obtain adequate reinsurance at reasonable rates, that insurance subsidiary would have to increase its risk exposure and/or reduce the level of its underwriting commitments, which could have a material adverse effect upon the business volume and profitability of the subsidiary. Alternately, the insurance subsidiary could elect to pay the higher than reasonable rates for reinsurance coverage, which could have a material adverse effect upon its profitability until policy premium rates could be raised, in some cases subject to approval by state regulators, to incorporate this additional cost.

Our property and casualty loss reserves may not be adequate.

Our property and casualty insurance subsidiaries maintain loss reserves to provide for their estimated ultimate liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses with respect to reported and unreported claims incurred as of the end of each accounting period. If these loss reserves prove inadequate, we will record a loss measured by the amount of the shortfall and, as a result, the financial condition and results of operations of our insurance subsidiaries will be adversely affected, potentially affecting their ability to distribute cash to the holding company.

Reserves do not represent an exact calculation of liability. Reserves represent estimates, generally involving actuarial projections at a given time, of what our insurance subsidiaries expect the ultimate settlement and adjustment of claims will cost, net of salvage and subrogation. Estimates are based on assessments of known facts and circumstances, assumptions related to the ultimate cost to settle such claims, estimates of future trends in claims severity and frequency, changing judicial theories of liability and other factors. These variables are affected by both internal and external events, including changes in claims handling procedures, economic inflation, unpredictability of court decisions, plaintiffs’ expanded theories of liability, risks inherent in major litigation and legislative changes. Many of these items are not directly quantifiable, particularly on a prospective basis. Significant reporting lags may exist between the occurrence of an insured event and the time it is actually reported. Our insurance subsidiaries adjust their reserve estimates regularly as experience develops and further claims are reported and settled.

Due to the inherent uncertainty in estimating reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses, we cannot be certain that the ultimate liability will not exceed amounts reserved, with a resulting adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

31


Deviations from assumptions regarding future market appreciation, interest spreads, persistency, mortality and morbidity used in calculating life and annuity reserves and deferred policy acquisition expense amounts could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

The processes of calculating reserve and deferred policy acquisition expense amounts for our life and annuity businesses involve the use of a number of assumptions, including those related to market appreciation (the rate of growth in market value of the underlying variable annuity subaccounts due to price appreciation), interest spreads (the interest rates expected to be received on investments less the rate of interest credited to contractholders), persistency (how long a contract stays with the company), mortality (the relative incidence of death over a given period of time) and morbidity (the relative incidence of disability resulting from disease or physical impairment). We periodically review the adequacy of these reserves and deferred policy acquisition expenses on an aggregate basis and, if future experience differs significantly from assumptions, adjustments to reserves and deferred policy acquisition expenses may be required which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

A write-down of all or part of our goodwill could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

At December 31, 2008, we had $47.4 million of goodwill recorded on our consolidated balance sheet. Goodwill was recorded when the Company was acquired in 1989 and when Horace Mann Property & Casualty Insurance Company was acquired in 1994, in both instances reflecting the excess of cost over the fair market value of net assets acquired. The December 31, 2008 balance represents the portion which was unamortized at January 1, 2002, when the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. SFAS No. 142 eliminated the scheduled amortization of goodwill and established a new method of testing goodwill for impairment, as described in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”. If an evaluation of the Company’s fair value or, if required, of the Company’s segments’ fair value, indicated that all or a portion of the goodwill balance was impaired, the Company would be required to write off the impaired portion. Such a write-off could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Any downgrade in or adverse change in outlook for our claims-paying ratings, financial strength ratings or credit ratings could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Claims-paying ratings and financial strength ratings have become an increasingly important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies. In the evolving 403(b) annuity market, school districts and benefit consultants have been placing increased emphasis on the relative financial strength ratings of competing companies. Each rating agency reviews its ratings periodically and from time to time may modify its rating criteria including, among other factors, its expectations regarding capital adequacy, profitability and revenue growth. A downgrade in the ratings or adverse change in the ratings outlook of any of our insurance subsidiaries by a major rating agency could result in a substantial loss of business for that subsidiary if school districts, policyholders or independent agents move their business to other companies having higher claims-paying ratings and financial strength ratings than we do. This loss of business could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations of that subsidiary.

 

32


The financial covenants related to the Company’s outstanding indebtedness, including the Bank Credit Agreement, consist primarily of relationships of (1) debt to capital, (2) insurance subsidiaries’ insurance financial strength ratings issued by A.M. Best and (3) net worth, as defined in the financial covenants. For instance, if the insurance subsidiaries’ A.M. Best financial strength rating is lowered beneath the A- rating assigned at the time of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company would be in default under its Bank Credit Agreement. This could adversely impact our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

A downgrade in our holding company debt rating could adversely impact our cost and flexibility of borrowing which could have an adverse impact on our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

Reduction of the statutory surplus of our insurance subsidiaries could adversely affect their ability to write insurance business.

Insurance companies write business based, in part, upon guidelines including a ratio of premiums to surplus for property and casualty insurance companies and a ratio of reserves to surplus for life insurance companies. If our insurance subsidiaries cannot maintain profitability in the future or if significant investment valuation losses are incurred, they may be required to draw on their surplus in order to pay dividends to us to enable us to meet our financial obligations. As their surplus is reduced by the payment of dividends, continuing losses or both, our insurance subsidiaries’ ability to write business and maintain acceptable financial strength ratings could also be reduced. This could have a material adverse effect upon the business volume and profitability of our insurance subsidiaries.

If we are not able to effectively develop and expand our marketing operations, including agents and other points of distribution, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Our success in marketing and selling our products is largely dependent upon the efforts of our full-time, dedicated agent sales force and the success of their agency operations. As we expand our business, we may need to expand the number of agencies marketing our products. If we are unable to appoint additional agents, fail to retain current agents or are unable to increase the productivity of agency operations, sales of our products would likely decline and our financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.

Since 2006, the Company has been transitioning from a single-person agent operation to its Agency Business Model, with agents in outside offices with support personnel and licensed producers, designed to remove capacity constraints and increase productivity. Building on this foundation, beginning in 2009 the Company is offering the opportunity for agents to be appointed by the Company as non-employee, independent contractor, Exclusive Agents. If we and the agency force are unable to successfully implement these approaches to expanding our points of distribution and further increasing the productivity of agents, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

33


If we are not able to maintain and secure 1) payroll reduction authorizations and 2) product sponsorships and other relationships with the educational community, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Our ability to successfully grow new business in the educator market is largely dependent on our ability to effectively access educators either in their school buildings or through other approaches. While this is especially true for the sale of 403(b) tax-qualified annuity products via payroll reduction, any significant decrease in access, either through fewer payroll slots, increased security measures or other causes could potentially adversely affect the sale of all lines of our business and require us to change our traditional worksite marketing and advertising approach. With the changes in the IRS regulations regarding Section 403(b) arrangements, including annuities, our ability to maintain and grow our share of the 403(b) market, and the access it gives us for other product lines, will depend on our ability to successfully adapt our products, services offered, and administrative systems, which could potentially increase our cost of doing business in this market. School districts and benefit consultants have been placing additional emphasis on the relative financial strength ratings of competing companies, which may put us at a competitive disadvantage relative to other more highly-rated insurance companies. See also “Business — Regulation — Regulation at Federal Level”.

Our ability to maintain and obtain product sponsorships from local, state and national education associations is important to our marketing strategy. Horace Mann has had a long relationship with the NEA, the nation’s largest confederation of state and local teachers’ associations, and many of the state and local education associations affiliated with the NEA. In addition to these organizations, we have established relationships with various other educator, principal and school administrator groups. These contacts and endorsements help to establish our brand name and presence in the educational community and to enhance our access to educators.

The insurance industry is highly regulated.

We are subject to extensive regulation and supervision in the jurisdictions in which we do business. Each jurisdiction has a unique and complex set of laws and regulations. Furthermore, certain federal laws impose additional requirements on businesses, including insurers. Regulation generally is designed to protect the interests of policyholders, as opposed to stockholders and non-policyholder creditors. Such regulations, among other things, impose restrictions on the amount and type of investments our subsidiaries may hold. Certain states also regulate the rates insurers may charge for certain property and casualty products. Legislation and voter initiatives have expanded, in some instances, the states’ regulation of rates and have increased data reporting requirements. Consumer-related pressures to roll back rates, even if not enacted by legislation or upheld upon judicial appeal, may affect our ability to obtain timely rate increases or operate at desired levels of profitability. Changes in insurance regulations, including those affecting the ability of our insurance subsidiaries to distribute cash to us and those affecting the ability of our insurance subsidiaries to write profitable property and casualty insurance policies in one or more states, may adversely affect the financial condition and results of operations of our insurance subsidiaries. Consumer privacy requirements, such as those of the Payment Card Industry (“PCI”) Security Standards, may increase our cost of processing business. Our ability to comply with laws and regulations, at a reasonable cost, and to obtain necessary regulatory action in a timely manner, is and will continue to be critical to our success.

 

34


Examples of governmental regulation that has adversely affected the operations of our insurance subsidiaries include:

 

   

the adoption in several states of legislation and other regulatory action intended to reduce the premiums paid for automobile and homeowners insurance by residents of those states;

 

   

limitations on the use of key underwriting information, such as consumer credit, to properly price the assumed risk;

 

   

restrictions on a company’s ability to achieve pricing adequacy and/or reduce their volume of business in catastrophe prone areas; and

 

   

requirements that insurance companies:

 

   

pay assessments to support associations that fund state-sponsored insurance operations, or

 

   

involuntarily issue policies for high-risk automobile drivers.

Regulation that could adversely affect our insurance subsidiaries also includes statutory surplus and risk-based capital requirements. Maintaining appropriate levels of surplus, as measured by statutory accounting principles, is considered important by state insurance regulatory authorities and the private agencies that rate insurers’ claims-paying abilities and financial strength. The failure of an insurance subsidiary to maintain levels of statutory surplus that are sufficient for the amount of its insurance written could result in increased regulatory scrutiny, action by state regulatory authorities or a downgrade by rating agencies.

Similarly, the NAIC has adopted a system of assessing minimum capital adequacy that is applicable to our insurance subsidiaries. This system, known as risk-based capital, is used to identify companies that may merit further regulatory action by analyzing the adequacy of the insurer’s surplus in relation to statutory requirements.

Because state legislatures remain concerned about the availability and affordability of property and casualty insurance and the protection of policyholders, our insurance subsidiaries expect that they will continue to face efforts by those legislatures to expand regulations to address these concerns. Resulting new legislation could adversely affect the financial condition and results of operations of our insurance subsidiaries.

In the event of the insolvency, liquidation or other reorganization of any of our insurance subsidiaries, our creditors and stockholders would have no right to proceed against any such insurance subsidiary or to cause the liquidation or bankruptcy of any such insurance subsidiary under federal or state bankruptcy laws. The insurance laws of the domiciliary state would govern such proceedings and the relevant insurance commissioner would act as liquidator or rehabilitator for the insurance subsidiary. Creditors and policyholders of any such insurance subsidiary would be entitled to payment in full from the assets of the insurance subsidiary before we, as a stockholder, would be entitled to receive any distribution.

The financial position of our insurance subsidiaries also may be affected by court decisions that expand insurance coverage beyond the intention of the insurer at the time it originally issued an insurance policy.

In 2008, the United States Treasury Department issued a report, “Blueprint for Financial Regulatory Reform”, including recommendations to improve regulatory oversight of the financial services sector. The report includes a proposal that would establish a federal insurance regulatory structure and allow individual insurance companies the option of obtaining a federal charter, similar to the current dual-chartering system for banking. Congress

 

35


also has pending proposals regarding optional federal chartering of insurance companies and other various insurance-related matters which have been subject to congressional hearings in 2008. Due to the volatility in the financial markets which accelerated in the last half of 2008, and in particular volatility for companies in the financial services sector, it is possible that additional oversight or regulation could be proposed at the federal and/or state levels. Management will continue to monitor the existing proposals and any new proposals. Additional regulations could adversely affect the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes, financial condition and results of operations of the Company, insurers of similar size and/or the insurance industry as a whole.

The insurance industry is highly cyclical.

The results of companies in the insurance industry historically have been subject to significant fluctuations due to competition, economic conditions, interest rates and other factors. In particular, companies in the property and casualty insurance segment of the industry historically have experienced pricing and profitability cycles. With respect to these cycles, the factors having the greatest impact include intense price competition, less restrictive underwriting standards, aggressive marketing and increased advertising, which have resulted in higher industry-wide combined loss and expense ratios.

The personal lines insurance and annuity markets are highly competitive and our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by competitive forces.

We operate in a highly competitive environment and compete with numerous insurance companies, as well as mutual fund families, independent agent companies and financial planners. In some instances and geographic locations, competitors have specifically targeted the educator marketplace with specialized products and programs. We compete in our target market with a number of national providers of personal automobile and homeowners insurance and life insurance and annuities.

The insurance industry consists of a large number of insurance companies, some of which have substantially greater financial resources, more diversified product lines, greater economies of scale and/or lower-cost marketing approaches, such as direct marketing, mail, Internet and telemarketing, compared to us. In our target market, we believe that the principal competitive factors in the sale of property and casualty insurance products are price, service, name recognition and education association sponsorships. We believe that the principal competitive factors in the sale of life insurance and annuity products are product features, perceived stability of the insurer, service, name recognition, price and education association sponsorships.

Particularly in the property and casualty business, our insurance subsidiaries have experienced, and expect to experience in the future, periods of intense competition during which they may be unable to increase policyholders and revenues without adversely impacting profit margins. The inability of an insurance subsidiary to compete successfully in the property and casualty business would adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations and its resulting ability to distribute cash to us.

 

36


In our annuity business, the new Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Section 403(b) regulations, which generally took effect January 1, 2009, make the 403(b) market more similar to the 401(k) market than it has been in the past. While this may drive some competitors out of this market, it may make the 403(b) market more attractive to some of the larger 401(k) providers, including both insurance and mutual fund companies, that had not previously been active competitors in this business. The inability of an insurance subsidiary to compete successfully in these markets would adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations and its resulting ability to distribute cash to the holding company.

Economic and other factors affecting our niche market could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

Horace Mann’s strategic objective is to become the company of choice in meeting the insurance and financial services needs of the educational community. With K-12 teachers, administrators, and support personnel representing a significant percentage of our business, the financial condition and results of operations of our subsidiaries could be more prone than many of our competitors to the effects of economic forces and other issues affecting the educator market including, but not limited to, state budget deficits and cut-backs and adverse changes in state tax revenues.

A reduction or elimination of the tax advantages of life and annuity products and/or a change in the tax benefits of various government-authorized retirement programs, such as 403(b) annuities and IRAs, could make our products less attractive to clients and adversely affect our operating results.

A significant part of our annuity business involves fixed and variable 403(b) tax-qualified annuities, which are annuities purchased voluntarily by individuals employed by public school systems or other tax-exempt organizations. While the recent changes in IRS regulations governing 403(b) plans did not change the relative tax advantages of 403(b) annuities, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by changes in federal and state laws and regulations that do affect the relative tax and other advantages of our life and annuity products to clients or the tax benefits of programs utilized by our clients. See also “Business — Regulation at Federal Level”.

Current federal income tax laws generally permit the tax-deferred accumulation of earnings on the premiums paid by the holders of annuities and life insurance products. Taxes, if any, are payable on income attributable to a distribution under the contract for the year in which the distribution is made. From time to time, Congress has considered legislation that would reduce or eliminate the benefit of such deferral of taxation on the accretion of value with life insurance and non-qualified annuity contracts. Enactment of this legislation, including a simplified “flat tax” income structure with an exemption from taxation for investment income, could result in fewer sales of our life insurance and annuity products.

 

37


Litigation may harm our financial strength or reduce our profitability.

Companies in the insurance industry have been subject to substantial litigation resulting from claims, disputes and other matters. Most recently, they have faced expensive claims, including class action lawsuits, alleging, among other things, improper sales practices and improper claims settlement procedures. Negotiated settlements of certain such actions have had a material adverse effect on many insurance companies. The resolution of such claims against any of our insurance subsidiaries, including the potential adverse effect on our reputation and charges against the earnings of our insurance subsidiaries as a result of legal defense costs, a settlement agreement or an adverse finding or findings against our insurance subsidiaries in such a claim, could materially adversely affect the financial condition and results of operations of our insurance subsidiaries.

Successful execution of our growth strategy is highly dependent on effective implementation of new technology solutions.

Our ability to effectively execute our growth strategy and leverage potential economies of scale is dependent on our ability to provide the requisite technology components of that strategy. While we have effectively upgraded our infrastructure technologies with improvements in our data center, a new communications platform and enhanced disaster recovery capabilities, our ability to build upon this foundation and replace dated, single-function legacy systems with fully functional, flexible, maintainable and user-friendly technology solutions, including current efforts underway to replace major components of our property and casualty administrative system, will be necessary to achieve our plans. The inherent difficulty in implementing large technology solutions, coupled with the Company’s lack of experience in these types of endeavors, presents increased risk to delivering these technology solutions in a timely and cost-effective manner. Utilization of third-party vendors can augment the Company’s internal capacity for these implementations, but may not reduce the risks of timely and cost effective delivery.

 

ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 

ITEM 2. Properties

HMEC’s home office property at 1 Horace Mann Plaza in Springfield, Illinois, consists of an office building totaling 230,000 square feet, approximately 200,000 square feet of which is office space, which is owned by the Company. Also in Springfield, the Company owns and leases some smaller buildings at other locations. In addition, the Company leases office space in suburban Dallas, Texas, and Raleigh, North Carolina, for its claims operations and leases office space in a number of states for its field marketing operations. These properties, which are utilized by all of the Company’s business segments, are adequate and suitable for the Company’s current and anticipated future needs.

 

38


ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings

The Company is not currently party to any material pending legal proceedings other than routine litigation incidental to its business.

 

ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

PART II

 

ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information and Dividends

HMEC’s common stock began trading on the NYSE in November 1991 under the symbol of HMN at a price of $9 per share. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of the common stock on the NYSE Composite Tape and the cash dividends paid per share of common stock during the periods indicated.

 

     Market Price    Dividend
Paid

Fiscal Period

   High    Low   

2008:

        

Fourth Quarter

   $ 14.00    $ 4.00    $ 0.0525

Third Quarter

     17.00      11.95      0.105

Second Quarter

     18.64      14.01      0.105

First Quarter

     19.12      16.08      0.105

2007:

        

Fourth Quarter

   $ 23.23    $ 16.08    $ 0.105

Third Quarter

     22.11      17.61      0.105

Second Quarter

     22.88      20.24      0.105

First Quarter

     22.18      19.21      0.105

The payment of dividends in the future is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors of HMEC and will depend upon general business conditions, legal restrictions and other factors the Board of Directors may deem to be relevant. See also “Business — Cash Flow”.

 

39


Stock Price Performance Graph

The graph below compares cumulative total return* of Horace Mann Educators Corporation, the S&P 500 Insurance Index and the S&P 500 Index. The graph assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2003 in HMEC, the S&P 500 Insurance Index and the S&P 500 Index.

LOGO

 

     12/03    12/04    12/05    12/06    12/07    12/08

HMEC

   $ 100    $ 140    $ 142    $ 155    $ 148    $ 74

S&P 500 Insurance Index

   $ 100    $ 107    $ 122    $ 135    $ 127    $ 54

S&P 500 Index

   $ 100    $ 111    $ 116    $ 134    $ 142    $ 90

 

* The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Insurance Index, as published by Standard and Poor’s Corporation (“S&P”), assume an annual reinvestment of dividends in calculating total return. Horace Mann Educators Corporation assumes reinvestment of dividends when paid.

Holders and Shares Issued

As of February 19, 2009, the approximate number of holders of HMEC’s common stock was 3,000.

During 2008, no stock options were exercised.

The equity compensation plan information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

40


ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data

The information required by Item 301 of Regulation S-K is contained in the table in Item 1 — “Business — Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data”.

 

ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The information required by Item 303 of Regulation S-K is listed on page F-1 of this report.

 

ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The information required by Item 305 of Regulation S-K is contained in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” listed on page F-1 of this report.

 

ITEM 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The Company’s consolidated financial statements, financial statement schedules, the report of its independent registered public accounting firm and the selected quarterly financial data required by Item 302 of Regulation S-K are listed on page F-1 of this report.

 

ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

 

ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures

a.) Management’s Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2008, the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

41


b.) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of Horace Mann is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

  (i) Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;

 

  (ii) Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and

 

  (iii) Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Management of Horace Mann conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, using the criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Based on this evaluation, management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, determined that, as of December 31, 2008, the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting.

c.) Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The information required by Item 308(b) of Regulation S-K is contained in the “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” listed on page F-1 of this report.

d). Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B. Other Information

None.

 

42


PART III

 

ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information required by Items 401, 405, 407(d)(4) and 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Horace Mann Educators Corporation has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and all other employees of the Company. In addition, the Board of Directors of Horace Mann Educators Corporation has adopted the code of ethics for its Board members as it applies to each Board member’s business conduct on behalf of the Company. The code of ethics is posted on the Company’s Web site, www.horacemann.com, under “Investor Relations — Corporate Governance”.

 

ITEM 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by Items 402, 407(e)(4) and 407(e)(5) of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by Items 201(d) and 403 of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by Items 404 and 407(a) of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information required by Item 9(e) of Schedule 14A is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

43


PART IV

 

ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)(1) The following consolidated financial statements of the Company are contained in the Index to Financial Information on Page F-1 of this report:

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007.

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

(a)(2) The following financial statement schedules of the Company are contained in the Index to Financial Information on page F-1 of this report:

Schedule I—Summary of Investments—Other than Investments in Related Parties.

Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant.

Schedules III and VI Combined—Supplementary Insurance Information and Supplemental Information Concerning Property and Casualty Insurance Operations.

Schedule IV—Reinsurance.

(a)(3) The following items are filed as Exhibits. Management contracts and compensatory plans are indicated by an asterisk (*).

 

Exhibit

No.

 

Description

(3) Articles of incorporation and bylaws:
3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of HMEC, filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on June 24, 2003, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on August 14, 2003.
3.2   Form of Certificate for shares of Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share, of HMEC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to HMEC’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 33-53118) filed with the SEC on October 9, 1992.

 

44


Exhibit
No.

 

Description

3.3   Bylaws of HMEC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, filed with the SEC on August 14, 2003.
(4) Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures:
4.1   Indenture, dated as of June 9, 2005, between HMEC and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (formerly JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. was trustee), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to HMEC’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 6, 2005, filed with the SEC on June 9, 2005.
4.1(a)   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 9, 2005, between HMEC and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (formerly JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. was trustee), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to HMEC’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 6, 2005, filed with the SEC on June 9, 2005.
4.1(b)   Form of HMEC 6.05% Senior Notes Due 2015 (included in Exhibit 4.1(a)).
4.1(c)   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 21, 2006, between HMEC and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (formerly JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. was trustee), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to HMEC’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 18, 2006, filed with the SEC on April 21, 2006.
4.1(d)   Form of HMEC 6.85% Senior Notes due April 15, 2016 (included in Exhibit 4.1(c)).
4.2   Certificate of Designations for HMEC Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2006.
(10) Material contracts:
10.1   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 19, 2006 among HMEC, certain financial institutions named therein and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2007.
10.2*   Amended and Restated Horace Mann Educators Corporation Deferred Equity Compensation Plan for Directors.

 

45


Exhibit
No.

 

Description

10.3*   Amended and Restated Horace Mann Educators Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Employees.
10.4*   Amended and Restated Horace Mann Educators Corporation 1991 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2000.
10.4(a)*   Amendment to Amended and Restated Horace Mann Educators Corporation 1991 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(a) to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000, filed with the SEC on August 11, 2000.
10.4(b)*   Specimen Employee Stock Option Agreement under the Horace Mann Educators Corporation 1991 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(a) to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2000.
10.4(c)*   Specimen Director Stock Option Agreement under the Horace Mann Educators Corporation 1991 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(b) to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2000.
10.5*   Horace Mann Educators Corporation 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed with the SEC on March 29, 2002.
10.5(a)*   Specimen Employee Stock Option Agreement under the Horace Mann Educators Corporation 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6(a) to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed with the SEC on March 29, 2002.
10.5(b)*   Specimen Director Stock Option Agreement under the Horace Mann Educators Corporation 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6(b) to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed with the SEC on March 29, 2002.
10.6*   Horace Mann Educators Corporation Amended and Restated 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan (“2002 Incentive Compensation Plan”), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, filed with the SEC on August 9, 2005.

 

46


Exhibit
No.

 

Description

10.6(a)*   Specimen Employee Stock Option Agreement under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(a) to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, filed with the SEC on August 14, 2002.
10.6(b)*   Revised Specimen Employee Stock Option Agreement under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan.
10.6(c)*   Specimen Regular Employee Stock Option Agreement under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(b) to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, filed with the SEC on August 14, 2002.
10.6(d)*   Specimen Director Stock Option Agreement under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(c) to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, filed with the SEC on August 14, 2002.
10.6(e)*   Specimen Employee Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6(d) to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2006.
10.6(f)*   Revised Specimen Employee Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan.
10.6(g)*   Specimen Non-employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6(e) to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2006.
10.6(h)*   Revised Specimen Non-employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan.
10.6(i)*   Specimen Restricted Stock Unit Deferral Election Form under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6(f) to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2006.
10.6(j)*   Revised Specimen Restricted Stock Unit Deferral Election Forms under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan.

 

47


Exhibit
No.

 

Description

10.6(k)*   Specimen Modification to Stock Options outstanding as of June 30, 2004, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(d) to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, filed with the SEC on August 9, 2004.
10.7*   Horace Mann Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan, 2002 Restatement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2002.
10.8*   Horace Mann Executive Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan, 2002 Restatement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2002.
10.9*   Amended and Restated Horace Mann Nonqualified Supplemental Money Purchase Pension Plan.
10.10*   Summary of HMEC Non-Employee Director Compensation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, filed with the SEC on August 8, 2008.
10.11*   Summary of HMEC Named Executive Officer Annualized Salary, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to HMEC’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 10, 2008, filed with the SEC on September 11, 2008.
10.12*   Form of Severance Agreement between HMEC, Horace Mann Service Corporation (“HMSC”) and certain officers of HMEC and/or HMSC.
10.12(a)*   Revised Schedule to Severance Agreements between HMEC, HMSC and certain officers of HMEC and/or HMSC.
10.13*   Form of Change in Control Agreement between HMEC, HMSC and certain officers of HMEC and/or HMSC.
10.13(a)*   Revised Schedule to Change in Control Agreement between HMEC, HMSC and certain officers of HMEC and/or HMSC.
10.14*   Employment Agreement between HMEC and Louis G. Lower II as of December 31, 1999, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2000.
10.14(a)*   Amendment to Employment Agreement between HMEC and Louis G. Lower II as of January 1, 2008.

 

48


Exhibit
No.

 

Description

10.15*   Employment Agreement between HMSC and Stephen P. Cardinal as of November 20, 2008.
10.16*   Waiver and Release Agreement entered by and between HMSC and Frank D’Ambra as of May 21, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended on June 30, 2008, filed with the SEC on August 8, 2008.
(11)   Statement regarding computation of per share earnings.
(12)   Statement regarding computation of ratios.
(21)   Subsidiaries of HMEC.
(23)   Consent of KPMG LLP.
(31)   Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.1   Certification by Louis G. Lower II, Chief Executive Officer of HMEC.
31.2   Certification by Peter H. Heckman, Chief Financial Officer of HMEC.
(32)   Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1   Certification by Louis G. Lower II, Chief Executive Officer of HMEC.
32.2   Certification by Peter H. Heckman, Chief Financial Officer of HMEC.
(99)   Additional exhibits
99.1   Glossary of Selected Terms.
99.2   Updated Numerical Exhibits to the Company’s Earnings Release for the Year Ended December 31, 2008.
(b)   See list of exhibits in this Item 15.
(c)   See list of financial statement schedules in this Item 15.

Copies of Form 10-K, Exhibits to Form 10-K, Horace Mann Educators Corporation’s Code of Ethics and charters of the committees of the Board of Directors are available through the Investor Relations section of the Company’s Internet Web site, www.horacemann.com . Copies also may be obtained by writing to Investor Relations, Horace Mann Educators Corporation, 1 Horace Mann Plaza, C-120, Springfield, Illinois 62715-0001.

 

49


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Horace Mann Educators Corporation has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

/s/    Louis G. Lower II        

Louis G. Lower II
President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of Horace Mann Educators Corporation and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Principal Executive Officer:     Directors:

/s/    Louis G. Lower II

   

/s/    Joseph J. Melone

Louis G. Lower II     Joseph J. Melone, Chairman of the
President,     Board of Directors
Chief Executive Officer and a Director    
   

/s/    Mary H. Futrell

    Mary H. Futrell, Director
Principal Financial Officer:    

/s/    Stephen J. Hasenmiller

    Stephen J. Hasenmiller, Director

/s/    Peter H. Heckman

   

/s/    Jeffrey L. Morby

Peter H. Heckman     Jeffrey L. Morby, Director
Executive Vice President and    
Chief Financial Officer    
   

/s/    Charles A. Parker

    Charles A. Parker, Director
Principal Accounting Officer:    

/s/    Gabriel L. Shaheen

    Gabriel L. Shaheen, Director

/s/    Bret A. Conklin

   

/s/    Roger J. Steinbecker

Bret A. Conklin     Roger J. Steinbecker, Director
Senior Vice President and Controller    
   

/s/    Charles R. Wright

    Charles R. Wright, Director

Dated: March 2, 2009

 

50


HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

INDEX TO FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

     Page

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   F-  2

Report of Management Responsibility for Financial Statements

   F-42

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-43

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   F-45

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   F-46

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

   F-47

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   F-48

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

   F-49

Note 2 - Investments

   F-64

Note 3 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments

   F-70

Note 4 - Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses

   F-74

Note 5 - Debt

   F-78

Note 6 - Shareholders’ Equity and Stock Options

   F-81

Note 7 - Income Taxes

   F-84

Note 8 - Statutory Surplus and Subsidiary Dividend Restrictions

   F-87

Note 9 - Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

   F-88

Note 10 - Catastrophes and Reinsurance

   F-96

Note 11 - Contingencies and Commitments

   F-98

Note 12 - Supplementary Data on Cash Flows

   F-99

Note 13 - Segment Information

   F-99

Note 14 - Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Data

   F-101

Financial Statement Schedules:

  

Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other than Investments in Related Parties

   F-102

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

   F-103

Schedule III and VI Combined - Supplementary Insurance Information and Supplemental Information Concerning Property and Casualty Insurance Operations

   F-107

Schedule IV - Reinsurance

   F-108

 

F-1


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

Forward-looking Information

Statements made in the following discussion that state the Company’s or management’s intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions of future events or the Company’s future financial performance are forward-looking statements and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Horace Mann is not under any obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. It is important to note that the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements due to, among other risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company’s business, the following important factors:

 

   

Changes in the composition of the Company’s assets and liabilities which may result from occurrences such as acquisitions, divestitures, impairment in asset values or changes in estimates of insurance reserves.

 

   

Fluctuations in the fair value of securities in the Company’s investment portfolio and the related after-tax effect on the Company’s shareholders’ equity and total capital through either realized or unrealized investment losses, as well as the potential impact on the ability of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries to distribute cash to the holding company and/or need for the holding company to make capital contributions to the insurance subsidiaries. In addition, the impact of fluctuations in the financial markets on the Company’s defined benefit pension plan assets and the related after-tax effect on the Company’s operating expenses, shareholders’ equity and total capital.

 

   

The impact of fluctuations in the financial markets on the Company’s variable annuity fee revenues, valuations of deferred policy acquisition costs, and the level of guaranteed minimum death benefit reserves.

 

   

The impact of fluctuations in the capital markets on the Company’s ability to refinance outstanding indebtedness or repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

   

Defaults on interest or dividend payments in the Company’s investment portfolio due to credit issues and the resulting impact on investment income.

 

   

Prevailing interest rate levels, including the impact of interest rates on (1) unrealized gains and losses in the Company’s investment portfolio and the related after-tax effect on the Company’s shareholders’ equity and total capital, (2) the book yield of the Company’s investment portfolio, (3) the Company’s ability to maintain appropriate interest rate spreads over the fixed rates guaranteed in the Company’s life and annuity products and (4) valuations of deferred policy acquisition costs.

 

   

The cyclicality of the insurance industry and the related effects of changes in price competition and industry-wide underwriting results.

 

F-2


   

The frequency and severity of catastrophes such as hurricanes, earthquakes, storms and wildfires and the ability of the Company to provide accurate estimates of ultimate catastrophe costs in its consolidated financial statements in light of such factors as: the proximity of the catastrophe occurrence date to the date of the consolidated financial statements; potential inflation of property repair costs in the affected area; the occurrence of multiple catastrophes in a geographic area over a relatively short period of time; the outcome of litigation which may be filed against the Company by policyholders, state attorneys general and other parties relative to loss coverage disputes and loss settlement payments; and the ability of state insurance facilities to assess participating insurers when financial deficits occur.

 

   

The Company’s risk exposure to catastrophe-prone areas. Based on full year 2008 property and casualty direct earned premiums, the Company’s ten largest states represented 58% of the segment total. Included in this top ten group are certain states which are considered more prone to catastrophe occurrences: Florida, California, North Carolina, Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina and Georgia.

 

   

The potential near-term, adverse impact of underwriting actions to mitigate the Company’s risk exposure to catastrophe-prone areas on premium, policy and earnings growth.

 

   

The ability of the Company to maintain a favorable catastrophe reinsurance program considering both availability and cost; and the collectibility of reinsurance receivables.

 

   

Adverse development of property and casualty loss and loss adjustment expense reserve experience and its impact on estimated claims and claim settlement expenses for losses occurring in prior years.

 

   

Adverse changes in market appreciation, interest spreads, business persistency and policyholder mortality and morbidity rates and the resulting impact on both estimated reserves and the valuations of deferred policy acquisition costs.

 

   

Changes in insurance regulations, including (1) those affecting the ability of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries to distribute cash to the holding company and (2) those impacting the Company’s ability to profitably write property and casualty insurance policies in one or more states.

 

   

Changes in federal income tax laws and changes resulting from federal tax audits affecting corporate tax rates or taxable income.

 

   

Changes in federal and state laws and regulations, which affect the relative tax and other advantages of the Company’s life and annuity products to customers, including, but not limited to, changes in IRS regulations governing Section 403(b) plans.

 

   

The resolution of legal proceedings and related matters including the potential adverse impact on the Company’s reputation and charges against the Company’s earnings resulting from legal defense costs, a settlement agreement and/or an adverse finding or findings against the Company from the proceedings.

 

   

The Company’s ability to maintain favorable claims-paying ability ratings.

 

   

The Company’s ability to maintain favorable financial strength and debt ratings.

 

   

The Company’s ability to profitably expand its property and casualty business in highly competitive environments.

 

   

The competitive impact of the new Section 403(b) tax-qualified annuity regulations, including (1) their potential to lead plan sponsors to restrict the number of providers and (2) the possible entry into the 403(b) market of larger competitors experienced in 401(k) plans.

 

F-3


   

The Company’s ability to develop and expand its marketing operations, including agents and other points of distribution, as well as the Company’s ability to maintain and secure sponsorships by local, state and national education associations.

 

   

The Company’s dated and complex information systems, which are difficult to upgrade and more prone to error than advanced technology systems.

 

   

Disruptions of the general business climate, investments, capital markets and consumer attitudes caused by pandemics or geopolitical acts such as terrorism, war or other similar events.

Executive Summary

Horace Mann Educators Corporation (“HMEC”; and together with its subsidiaries, the “Company” or “Horace Mann”) is an insurance holding company. Through its subsidiaries, HMEC markets and underwrites personal lines of property and casualty insurance, retirement annuities and life insurance in the U.S. The Company markets its products primarily to K-12 teachers, administrators and other employees of public schools and their families.

For 2008, the Company’s net income of $10.9 million represented a decrease of $71.9 million compared to 2007, including a $39.3 million reduction in after-tax net realized investment gains and losses. Catastrophe costs increased $32.8 million after tax and non-catastrophe weather-related losses also increased compared to the prior year. In addition, compared to 2007, net income in the current year was negatively impacted by $1.2 million due to a modestly reduced level of favorable prior years’ property and casualty reserve development. Including all factors, the property and casualty combined ratio was 100.7% for 2008 compared to 91.9% for 2007. As described in “Results of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2008 — Income Tax Expense (Benefit)”, the current year net income benefited by $4.2 million as a result of the completion of Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) examinations. Annuity segment net income decreased slightly compared to 2007, due to a decline in contract charges and fees nearly offset by a federal income tax benefit. On a pretax basis for the annuity segment, current year improvements in the interest margin were offset by the adverse impact of the financial markets on the level of contract charges earned, the valuation of deferred policy acquisition costs and the Company’s guaranteed minimum death benefit reserve. Life segment net income decreased $0.9 million, or 5%, compared to a year earlier, as growth in earned premium and investment income was more than offset by higher mortality costs.

Premiums written and contract deposits declined a modest 1% compared to 2007 primarily reflecting the expected decrease in single premium annuity deposit receipts in 2008. For 2008, reduced costs associated with the Company’s property and casualty catastrophe reinsurance program represented a $6.9 million increase in premiums written compared to 2007. New automobile sales units in 2008 were 7% less than 2007, with quarterly sales improving sequentially throughout the year. The 2008 sales decrease was somewhat offset by favorable policy retention, resulting in voluntary automobile policies in force equal to December 31, 2007. However, automobile policies of educators increased 2% compared to a year earlier. Annuity contract deposits for 2008 decreased 8% compared to a year earlier, and life segment insurance premiums and contract deposits were comparable to the prior year.

 

F-4


Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions based on information available at the time the consolidated financial statements are prepared. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of the Company’s consolidated assets, liabilities, shareholders’ equity and net income. Certain accounting estimates are particularly sensitive because of their significance to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and because of the possibility that subsequent events and available information may differ markedly from management’s judgements at the time the consolidated financial statements were prepared. Management has discussed with the Audit Committee the quality, not just the acceptability, of the Company’s accounting principles as applied in its financial reporting. The discussions generally included such matters as the consistency of the Company’s accounting policies and their application, and the clarity and completeness of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which include related disclosures. For the Company, the areas most subject to significant management judgements include: liabilities for property and casualty claims and claim settlement expenses, liabilities for future policy benefits, deferred policy acquisition costs for annuity and interest-sensitive life products, fair value measurements, other-than-temporary impairment of investments, goodwill, deferred taxes and valuation of assets and liabilities related to the defined benefit pension plan.

Liabilities for Property and Casualty Claims and Claim Settlement Expenses

Underwriting results of the property and casualty segment are significantly influenced by estimates of the Company’s ultimate liability for insured events. There is a high degree of uncertainty inherent in the estimates of ultimate losses underlying the liability for unpaid claims and claim settlement expenses. This inherent uncertainty is particularly significant for liability-related exposures due to the extended period, often many years, that transpires between a loss event, receipt of related claims data from policyholders and ultimate settlement of the claim. Reserves for property and casualty claims include provisions for payments to be made on reported claims (“case reserves”), claims incurred but not yet reported (“IBNR”) and associated settlement expenses (together, “loss reserves”). The process by which these reserves are established requires reliance upon estimates based on known facts and on interpretations of circumstances, including the Company’s experience with similar cases and historical trends involving claim payments and related patterns, pending levels of unpaid claims and product mix, as well as other factors including court decisions, economic conditions and public attitudes.

Reserves are reestimated quarterly. Changes to reserves are recorded in the period in which development factor changes result in reserve reestimates. Detailed discussion of the process utilized to estimate loss reserves, risk factors considered and the impact of adjustments recorded during recent years is included in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 4 — Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses” listed on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Due to the nature of the Company’s personal lines business, the Company has no exposure to claims for toxic waste cleanup, other environmental remediation or asbestos-related illnesses other than claims under homeowners insurance policies for environmentally related items such as mold.

 

F-5


Based on the Company’s products and coverages, historical experience, and modeling of various actuarial methodologies used to develop reserve estimates, the Company estimates that the potential variability of the property and casualty loss reserves within a reasonable probability of other possible outcomes may be approximately plus or minus 6%, which equates to plus or minus approximately $12 million of net income based on reserves as of December 31, 2008. Although this evaluation reflects the most likely outcomes, it is possible the final outcome may fall below or above these estimates.

There are a number of assumptions involved in the determination of the Company’s property and casualty loss reserves. Among the key factors affecting recorded loss reserves for both long-tail and short-tail related coverages, claim severity and claim frequency are of particular significance. Management estimates that a 2% change in claim severity or claim frequency for the most recent 36-month period is a reasonably likely scenario based on recent experience and would result in a change in the estimated loss reserves of between $6.0 million and $10.0 million for long-tail liability related exposures (automobile liability coverages) and between $3.0 million and $4.0 million for short-tail liability related exposures (homeowners and automobile physical damage coverages). Actual results may differ, depending on the magnitude and direction of the deviation.

The Company’s loss and loss adjustment expense actuarial analysis is discussed with management. As part of this discussion, the indicated point estimate of the IBNR loss reserve by line of business (coverage) is reviewed. The Company actuaries also discuss any indicated changes to the underlying assumptions used to calculate the indicated point estimate. Review of the variance between the indicated reserves from these changes in assumptions and the previously carried reserves takes place. After discussion of these analyses and all relevant risk factors, management determines whether the reserve balances require adjustment. The Company’s best estimate of loss reserves may change depending on a revision in the underlying assumptions.

The Company’s liabilities for property and casualty unpaid claims and claim settlement expenses were as follows:

 

     December 31, 2008    December 31, 2007
     Case
Reserves
   IBNR
Reserves
   Total (1)    Case
Reserves
   IBNR
Reserves
   Total (1)

Automobile liability

   $ 70.3    $ 129.5    $ 199.8    $ 77.3    $ 135.4    $ 212.7

Automobile other

     6.1      1.6      7.7      6.7      0.8      7.5

Homeowners

     15.1      46.6      61.7      14.0      36.2      50.2

All other

     3.9      24.7      28.6      3.5      32.3      35.8
                                         

Total

   $ 95.4    $ 202.4    $ 297.8    $ 101.5    $ 204.7    $ 306.2
                                         

 

(1) These amounts are gross, before reduction for ceded reinsurance reserves.

The facts and circumstances leading to the Company’s reestimate of reserves relate to revisions of the development factors used to predict how losses are likely to develop from the end of a reporting period until all claims have been paid. Reestimates occur because actual loss amounts are different than those predicted by the estimated development factors used in prior reserve estimates. At December 31, 2008, the impact of a reserve reestimation resulting in a 1% increase in net reserves would be a decrease of approximately $2 million in net income. A reserve reestimation resulting in a 1% decrease in net reserves would increase net income by approximately $2 million.

 

F-6


Favorable reserve reestimates increased net income in 2008 by approximately $11.8 million, primarily the result of favorable frequency and severity trends in voluntary automobile loss and loss adjustment expense emergence for accident years 2005 and prior. The lower than expected claims and expense emergence and resultant lower expected loss ratios caused the Company to lower its reserve estimate.

Information regarding the Company’s property and casualty claims and claims settlement expense reserve development table as of December 31, 2008 is located in “Business — Property and Casualty Segment — Property and Casualty Reserves”. Information regarding property and casualty reserve reestimates for each of the three years ended December 31, 2008 is located in “Results of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2008 — Benefits, Claims and Settlement Expenses”.

Liabilities for Future Policy Benefits

Liabilities for future benefits on life and annuity policies are established in amounts adequate to meet the estimated future obligations on policies in force. Liabilities for future policy benefits on certain life insurance policies are computed using the net level premium method and are based on assumptions as to future investment yield, mortality and withdrawals. Mortality and withdrawal assumptions for all policies have been based on actuarial tables which are consistent with the Company’s own experience. In the event actual experience is worse than the assumptions, additional reserves may be required. This would result in a charge to income for the period in which the increase in reserves occurred. Liabilities for future benefits on annuity contracts and certain long-duration life insurance contracts are carried at accumulated policyholder values without reduction for potential surrender or withdrawal charges.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs for Annuity and Interest-sensitive Life Products

Policy acquisition costs, consisting of commissions, policy issuance and other costs, which vary with and are primarily related to the production of business, are capitalized and amortized on a basis consistent with the type of insurance coverage. For all investment (annuity) contracts, acquisition costs are amortized over 20 years in proportion to estimated gross profits. Capitalized acquisition costs for interest-sensitive life contracts are also amortized over 20 years in proportion to estimated gross profits.

The most significant assumptions that are involved in the estimation of annuity gross profits include interest rate spreads, future financial market performance, business surrender/lapse rates, expenses and the impact of realized investment gains and losses. For the variable deposit portion of the annuity segment, the Company amortizes policy acquisition costs utilizing a future financial market performance assumption of a 10% reversion to the mean approach with a 200 basis point corridor around the mean during the reversion period, representing a cap and a floor on the Company’s assumed long-term assumption. The Company’s practice with regard to returns on separate accounts assumes that long-term appreciation in equity markets is not changed by short-term market fluctuations, but is only changed when sustained interim deviations are experienced. The Company monitors these changes and only changes the assumption when its long-term expectation changes. The effect of an increase/(decrease) by 100 basis points in the assumed future rate of return is reasonably likely to result in a decrease/(increase) in the deferred policy acquisition costs balance of approximately $1 million. At December 31, 2008, the ratio of capitalized annuity policy acquisition costs to the total annuity accumulated cash value was approximately 6%.

 

F-7


In the event actual experience differs significantly from assumptions or assumptions are significantly revised, the Company may be required to record a material charge or credit to amortization expense for the period in which the adjustment is made. As noted above, there are key assumptions involved in the valuation of capitalized policy acquisition costs. In terms of the sensitivity of this amortization to two of the more significant assumptions, assuming all other assumptions are met, (1) a 10 basis point deviation in the annual targeted interest rate spread assumption would currently impact amortization between $0.10 million and $0.20 million and (2) a 1% deviation from the targeted financial market performance for the underlying mutual funds of the Company’s variable annuities would currently impact amortization between $0.15 million and $0.25 million. These results may change depending on the magnitude and direction of the deviations but represent a range of reasonably likely experience for the noted assumptions. Detailed discussion of the impact of adjustments to the amortization of capitalized acquisition costs is included in “Results of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2008 — Amortization of Policy Acquisition Expenses and Intangible Assets”.

Fair Value Measurements

As discussed in “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 3 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments”, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, effective January 1, 2008. SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value that includes a hierarchy used to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

Level 1   Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities include debt and equity securities (both common stock and preferred stock) that are traded in an active exchange market, as well as U.S. Treasury securities.
Level 2   Unadjusted observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for the assets or liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments. This category generally includes certain U.S. Government, agency mortgage-backed debt securities, non-agency structured securities, corporate debt securities and preferred stocks.
Level 3   Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. This category generally includes certain private debt and equity investments.

 

F-8


The following table presents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2008. At December 31, 2008, Level 3 assets comprised approximately 0.8% of the Company’s total investment portfolio fair value.

 

          Fair Value Measurements at
Reporting Date Using
     Fair
Value
   Level 1    Level 2    Level 3

Financial Assets

           

Investments

           

Fixed maturities

   $ 3,485.3    $ 49.1    $ 3,405.7    $ 30.5

Equity securities

     61.6      31.7      29.5      0.4

Short-term investments (1)

     245.7      244.6      1.1      —  
                           

Total

   $ 3,792.6    $ 325.4    $ 3,436.3    $ 30.9
                           

Separate Account (variable annuity) assets

   $ 965.2    $ 965.2      —        —  

 

(1) Short-term investments are included in Short-term and Other Investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Inputs to fair value measurements are provided only for those investments carried at fair value.

Valuation of Investments

Fair values for the Company’s fixed maturity securities are based on prices provided by its investment managers and its custodian bank. Both the investment managers and the custodian bank use a variety of independent, nationally recognized pricing sources to determine market valuations. Each designate specific pricing services or indexes for each sector of the market based upon the provider’s expertise. Typical inputs used by these pricing sources include, but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, and/or estimated cash flows and prepayment speeds. When the pricing sources cannot provide fair value determinations, the Company obtains non-binding price quotes from broker-dealers. The broker-dealers’ valuation methodology is sometimes matrix-based, using indicative evaluation measures and adjustments for specific security characteristics and market sentiment. The Company analyzes market valuations received to verify reasonableness, to understand the key assumptions used and their sources, to conclude the prices obtained are appropriate, and to determine an appropriate SFAS No. 157 fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs. Based on this evaluation and investment class analysis, each price is classified into Level 1, 2 or 3. The Company has in place certain control processes to determine the reasonableness of the financial asset fair values. These processes are designed to ensure the values received are accurately recorded and that the data inputs and valuation techniques utilized are appropriate, consistently applied, and that the assumptions are reasonable and consistent with the objective of determining fair value. For example, on a continuing basis, the Company assesses the reasonableness of individual security values received from pricing sources that vary from certain thresholds. Historically, the control processes have not resulted in adjustments to the valuation provided by pricing sources. The Company’s fixed maturity securities portfolio is primarily publicly traded, which allows for a high percentage of the portfolio to be priced through pricing services. Approximately 94% of the portfolio was priced through pricing services or index priced as of December 31, 2008. The remainder of the portfolio was priced by broker-dealers, and these inputs were generally Level 2. There were no significant changes to the valuation process during 2008.

 

F-9


Fair values of equity securities have been determined by the Company from observable market quotations, when available. Private placement securities and equity securities where a public quotation is not available are valued by using non-binding broker quotes or through the use of internal models or analysis. These inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and are believed to be consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such securities.

Short-term investments are comprised of short-term fixed income securities. Because of the nature of these assets, carrying amounts approximate fair values, which have been determined from public quotations, when available.

Separate Account assets represent variable annuity contractholder funds invested in various mutual funds. Fair values of these assets have been determined from public quotations.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Investments

The Company’s methodology of assessing other-than-temporary impairments is based on security-specific facts and circumstances as of the date of the reporting period. Based on these facts, if management believes it is probable that amounts due will not be collected according to the contractual terms of a debt security, or if the Company does not have the ability and intent to hold a debt or equity security with an unrealized loss until it matures or recovers in value, an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred. As a general rule, if the fair value of a debt security has fallen below 80% of book value, this security will be reviewed for an other-than-temporary impairment. Also as a general rule, if the fair value of an equity security has declined below cost, this security will be reviewed for an other-than-temporary impairment including an assessment of whether recovery in fair value is likely to occur within a reasonable period of time. Additionally, if events become known that call into question whether the security issuer has the ability to honor its contractual commitments, whether or not such security has been trading above an 80% fair value to book value relationship, such security holding will be evaluated to determine whether or not such security has suffered an other-than-temporary decline in value.

The Company reviews the fair value of all investments in its portfolio on a monthly basis to assess whether an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred. These reviews, in conjunction with the Company’s investment managers’ monthly credit reports and relevant factors such as (1) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (2) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost for fixed maturity securities or cost for equity securities, (3) the Company’s ability and intent to retain the investment long enough to allow for the anticipated recovery in fair value or until it matures, (4) the stock price trend of the issuer, (5) the market leadership position of the issuer, (6) the debt ratings of the issuer, (7) the cash flows of the issuer or the underlying cash flows for asset-backed securities and (8) a near-term recovery period for equity securities, are all considered in the impairment assessment. A write-down of an investment is recorded when a decline in the fair value of that investment is deemed to be other-than-temporary, with a realized investment loss charged to income for the period.

 

F-10


With respect to fixed income securities involving securitized financial assets — primarily asset backed and commercial mortgage backed securities in the Company’s portfolio — which fall under the provisions of Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 99-20, “Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased Beneficial Interests and Beneficial Interests that Continue to be Held by a Transferor in Securitized Financial Assets”, all of the Company’s securitized financial assets fair values are determined by observable inputs. In addition, the securitized financial asset securities’ underlying collateral cash flows were stress tested to determine there was no adverse change in the expected cash flows.

The Company’s intent and ability to hold securities requires the Company to consider at each accounting period end its broad portfolio management objectives such as asset/liability duration management, issuer and industry segment exposures, interest rate views and the overall total return focus. In following these portfolio management objectives, changes in facts and circumstances that were present in past reporting periods may trigger a decision to sell securities that were held in prior reporting periods. The Company attempts to anticipate these types of changes and if a sale decision has been made on an impaired security and that security is not expected to recover prior to the expected time of sale, the security will be deemed other-than-temporarily impaired in the period that the sale decision was made and an other-than-temporary impairment loss will be recognized.

A decline in fair value below amortized cost is not assumed to be other-than-temporary for fixed maturity investments with unrealized losses due to changes in interest rates, spread widening or market illiquidity where there exists a reasonable expectation based on the Company’s consideration of all objective information available that the Company will recover all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security and the Company has the intent and ability to hold the investment until maturity or a market recovery is realized. An other-than-temporary impairment loss will be recognized based upon all relevant facts and circumstances for each investment, as appropriate.

Goodwill

Financial Accounting Standards Board SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, requires that goodwill balances be reviewed for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would indicate that a triggering event, as defined in SFAS No. 142, has occurred. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. The Company’s reporting units, for which goodwill has been allocated, are equivalent to the Company’s operating segments.

The goodwill impairment test follows a two step process as defined in SFAS No. 142. In the first step, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the impairment test is performed for purposes of measuring the impairment. In the second step, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit to determine an implied goodwill value. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied goodwill value, an impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, and the charge could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial position.

 

F-11


Management’s determination of the fair value of each reporting unit incorporates multiple inputs including discounted cash flow calculations, the level of the Company’s own share price and assumptions that market participants would make in valuing the reporting unit. Other assumptions include levels of economic capital, future business growth, earnings projections, assets under management for reporting units and the discount rate utilized.

The Company completed its annual goodwill assessment for the individual reporting units as of December 31, 2008. The conclusion reached as a result of the annual goodwill impairment testing was that the fair value of each reporting unit, for which goodwill had been allocated, was in excess of the respective reporting unit’s carrying value, and therefore determined not to be impaired.

As part of the Company’s goodwill analysis, the Company compared the fair value of the aggregated reporting units to the market capitalization of the Company using the December 31, 2008 common stock price. The difference between the aggregated fair value of the reporting units and the market capitalization of the Company was attributed to transaction premium. The amount of the transaction premium was determined to be reasonable based on recent insurance transactions and specific facts and circumstances related to the Company.

If current market conditions persist during 2009, in particular if the Company’s share price remains below book value per share, or if the Company’s actions to limit risk associated with its products or investments causes a significant change in any one reporting unit’s fair value, the Company may need to reassess goodwill impairment at the end of each quarter as part of an interim impairment test. Subsequent reviews of goodwill could result in an impairment of goodwill during 2009.

Deferred Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the tax effect of the differences between the financial statement carrying value of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. In accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, the Company evaluates deferred tax assets periodically to determine if they are realizable. Factors in the determination include the performance of the business including the ability to generate capital gains from a variety of sources and tax planning strategies. If, based on available information, it is more likely than not that the deferred income tax asset will not be realized, then a valuation allowance must be established with a corresponding charge to net income.

If current market conditions persist during 2009, a deferred tax asset valuation allowance may be necessary. Charges to establish a valuation allowance could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial position.

Valuation of Assets and Liabilities Related to the Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Effective April 1, 2002, participants stopped accruing benefits under the defined benefit pension plan but continue to retain the benefits they had accrued to that date.

The Company’s cost estimates for its defined benefit pension plan are determined annually based on assumptions which include the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, anticipated retirement rate and estimated lump sum distributions. A discount rate of 6.27% was used by the Company for estimating accumulated benefits under the plan at December 31, 2008, which was based on the average yield for long-term, high grade securities

 

F-12


having maturities generally consistent with the defined benefit pension payout period. To set its discount rate, the Company looks to leading indicators, including the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve. The expected annual return on plan assets assumed by the Company at December 31, 2008 was 7.5%. The assumption for the long-term rate of return on plan assets was determined by considering actual investment experience during the lifetime of the plan, balanced with reasonable expectations of future growth considering the various classes of assets and percentage allocation for each asset class. Management believes that it has adopted reasonable assumptions for investment returns, discount rates and other key factors used in the estimation of pension costs and asset values.

To the extent that actual experience differs from the Company’s assumptions, subsequent adjustments may be required, with the effects of those adjustments charged or credited to income and/or shareholders’ equity for the period in which the adjustments are made. Generally, a change of 50 basis points in the discount rate would inversely impact pension expense and accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by approximately $0.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively. In addition, for every $1 million increase (decrease) in the value of pension plan assets, there is a comparable increase (decrease) in AOCI.

Results of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2008

Insurance Premiums and Contract Charges

Insurance Premiums Written and Contract Deposits

(Includes annuity and life contract deposits)

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
   Change From
Prior Year
    Year Ended
December 31,
     2008    2007    Percent     Amount     2006

Property & casualty

            

Automobile and property (voluntary)

   $ 542.2    $ 530.6    2.2 %   $ 11.6     $ 526.6

Involuntary and other property & casualty

     3.7      4.6    -19.6 %     (0.9 )     13.2
                              

Total property & casualty

     545.9      535.2    2.0 %     10.7       539.8

Annuity deposits

     311.7      337.1    -7.5 %     (25.4 )     325.7

Life

     102.5      102.4    0.1 %     0.1       103.9
                              

Total

   $ 960.1    $ 974.7    -1.5 %   $ (14.6 )   $ 969.4
                              

Insurance Premiums and Contract Charges Earned

(Excludes annuity and life contract deposits)

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
   Change From
Prior Year
    Year Ended
December 31,
     2008    2007    Percent     Amount     2006

Property & casualty

            

Automobile and property (voluntary)

   $ 537.8    $ 525.1    2.4 %   $ 12.7     $ 525.0

Involuntary and other property & casualty

     3.3      10.0    -67.0 %     (6.7 )     12.7
                              

Total property & casualty

     541.1      535.1    1.1 %     6.0       537.7

Annuity

     17.7      21.8    -18.8 %     (4.1 )     19.7

Life

     99.7      97.4    2.4 %     2.3       96.5
                              

Total

   $ 658.5    $ 654.3    0.6 %   $ 4.2     $ 653.9
                              

 

F-13


For 2008, the Company’s premiums written and contract deposits decreased 1.5% compared to 2007, largely due to decreases in single premium annuity deposit receipts in 2008. The reduced costs associated with the Company’s property and casualty catastrophe reinsurance program, as described below, represented a $6.9 million increase to premiums for 2008. For 2007, the Company’s premiums written and contract deposits increased 0.5% compared to 2006, primarily reflecting growth in annuity deposits received partially offset by the decrease in other property and casualty premiums as described below. The additional costs associated with the Company’s property and casualty catastrophe reinsurance program represented a $2.3 million decrease to premiums for 2007. Voluntary property and casualty business represents policies sold through the Company’s marketing organization and issued under the Company’s underwriting guidelines. Involuntary property and casualty business consists of allocations of business from state mandatory insurance facilities and assigned risk business.

The Company’s dedicated agency force totaled 670 at December 31, 2008, reflecting a decrease of 15.2% compared to 790 at December 31, 2007. At December 31, 2006, the Company had 848 agents. Of the current period-end total, 146 agents were in their first 24 months with the Company, down 33.9% compared to December 31, 2007. The number of experienced agents in the agent force, 524, decreased 7.9% compared to a year earlier. In addition to agents, the Company’s total points of distribution include licensed producers who work with the agents. At December 31, 2008, there were 394 licensed producers, compared to 253 at December 31, 2007 and 117 at December 31, 2006. Including these licensed producers, the Company’s total points of distribution increased to 1,064 at December 31, 2008, a growth of 2.0% compared to 12 months earlier. At the time of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, management anticipates that over the next several quarters the agent count will continue to decline modestly during the Company’s continued transition to its Agency Business Model and Exclusive Agent agreement, with an increase in total points of distribution resulting from the growing number of licensed producers supporting agents who adopt the new model.

In 2006, the Company began the transition from a single-person agent operation to its Agency Business Model, with agents in outside offices with support personnel and licensed producers, designed to remove capacity constraints and increase productivity. Building on the foundation of the Agency Business Model, in the fourth quarter of 2008 the Company introduced its Exclusive Agent (“EA”) agreement which is designed to place agents in the position to become business owners and invest their own capital to grow their agencies. By January 1, 2009, the first 71 individuals migrated from being employee agents to functioning as independent Exclusive Agents. See additional description in “Business — Corporate Strategy and Marketing — Dedicated Agency Force”.

In 2008, total new automobile sales units were 6.8% less than the prior year, including a 9.2% decrease in true new automobile sales units. New homeowners sales units decreased 5.6% compared to 2007. For the Company, as well as other personal lines property and casualty companies, new business levels have been impacted by the economy and the decreases in automobile and home sales. Annuity new business declined 9.5% compared to 2007, primarily due to a decline in single premium and rollover deposits, particularly from the independent agent distribution channel, somewhat mitigated by new business growth in the Company’s core scheduled deposit business from the Company’s dedicated agents. The decline in single premium and rollover deposits was expected during the transition to the new IRS regulations governing section 403(b) plans. Life new business decreased 17.7% compared to 2007 primarily reflecting reduced sales of partner company products. For 2008, total new business sales decreased 10.0% compared to a year earlier. In total, dedicated

 

F-14


agent sales for 2008 decreased 6.5% compared to 2007, reflecting the lower number of agents in the current period. Average overall productivity per agent increased moderately compared to 2007. Compared to 2007, average productivity of the 245 agents who had completed the Agency Business School (“ABS”) training continued to exceed their non-ABS counterparts in the Company’s lead voluntary automobile and annuity lines of business. Average agent productivity is measured as new sales premiums from the dedicated agent force per the average number of dedicated agents for the period.

Total voluntary automobile and homeowners premium written increased 2.2%, or $11.6 million, in 2008, including the $6.9 million reduction in the cost of catastrophe reinsurance which reflected the elimination of the catastrophe aggregate reinsurance coverage as well as favorable pricing on the remaining coverages for 2008. The automobile and homeowners average written premium per policy each increased compared to 2007 with the change in average premium for both lines moderated by the improved quality of the books of business. For 2008, approved rate increases for the Company’s automobile and homeowners business were minimal, similar to rate actions in 2007. At December 31, 2008, there were 535,000 voluntary automobile and 263,000 homeowners policies in force, for a total of 798,000 policies, compared to a total of 801,000 policies at December 31, 2007 and 799,000 policies at December 31, 2006.

Based on policies in force, the voluntary automobile 6-month retention rate for new and renewal policies was 91.1% at December 31, 2008 compared to 91.0% at December 31, 2007 and 90.5% at December 31, 2006. The property 12-month new and renewal policy retention rate was 88.6% at December 31, 2008 compared to 88.3% a year earlier and 87.4% at December 31, 2006.

Voluntary automobile premium written increased 0.7% ($2.5 million) compared to 2007. In 2007, voluntary automobile premium written decreased 0.7% ($2.7 million) compared to 2006. In 2008, automobile average written premium per policy and average earned premium per policy increased modestly, while policies in force were equal to December 31, 2007. In 2007, the growth in automobile policies in force offset approximately one-half of the decline in premiums written attributable to the decrease in average written premium per policy. Average written premium per policy and average earned premium per policy both decreased 3% compared to 2006. Automobile policies in force at December 31, 2008 were equal to December 31, 2007 which had increased by 2,000 compared to December 31, 2006. Educator policies increased throughout the periods.

Voluntary homeowners premium written increased 5.5% ($9.1 million) compared to 2007 including the lower amount of catastrophe reinsurance premiums described above. In 2007, voluntary homeowners premium written increased 4.2% ($6.7 million) compared to 2006 including the higher amount of catastrophe reinsurance premiums described above. Homeowners average written premium per policy increased 3% in 2008 and 6% in 2007, while average earned premium per policy increased 5% in 2008 and 4% in 2007. Homeowners policies in force at December 31, 2008 decreased 3,000 compared to December 31, 2007, as growth in the number of educator policies was offset by expected reductions, primarily in non-educator policies, due to the Company’s risk mitigation programs, including actions in catastrophe-prone coastal areas. The Company continues to evaluate and implement actions to further mitigate its risk exposure in hurricane-prone areas. Such actions could include, but

 

F-15


are not limited to, non-renewal of homeowners policies, restricted agent geographic placement, limitations on agent new business sales, further tightening of underwriting standards and increased utilization of third-party vendor marketing alliances. Homeowners policies in force at December 31, 2007 were equal to a year earlier.

Prior to 2008, the primary component of involuntary and other property and casualty earned premiums, which represented less than 2% of total property and casualty premiums for full year 2007, had been educator excess professional liability insurance purchased by the National Education Association (“NEA”) for all of its members. The NEA’s five-year contract to purchase this insurance from the Company expired on August 31, 2007 and represented approximately $8.6 million of premiums written in 2006, with 1/2, or approximately $0.7 million, of that premium earned each month during the September 2006 through August 2007 coverage period. The Company’s underwriting results from educator excess professional liability insurance have generally represented amounts which were not a material portion of net income for the Company or for the property and casualty segment. The other significant component of involuntary and other property and casualty premiums is automobile business assumed from state mandatory insurance facilities and in 2008 this component decreased approximately $1.9 million compared to 2007.

Annuity deposits received decreased 7.5% in 2008 and increased 3.5% in 2007, compared to the respective prior years. In 2008, scheduled annuity deposits decreased 3.7% compared to the prior year while single premium and rollover deposits decreased 14.2%, impacted by the industry-wide effect on 403(b) transfers of the transition to the new Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Section 403(b) regulations and also the 2008 level of new single premium deposits from the independent agent distribution channel. In 2008, new deposits to variable accounts decreased 10.3%, or $15.5 million, and new deposits to fixed accounts decreased 5.3%, or $9.9 million, compared to the prior year. In 2007, new deposits to variable accounts increased 8.2%, or $11.4 million, while new deposits to fixed accounts were equal to the prior year. In addition to external contractholder deposits, annuity new deposits include contributions and transfers for the 401(k) group annuity contract by the Company’s employees.

The Company utilizes a nationwide network of independent agents who comprise a supplemental distribution channel for the Company’s 403(b) tax-qualified annuity products. The independent agent distribution channel included 1,108 authorized agents at December 31, 2008. During 2008, this channel generated $21.3 million in annualized new annuity sales for the Company compared to $32.9 million in 2007 and $38.7 in 2006, with the declines primarily in single and rollover deposit business. The decrease in 2008 was anticipated as management continued to focus this channel on 403(b) and other tax-qualified business in addition to the anticipated effect of the interim restrictions of the new IRS Section 403(b) rules.

The Company is one of the largest participants in the 403(b) tax-qualified annuity market, measured by 403(b) net written premium on a statutory accounting basis, and has approved 403(b) payroll reduction capabilities in approximately one-third of the 15,500 school districts in the U.S. More detail regarding the IRS Section 403(b) regulation changes which were effective January 1, 2009 is provided in “Business — Regulation — Regulation at Federal Level”. As of the time of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company has received responses from school districts resulting in retention of approximately 90% of its previous payroll reduction slots. Responses from some school districts have not yet been received. Throughout this process, the Company has been granted payroll reduction slots in a number of new school districts.

 

F-16


Total annuity accumulated cash value of $3.3 billion at December 31, 2008 decreased 12.2% compared to a year earlier, reflecting the increase from new deposits received and favorable retention more than offset by unfavorable financial market performance over the 12 months. Total annuity accumulated cash value of $3.7 billion at December 31, 2007 increased 3.7% compared to a year earlier, reflecting the increase from new deposits received, continued favorable retention and modestly improved financial market performance over the 12 months ended December 31, 2007. At December 31, 2008, the number of annuity contracts outstanding of 171,000 increased 2.4% or 4,000 contracts, compared to December 31, 2007 and increased 3.6%, or 6,000 contracts, compared to December 31, 2006.

Variable annuity accumulated balances were 38.2% lower at December 31, 2008 than at December 31, 2007, primarily reflecting financial market performance, and annuity segment contract charges earned decreased 18.8%, or $4.1 million, compared to 2007. Variable annuity accumulated balances were 4.5% higher at December 31, 2007 than at December 31, 2006 and annuity segment contract charges earned increased 10.7%, or $2.1 million, compared to 2006.

Life segment premiums and contract deposits were comparable to 2007. In 2007, life segment premiums and contract deposits declined 1.4%, or $1.5 million, compared to 2006. The ordinary life insurance in force lapse ratio was 5.4% for the 12 months ended December 31, 2008 compared to 5.8% and 5.7% for the 12 months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Net Investment Income

For 2008, pretax investment income of $230.3 million increased 2.9%, or $6.5 million, (2.8%, or $4.2 million, after tax) compared to 2007. Pretax investment income of $223.8 million for 2007 increased 7.1%, or $14.8 million, (6.9%, or $9.8 million, after tax) compared to 2006. The increase in 2008 primarily reflected growth in the size of the average investment portfolio on an amortized cost basis. Average invested assets (excluding securities lending collateral) increased 3.0% over the 12 months ended December 31, 2008. The average pretax yield on the investment portfolio was 5.52% (3.75% after tax) for 2008, compared to pretax yields of 5.53% (3.76% after tax) and 5.40% (3.68% after tax) for 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses

Net realized investment losses (pretax) were $63.9 million for 2008 compared to net realized investment losses of $3.4 million in 2007 and net realized investment gains of $10.9 million in 2006. The net gains and losses in all periods were realized from recording of impairment charges and ongoing investment portfolio management activity. In addition, 2008, 2007 and 2006 included $1.1 million, $0.3 million and $5.1 million, respectively, of litigation proceeds on previously impaired WorldCom, Inc. debt securities.

The Company recorded impairment write-downs of $53.1 million, $8.5 million and $0.1 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. In 2008, the Company recorded a total of $53.1 million of impairment write-downs — $5.8 million in the fourth quarter, $33.4 million in the third quarter, $11.2 million in the second quarter and $2.7 million in the first quarter. The Company, from time to time, sells invested assets subsequent to the balance sheet date that were considered temporarily impaired at the balance sheet date. Such sales are generally due to events occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date that result in a change in the Company’s intent or ability to hold an invested asset. The types of events that may result in a sale include significant changes in the economic facts and circumstances related to the

 

F-17


invested asset, significant unforeseen changes in liquidity needs, or changes in the Company’s investment strategy. The fourth quarter 2008 write-downs of $5.8 million were related primarily to high-yield and preferred stock investments that the Company no longer intended to hold for a period of time necessary to recover the decline in value, with the remainder related to securities for which impairment write-downs were previously recorded. The third quarter 2008 write-downs of $33.4 million included approximately $23.7 million related to fixed maturity security and preferred stock impairments for which the issuer’s ability to pay future interest and principal based upon contractual terms has been compromised — namely, Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc., the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), and American International Group, Inc. The remaining amount of write-downs — primarily of financial institution securities and high yield bonds — was primarily attributable to the Company no longer having the intent to hold the securities for a period of time necessary to recover the decline in value. The second quarter 2008 write-downs of $11.2 million were primarily related to 2 collateralized debt obligation securities and 5 equity securities, including 4 financial industry preferred stock issues. The first quarter 2008 write-downs of $2.7 million were primarily related to certain below investment grade fixed maturity securities, with $2.3 million of the write-downs attributable to 6 securities of telecommunications and telecommunications-related media issuers, which at March 31, 2008 the Company no longer intended to hold until the value fully recovered. In addition, net realized losses in 2008 included $23.0 million of realized other-than-temporary impairment losses, primarily on financial institution and below investment grade fixed maturity securities that were disposed of during the period. Net realized investment losses in 2008 included additional realized losses of $1.9 million from sales of securities for which impairment charges were recorded in the third quarter of 2008, additional realized losses of $2.7 million from sales of securities for which impairment charges were recorded in the second quarter of 2008, as well as gains of (1) $0.2 million from sales of securities for which impairment charges were recorded in the first quarter of 2008 and (2) $0.1 million from sales of securities for which impairment charges were recorded in 2007. In 2007, the Company recorded $8.5 million of impairment write-downs. In the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company recorded impairment charges of $5.9 million, $3.8 million of which was attributable to one sub-prime residential mortgage-backed security, 2006 vintage, having a fair value of $1.1 million at December 31, 2007. The remaining $2.1 million of the impairment charge in the quarter was attributable to non-mortgage related securities, primarily corporate high yield bonds and preferred stocks, which the Company intended to sell. In the third quarter of 2007, the Company recorded impairment charges of $0.3 million related to fixed income securities from one issuer in the paper sector, and a portion of these securities were subsequently sold in October 2007. In the second quarter of 2007, the Company recorded impairment charges of $2.3 million from the home builder sector of its fixed income security portfolio, and these securities were subsequently sold in July 2007. In 2006, the $0.1 million impairment charge was recorded in the third quarter and related to one issuer, and the security was sold later in 2006 at the impaired value. Net realized investment losses in 2007 included gains of $2.9 million from sales of securities for which impairment write-downs were recorded in 2002, while net realized investment gains in 2006 included $0.3 million from sales of securities for which impairment charges were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2005.

There were securities priced below 80% of book value at December 31, 2008 that were not impaired. The illiquidity in the marketplace, continued concern over economic weakness, continued write-offs related to mortgage and structured securities, distressed sellers in the marketplace and overall spread widening related to demand for increased risk premiums contributed to the decline in security valuations. With respect to fixed income securities involving securitized financial assets, the underlying collateral cash flows were stress tested to

 

F-18


determine there was no adverse change in the expected cash flows. Management views the decrease in value of all of these securities as temporary, anticipates continued payments under the contractual terms of the securities and has the intent and ability to hold these securities until maturity or a recovery in fair value occurs.

The table below presents the Company’s fixed maturity securities and equity securities portfolios as of December 31, 2008 by major asset class, including the ten largest sectors of the Company’s corporate bond holdings (based on fair value) and the sectors of the equity securities holdings. In 2008, the unprecedented uncertainty and volatility in the financial markets caused significant spread-widening and interest rate volatility, which had a significant adverse effect on the fair value of investments. The Company’s pretax net unrealized loss at December 31, 2008 was spread over numerous asset classes, and commercial mortgage-backed securities, investment grade bonds, and financial institution securities (both bonds and preferred stocks) were most impacted.

 

     Number of
Issuers
   Fair
Value
   Amortized
Cost
   Pretax
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
 

Fixed Maturity Securities

           

Corporate bonds

           

Utilities

   43    $ 252.8    $ 271.9    $ (19.1 )

Banking and Finance

   38      205.2      235.7      (30.5 )

Energy

   35      165.3      188.9      (23.6 )

Telecommunications

   21      163.3      172.8      (9.5 )

Health Care

   32      139.2      147.0      (7.8 )

Transportation

   13      74.5      80.5      (6.0 )

Food and Beverage

   17      72.7      73.1      (0.4 )

Insurance

   21      63.6      86.6      (23.0 )

Natural Gas

   11      51.3      60.5      (9.2 )

Cable

   9      48.7      51.2      (2.5 )

All Other Corporates (1)

   133      398.5      462.6      (64.1 )
                           

Total corporate bonds

   373      1,635.1      1,830.8      (195.7 )

Mortgage-backed securities

           

U.S. government and federally sponsored agencies

   403      849.5      829.0      20.5  

Commercial

   128      221.7      330.2      (108.5 )

Other

   18      22.7      24.1      (1.4 )

Municipal bonds

   179      493.3      507.4      (14.1 )

Government bonds

           

U.S.

   7      139.0      134.1      4.9  

Foreign

   4      14.9      14.4      0.5  

Collateralized debt obligations (2)

   8      17.0      17.4      (0.4 )

Asset-backed securities

   37      92.1      100.5      (8.4 )
                           

Total fixed maturity securities

   1,157    $ 3,485.3    $ 3,787.9    $ (302.6 )
                           

Equity Securities

           

Non-redeemable preferred stocks

           

Banking and Finance

   24    $ 41.7    $ 61.0    $ (19.3 )

Real estate

   12      7.3      8.7      (1.4 )

Insurance

   8      5.1      8.5      (3.4 )

Utilities

   4      4.5      5.0      (0.5 )

Energy

   1      0.7      0.7      *  

U.S. federally sponsored agencies

   2      *      *      *  

Common stocks

           

Cable

   3      1.9      2.3      (0.4 )

Technology and other

   2      0.4      *      0.4  
                           

Total equity securities

   56    $ 61.6    $ 86.2    $ (24.6 )
                           

Total

   1,213    $ 3,546.9    $ 3,874.1    $ (327.2 )
                           

 

* Less than $0.1 million.
(1) The All Other Corporates category contains 20 additional industry classifications. Metal and mining, defense, technology, broadcasting and media, automobiles and real estate represented $251.7 million of fair value at December 31, 2008, with the remaining 14 classifications each representing less than $31 million.
(2) Based on fair value, 98.1% of the collateralized debt obligation securities were rated investment grade by Standard and Poor’s Corporation (“S&P”) and/or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) at December 31, 2008.

 

F-19


At December 31, 2008, the Company’s diversified fixed maturity securities portfolio consisted of 1,538 investment positions, issued by 1,157 entities, and totaled approximately $3.5 billion in fair value. This portfolio was 96.1% investment grade, based on fair value, with an average quality rating of AA-.

At December 31, 2008, the Company had limited exposure to subprime and “Alt-A” mortgage loans. The Company had three subprime securities with a fair value of $3.9 million and an unrealized gain of $0.1 million at December 31, 2008. The characteristics of the Company’s sub-prime securities include the following: low average Fair Isaac Credit Organization (“FICO”) score (less than 650), high weighted average coupon relative to other mortgage-backed and home equity securities of similar loan age and issue date, high prepayment penalties, and a high percentage of hybrid loans or negative amortizing loans. The “Alt-A” mortgage loan exposure was comprised of five securities with a total fair value of approximately $7.1 million, of which $4.7 million was vintage year 2004 and prior, with an unrealized loss of approximately $0.7 million at December 31, 2008. The characteristics of the Company’s “Alt-A” mortgage loans include the following: low average FICO score (less than 680), borrowers meet Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards for credit scores but might not meet standard guidelines for documentation requirements, property type, and debt ratio or loan-to-value ratio.

At December 31, 2008, the Company had $493.3 million fair value invested in municipal bonds, primarily in the portfolios of the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries, with an unrealized loss of $14.1 million. The overall credit quality of these securities was AA, with approximately 61% of the value insured at December 31, 2008. This represents approximately 8% of the Company’s total investment portfolio that is guaranteed by the mono-line credit insurers. When selecting securities, the Company focuses primarily on the quality of the underlying security and does not place significant reliance on the additional insurance benefit. Excluding the effect of insurance, the credit quality of the underlying municipal bond portfolio was AA at December 31, 2008.

 

F-20


At December 31, 2008, the fixed maturity securities and equity securities portfolio had $395.6 million pretax of gross unrealized losses related to 1,021 positions. The following table provides information regarding all fixed maturity securities and equity securities that had an unrealized loss at December 31, 2008, including the length of time that the securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position.

Investment Positions With Unrealized Losses Segmented by

Quality and Period of Continuous Unrealized Loss

As of December 31, 2008

 

       Number of
Positions
   Fair
Value
   Amortized
Cost
   Pretax
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fixed Maturity Securities            

Investment grade

           

3 Months or less

   66    $ 108.1    $ 123.3    $ (15.2 )

4 through 6 months

   110      215.0      249.0      (34.0 )

7 through 9 months

   141      385.7      438.4      (52.7 )

10 through 12 months

   124      339.0      403.5      (64.5 )

13 through 24 months

   140      295.0      419.3      (124.3 )

25 through 36 months

   30      91.4      110.5      (19.1 )

37 through 48 months

   42      159.0      178.2      (19.2 )

Greater than 48 months

   14      35.1      37.5      (2.4 )
                           

Total

   667    $ 1,628.3    $ 1,959.7    $ (331.4 )
                           

Non-investment grade

           

3 Months or less

   25    $ 12.8    $ 18.5    $ (5.7 )

4 through 6 months

   40      21.0      25.3      (4.3 )

7 through 9 months

   42      19.1      23.5      (4.4 )

10 through 12 months

   26      15.9      18.4      (2.5 )

13 through 24 months

   88      45.9      61.0      (15.1 )

25 through 36 months

   16      6.5      10.4      (3.9 )

37 through 48 months

   24      9.3      12.3      (3.0 )

Greater than 48 months

   4      0.7      0.8      (0.1 )
                           

Total

   265    $ 131.2    $ 170.2    $ (39.0 )
                           

Not rated

   —        —        —        —    
                           

Total fixed maturity securities

   932    $ 1,759.5    $ 2,129.9    $ (370.4 )
                           
Equity Securities (1)            

Investment grade

           

3 Months or less

   2    $ 0.4    $ 0.5    $ (0.1 )

4 through 6 months

   14      4.9      7.4      (2.5 )

7 through 9 months

   24      10.8      14.1      (3.3 )

10 through 12 months

   5      3.7      6.1      (2.4 )

13 through 24 months

   38      19.9      34.7      (14.8 )

25 through 36 months

   1      3.4      4.4      (1.0 )

Greater than 36 months

   —        —        —        —    
                           

Total

   84    $ 43.1    $ 67.2    $ (24.1 )
                           

Non-investment grade

           

3 Months or less

   —        —        —        —    

4 through 6 months

   1      0.6      1.1      (0.5 )

7 through 9 months

   1      0.5      0.6      (0.1 )

Greater than 9 months

   —        —        —        —    
                           

Total

   2    $ 1.1    $ 1.7    $ (0.6 )
                           

Not rated

           

3 months or less

   2      0.1      0.1      *  

4 through 6 months

   1      1.8      2.3      (0.5 )

Greater than 6 months

   —        —        —        —    
                           

Total

   3    $ 1.9    $ 2.4    $ (0.5 )
                           

Total equity securities

   89    $ 46.1    $ 71.3    $ (25.2 )
                           

Total fixed maturity securities and equity securities

   1,021    $ 1,805.6    $ 2,201.2    $ (395.6 )
                           

 

* Less than $0.1 million.
(1) Includes nonredeemable (perpetual) preferred stocks and common stocks.

 

F-21


Of the investment positions (fixed maturity securities and equity securities) with unrealized losses, 334 were trading below 80% of book value at December 31, 2008 and the table below provides additional information regarding these securities. These positions were structured securities, investment grade bonds, preferred stock (both fixed maturity securities and equity securities in nature), and below investment grade bonds.

Investment Positions With Fair Value Below 80% of Amortized Cost

Segmented by Quality and Period of Continuous Valuation Below 80%

As of December 31, 2008

 

       Number of
Positions
   Fair
Value
   Amortized
Cost
   Pretax
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fixed Maturity Securities            

Investment grade

           

3 Months or less

   130    $ 253.6    $ 375.8    $ (122.2 )

4 through 6 months

   42      72.5      127.3      (54.8 )

7 through 9 months

   13      12.8      45.6      (32.8 )

10 through 12 months

   4      7.5      26.0      (18.5 )

Greater than 12 months

   —        —        —        —    
                           

Total

   189    $ 346.4    $ 574.7    $ (228.3 )
                           

Non-investment grade

           

3 months or less

   78    $ 47.3    $ 68.3    $ (21.0 )

4 through 6 months

   11      5.5      9.8      (4.3 )

7 through 9 months

   3      4.0      7.6      (3.6 )

10 through 12 months

   1      0.5      0.9      (0.4 )

Greater than 12 months

   —        —        —        —    
                           

Total

   93    $ 57.3    $ 86.6    $ (29.3 )
                           

Not rated

   —        —        —        —    
                           

Total fixed maturity securities

   282    $ 403.7    $ 661.3    $ (257.6 )
                           
Equity Securities            

Investment grade

           

3 Months or less

   10    $ 5.2    $ 8.2    $ (3.0 )

4 through 6 months

   31      23.3      40.0      (16.7 )

7 through 9 months

   5      0.8      2.2      (1.4 )

10 through 12 months

   1      0.8      1.9      (1.1 )

Greater than 12 months

   —        —        —        —    

Non-investment grade, all 3 months or less

   2      1.1      1.7      (0.6 )

Not rated, all 3 months or less

   3      0.1      0.1      *  
                           

Total equity securities

   52    $ 31.3    $ 54.1    $ (22.8 )
                           

Total fixed maturity securities and equity securities

   334    $ 435.0    $ 715.4    $ (280.4 )
                           

 

* Less than $0.1 million.

The 334 securities with fair values below 80% of book value at December 31, 2008 represented approximately 11% of the Company’s total investment portfolio at fair value. And, approximately 71% of those securities have been below 80% of book value for three months or less as of December 31, 2008. Of the total securities trading below 80% of book value, 69 securities had fair values less than 50% of book value, representing 2% of the Company’s total investment portfolio, with a pretax unrealized loss of $124.5 million. Commercial mortgage-backed securities represented $81.5 million of the pretax unrealized loss from securities with fair value less than 50% of book value at December 31, 2008.

 

F-22


The Company views the decrease in value of all of the securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2008 — which was driven largely by spread widening, market illiquidity and changes in interest rates — as temporary, expects recovery in fair value in a reasonable timeframe, anticipates continued payments under the contractual terms of the securities including expected underlying cash flows, and has the intent and ability to hold these securities until maturity or a recovery in fair value occurs. Therefore, no impairment of these securities was recorded at December 31, 2008. Future changes in circumstances related to these and other securities could require subsequent recognition of other-than-temporary impairment losses. The Company’s investment guidelines generally limit single corporate issuer concentrations to 1.0% of invested assets for “AA” or “AAA” rated securities, 0.75% of invested assets for “A” rated securities, 0.5% of invested assets for “BBB” rated securities, and 0.2% of invested assets for non-investment grade securities.

The following table provides information regarding the fixed maturity securities and equity securities that were trading below 80% of book value at December 31, 2007.

Investment Positions With Fair Value Below 80% of Amortized Cost

Segmented by Quality and Period of Continuous Valuation Below 80%

As of December 31, 2007

 

       Number of
Positions
   Fair
Value
   Amortized
Cost
   Pretax
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fixed Maturity Securities            

Investment grade

           

3 Months or less

   2    $ 4.7    $ 6.1    $ (1.4 )

4 through 6 months

   1      3.0      4.9      (1.9 )

Greater than 6 months

   —        —        —        —    

Non-investment grade

   —        —        —        —    

Not rated

   —        —        —        —    
                           

Total fixed maturity securities

   3    $ 7.7    $ 11.0    $ (3.3 )
                           
Equity Securities            

Investment grade

   —        —        —        —    

Non-investment grade, all 3 Months or less

   1    $ 1.6    $ 2.5    $ (0.9 )

Not rated, all 4 through 6 months

   1      2.3      3.4      (1.1 )
                           

Total equity securities

   2    $ 3.9    $ 5.9    $ (2.0 )
                           

Total fixed maturity securities and equity securities

   5    $ 11.6    $ 16.9    $ (5.3 )
                           

 

F-23


Benefits, Claims and Settlement Expenses

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
   Change From
Prior Year
   Year Ended
December 31,
     2008    2007    Percent     Amount    2006

Property and casualty

   $ 416.1    $ 360.4    15.5 %   $ 55.7    $ 340.6

Annuity

     1.7      0.2    N.M.       1.5      1.1

Life

     53.7      47.9    12.1 %     5.8      47.0
                             

Total

   $ 471.5    $ 408.5    15.4 %   $ 63.0    $ 388.7
                             

Property and casualty catastrophe losses, included above (1)

   $ 73.9    $ 23.6    213.1 %   $ 50.3    $ 19.2
                             

 

N.M.- Not meaningful.
(1) See footnote (2) to the table below.

Property and Casualty Claims and Claim Expenses (“losses”)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Incurred claims and claim expenses:

      

Claims occurring in the current year

   $ 434.2     $ 380.4     $ 359.8  

Decrease in estimated reserves for claims occurring in prior years (1) (2)

     (18.1 )     (20.0 )     (19.2 )
                        

Total claims and claim expenses incurred

   $ 416.1     $ 360.4     $ 340.6  
                        

Property and casualty loss ratio:

      

Total

     76.9 %     67.4 %     63.3 %

Effect of catastrophe costs, included above (2)

     13.7 %     4.4 %     3.6 %

 

  (1) Shows the amounts by which the Company decreased its reserves in each of the periods indicated for claims occurring in previous periods to reflect subsequent information on such claims and changes in their projected final settlement costs.

 

  (2) (Favorable)/unfavorable development of prior years’ reserves was recorded as follows:

 

     2008     2007     2006  

Three months ended

      

March 31

   $ (2.7 )   $ (5.5 )   $ (4.0 )

June 30

     (2.4 )     (5.6 )     (8.1 )

September 30

     (6.3 )     (3.7 )     (5.1 )

December 31

     (6.7 )     (5.2 )     (2.0 )
                        

Total full year

   $ (18.1 )   $ (20.0 )   $ (19.2 )
                        

Property and casualty catastrophe losses were incurred as follows:

      

Three months ended

      

March 31

   $ 5.4     $ 2.5     $ 3.0  

June 30

     22.4       4.9       8.4  

September 30

     36.2 *     10.3       7.2  

December 31

     9.9 **     5.9       0.6  
                        

Total full year

   $ 73.9     $ 23.6     $ 19.2  
                        

The year ended December 31, 2006 included development of prior years’ reserves for catastrophe losses, recorded in the second quarter, in captions related to catastrophe losses/costs as well as captions related to prior years’ reserve development as follows: total property and casualty, unfavorable development of $1.4 million; voluntary automobile, favorable development of $1.5 million; and total property, unfavorable development of $2.9 million.

 

  * Included approximately $5 million related to reserve development for catastrophe activity in the second quarter of 2008.

 

  ** Included approximately $7 million related to reserve development for hurricane catastrophe activity in the third quarter of 2008.

For 2008, the Company’s benefits, claims and settlement expenses increased compared to the prior year, including a significant increase in catastrophe losses — primarily from third quarter hurricanes and severe storm and tornado events in the second quarter, a smaller decrease in estimated reserves for property and casualty claims occurring in prior years, and unfavorable life mortality experience.

 

F-24


In 2008, the Company’s benefits, claims and settlement expenses of $471.5 million increased 15.4%, or $63.0 million, compared to 2007. This increase included a $50.3 million increase in catastrophe losses, largely resulting from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Property and casualty claims in 2008 also reflected an increase in non-catastrophe weather-related losses. In 2007, the Company’s benefits, claims and settlement expenses increased $19.8 million compared to 2006, including a decrease in estimated reserves for property and casualty claims occurring in prior years, more than offset by a modest increase in property and automobile claim frequencies for the 2007 accident period, consistent with industry experience, and an increase in catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses in 2007 and 2006 reflected non-hurricane events, including Minnesota hail storms in 2006, California wildfires in 2007, and non-hurricane wind damage in both years.

In 2008, the current period favorable development of prior years’ property and casualty reserves of $18.1 million was the result of actual and remaining projected losses for prior years being below the level anticipated in the December 31, 2007 loss reserve estimate, primarily the result of favorable frequency and severity trends in voluntary automobile loss and loss adjustment expense emergence for accident years 2005 and prior. In 2007, the current period favorable development of prior years’ reserves of $20.0 million was the result of actual and remaining projected losses for prior years, primarily accident years 2006 and 2005, being below the level anticipated in the December 31, 2006 loss reserve estimate for both the voluntary automobile and homeowners lines of business. The favorable development was driven primarily by emerging claim trends related to voluntary automobile claim severity and homeowners claim frequency. Favorable development of prior years’ property and casualty reserves totaled $19.2 million in 2006, primarily the result of favorable frequency trends in voluntary automobile loss and loss adjustment expense emergence for accident years 2005 and 2004. Catastrophe losses in 2006 included $1.4 million of adverse development of prior years’ catastrophe loss reserves, primarily due to increases in ultimate net settlement cost related to two third quarter 2005 events: a severe hail storm in Minnesota and Hurricane Katrina.

For 2008, the voluntary automobile loss ratio of 68.0% decreased by 1.7 percentage points compared to 2007, including a 0.7 percentage point increase due to the higher level of catastrophe losses and a 1.0 percentage point decrease due to the higher level of favorable development of prior years’ reserves in the current period. The homeowners loss ratio of 97.2% for 2008 increased 36.8 percentage points compared to a year earlier, including an increase of 26.8 percentage points due to the higher level of catastrophe costs and an increase of 5.1 percentage points due to a small amount of unfavorable development of prior years’ reserves recorded in 2008 compared to favorable development of prior years’ reserves recorded in 2007. In 2008, in addition to the significant increase in catastrophe events in the second and third quarters, late-winter storms in some sections of the U.S. and heavy thunderstorms and tornadoes across the Southern U.S. contributed to higher than average first quarter catastrophic losses for the Company as well as the industry. For 2008, catastrophe costs represented 40.4 percentage points of the homeowners loss ratio compared to 13.6 percentage points for 2007. Also, the homeowners loss ratio reflected an increase in non-catastrophe weather-related losses due to the more severe weather in 2008. For 2006, the voluntary automobile loss ratio was 65.3% and the homeowners loss ratio was 55.6%, including 11.3 percentage points due to catastrophe costs.

 

F-25


For the annuity segment, benefits for 2008 increased $1.5 million compared to 2007 following a decrease of $0.9 million compared to 2006. The Company’s guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) reserve was $1.3 million at December 31, 2008, compared to less than $0.1 million at December 31, 2007 and $0.7 million at December 31, 2006. The increase in this reserve in 2008 reflected the impact of poor financial markets performance. The decrease at December 31, 2007 was primarily the result of a reserve refinement.

For the life segment, benefits in 2008 increased $5.8 million compared to 2007, primarily reflecting higher mortality costs in 2008. Life segment benefits increased modestly in 2007, compared to 2006.

Interest Credited to Policyholders

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
   Change From
Prior Year
   Year Ended
December 31,
     2008    2007    Percent     Amount    2006

Annuity

   $ 93.5    $ 90.0    3.9 %   $ 3.5    $ 86.5

Life

     38.3      37.2    3.0 %     1.1      36.0
                             

Total

   $ 131.8    $ 127.2    3.6 %   $ 4.6    $ 122.5
                             

Compared to 2007, the current year increase in annuity segment interest credited reflected a 5.0% increase in average accumulated fixed deposits, partially offset by a 6 basis point decline in the average annual interest rate credited to 4.28%. Compared to 2006, the 2007 increase in annuity segment interest credited reflected a 4.7% increase in average accumulated fixed deposits, partially offset by a 3 basis point decline in the average annual interest rate credited to 4.34%. Life insurance interest credited increased in both 2008 and 2007 as a result of the growth in interest-sensitive life insurance reserves.

The net interest spread on fixed annuity account value on deposit measures the difference between the rate of income earned on the underlying invested assets and the rate of interest which policyholders are credited on their account values. Fixed annuity crediting rates were lowered in recent years to reflect the decline in the rate of income on invested assets caused by lower investment rates on new and reinvested funds. The net interest spreads for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were 154 basis points, 143 basis points and 126 basis points, respectively.

As of December 31, 2008, fixed annuity account values totaled $2.3 billion, including $2.0 billion of deferred annuities. Approximately 20% of the deferred annuity account values had minimum guaranteed interest rates of 3% or lower while approximately 70% of account values had minimum guaranteed rates of 4.5% or greater. For $1.7 billion of the deferred annuity account values, the credited interest rate was equal to the minimum guaranteed rate. The annuity net interest spread increased 11 basis points compared to 2007, due to improvements in the Company’s investment portfolio yield and continued decreases in average interest crediting rates. Compared to 2006, the annuity net interest spread increased 17 basis points in 2007.

 

F-26


Operating Expenses

In 2008, operating expenses decreased 4.7%, or $6.6 million, compared to 2007. The 2008 decline was attributable primarily to lower incentive compensation, which was impacted by the decline in Horace Mann’s stock price during the year, partially offset by the impact of increased strategic investments in distribution and technology initiatives. In 2007, operating expenses decreased 1.5%, or $2.1 million, compared to 2006. A significant portion of this variance amount between periods was due to the Company’s expense control initiatives, which helped mitigate the impact of increased strategic investments in distribution and technology initiatives in 2007, and a litigation settlement charge in 2006. The property and casualty expense ratio of 23.8% for 2008 decreased 0.7 percentage point compared to 2007, reflecting the items above and the Company’s overall expense control discipline. The property and casualty expense ratio was 24.3% in 2006.

Amortization of Policy Acquisition Expenses and Intangible Assets

For the year ended December 31, 2008, the combined amortization of policy acquisition expenses and intangible assets of $84.4 million increased $3.3 million compared to 2007, primarily reflecting an increase in the current year from the valuation of annuity deferred policy acquisition costs with the favorable impact of the investment losses recognized in the year more than offset by the adverse impact of the financial markets on variable deposit fund performance.

Amortized policy acquisition expenses were $79.1 million for 2008 compared to $75.7 million and $74.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The December 31, 2008 valuation of annuity deferred policy acquisition costs resulted in an increase in amortization of $4.0 million, as the approximately $7 million favorable impact of investment losses recognized in 2008 was more than offset by the approximately $11 million adverse impact of financial market performance, compared to a $1.2 million increase in amortization from a similar valuation at December 31, 2007. For the life segment, the December 31, 2008 valuation of deferred policy acquisition costs resulted in a $0.2 million increase in amortization equal to the $0.2 million increase for the 2007 valuation. The December 31, 2006 valuations of annuity and life deferred policy acquisition costs resulted in increases of $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The remaining increases in amortized policy acquisition costs were due to scheduled amortization of capitalized costs.

Amortization of intangible assets was $5.3 million, $5.4 million and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The December 31, 2008 valuation of Annuity VIF resulted in no change in amortization compared to increases of $0.2 million and $0.7 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The amortization of Annuity VIF was completed as of December 31, 2008. The remaining $0.2 million of value of acquired insurance in force for the life segment will be amortized in the first three months of 2009.

 

F-27


Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $10.7 million on pretax income, including net realized investment gains and losses, of $0.2 million. The 2008 amount included a reduction of $4.2 million as a result of the IRS completing its examination of the 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006 tax years in 2008. This reduction benefited the net income of the Company’s segments as follows: annuity segment $2.6 million, corporate and other segment $1.2 million, and property and casualty segment $0.4 million. The effective income tax rate on the Company’s pretax income including net realized investment gains and losses, was 29.3% and 29.7% for the years ended December 31 2007 and 2006, respectively. Income from investments in tax-advantaged securities reduced the effective income tax rate 6.4 and 5.6 percentage points for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and due to the reduced level of income in 2008, expression of the impact as a percentage is not meaningful for that year. Income from tax-advantaged securities was comparable between the three years. (See also “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 7 — Income Taxes”.)

At September 30, 2008, the Company established a deferred tax allowance of $11.5 million related to realized and unrealized investment losses. Based on an assessment that gross realized and unrealized gains at December 31, 2008 were then sufficient, in conjunction with other tax planning strategies, to offset gross unrealized investment losses, the $11.5 million deferred tax allowance was reduced to zero at year-end.

The Company records liabilities for uncertain tax filing positions where it is more-likely-than-not that the position will not be sustainable upon audit by taxing authorities. These liabilities are reevaluated routinely and are adjusted appropriately based upon changes in facts or law. The Company has no unrecorded liabilities from uncertain tax filing positions.

At December 31, 2008, the Company had income tax returns for the 2005, 2006 and 2007 tax years still open and subject to adjustment upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company has recorded $1.2 million of uncertain tax position liabilities including interest related to all open tax years.

Net Income

For 2008, the Company’s net income of $10.9 million represented a decrease of $71.9 million compared to 2007, including a $39.3 million reduction in after-tax net realized investment gains and losses. Catastrophe costs increased $32.8 million after tax and non-catastrophe weather-related losses also increased compared to the prior year. In addition, compared to 2007, net income in the current year was negatively impacted by $1.2 million due to a modestly reduced level of favorable prior years’ property and casualty reserve development. Including all factors, the property and casualty combined ratio was 100.7% for 2008 compared to 91.9% for 2007. As described above in “Income Tax Expense (Benefit)”, the current year net income benefited by $4.2 million as a result of the completion of IRS examinations. Annuity segment net income decreased slightly compared to 2007, due to a decline in contract charges and fees nearly offset by the federal income tax benefit described above. On a pretax basis for the annuity segment, current year improvements in the interest margin were offset by the adverse impact of the financial markets on the level of contract charges earned, the valuation of deferred policy acquisition costs and the Company’s guaranteed minimum death benefit reserve. Life segment net income decreased $0.9 million,

 

F-28


or 5.2%, compared to a year earlier, as growth in earned premium of $2.3 million and investment income of $2.3 million was more than offset by higher mortality costs.

For 2007, the Company’s net income decreased $15.9 million compared to 2006, including a $9.3 million reduction in after tax realized investment gains. Consistent with management’s expectations and industry experience, the increase in property and casualty average loss costs per policy exceeded the increase in average premium per policy for the 2007 accident period, which adversely impacted the combined ratio and net income. Compared to 2006, results in 2007 were positively impacted by a comparable level of favorable development of prior years’ property and casualty non-catastrophe reserves but were negatively impacted by the increased cost of the Company’s catastrophe reinsurance program. In 2007, catastrophe costs increased compared to 2006. Including all of these factors, the property and casualty combined ratio was 91.9% for 2007 compared to 87.6% for 2006. Annuity segment net income increased $4.4 million, or 33% compared to 2006, driven by double-digit growth in both the interest margin and contract charges earned. Life segment net income increased $2.8 million, or 19%, compared to a year earlier, reflecting growth in investment income and favorable mortality experience.

For 2006, the Company’s net income benefited from a moderate level of catastrophe losses. In 2006, earnings from the property and casualty segment continued to benefit from underwriting and pricing actions taken in prior years, ongoing improvements in claims processes, cost containment initiatives, and low non-catastrophe claim frequencies, somewhat offset by the increased costs of the Company’s enhanced catastrophe reinsurance program. Net income in 2006 also benefited from favorable development of prior years’ property and casualty claim reserves. The property and casualty combined ratio was 87.6% for 2006.

Net income (loss) by segment and net income per share were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
    Change From
Prior Year
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2008     2007     Percent     Amount     2006  

Analysis of net income (loss) by segment:

          

Property and casualty

   $ 28.1     $ 61.2     -54.1 %   $ (33.1 )   $ 74.3  

Annuity

     17.3       17.6     -1.7 %     (0.3 )     13.2  

Life

     16.4       17.3     -5.2 %     (0.9 )     14.5  

Corporate and other (1)

     (50.9 )     (13.3 )   N.M.       (37.6 )     (3.3 )
                                  

Net income

   $ 10.9     $ 82.8     -86.8 %   $ (71.9 )   $ 98.7  
                                  

Effect of catastrophe costs, after tax, included above

   $ (48.1 )   $ (15.3 )   214.4 %   $ (32.8 )   $ (12.9 )
                                  

Diluted:

          

Net income per share

   $ 0.27     $ 1.86     -85.5 %   $ (1.59 )   $ 2.19  
                                  

Weighted average number of shares and equivalent shares (in millions)

     40.6       44.6     -9.0 %     (4.0 )     45.8  

Property and casualty combined ratio:

          

Total

     100.7 %     91.9 %   N.M.       8.8 %     87.6 %

Effect of catastrophe costs, included above

     13.7 %     4.4 %   N.M.       9.3 %     3.6 %

 

N.M.- Not meaningful.

  (1) The corporate and other segment includes interest expense on debt, realized investment gains and losses, certain public company expenses and other corporate level items. The Company does not allocate the impact of corporate level transactions to the insurance segments, consistent with the basis for management’s evaluation of the results of those segments.

 

F-29


For the three years ended December 31, 2008, the changes in net income for the property and casualty, annuity and life segments are described above.

For the corporate and other segment, the 2008 increase in net loss compared to 2007 was due to a greater amount of net realized investment losses compared to 2007. The 2007 decline in net income compared to 2006 was due primarily to net realized investment losses in 2007, compared to net realized investment gains in 2006, and an increase in debt interest expense.

Return on shareholders’ equity based on net income was 2%, 12% and 17% for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS” or “FAS”) No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115”. The Company’s management did not elect to measure any additional eligible financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value and, as a result, adoption of this SFAS did not have an effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company. Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted FASB SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”. This pronouncement did not require any new fair value measurements and its adoption did not affect the results of operations or financial position of the Company. In February 2008, upon issuance, the Company adopted, FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157”, and pursuant to its provisions has delayed the application of SFAS No. 157 for fair value measurements used in the impairment testing of goodwill. In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset in a Market That Is Not Active”. FSP No. FAS 157-3 was effective upon issuance, and applied to periods for which financial statements had not been issued. The Company adopted FSP No. FAS 157-3 in the preparation of its September 30, 2008 financial statements; however, adoption did not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company. Effective October 1, 2008, the Company adopted FSP No. Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 99-20-1, “Amendments to the Impairment Guidance of EITF No. 99-20”. FSP No. EITF 99-20-1 aligns impairment guidance in determining whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred; the Company began reflecting this guidance prospectively as of October 1, 2008.

Outlook for 2009

At the time of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, management estimates that 2009 full year net income before realized investment gains and losses will be within a range of $1.45 to $1.65 per diluted share. This projection anticipates, for the Company’s property and casualty segment, a return to more normal catastrophe levels, a reduced level of favorable prior years’ reserve development and a modest increase in underlying combined ratios; and, for the annuity segment, a return to historical market appreciation levels for 2009. As described in “Critical Accounting Policies”, certain of the Company’s significant accounting measurements require the use of estimates and assumptions. As additional information becomes available, adjustments may be required. Those adjustments are charged or credited to income for the period in which the adjustments are made and may impact actual results compared to management’s current estimate. A projection of net income including realized investment gains and losses is not accessible on a forward-looking basis because it is not possible to provide a reliable forecast of realized investment gains and losses, which can vary substantially from one period to another and may have a significant impact on net income.

 

F-30


Liquidity and Financial Resources

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or for other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, the Company is not exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if the Company had engaged in such relationships.

Investments

Information regarding the Company’s investment portfolio, which is comprised primarily of investment grade, fixed income securities, is located in “Results of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2008 — Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses”, “Business — Investments” and in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 2 — Investments” listed on page F-1 of this report.

Cash Flow

The short-term liquidity requirements of the Company, within a 12-month operating cycle, are for the timely payment of claims and benefits to policyholders, operating expenses, interest payments and federal income taxes. Cash flow generated from operations has been, and is expected to be, adequate to meet the Company’s operating cash needs in the next 12 months. Cash flow in excess of operational needs has been used to fund business growth, retire short-term debt, pay dividends to shareholders and repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock. Long-term liquidity requirements, beyond one year, are principally for the payment of future insurance policy claims and benefits and retirement of long-term debt.

Operating Activities

As a holding company, HMEC conducts its principal operations in the personal lines segment of the property and casualty and life insurance industries through its subsidiaries. HMEC’s insurance subsidiaries generate cash flow from premium and investment income, generally well in excess of their immediate needs for policy obligations, operating expenses and other cash requirements. Cash provided by operating activities primarily reflects net cash generated by the insurance subsidiaries. For 2008, net cash provided by operating activities decreased compared to 2007, primarily reflecting an increase in the level of benefits/claims paid, including the impact of significant property and casualty catastrophe claims in 2008.

Payment of principal and interest on debt, dividends to shareholders and parent company operating expenses are dependent upon the ability of the insurance subsidiaries to pay cash dividends or make other cash payments to HMEC, including tax payments pursuant to tax sharing agreements. Payments for share repurchase programs also have this dependency. The insurance subsidiaries are subject to various regulatory restrictions which limit the amount of annual dividends or other distributions, including loans or cash advances, available to HMEC without prior approval of the insurance regulatory authorities. Dividends which may be paid by the insurance subsidiaries to HMEC during 2009 without prior approval are approximately $55 million. Although regulatory restrictions exist, dividend availability from subsidiaries has been, and is expected to be, adequate for HMEC’s capital needs.

 

F-31


Investing Activities

HMEC’s insurance subsidiaries maintain significant investments in fixed maturity securities to meet future contractual obligations to policyholders. In conjunction with its management of liquidity and other asset/liability management objectives, the Company, from time to time, will sell fixed maturity securities prior to maturity and reinvest the proceeds in other investments with different interest rates, maturities or credit characteristics. Accordingly, the Company has classified the entire fixed maturity securities and equity securities portfolios as “available for sale”.

Financing Activities

Financing activities include primarily payment of dividends, the receipt and withdrawal of funds by annuity contractholders, repurchases of the Company’s common stock, fluctuations in bank overdraft balances, and borrowings, repayments and repurchases related to its debt facilities.

The Company’s annuity business produced net positive cash flows in 2008. For the year ended December 31, 2008, receipts from annuity contracts decreased $25.4 million, or 7.5% compared to 2007, as described in “Results of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2008 — Insurance Premiums and Contract Charges”. Annuity contract benefits and withdrawals decreased $17.0 million, or 8.7%, compared to 2007. Cash value retentions for variable and fixed annuity options were 93.2% and 93.5%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2008. Net transfers to variable annuity accumulated cash values decreased $71.2 million, or 49.3%, compared to 2007.

On October 2, 2008, the Company borrowed $75.0 million under its existing $125.0 million Bank Credit Facility. Prior to December 31, 2008, the Company repaid $37.0 million of this borrowing leaving a balance of $38.0 million outstanding at December 31, 2008.

During 2008, the Company repurchased 3,198,225 shares of its common stock, or 7.6% of the outstanding shares on December 31, 2007, at an aggregate cost of $54.3 million, or an average cost of $16.99 per share, under its stock repurchase programs, which are further described in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 6 — Shareholders’ Equity and Stock Options”. The repurchase of shares was financed through use of cash. As of June 30, 2008, the Company had completed its authorized share repurchase programs. See also “Liquidity and Financial Resources — Capital Resources”.

 

F-32


Contractual Obligations

 

     Payments Due By Period As of December 31, 2008
     Total    Less Than
1 Year
(2009)(1)
   1 - 3 Years
(2010 and
2011)
   3 - 5 Years
(2012 and
2013)
   More Than
5 Years
(2014 and
beyond)

Fixed annuities and fixed option of variable annuities (1)

   $ 3,260.2    $ 132.9    $ 279.6    $ 287.1    $ 2,560.6

Supplemental contracts (1)

     961.8      38.6      71.1      68.4      783.7

Life insurance policies (1)

     2,337.1      78.8      166.3      170.4      1,921.6

Property and casualty claims and claim adjustment expenses (1)

     297.8      166.5      104.1      21.8      5.4

Short-term Debt Obligations (2):

              

Bank Credit Facility (expires December 19, 2011)

     43.7      1.8      41.9      —        —  

Long-Term Debt Obligations (2):

              

Senior Notes Due June 15, 2015

     104.5      4.5      9.1      9.1      81.8

Senior Notes Due April 15, 2016

     189.2      8.6      17.1      17.1      146.4

Operating lease obligations (3)

     26.6      3.0      5.4      4.4      13.8

Purchase obligations

     2.8      2.8      —        —        —  
                                  

Total

   $ 7,223.7    $ 437.5    $ 694.6    $ 578.3    $ 5,513.3
                                  

 

(1) This information represents estimates of both the amounts to be paid to policyholders and the timing of such payments.

 

(2) Includes principal and interest.

 

(3) The Company has entered into various operating lease agreements, primarily for real estate (claims and agency offices across the country and portions of the home office complex) and also for computer equipment and copy machines.

Estimated Future Policy Benefit and Claim Payments—Annuity and Life Segments

The following table duplicates information above and summarizes the Company’s life and annuity contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2008 expected to be paid in the periods presented. Payment amounts reflect the Company’s estimate of undiscounted cash flows related to these obligations and commitments. Balance sheet amounts were determined in accordance with GAAP and in many cases differ significantly from the summation of undiscounted cash flows. The most significant difference relates to future policy benefits related to life insurance, which includes discounting.

 

     Estimated Payments by Period As of December 31, 2008
     Total    Less Than
1 Year
(2009)
   1 - 3 Years
(2010 and
2011)
   3 - 5 Years
(2012 and
2013)
   More Than
5 Years
(2014 and
beyond)

Fixed annuities and fixed option of variable annuities

   $ 3,260.2    $ 132.9    $ 279.6    $ 287.1    $ 2,560.6

Supplemental contracts

     961.8      38.6      71.1      68.4      783.7

Life insurance

     2,337.1      78.8      166.3      170.4      1,921.6
                                  

Total

   $ 6,559.1    $ 250.3    $ 517.0    $ 525.9    $ 5,265.9
                                  

For the majority of the Company’s annuity and life insurance operations, the estimated contractual obligations for future policyholder benefits as presented in the table above were derived from the annual cash flow testing analysis used to develop actuarial opinions of statutory reserve adequacy for state regulatory purposes. These cash flows are materially representative of the cash flows under generally accepted accounting principles. Actual amounts may vary, potentially in a significant manner, from the amounts indicated due to deviations between assumptions and actual results and the addition of new business in future periods.

 

F-33


Amounts presented in the table above represent the estimated cash payments to be made to policyholders undiscounted by interest and including assumptions related to the receipt of future premiums and deposits, future interest credited, full and partial withdrawals, policy lapses, surrender charges, annuitization, mortality, and other contingent events as appropriate to the respective product types. Additionally, coverage levels are assumed to remain unchanged from those provided under contracts in force at December 31, 2008. Separate account payments are not reflected due to the matched nature of these obligations and the fact that the contract owners maintain the investment risk on such deposits.

See “Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Future Policy Benefits, Interest-sensitive Life Contract Liabilities and Annuity Contract Liabilities” listed on page F-1 of this report for a description of the Company’s method for establishing life and annuity reserves in accordance with GAAP.

Estimated Claims and Claim Related Payments—Property and Casualty Segment

The table below duplicates information above and presents the amount and estimated future timing of claims and claim related payments for property and casualty insurance. Both the total liability and the estimated payments are based on actuarial projection techniques, at a given accounting date. These estimates include assumptions of the ultimate settlement and administrative costs based on the Company’s assessment of facts and circumstances then known, review of historical settlement patterns, estimates of trends in claims severity, frequency and other factors. Variables in the reserve estimation process can be affected by both internal and external events, such as changes in claims handling procedures, economic inflation, legal trends and legislative changes. Many of these items are not directly quantifiable, particularly on a prospective basis. Additionally, there may be significant reporting lags between the occurrence of a claim and the time it is actually reported to the Company. The future cash flows related to the items contained in the table below required estimation of both amount (including severity considerations) and timing. Amount and timing are frequently estimated separately. An estimation of both amount and timing of future cash flows related to claims and claim related payments is generally reliable only in the aggregate with some unavoidable estimation uncertainty.

The following table includes estimated future claims and claims related payments at December 31, 2008. The amounts reported in the table are presented on a nominal basis, have not been discounted and represent the estimated timing of future payments for both reported and unreported claims incurred and related claim adjustment expenses.

 

     Estimated Payments by Period As of December 31, 2008
     Total    Less Than
1 Year
(2009)
   1 - 3 Years
(2010 and
2011)
   3 - 5 Years
(2012 and
2013)
   More Than
5 Years
(2014 and
beyond)

Claims and claim adjustment expenses

   $ 297.8    $ 166.5    $ 104.1    $ 21.8    $ 5.4

 

F-34


Capital Resources

The Company has determined the amount of capital which is needed to adequately fund and support business growth, primarily based on risk-based capital formulas including those developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”). Historically, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries have generated capital in excess of such needed capital. These excess amounts have been paid to HMEC through dividends. HMEC has then utilized these dividends and its access to the capital markets to service and retire long-term debt, pay dividends to its shareholders, fund growth initiatives, repurchase shares of its common stock and for other corporate purposes. Management anticipates that the Company’s sources of capital will continue to generate capital in excess of the needs for business growth, debt interest payments and shareholder dividends.

The total capital of the Company was $686.3 million at December 31, 2008, including $199.5 million of long-term debt and $38.0 million of short-term debt outstanding. Total debt represented 27.4% of total capital excluding unrealized investment gains and losses (34.6% including unrealized investment gains and losses) at December 31, 2008, which was modestly above the Company’s long-term target of 25% and within a range consistent with the Company’s debt ratings assigned as of December 31, 2008.

Shareholders’ equity was $448.8 million at December 31, 2008, including a net unrealized loss in the Company’s investment portfolio of $182.1 million after taxes and the related impact on deferred policy acquisition costs associated with annuity and interest-sensitive life policies. The market value of the Company’s common stock and the market value per share were $359.0 million and $9.19, respectively, at December 31, 2008. Book value per share was $11.49 at December 31, 2008 ($16.15 excluding investment fair value adjustments).

Additional information regarding the net unrealized loss in the Company’s investment portfolio at December 31, 2008 is included in “Results of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2008 — Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses”.

In September 2007, HMEC’s Board of Directors (“Board”) authorized a new $50.0 million share repurchase program and ended the May 1999 authorization. The new program authorized the repurchase of common shares in open market or privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, depending on market conditions. By February 19, 2008, the Company had completed the $50.0 million authorized by the new program, resulting in a total of 2,738,376 shares repurchased under this program at an average cost of $18.28 per share. In March 2008, the Board authorized an additional $25.0 million share repurchase program allowing for repurchase of common shares in open market or privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, depending on market conditions (the “March 2008 Program”). As of June 30, 2008, the Company had completed the March 2008 Program, resulting in a total of 1,571,449 shares repurchased under this program at an average cost of $15.93 per share. As of June 30, 2008, the Company had completed all of its authorized share repurchase programs. See also “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 6 — Shareholders’ Equity and Stock Options — Share Repurchase Program and Treasury Shares Held”.

 

F-35


As of December 31, 2008, the Company had outstanding $75.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.05% Senior Notes (“Senior Notes due 2015”), which will mature on June 15, 2015, issued at a discount resulting in an effective yield of 6.1%. Interest on the Senior Notes due 2015 is payable semi-annually at a rate of 6.05%. Detailed information regarding the redemption terms of the Senior Notes due 2015 is contained in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 5 — Debt” listed on page F-1 of this report.

The Senior Notes due 2015 have an investment grade rating from Standard & Poor’s Corporation (“S&P”) (BBB), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) (Baa3), and A.M. Best Company, Inc. (“A.M. Best”) (bbb-). See also “Financial Ratings”. The Senior Notes due 2015 are traded in the open market (HMN 6.05).

As of December 31, 2008, the Company had outstanding $125.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.85% Senior Notes (“Senior Notes due 2016”), which will mature on April 15, 2016, issued at a discount of 0.305% resulting in an effective yield of 6.893%. Interest on the Senior Notes due 2016 is payable semi-annually at a rate of 6.85%. Detailed information regarding the redemption terms of the Senior Notes due 2016 is contained in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 5 — Debt” listed on page F-1 of this report.

The Senior Notes due 2016 have an investment grade rating from S&P (BBB), Moody’s (Baa3), and A.M. Best (bbb-). See also “Financial Ratings”. The Senior Notes due 2016 are traded in the open market (HMN 6.85).

As of December 31, 2008, the Company had $38.0 million outstanding under its Bank Credit Facility. The Bank Credit Facility provides for unsecured borrowings of up to $125.0 million and expires on December 19, 2011. Interest accrues at varying spreads relative to corporate or Eurodollar base rates and is payable monthly or quarterly depending on the applicable base rate (London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 0.6%, or 4.7%, at December 31, 2008; LIBOR plus 0.6%, or 1.12%, as of the time of this Annual Report on Form 10-K). The unused portion of the Bank Credit Facility is subject to a variable commitment fee, which was 0.125% on an annual basis at December 31, 2008. The Company elected to borrow $75.0 million on October 2, 2008, in light of the illiquidity in the credit markets at that time, to provide the holding company flexibility for future capital needs, including capital contributions to the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, if necessary, to maintain capital and operating ratios at a level consistent with the insurance subsidiaries’ financial strength ratings as of September 30, 2008. Prior to December 31, 2008, the Company repaid $37.0 million of the amount borrowed in October 2008. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, no capital contributions had been made to the insurance subsidiaries.

To provide additional capital management flexibility, the Company filed a “universal shelf” registration on Form S-3 with the SEC in November 2008. The registration statement, which registers the offer and sale by the Company from time to time of up to $300 million of various securities, which may include debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants and/or delayed delivery contracts, was declared effective on January 7, 2009. Unless fully utilized or withdrawn by the Company earlier, this registration statement will remain effective through January 7, 2012. No securities associated with the registration statement have been issued as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

F-36


The Company’s ratio of earnings to fixed charges (with fixed charges including interest credited to policyholders on interest-sensitive contracts) for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was 1.0x, 1.8x and 2.0x, respectively. See also “Exhibit 12 — Statement Regarding Computation of Ratios”. The Company’s ratio of earnings before interest expense to interest expense was 1.0x, 9.3x and 11.7x for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Total shareholder dividends were $15.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. In March, May, September and December 2008, the Board of Directors announced regular quarterly dividends per share of $0.105, $0.105, $0.105 and $0.0525, respectively.

Information regarding the reinsurance program for the Company’s property and casualty segment is located in “Business — Property and Casualty Segment — Property and Casualty Reinsurance”.

Information regarding the reinsurance program for the Company’s life segment is located in “Business — Life Segment”.

Financial Ratings

The Company’s principal insurance subsidiaries are rated by S&P, Moody’s and A.M. Best. These rating agencies have also assigned ratings to the Company’s long-term debt securities.

Assigned ratings as of February 19, 2009 were unchanged from the disclosure in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. On October 9, 2008, S&P affirmed the Company’s ratings and revised its outlook for those ratings from stable to negative citing the relatively high catastrophe frequency in the property and casualty industry, as well as general credit and equity market deterioration. On September 17, 2008, Moody’s affirmed the Company’s ratings and the outlook for those ratings. On May 23, 2008, A.M. Best affirmed the Company’s ratings and the outlook of those ratings. Assigned ratings as of February 19, 2009 were as follows (the insurance financial strength ratings for the Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries and the Company’s principal life insurance subsidiary are the same):

 

     Insurance Financial
Strength Ratings
(Outlook)
    Debt Ratings
(Outlook)
 
As of February 19, 2009           

S&P (1)

   A    (negative )   BBB    (negative )

Moody’s (1)

   A3    (stable )   Baa3    (stable )

A.M. Best

   A-    (stable )   bbb-    (stable )

 

(1) This agency has not yet rated Horace Mann Lloyds.

 

F-37


Market Value Risk

Market value risk, the Company’s primary market risk exposure, is the risk that the Company’s invested assets will decrease in value. This decrease in value may be due to (1) a change in the yields realized on the Company’s assets and prevailing market yields for similar assets, (2) an unfavorable change in the liquidity of the investment, (3) an unfavorable change in the financial prospects of the issuer of the investment, or (4) a downgrade in the credit rating of the issuer of the investment. See also “Results of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2008 — Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses”.

Significant changes in interest rates expose the Company to the risk of experiencing losses or earning a reduced level of income based on the difference between the interest rates earned on the Company’s investments and the credited interest rates on the Company’s insurance liabilities. See also “Results of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2008 — Interest Credited to Policyholders”.

The Company seeks to manage its market value risk by coordinating the projected cash inflows of assets with the projected cash outflows of liabilities. For all its assets and liabilities, the Company seeks to maintain reasonable durations, consistent with the maximization of income without sacrificing investment quality, while providing for liquidity and diversification. The investment risk associated with variable annuity deposits and the underlying mutual funds is assumed by those contractholders, and not by the Company. Certain fees that the Company earns from variable annuity deposits are based on the market value of the funds deposited.

Through active investment management, the Company invests available funds with the objective of funding future obligations to policyholders, subject to appropriate risk considerations, and maximizing shareholder value. This objective is met through investments that (1) have similar characteristics to the liabilities they support; (2) are diversified among industries, issuers and geographic locations; and (3) are predominately investment-grade fixed maturity securities classified as available for sale. No derivatives are used to manage the exposure to interest rate risk in the investment portfolios. At December 31, 2008, approximately 20% of the fixed investment portfolio represented investments supporting the property and casualty operations and approximately 80% supported the annuity and life business. For discussions regarding the Company’s investments see “Results of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2008 — Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses” and “Business — Investments”.

The Company’s annuity and life earnings are affected by the spreads between interest yields on investments and rates credited or accruing on fixed annuity and life insurance liabilities. Although substantially all credited rates on fixed annuities may be changed annually (subject to minimum guaranteed rates), competitive pricing and other factors, including the impact on the level of surrenders and withdrawals, may limit the Company’s ability to adjust or to maintain crediting rates at levels necessary to avoid narrowing of spreads under certain market conditions. See also “Results of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2008 — Interest Credited to Policyholders”.

Using financial modeling and other techniques, the Company regularly evaluates the appropriateness of investments relative to the characteristics of the liabilities that they support. Simulations of cash flows generated from existing business under various interest rate scenarios measure the potential gain or loss in fair value of interest-rate sensitive assets and

 

F-38


liabilities. Such estimates are used to closely match the duration of assets to the duration of liabilities. The overall duration of liabilities of the Company’s multiline insurance operations combines the characteristics of its long duration annuity and interest-sensitive life liabilities with its short duration non-interest-sensitive property and casualty liabilities. Overall, at December 31, 2008, the duration of both the fixed income securities portfolio and the Company’s insurance liabilities was estimated to be approximately 6 years.

The annuity and life operations participate in the cash flow testing procedures imposed by statutory insurance regulations, the purpose of which is to insure that such liabilities are adequate to meet the Company’s obligations under a variety of interest rate scenarios. Based on these procedures, the Company’s assets and the investment income expected to be received on such assets are adequate to meet the insurance policy obligations and expenses of the Company’s insurance activities in all but the most extreme circumstances.

The Company periodically evaluates its sensitivity to interest rate risk. Based on commonly used models, the Company projects the impact of interest rate changes, assuming a wide range of factors, including duration and prepayment, on the fair value of assets and liabilities. Fair value is estimated based on the net present value of cash flows or duration estimates. At December 31, 2008, assuming an immediate decrease of 100 basis points in interest rates, the net fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities would decrease by approximately $20 million after tax, or 4% of shareholders’ equity. A 100 basis point increase would decrease the fair value of assets and liabilities by approximately $7 million after tax, or 2% of shareholders’ equity. At December 31, 2007, assuming an immediate decrease of 100 basis points in interest rates, the net fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities would increase by approximately $16 million after tax, or 2% of shareholders’ equity. A 100 basis point increase would decrease the fair value of assets and liabilities by approximately $42 million after tax, or 6% of shareholders’ equity. In each case, these changes in interest rates assume a parallel shift in the yield curve.

While the Company believes that these assumed market rate changes are reasonably possible, actual results may differ, particularly as a result of any management actions that would be taken to mitigate such hypothetical losses in fair value of shareholders’ equity. Based on the Company’s overall exposure to interest rate risk, the Company believes that these changes in interest rates would not materially affect its consolidated near-term financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Recent Accounting Changes

FSP FAS 132(R)-1

In December 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS” or “FAS”) No. 132 (revised 2003), “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits”, through issuance of FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets”. For fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009, the FSP requires employers to disclose additional information about investment allocation decisions, major categories of plan assets and fair value techniques and inputs used to measure plan assets. Management believes the adoption of this FSP will not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company.

 

F-39


SFAS No. 163

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 163, “Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 60”. SFAS No. 163 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. This statement applies to financial guarantee insurance and reinsurance contracts, including the recognition and measurement of premium revenue and claim liabilities. Management believes this pronouncement will not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company.

SFAS No. 162

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”. SFAS No. 162 will be effective 60 days following the Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s related amendments to remove the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) hierarchy from auditing standards. SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principals used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with GAAP. Management believes the adoption of this pronouncement will not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company.

FSP APB 14-1

In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)”. FSP APB 14-1 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. This FSP requires issuers of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion to separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner that will reflect the entity’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. Management believes the adoption of this FSP will not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company.

FSP FAS 142-3

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets”. FSP FAS 142-3 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. This FSP requires companies estimating the useful life of a recognized intangible asset to consider their historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements or, in the absence of historical experience, to consider assumptions that market participants would use about renewal or extension as adjusted for SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. Management anticipates that adoption of this FSP will not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company.

 

F-40


FSP FAS 140-3

In February 2008, the FASB amended SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities – a replacement of FASB Statement No. 125”, through issuance of FSP FAS 140-3, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions”. FSP FAS 140-3 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. This FSP presumes that an initial transfer of a financial asset and a repurchase financing are considered part of the same arrangement unless four conditions are all met. Transactions that meet all four criteria will be accounted for separately from repurchase financings. Management believes the adoption of this FSP will not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company.

SFAS No. 157

In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157”, to partially defer the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for one year for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a non-recurring basis. The FSP does not defer the recognition and disclosure requirements for financial or nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are measured at least annually. The FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management believes the adoption of this FSP will not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company.

Other Matters

Ariel Capital Management, Inc., HMEC’s largest shareholder with 12.0% of the common shares outstanding per their SEC filing on Form 13G as of December 31, 2008, is the investment adviser for two of the mutual funds offered to the Company’s annuity customers.

Effects of Inflation and Changes in Interest Rates

The Company’s operating results are affected significantly in at least three ways by changes in interest rates and inflation. First, inflation directly affects property and casualty claims costs. Second, the investment income earned on the Company’s investment portfolio and the fair value of the investment portfolio are related to the yields available in the fixed-income markets. An increase in interest rates will decrease the fair value of the investment portfolio, but will increase investment income as investments mature and proceeds are reinvested at higher rates. Third, as interest rates increase, competitors will typically increase crediting rates on annuity and interest-sensitive life products, and may lower premium rates on property and casualty lines to reflect the higher yields available in the market. The risk of interest rate fluctuation is managed through asset/liability management techniques, including cash flow analysis.

 

F-41


REPORT OF MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Horace Mann Educators Corporation

The consolidated balance sheets of Horace Mann Educators Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 have been prepared by management, who is responsible for their integrity and reliability. The statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and include some amounts that are based upon management’s best estimates and judgements. Management has discussed with the Audit Committee the quality, not just the acceptability, of the Company’s accounting principles as applied in its financial reporting. The discussions generally included such matters as the consistency of the Company’s accounting policies and their application, and the clarity and completeness of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which include related disclosures. The financial information contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is consistent with that contained in the consolidated financial statements.

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal control designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the integrity and reliability of financial reporting. The concept of reasonable assurance is based on the recognition that there are inherent limitations in all systems of internal control, and that the cost of such systems should not exceed the benefits derived therefrom. A professional staff of internal auditors reviews on an ongoing basis the related internal control system design, the accounting policies and procedures supporting this system and compliance therewith. Management believes this system of internal control effectively meets its objective of reliable financial reporting. See also “Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” included in “Item 9A. Controls and Procedures” listed in the Index to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In connection with their annual audits, the independent registered public accounting firm performs an audit, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), which includes the consideration of the system of internal control to the extent necessary to form an independent opinion on the fairness of presentation of the consolidated financial statements prepared by management.

The Board of Directors, through its Audit Committee composed solely of independent directors, is responsible for overseeing the integrity and reliability of the Company’s accounting and financial reporting practices and the effectiveness of its system of internal controls. The independent registered public accounting firm and internal auditors meet regularly with this committee, and have access to this committee with and without management present, to discuss the results of their audit work.

 

F-42


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Horace Mann Educators Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Horace Mann Educators Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited financial statement schedules I to IV and VI. We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (Item 9A.b.). Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules, and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

F-43


Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) Statement of Position (“SOP”) 05-1, Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges of Insurance Contracts , effective January 1, 2007. As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No 109 , effective January 1, 2007. As discussed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, as of December 31, 2006.

Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

/s/ KPMG LLP

KPMG LLP

Chicago, Illinois

March 2, 2009

 

F-44


HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     2008     2007  

ASSETS

 

Investments

    

Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value

    

Fixed maturities (amortized cost 2008, $3,787,857; 2007, $3,795,665)

   $ 3,485,261     $ 3,798,343  

Fixed maturity securities on loan (amortized cost 2008, $0; 2007, $74,599)

     —         74,658  
                

Total fixed maturities

     3,485,261       3,873,001  

Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost 2008, $86,184; 2007, $94,083)

     61,569       86,548  

Short-term and other investments

     354,925       143,990  

Short-term investments, loaned securities collateral

     —         76,711  
                

Total investments

     3,901,755       4,180,250  

Cash

     9,204       13,209  

Accrued investment income and premiums receivable

     103,534       101,427  

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     312,046       261,789  

Goodwill

     47,396       47,396  

Value of acquired insurance in force

     223       5,380  

Other assets

     168,343       87,652  

Separate Account (variable annuity) assets

     965,217       1,562,210  
                

Total assets

   $ 5,507,718     $ 6,259,313  
                

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Policy liabilities

    

Fixed annuity contract liabilities

   $ 2,166,518     $ 2,014,211  

Interest-sensitive life contract liabilities

     685,854       663,087  

Unpaid claims and claim expenses

     311,243       315,382  

Future policy benefits

     193,000       188,117  

Unearned premiums

     206,578       202,527  
                

Total policy liabilities

     3,563,193       3,383,324  

Other policyholder funds

     128,359       138,470  

Liability for securities lending agreements

     —         76,850  

Other liabilities

     164,555       205,696  

Short-term debt

     38,000       —    

Long-term debt

     199,549       199,485  

Separate Account (variable annuity) liabilities

     965,217       1,562,210  
                

Total liabilities

     5,058,873       5,566,035  
                

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued

     —         —    

Common stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 75,000,000 shares; issued, 2008, 60,874,984; 2007, 60,855,455

     61       61  

Additional paid-in capital

     355,542       353,841  

Retained earnings

     694,492       698,539  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:

    

Net unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturities and equity securities

     (182,065 )     (2,621 )

Net funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

     (11,522 )     (3,217 )

Treasury stock, at cost, 2008, 21,813,196 shares; 2007, 18,614,971 shares

     (407,663 )     (353,325 )
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     448,845       693,278  
                

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 5,507,718     $ 6,259,313  
                

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-45


HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Revenues

      

Insurance premiums and contract charges earned

   $ 658,532     $ 654,257     $ 653,922  

Net investment income

     230,269       223,762       209,009  

Net realized investment gains (losses)

     (63,859 )     (3,418 )     10,876  

Other income

     9,876       12,404       12,035  
                        

Total revenues

     834,818       887,005       885,842  
                        

Benefits, losses and expenses

      

Benefits, claims and settlement expenses

     471,532       408,490       388,735  

Interest credited

     131,798       127,247       122,478  

Policy acquisition expenses amortized

     79,134       75,659       73,998  

Operating expenses

     132,392       139,099       141,117  

Amortization of intangible assets

     5,329       5,379       6,078  

Interest expense

     14,455       14,060       13,143  
                        

Total benefits, losses and expenses

     834,640       769,934       745,549  
                        

Income before income taxes

     178       117,071       140,293  

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (10,739 )     34,283       41,585  
                        

Net income

   $ 10,917     $ 82,788     $ 98,708  
                        

Earnings per share

      

Basic

   $ 0.27     $ 1.92     $ 2.29  
                        

Diluted

   $ 0.27     $ 1.86     $ 2.19  
                        

Weighted average number of shares and equivalent shares

      

Basic

     39,819,548       43,145,163       43,011,980  

Diluted

     40,588,575       44,610,496       45,773,167  

Comprehensive income (loss)

      

Net income

   $ 10,917     $ 82,788     $ 98,708  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:

      

Change in net unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturities and equity securities

     (179,444 )     (13,691 )     (17,376 )

Change in net funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

     (8,305 )     239       (3,456 )

Change in minimum pension liability adjustment

     —         —         14,301  
                        

Other comprehensive loss

     (187,749 )     (13,452 )     (6,531 )
                        

Total

   $ (176,832 )   $ 69,336     $ 92,177  
                        

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-46


HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Common stock

      

Beginning balance

   $ 61     $ 61     $ 60  

Options exercised, 2008, 0 shares; 2007, 240,352 shares; 2006, 114,400 shares

     —         —         1  

Conversion of Director Stock Plan units, 2008, 16,355 shares; 2007, 18,362 shares; 2006, 761 shares;

     —         —         —    

Conversion of restricted stock units, 2008, 3,174 shares; 2007, 2,115 shares; 2006, 4,066 shares

     —         —         —    
                        

Ending balance

     61       61       61  
                        

Additional paid-in capital

      

Beginning balance

     353,841       347,873       345,251  

Options exercised and conversion of Director

      

Stock Plan units and restricted stock units

     369       4,866       1,966  

Share-based compensation expense

     1,332       1,102       656  
                        

Ending balance

     355,542       353,841       347,873  
                        

Retained earnings

      

Beginning balance

     698,539       634,110       553,712  

Net income

     10,917       82,788       98,708  

Cash dividends, 2008, $0.3675 per share; 2007 and 2006, $0.42 per share

     (14,964 )     (18,359 )     (18,310 )
                        

Ending balance

     694,492       698,539       634,110  
                        

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:

      

Beginning balance

     (5,838 )     7,614       14,145  

Change in net unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturities and equity securities

     (179,444 )     (13,691 )     (17,376 )

Change in net funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

     (8,305 )     239       (3,456 )

Change in minimum pension liability adjustment

     —         —         14,301  
                        

Ending balance

     (193,587 )     (5,838 )     7,614  
                        

Treasury stock, at cost

      

Beginning balance, 2008, 18,614,971 shares; 2007 and 2006, 17,503,371 shares

     (353,325 )     (332,577 )     (332,577 )

Purchase of 3,198,225 shares in 2008; 1,111,600 shares in 2007

     (54,338 )     (20,748 )     —    
                        

Ending balance, 2008, 21,813,196 shares; 2007,18,614,971 shares; 2006, 17,503,371 shares

     (407,663 )     (353,325 )     (332,577 )
                        

Shareholders’ equity at end of period

   $ 448,845     $ 693,278     $ 657,081  
                        

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-47


HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Cash flows - operating activities

      

Premiums collected

   $ 666,139     $ 664,133     $ 660,223  

Policyholder benefits paid

     (496,277 )     (449,519 )     (437,006 )

Policy acquisition and
other operating expenses paid

     (214,800 )     (212,115 )     (216,760 )

Federal income taxes paid

     (5,909 )     (15,016 )     (15,409 )

Investment income collected

     230,879       225,877       208,356  

Interest expense paid

     (13,683 )     (13,772 )     (11,150 )

Contribution to defined benefit pension
plan trust fund

     —         —         (6,450 )

Other

     (3,497 )     2,057       4,002  
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     162,852       201,645       185,806  
                        

Cash flows - investing activities

      

Fixed maturities

      

Purchases

     (903,601 )     (1,389,677 )     (961,646 )

Sales

     597,666       776,421       525,990  

Maturities, paydowns, calls and redemptions

     337,493       538,989       285,858  

Net cash used in short-term and other investments

     (221,809 )     (56,203 )     (81,209 )
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (190,251 )     (130,470 )     (231,007 )
                        

Cash flows - financing activities

      

Dividends paid to shareholders

     (14,964 )     (18,359 )     (18,310 )

Purchase of treasury stock

     (54,338 )     (20,748 )     —    

Exercise of stock options

     —         4,477       1,874  

Principal borrowings on Bank Credit Facility

     38,000       —         —    

Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes due 2016

     —         —         123,485  

Repurchase of Senior Convertible Notes

     —         (32,563 )     (82,846 )

Annuity contracts, variable and fixed

      

Deposits

     311,747       337,148       325,691  

Benefits and withdrawals

     (178,079 )     (195,102 )     (149,750 )

Net transfer to Separate Account

(variable annuity) assets

     (73,328 )     (144,545 )     (120,401 )

Life policy accounts

      

Deposits

     1,896       1,333       1,629  

Withdrawals and surrenders

     (5,636 )     (6,347 )     (6,816 )

Change in bank overdrafts

     (1,904 )     3,302       (15,917 )
                        

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     23,394       (71,404 )     58,639  
                        

Net increase (decrease) in cash

     (4,005 )     (229 )     13,438  

Cash at beginning of period

     13,209       13,438       —    
                        

Cash at end of period

   $ 9,204     $ 13,209     $ 13,438  
                        

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-48


HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), specifically Regulation S-X and the instructions to Form 10-K. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (1) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, (2) disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and (3) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Horace Mann Educators Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“HMEC”; and together with its subsidiaries, the “Company” or “Horace Mann”). HMEC and its subsidiaries have common management, share office facilities and are parties to several intercompany service agreements for management, administrative, data processing, agent commissions, agency services, utilization of personnel and investment advisory services. Under these agreements, costs have been allocated among the companies in conformity with GAAP consistently applied. In addition, certain of the subsidiaries have entered into intercompany reinsurance agreements. HMEC and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return, and there are related tax sharing agreements. The tax sharing agreements provide that tax on income is charged to the subsidiaries as if they were filing separate federal income tax returns and the subsidiaries receive the benefits of any losses or tax credits to the extent utilized in the consolidated return. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The subsidiaries of HMEC market and underwrite tax-qualified retirement annuities and private passenger automobile, homeowners, and life insurance products, primarily to K-12 teachers, administrators and other employees of public schools and their families. The Company’s principal operating subsidiaries are Horace Mann Life Insurance Company, Horace Mann Insurance Company, Teachers Insurance Company, Horace Mann Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Horace Mann Lloyds.

 

F-49


NOTE 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-(Continued)

 

Investments

The Company invests primarily in fixed maturity securities. This category includes primarily bonds and notes, but also includes redeemable preferred stocks. These securities are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value. The net adjustment for unrealized gains and losses on all securities available for sale, carried at fair value, is recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, net of applicable deferred tax asset or liability and the related impact on deferred policy acquisition costs and value of acquired insurance in force associated with interest-sensitive life and annuity contracts that would have occurred if the securities had been sold at their aggregate fair value and the proceeds reinvested at current yields.

Equity securities are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value. This category includes primarily nonredeemable preferred stocks and also common stocks.

Short-term and other investments are comprised of policy loans, carried at unpaid principal balances; short-term fixed income securities, carried at cost which approximates fair value; and mortgage loans, carried at unpaid principal less a valuation allowance for estimated uncollectible amounts.

Interest income is recognized as earned. Investment income reflects amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts on an effective-yield basis.

Realized gains and losses arising from the sale (recorded on a trade date basis) or impairment of securities are determined based upon specific identification of securities. The Company reviews the fair value of all investments in its portfolio on a monthly basis to assess whether an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred. These reviews, in conjunction with the Company’s investment managers’ monthly credit reports and relevant factors such as (1) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (2) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost for fixed maturity securities or cost for equity securities, (3) the Company’s ability and intent to retain the investment long enough to allow for the anticipated recovery in fair value or until it matures, (4) the stock price trend of the issuer, (5) the market leadership position of the issuer, (6) the debt ratings of the issuer, (7) the cash flows of the issuer or the underlying cash flows for asset-backed securities and (8) a near-term recovery period for equity securities, are all considered in the impairment assessment. A write-down of an investment is recorded when a decline in the fair value of that investment is deemed to be other-than-temporary, with a realized investment loss charged to income for the period.

 

F-50


NOTE 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-(Continued)

 

The Company’s methodology of assessing other-than-temporary impairments is based on security-specific facts and circumstances as of the date of the reporting period. Based on these facts, if management believes it is probable that amounts due will not be collected according to the contractual terms of a debt security, or if the Company does not have the ability and intent to hold a debt or equity security with an unrealized loss until it matures or recovers in value, an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred. As a general rule, if the fair value of a debt security has fallen below 80% of book value, this security will be reviewed for an other-than-temporary impairment. Also as a general rule, if the fair value of an equity security has declined below cost, this security will be reviewed for an other-than-temporary impairment including an assessment of whether recovery in fair value is likely to occur within a reasonable period of time. Additionally, if events become known that call into question whether the security issuer has the ability to honor its contractual commitments, whether or not such security has been trading above an 80% fair value to book value relationship, such security holding will be evaluated to determine whether or not such security has suffered an other-than-temporary decline in value. With respect to fixed income securities involving securitized financial assets, the underlying collateral cash flows will be stress tested to determine if there has been any adverse change in the expected cash flows.

A decline in fair value below amortized cost is not assumed to be other-than-temporary for fixed maturity investments with unrealized losses due to changes in interest rates, spread widening or market illiquidity where there exists a reasonable expectation based on the Company’s consideration of all objective information available that the Company will recover all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security and the Company has the intent and ability to hold the investment until maturity or a market recovery is realized. Management believes that its intent and ability to hold a fixed maturity investment with a continuous material unrealized loss due to market conditions or industry-related events for a period of time sufficient to allow a market recovery or to maturity is a decisive factor when considering an impairment loss. In the event that the Company’s intent or ability to hold a fixed maturity investment with a continuous unrealized loss for a period of time sufficient to allow a market recovery or to maturity were to change, an evaluation for other-than-temporary impairment is performed. An other-than-temporary impairment loss will be recognized based upon all relevant facts and circumstances for each investment, as appropriate, in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 59, “Accounting for Non-Current Marketable Equity Securities”, Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS” or “FAS”) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 99-20, “Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased Beneficial Interests and Beneficial Interests That Continue to Be Held by a Transferor in Securitized Financial Assets”, and related guidance.

 

F-51


NOTE 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-(Continued)

 

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Policy acquisition costs, consisting of commissions, policy issuance and other costs, which vary with and are primarily related to the production of business, are capitalized and amortized on a basis consistent with the type of insurance coverage. For all investment (annuity) contracts, acquisition costs are amortized over 20 years in proportion to estimated gross profits. Capitalized acquisition costs for interest-sensitive life contracts are amortized over 20 years in proportion to estimated gross profits. For other individual life contracts, acquisition costs are amortized in proportion to anticipated premiums over the terms of the insurance policies (10, 15, 20 and 30 years). For property and casualty policies, acquisition costs are amortized over the terms of the insurance policies (six and twelve months). The Company periodically reviews the assumptions and estimates used in capitalizing policy acquisition costs and also periodically reviews its estimations of gross profits. The most significant assumptions that are involved in the estimation of annuity gross profits include interest rate spreads, future financial market performance, business surrender/lapse rates, expenses and the impact of realized investment gains and losses. In the event actual experience differs significantly from assumptions or assumptions are significantly revised, the Company may be required to record a material charge or credit to amortization expense for the period in which the adjustment is made.

Deferred policy acquisition costs for interest-sensitive life and investment contracts are adjusted for the impact on estimated future gross profits as if net unrealized investment gains and losses had been realized at the balance sheet date. The impact of this adjustment is included in net unrealized gains and losses within shareholders’ equity.

Deferred policy acquisition costs are reviewed for recoverability from future income, including investment income, and costs which are deemed unrecoverable are expensed in the period in which the determination is made. No such costs have been deemed unrecoverable during the periods reported.

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) Statement of Position (“SOP”) 05-1, “Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection With Modifications or Exchanges of Insurance Contracts” and did not utilize the alternative application guidance outlined in paragraphs 18 and 19 of SOP 05-1. Adoption of SOP 05-1 did not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company.

 

F-52


NOTE 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-(Continued)

 

SOP 05-1 provides guidance on accounting for deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) on internal replacements of insurance and investment contracts other than those specifically described in SFAS No. 97, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments”. SOP 05-1 defines an internal replacement as a modification in product benefits, features, rights or coverages that occurs by the exchange of a contract for a new contract, or by amendment, endorsement or rider to a contract, or by the election of a feature or coverage within a contract. Modifications that result in a replacement contract that is substantially unchanged from the replaced contract are accounted for as a continuation of the replaced contract. When modifications represent a substantial change compared to the replaced contract, the transaction is accounted for as an extinguishment of the replaced contract, and unamortized DAC and unearned revenue liabilities from the replaced contract are written off. For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, internal replacements of traditional non-interest-sensitive life insurance contracts which represented substantial changes compared to the replaced contracts resulted in $172 and $207 of additional DAC amortization for the respective years.

Value of Acquired Insurance In Force and Goodwill

When the Company was acquired in 1989, intangible assets were recorded in the application of purchase accounting to recognize the value of acquired insurance in force and goodwill. In addition, goodwill was recorded in 1994 related to the purchase of Horace Mann Property & Casualty Insurance Company. The value of acquired insurance in force is being amortized over the following periods, utilizing the indicated methods for life and annuity, respectively, as follows: 20 years, in proportion to coverage provided; 20 years, in proportion to estimated gross profits.

The Company’s value of acquired insurance in force is an intangible asset with a definite life and is amortized under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. Goodwill, under SFAS No. 142, is no longer subject to amortization, but is evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. A reporting unit is the operating segment or a business unit one level below the operating segment, if separate financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by management at that level. The Company’s reporting units, for which goodwill has been allocated, are equivalent to the Company’s operating segments.

The allocation of goodwill by reporting unit is as follows:

 

Annuity

   $ 28,025

Life

     9,911

Property and casualty

     9,460
      

Total

   $ 47,396
      

The process of evaluating goodwill for impairment requires judgments and assumptions to be made to determine the fair value of reporting unit, including discounted cash flow calculations, the level of the Company’s own share price and assumptions that market participants would make in valuing the reporting unit. Other assumptions include levels of economic capital, future business growth, earnings projections, assets under management for reporting units and the discount rate utilized.

 

F-53


NOTE 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-(Continued)

 

Any amount of goodwill determined to be impaired will be recorded as an expense in the period in which the impairment determination is made. During each year from 2006 through 2008, the Company completed the required annual testing under SFAS No. 142; no impairment charges were necessary as a result of such assessments.

For the amortization of the value of acquired insurance in force, the Company periodically reviewed its estimates of gross profits. The most significant assumptions that were involved in the estimation of gross profits included interest rate spreads, future financial market performance, business surrender/lapse rates, expenses and the impact of realized investment gains and losses. In the event actual experience differed significantly from assumptions or assumptions were significantly revised, the Company was required to record a charge or credit to amortization expense for the period in which the adjustment was made.

The value of acquired insurance in force for investment contracts was adjusted for the impact on estimated future gross profits as if net unrealized investment gains and losses had been realized at the balance sheet date. The impact of this adjustment was included in net unrealized gains and losses within shareholders’ equity.

The balances of value of acquired insurance in force by segment at December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

 

     December 31, 2008    December 31, 2007  
     Cost    Accumulated
Amortization
   Net
Balance
   Cost    Accumulated
Amortization
   Net
Balance
 

Life

   $ 48,746    $ 48,523    $ 223    $ 48,746    $ 47,231    $ 1,515  

Annuity

     87,553      87,553      —        87,553      83,516      4,037  
                                           

Subtotal

   $ 136,299    $ 136,076      223    $ 136,299    $ 130,747      5,552  
                                           

Impact of unrealized investment gains and losses

           —              (172 )
                           

Total

         $ 223          $ 5,380  
                           

The Company expects to amortize the $223 December 31, 2008 balance of value of acquired insurance in force related to the life segment in 2009. The value of acquired insurance in force related to the annuity segment was fully amortized as of December 31, 2008.

By segment, the amount of interest accrued on the unamortized balance of value of acquired insurance in force and the interest accrual rates were as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Interest accrued on the unamortized balance of value of acquired insurance in force

      

Life

   $ 70     $ 175     $ 284  

Annuity

     —         287       494  
                        

Total

   $ 70     $ 462     $ 778  
                        

Interest accrual rate

      

Life

     8.0 %     8.0 %     8.0 %

Annuity

     *       5.1 %     5.2 %

 

* Not Applicable

The accumulated amortization of intangibles as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $185,053 and $179,724, respectively.

 

F-54


NOTE 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-(Continued)

 

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and are included in Other Assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Depreciation and amortization are calculated on the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives of property and equipment by asset type are generally as follows: real estate, identified by specific property, 20-45 years; furniture, 10 years; telephones, 5 years; vehicles, 2.5 to 3 years; and data processing hardware and software and personal computers, 2 to 5 years or 10 years.

 

     December 31,
     2008    2007

Property and equipment

   $ 100,176    $ 96,311

Less: accumulated depreciation

     54,541      58,584
             

Total

   $ 45,635    $ 37,727
             

Separate Account (Variable Annuity) Assets and Liabilities

Separate account (variable annuity) assets, carried at fair value, and liabilities represent variable annuity funds invested in various mutual funds. The investment income, gains and losses of these accounts accrue directly to the policyholders and are not included in the operations of the Company. The Company’s contract charges earned include fees charged to the separate accounts, including mortality charges, risk charges, policy administration fees, investment management fees and surrender charges.

Future Policy Benefits, Interest-sensitive Life Contract Liabilities and Annuity Contract Liabilities

Liabilities for future benefits on life and annuity policies are established in amounts adequate to meet the estimated future obligations on policies in force. Liabilities for future policy benefits on certain life insurance policies are computed using the net level premium method and are based on assumptions as to future investment yield, mortality and withdrawals. As a result of the application of purchase accounting, future policy benefits for direct individual life insurance policies issued through August 29, 1989 were revalued using interest rates of 9% graded to 8% over 10 years. For policies issued from August 30, 1989 through December 31, 1992, future policy benefits are computed using an interest rate of 6.5%. An interest rate of 5.5% is used to compute future policy benefits for policies issued after December 31, 1992. The Life by Design product portfolio introduced in February 2006 uses an interest rate of 5% for future policy benefits. Mortality and withdrawal assumptions for all policies have been based on actuarial tables which are consistent with the Company’s own experience. In the event actual experience is worse than the assumptions, additional reserves may be required. This would result in a charge to income for the period in which the increase in reserves occurred. Liabilities for future benefits on annuity contracts and certain long-duration life insurance contracts are carried at accumulated policyholder values without reduction for potential surrender or withdrawal charges. The liability also includes provisions for the unearned portion of certain policy charges.

 

F-55


NOTE 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-(Continued)

 

A guaranteed minimum death benefit (“GMDB”) generally provides a benefit if the annuitant dies and the contract value is less than a contractually defined amount. The Company has established a GMDB reserve on variable annuity contracts in accordance with American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) Statement of Position (“SOP”) 03-1, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts and for Separate Accounts”. Contractually defined amounts vary from contract to contract based on the date the contract was entered into as well as the GMDB feature elected by the contractholder. The Company regularly monitors the GMDB reserve considering fluctuations in the financial markets. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the GMDB reserve was $1,265 and $14, respectively. The Company has a relatively low exposure to GMDB because approximately 27% of contract values have no guarantee; approximately 67% have only a return of premium guarantee; and only approximately 6% have a guarantee of premium roll-up at an annual interest rate of 3% or 5%. The aggregate in-the-money death benefits under the GMDB provision totaled $206,268 and $19,272 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses

Liabilities for property and casualty unpaid claims and claim expenses include provisions for payments to be made on reported claims, claims incurred but not yet reported and associated settlement expenses. All of the Company’s reserves for property and casualty unpaid claims and claim expenses are carried at the full value of estimated liabilities and are not discounted for interest expected to be earned on reserves. Estimated amounts of salvage and subrogation on unpaid property and casualty claims are deducted from the liability for unpaid claims. Due to the nature of the Company’s personal lines business, the Company has no exposure to claims for toxic waste cleanup, other environmental remediation or asbestos-related illnesses other than claims under homeowners insurance policies for environmentally related items such as mold.

Insurance Premiums and Contract Charges Earned

Property and casualty insurance premiums are recognized as revenue ratably over the related contract periods in proportion to the risks insured. The unexpired portions of these property and casualty premiums are recorded as unearned premiums, using the monthly pro rata method.

Premiums and contract charges for interest-sensitive life and investment (annuity) contracts consist of charges for the cost of insurance, policy administration and withdrawals. Premiums for long-term traditional life policies are recognized as revenues when due over the premium-paying period. Annuity and interest-sensitive life contract deposits represent funds deposited by policyholders and are not included in the Company’s premiums or contract charges earned.

 

F-56


NOTE 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-(Continued)

 

Stock Based Compensation

The Company grants stock options to executive officers, other employees and directors. The exercise price of the option is equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Additional information regarding the Company’s stock-based compensation plans is contained in Note 6 — Shareholders’ Equity and Stock Options. Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for stock option grants using the intrinsic value based method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and accordingly, recognized no compensation expense for the stock option grants which had an exercise price equal to market price on the date of grant resulting in an intrinsic value of $0.

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment”, which requires companies to recognize compensation cost for share-based compensation plans, determined based on the fair value at the grant dates. The Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified prospective method. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company recognized $1,332, $1,102 and $656, respectively, in expense as a result of the vesting of stock options during the respective periods.

There were 622,828 options granted in 2008 having a weighted average grant date fair value of $3.47. The fair value of options granted was estimated on the dates of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 3.1%; expected dividend yield of 2.2%; expected life of 5.6 years; and expected volatility (based on historical volatility) of 28.0%. The weighted average fair value of nonvested options outstanding on December 31, 2008 was $4.18. Total unrecognized compensation expense relating to the nonvested options outstanding as of December 31, 2008 was approximately $2,500, which will be recognized over the remainder of the vesting period currently scheduled to be completed in September 2013. Expense is reflected on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for the entire award.

HMEC’s Board of Directors approved the acceleration of vesting of all outstanding stock options effective June 30, 2004 in an effort to recognize employees’ significant contributions to increasing shareholder value and improving underlying Company operating trends. The Board placed certain restrictions on the transfer of shares obtained by this vesting acceleration for members of the Board of Directors and 10 of HMEC’s key executive officers. At June 30, 2004, the majority of the options vested were out-of-the-money. The accelerated vesting did not have a material effect on the Company’s operating expenses.

 

F-57


NOTE 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-(Continued)

 

Income Taxes

The Company uses the liability method for calculating deferred federal income taxes. Income tax provisions are generally based on income reported for financial statement purposes. The provisions for federal income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 include amounts currently payable and deferred income taxes resulting from the cumulative differences in the Company’s assets and liabilities, determined on a tax return versus financial statement basis.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities include provisions for unrealized investment gains and losses as well as the net funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations and minimum pension liability adjustments with the changes for each period included in the respective components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity.

 

F-58


NOTE 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-(Continued)

 

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares and common stock equivalents outstanding, to the extent dilutive. The common stock equivalents relate to outstanding common stock options, Director Stock Plan units, Employee Stock Plan units and Incentive Compensation Plan restricted common stock units. In addition, prior to the final redemption on May 14, 2007, the Company’s Senior Convertible Notes were common stock equivalents under the FASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) consensus on issue 04-8, “The Effect of Contingently Convertible Instruments on Diluted Earnings per Share”.

The computations of net income per share on both basic and diluted bases, including reconciliations of the numerators and denominators, were as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2008    2007    2006

Basic - assumes no dilution:

        

Net income for the period

   $ 10,917    $ 82,788    $ 98,708
                    

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period (in thousands)

     39,820      43,145      43,012
                    

Net income per share – basic

   $ 0.27    $ 1.92    $ 2.29
                    

Diluted - assumes full dilution:

        

Net income for the period

   $ 10,917    $ 82,788    $ 98,708

Interest expense, net of tax, on dilutive Senior Convertible Notes

     —        279      1,336
                    

Adjusted net income for the period

   $ 10,917    $ 83,067    $ 100,044
                    

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period (in thousands)

     39,820      43,145      43,012

Weighted average number of common equivalent shares to reflect the dilutive effect of common stock equivalent securities (in thousands):

        

Stock options

     7      233      114

Common stock units related to Deferred Equity Compensation Plan for Directors

     254      228      214

Common stock units related to Deferred Compensation Plan for Employees

     215      219      150

Restricted common stock units related to Incentive Compensation Plan

     293      342      253

Weighted average number of common equivalent shares to reflect the dilutive effect of Senior Convertible Notes (in thousands)

     —        444      2,030
                    

Total common and common equivalent shares adjusted to calculate diluted earnings per share (in thousands)

     40,589      44,611      45,773
                    

Net income per share – diluted

   $ 0.27    $ 1.86    $ 2.19
                    

Options to purchase 3,849,600 shares of common stock at $14.95 to $25.63 per share were granted in 1999 through 2008 but were not included in the computation of 2008 diluted earnings per share because the options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares during 2008. The options, which expire in 2009 through 2015, were still outstanding at December 31, 2008.

 

F-59


NOTE 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-(Continued)

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) represents the change in shareholders’ equity during a reporting period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-shareholder sources. For the Company, comprehensive income (loss) is equal to net income plus or minus the change in net unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturities and equity securities, the change in net funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations and, in 2006 and prior years, the change in the minimum pension liability adjustment for the period as shown in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity.

In December 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 158, “Employer’s Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans”. SFAS No. 158 requires the recognition in the balance sheet of the funded status of defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.

The components of comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Net income

   $ 10,917     $ 82,788     $ 98,708  
                        

Other comprehensive income (loss):

      

Change in net unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturities and equity securities

      

Net unrealized holding gains and losses on fixed maturities and equity securities arising during period

     (339,259 )     (24,516 )     (15,856 )

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in income before income tax

     (61,871 )     (3,453 )     10,876  
                        

Total, before tax

     (277,388 )     (21,063 )     (26,732 )

Income tax benefit

     (97,944 )     (7,372 )     (9,356 )
                        

Total, net of tax

     (179,444 )     (13,691 )     (17,376 )
                        

Change in net funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

      

Before tax

     (12,852 )     368       (5,317 )

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (4,547 )     129       (1,861 )
                        

Total, net of tax

     (8,305 )     239       (3,456 )
                        

Change in minimum pension liability adjustment

      

Before tax

     —         —         22,001  

Income tax expense

     —         —         7,700  
                        

Total, net of tax

     —         —         14,301  
                        

Total comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (176,832 )   $ 69,336     $ 92,177  
                        

Statements of Cash Flows

For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, cash constitutes cash on deposit at banks.

Reclassification

The Company has reclassified the presentation of certain prior period information to conform with the 2008 presentation.

 

F-60


NOTE 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-(Continued)

 

Adopted Accounting Standards

Adoption of FSP No. EITF 99-20-1

Effective October 1, 2008, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 99-20-1, “Amendments to the Impairment Guidance of EITF No. 99-20”. This FSP amended EITF Issue No. 99-20, “Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased Beneficial Interests and Beneficial Interests That Continue to Be Held by a Transferor in Securitized Financial Assets”, to resolve differences between the measurement of declines in fair value under EITF 99-20 and SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”. This FSP retains fair value as its measurement attribute for other-than-temporary impairment; however, it removes the market participant notion from EITF 99-20 and requires a probability assessment for adverse changes in cash flows. This FSP does not change requirements in SFAS No. 115 to apply the other-than-temporary impairment guidance. FSP No. EITF 99-20-1 was effective upon issuance and applied to periods ending after December 15, 2008; the Company began reflecting this guidance prospectively as of October 1, 2008.

Adoption of SFAS No. 159

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS” or “FAS”) No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115”. SFAS No. 159 permits all entities to choose to elect, at specified election dates, to measure eligible financial instruments, as defined in SFAS No. 159, at fair value. Changes in unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date and upfront costs and fees related to those items will be reported in earnings as incurred and not deferred. At adoption, for those financial assets and financial liabilities which management has elected to carry at fair value, an entity will report the effect of the first remeasurement to fair value as a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The Company’s management did not elect to measure any additional eligible financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value and as a result, adoption of this SFAS did not have an effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company.

Adoption of SFAS No. 157

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted FASB SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This pronouncement did not require any new fair value measurements and its adoption did not affect the results of operations or financial position of the Company. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157”, which defers the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for one year for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are not disclosed at fair value in the consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis. The FSP did not defer the recognition and disclosure requirements for financial or nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are measured at least annually. In February 2008, the Company adopted FSP No. FAS 157-2, and pursuant to its

 

F-61


NOTE 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-(Continued)

 

provisions has delayed the application of SFAS No. 157 for fair value measurements used in the impairment testing of goodwill. In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset in a Market That Is Not Active”. FSP No. FAS 157-3 was effective upon issuance, and applies to periods for which financial statements have not been issued. The FSP’s guidance clarifies various application issues with respect to the objective of a fair value measurement, distressed transactions, relevance of observable data, and the use of management’s assumptions. The Company adopted FSP No. FAS 157-3 in the preparation of its September 30, 2008 financial statements; however, adoption did not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company. The Company’s expanded disclosures as a result of SFAS No. 157 are included in “Note 3 — Fair Value Measurements”.

Risk Disclosures

The Company’s business involves various risks and uncertainties which are based on general business and insurance industry environments. The following are some of the risk factors that could affect the Company:

Investment Risks

The Company’s fixed income portfolio is subject to a number of risks including:

 

   

market value risk , which is the risk that invested assets will decrease in value due to a change in the yields realized on assets and prevailing market yields for similar assets, an unfavorable change in the liquidity of the investment or an unfavorable change in the financial prospects or a downgrade in the credit rating of the issuer of the investment;

 

   

credit risk , which is the risk that the value of certain investments becomes impaired due to deterioration in financial condition of one or more issuers of those instruments or the deterioration in performance or credit quality of the underlying collateral of certain structured securities and, ultimately, the risk of permanent loss in the event of default by an issuer or underlying credit;

 

   

market fundamentals risk , which is the risk that there are changes in the market that can have an unfavorable impact on securities valuation such as availability of credit in the capital markets, re-pricing of credit risk, reduced market liquidity, and increased market volatility;

 

   

reinvestment risk , which is the risk that interest rates will decline and funds reinvested will earn less than expected;

 

   

concentration risk , which is the risk that the portfolio may be too heavily concentrated in the securities of one or more issuers, sectors or industries, which could result in a significant decrease in the value of the portfolio in the event of deterioration in the financial condition of those issuers or the market value of their securities;

 

   

liquidity risk , which is the risk that liabilities are surrendered or mature sooner than anticipated requiring the Company to sell assets at an undesirable time to provide for policyholder surrenders, withdrawals or claims; and

 

   

regulatory risk, which is the risk that regulatory bodies or governments, in the U.S. or in other countries, may make substantial investments or take significant ownership positions in, or ultimately nationalize, financial institutions or other issuers of securities held in the Company’s investment portfolio, which could adversely impact the seniority or contractual terms of the securities.

 

F-62


NOTE 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-(Continued)

 

Interest Rate Risk

Significant changes in interest rates expose the Company to the risk of not earning income or experiencing losses based on the differences between the interest rates earned on investments and the credited interest rates paid on outstanding fixed annuity and interest-sensitive life contracts. Significant changes in interest rates may affect:

 

   

the unrealized gains and losses in the investment portfolio

 

   

the book yield of the investment portfolio; and

 

   

the ability of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries to maintain appropriate interest rate spreads over the fixed rates guaranteed in their life and annuity products.

Credit Risk

Third parties that owe money, securities or other assets to the Company may not pay or perform their obligations. These parties may include the issuers of securities, customers, reinsurers, and other financial intermediaries. If adequate reinsurance cannot be obtained at reasonable rates, the Company would have to increase its risk exposure and/or reduce the level of underwriting commitments, which could have a material adverse effect upon the business volume and profitability. Alternately, the Company could elect to pay the higher than reasonable rates for reinsurance coverage, which could also have a material adverse effect upon its profitability.

Ratings Risk

Claims-paying ratings and financial strength ratings have become an increasingly important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies. Each rating agency reviews its ratings periodically and from time to time may modify its rating criteria including, among other factors, its expectations regarding capital adequacy, profitability and revenue growth. A downgrade in the ratings or adverse change in the ratings outlook of any of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries could result in a substantial loss of business. A downgrade in HMEC’s debt rating could adversely impact the cost and flexibility of borrowing which could have an adverse impact on liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

Legal/Regulatory Risk

The Company is subject to extensive regulation and supervision designed to protect the interests of policyholders. The ability to comply with laws and regulations, at a reasonable cost, and to obtain necessary regulatory action in a timely manner, is and will continue to be critical. Legal/regulatory risk also includes risks related to market conduct and appropriate product sales to policyholders.

 

F-63


NOTE 2 - Investments

Net Investment Income

The components of net investment income for the following periods were:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2008    2007    2006

Fixed maturities

   $ 220,520    $ 213,426    $ 202,354

Equity securities

     6,327      3,410      320

Short-term and other investments

     9,017      11,370      10,353
                    

Total investment income

     235,864      228,206      213,027

Less investment expenses

     5,595      4,444      4,018
                    

Net investment income

   $ 230,269    $ 223,762    $ 209,009
                    

Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

Realized investment gains (losses) for the following periods were:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2008     2007     2006

Fixed maturities

   $ (44,991 )   $ (2,441 )   $ 10,876

Equity securities

     (16,879 )     (1,012 )     —  

Short-term and other investments

     (1,989 )     35       —  
                      

Realized investment gains (losses)

   $ (63,859 )   $ (3,418 )   $ 10,876
                      

 

F-64


NOTE 2 - Investments-(Continued)

 

In 2008, the Company recorded a total of $53,080 of impairment write-downs — $5,772 in the three months ended December 31, 2008, $33,400 in the three months ended September 30, $11,170 in the three months ended June 30 and $2,738 in the three months ended March 31. The Company, from time to time, sells invested assets subsequent to the balance sheet date that were considered temporarily impaired at the balance sheet date. Such sales are generally due to events occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date that result in a change in the Company’s intent or ability to hold an invested asset. The types of events that may result in a sale include significant changes in the economic facts and circumstances related to the invested asset, significant unforeseen changes in liquidity needs, or changes in the Company’s investment strategy. The fourth quarter 2008 write-downs were related primarily to high-yield and preferred stock investments that the Company no longer intended to hold for a period of time necessary to recover the decline in value, with the remainder related to securities for which impairment write-downs were previously recorded. The third quarter 2008 write-downs included $23,706 related to fixed maturity security and preferred stock impairments for which the issuer’s ability to pay future interest and principal based upon contractual terms has been compromised — namely, Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc., the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), and American International Group, Inc. The remaining amount of write-downs — primarily of financial institution securities and high yield bonds — was primarily attributable to the Company no longer having the intent to hold the securities for a period of time necessary to recover the decline in value. The second quarter 2008 write-downs were primarily related to 2 collateralized debt obligation securities and 5 equity securities, including 4 financial industry preferred stock issues. The first quarter 2008 write-downs were primarily related to certain below investment grade fixed maturity securities, with $2,291 of the write-downs attributable to 6 securities of telecommunications and telecommunications-related media issuers, which at March 31, 2008 the Company no longer intended to hold until the value fully recovered. In addition, net realized losses in 2008 included $23,084 of realized other-than-temporary impairment losses, primarily on financial institution and below investment grade fixed maturity securities, that were disposed of during the period.

In 2007, the Company recorded investment impairment charges of $8,471. In the three months ended December 31, 2007, $5,867 of impairment charges were recorded for the fixed maturity securities portfolio as follows: $3,778 from one sub-prime residential mortgage-backed security, $1,082 from preferred stocks and $1,007 from corporate high-yield bonds. Certain of these securities were subsequently sold in January 2008. In the three months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recorded impairment charges of $285 from the paper sector of its fixed maturity securities portfolio, and certain of these securities were subsequently sold in October 2007. In the three months ended June 30, 2007, the Company recorded impairment charges of $2,319 from the home builder sector of its fixed maturity securities portfolio, and these securities were subsequently sold in July 2007. There were no other impairment charges recorded in 2007.

In 2006, the Company recorded an impairment of $139 related to fixed income securities from one issuer.

 

F-65


NOTE 2 - Investments-(Continued)

 

Fixed Maturity Securities (“fixed maturities”) and Equity Securities

The following table presents the fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity securities and equity securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company views the decrease in value of all of the securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2008 — which was driven largely by spread widening, market illiquidity and changes in interest rates — as temporary, expects recovery in fair value in a reasonable timeframe, anticipates continued payments under the terms of the securities, and has the intent and ability to hold these securities until maturity or a recovery in fair value occurs. Therefore, no impairment of these securities was recorded at December 31, 2008.

 

     12 months or less    More than 12 months    Total
     Fair Value    Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value    Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value    Unrealized
Losses

As of December 31, 2008

                 

Fixed maturity securities

                 

U.S. government and federally sponsored agency obligations

                 

Mortgage-backed securities

   $ 37,982    $ 212    $ 6,780    $ 135    $ 44,762    $ 347

Other

     2,317      83      —        —        2,317      83

Municipal bonds

     165,004      9,140      101,890      13,577      266,894      22,717

Foreign government bonds

     3,996      188      —        —        3,996      188

Corporate bonds

     739,703      115,299      456,149      103,317      1,195,852      218,616

Other mortgage-backed securities

     167,567      58,340      70,776      70,115      238,343      128,455
                                         

Totals

   $ 1,116,569    $ 183,262    $ 635,595    $ 187,144    $ 1,752,164    $ 370,406
                                         

Equity securities

   $ 22,880    $ 9,263    $ 23,250    $ 15,947    $ 46,130    $ 25,210
                                         

As of December 31, 2007

                 

Fixed maturity securities

                 

U.S. government and federally sponsored agency obligations

                 

Mortgage-backed securities

   $ 72,311    $ 185    $ 380,995    $ 5,353    $ 453,306    $ 5,538

Other

     64,423      40      25,730      85      90,153      125

Municipal bonds

     87,593      1,379      56,253      741      143,846      2,120

Foreign government bonds

     —        —        3,911      35      3,911      35

Corporate bonds

     398,575      17,454      520,356      16,218      918,931      33,672

Other mortgage-backed securities

     147,594      9,019      46,602      1,512      194,196      10,531
                                         

Totals

   $ 770,496    $ 28,077    $ 1,033,847    $ 23,944    $ 1,804,343    $ 52,021
                                         

Equity securities

   $ 59,757    $ 7,238    $ 5,912    $ 1,273    $ 65,669    $ 8,511
                                         

 

F-66


NOTE 2 - Investments-(Continued)

 

At December 31, 2008, the gross unrealized loss position in the fixed maturity and equity securities portfolio was $395,616 (1,021 positions and 11% of the portfolio). Fixed maturity and equity securities with an investment grade rating represented 90% of the unrealized loss. The largest single unrealized loss was $7,316 on a corporate bond issued by Teck Cominco Limited. The fixed maturity and equity securities portfolio included 397 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for greater than 12 months, with an unrealized loss totaling $203,090. The Company views the decrease in value of all of the securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2008 — which was largely driven by changes in interest rates, spread widening and market illiquidity — as temporary, expects recovery in fair value in a reasonable timeframe, anticipates continued payments under the terms of the securities, and has the intent and ability to hold these securities until maturity or a recovery in fair value occurs. With respect to fixed income securities involving securitized financial assets, the underlying collateral cash flows were stress tested to determine there was no adverse change in the expected cash flows. Therefore, no impairment of securities with unrealized losses was recorded at December 31, 2008.

The amortized cost, unrealized investment gains and losses, and fair values of all fixed maturities and equity securities in the portfolio as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

 

     Amortized    Unrealized    Unrealized    Fair
     Cost    Gains    Losses    Value

As of December 31, 2008

           

Fixed maturity securities

           

U.S. government and federally sponsored agency obligations (1)

           

Mortgage-backed securities

   $ 828,907    $ 20,886    $ 347    $ 849,446

Other

     134,161      4,933      83      139,011

Municipal bonds

     507,466      8,591      22,717      493,340

Foreign government bonds

     14,380      716      188      14,908

Corporate bonds

     1,830,684      22,890      218,616      1,634,958

Other mortgage-backed securities

     472,259      9,794      128,455      353,598
                           

Totals

   $ 3,787,857    $ 67,810    $ 370,406    $ 3,485,261
                           

Equity securities

   $ 86,184    $ 595    $ 25,210    $ 61,569
                           

As of December 31, 2007

           

Fixed maturity securities

           

U.S. government and federally sponsored agency obligations (1)

           

Mortgage-backed securities

   $ 910,406    $ 6,564    $ 5,538    $ 911,432

Other

     243,964      2,644      125      246,483

Municipal bonds

     535,069      8,146      2,120      541,095

Foreign government bonds

     14,422      1,487      35      15,874

Corporate bonds

     1,882,871      32,478      33,672      1,881,677

Other mortgage-backed securities

     283,532      3,439      10,531      276,440
                           

Totals

   $ 3,870,264    $ 54,758    $ 52,021    $ 3,873,001
                           

Equity securities

   $ 94,083    $ 976    $ 8,511    $ 86,548
                           

 

(1) Fair value includes securities issued by Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) of $494,604 and $714,720; Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association (“FHLMA”) of $390,217 and $332,811; and Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) of $35,778 and $38,816 as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

F-67


NOTE 2 - Investments-(Continued)

 

The Company’s investment portfolio includes no derivative financial instruments (futures, forwards, swaps, option contracts or other financial instruments with similar characteristics).

Maturities/Sales Of Investments

The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities portfolio at December 31, 2008, by estimated expected maturity, are shown below. Estimated expected maturities differ from contractual maturities, reflecting assumptions regarding borrowers’ utilization of the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Estimated expected maturities consider broker dealer survey values and are verified for consistency with the interest rate and economic environments.

 

     December 31, 2008  
     Amortized
Cost
   Fair
Value
   Percent of
Total Fair
Value
 

Due in 1 year or less

   $ 268,341    $ 246,904    7.1 %

Due after 1 year through 5 years

     1,136,153      1,045,390    30.0  

Due after 5 years through 10 years

     1,162,354      1,069,500    30.7  

Due after 10 years through 20 years

     402,594      370,432    10.6  

Due after 20 years

     818,415      753,035    21.6  
                    

Total

   $ 3,787,857    $ 3,485,261    100.0 %
                    

The average option-adjusted duration for the Company’s fixed maturity securities was 5.9 years at December 31, 2008.

Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and gross gains and gross losses realized as a result of those sales for each year were:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Proceeds

   $ 597,666     $ 776,421     $ 525,990  

Gross gains realized

     10,471       12,630       10,771  

Gross losses realized

     (23,084 )     (10,589 )     (6,175 )

 

F-68


NOTE 2 - Investments-(Continued)

 

Unrealized Gains and Losses on Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities

Net unrealized gains and losses are computed as the difference between fair value and amortized cost for fixed maturities or cost for equity securities. A summary of the net change in unrealized investment gains and losses on fixed maturities and equity securities, less applicable income taxes, is as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Net unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities securities

      

Beginning of period

   $ 2,737     $ 18,004     $ 48,018  

End of period

     (302,596 )     2,737       18,004  
                        

Decrease for the period

     (305,333 )     (15,267 )     (30,014 )

Income tax benefit

     (106,867 )     (5,343 )     (10,505 )
                        

Decrease in net unrealized gains on fixed maturities before the valuation impact on deferred policy acquisition costs and value of acquired insurance in force

   $ (198,466 )   $ (9,924 )   $ (19,509 )
                        

Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities

      

Beginning of period

   $ (7,535 )   $ 1,010     $ 76  

End of period

     (24,615 )     (7,535 )     1,010  
                        

Increase (decrease) for the period

     (17,080 )     (8,545 )     934  

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (5,978 )     (2,991 )     327  
                        

Increase (decrease) in net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities before the valuation impact on deferred policy acquisition costs and value of acquired insurance in force

   $ (11,102 )   $ (5,554 )   $ 607  
                        

Securities Lending

The Company loans fixed income securities to third parties, primarily major brokerage firms. Beginning in the third quarter of 2007, the Company reduced the amount of fixed income securities that it loans compared to previous levels and, as of December 31, 2008 and the time of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company’s securities lending program is suspended. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, fixed maturities with a fair value of $0 and $74,658, respectively, were on loan. Loans of securities are required at all times to be secured by collateral from borrowers at least equal to 102% of the fair value of the securities loaned. The Company maintains effective control over the loaned securities and therefore reports them as Fixed Maturity Securities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Securities lending collateral is classified as short-term investments with a corresponding liability in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Investment in Entities Exceeding 10% of Shareholders’ Equity

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, there were no investments which exceeded 10% of total shareholders’ equity in entities other than obligations of the U.S. Government and federally sponsored government agencies and authorities.

Deposits

At December 31, 2008, securities with a carrying value of $19,956 were on deposit with governmental agencies as required by law in various states in which the insurance subsidiaries of HMEC conduct business.

 

F-69


NOTE 3 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company is required under GAAP to disclose estimated fair values for certain financial instruments. Fair values of the Company’s insurance contracts other than annuity contracts are not required to be disclosed. However, the fair values of liabilities under all insurance contracts are taken into consideration in the Company’s overall management of interest rate risk through the matching of investment maturities with amounts due under insurance contracts. Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, which provides a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP. FSP No. FAS 157-2 defers the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for one year for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are not disclosed at fair value in the consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis.

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. SFAS No. 157 also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1

   Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities include debt and equity securities (both common stock and preferred stock) that are traded in an active exchange market, as well as U.S. Treasury securities.

Level 2

   Unadjusted observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for the assets or liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments. This category generally includes certain U.S. Government and agency mortgage-backed debt securities, non-agency structured securities, corporate debt securities and preferred stocks.

Level 3

   Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. This category generally includes certain private debt and equity investments.

As required by SFAS No. 157, when the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. As a result, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Level 1 or Level 2) and unobservable (Level 3). Net transfers in (out) of Level 3 are reported as having occurred at the end of the reporting period in which the transfers were determined.

 

F-70


NOTE 3 - Fair Value Measurements-(Continued)

 

The following discussion describes the valuation methodologies used for financial assets measured at fair value. The techniques utilized in estimating the fair values are affected by the assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of the amount and timing of future cash flows. The use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s securities holdings. Care should be exercised in deriving conclusions about the Company’s business, its value or financial position based on the fair value information of financial assets presented below.

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about the financial asset, including estimates of timing, amount of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of the issuer. In some cases, the fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets. In addition, the disclosed fair value may not be realized in the immediate settlement of the financial asset. In addition, the disclosed fair values do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time an entire holding of a particular financial asset. In periods of market disruption, the ability to observe prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified from Level 1 to Level 2 or from Level 2 to Level 3. Potential taxes and other expenses that would be incurred in an actual sale or settlement are not reflected in amounts disclosed.

Investments

Fair values for the Company’s fixed maturity securities are based on prices provided by its investment managers and its custodian bank. Both the investment managers and the custodian bank use a variety of independent, nationally recognized pricing sources to determine market valuations. Each designate specific pricing services or indexes for each sector of the market based upon the provider’s expertise. Typical inputs used by these pricing sources include, but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, and/or estimated cash flows and prepayment speeds. When the pricing sources cannot provide fair value determinations, the Company obtains non-binding price quotes from broker-dealers. The broker-dealers’ valuation methodology is sometimes matrix-based, using indicative evaluation measures and adjustments for specific security characteristics and market sentiment. The Company analyzes market valuations received to verify reasonableness, to understand the key assumptions used and their sources, to conclude the prices obtained are appropriate, and to determine an appropriate SFAS No. 157 fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs. Based on this evaluation and investment class analysis, each price is classified into Level 1, 2, or 3. The Company has in place certain control processes to determine the reasonableness of the financial asset fair values. These processes are designed to ensure the values received are accurately recorded and that the data inputs and valuation techniques utilized are appropriate, consistently applied, and that the assumptions are reasonable and consistent with the objective of determining fair value. For example, on a continuing basis, the Company assesses the reasonableness of individual security values received from pricing sources that vary from certain thresholds. Historically, the control processes have not resulted in adjustments to the valuations provided by pricing sources. The Company’s fixed maturity securities portfolio is primarily publicly traded, which allows for a high percentage of the portfolio to be priced through pricing services. Approximately 94% of the portfolio was priced

 

F-71


NOTE 3 - Fair Value Measurements-(Continued)

 

through pricing services or index priced as of December 31, 2008. The remainder of the portfolio was priced by broker-dealers, and these inputs were generally Level 2. There were no significant changes to the valuation process during 2008.

Fair values of equity securities have been determined by the Company from observable market quotations, when available. Private placement securities and equity securities where a public quotation is not available are valued by using non-binding broker quotes or through the use of internal models or analysis. These inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and are believed to be consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such securities.

Short-term and other investments are comprised of policy loans, short-term fixed income securities and mortgage loans. The fair value of policy loans is based on estimates using discounted cash flow analysis and current interest rates being offered for new loans. For short-term fixed income securities, because of the nature of these assets, carrying amounts approximate fair values, which have been determined from public quotations, when available. The fair value of mortgage loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and the same remaining maturities.

Separate Account

Separate Account assets represent variable annuity contractholder funds invested in various mutual funds. Fair values of these assets have been determined from public quotations.

Annuity Contract Liabilities and Policyholder Account Balances on Interest-sensitive Life Contracts

The fair values of annuity contract liabilities and policyholder account balances on interest-sensitive life contracts are equal to the discounted estimated future cash flows (using the Company’s current interest rates for similar products including consideration of minimum guaranteed interest rates).

Other Policyholder Funds

Other policyholder funds are liabilities related to supplementary contracts without life contingencies and dividend accumulations, which represent deposits that do not have defined maturities. The carrying value of these funds is used as a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Short-term Debt

The carrying value of short-term debt is used as a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Long-term Debt

The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on quoted market prices of publicly traded issues.

 

F-72


NOTE 3 - Fair Value Measurements-(Continued)

 

The following table presents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2008. At December 31, 2008, Level 3 assets comprised approximately 0.8% of the Company’s total investment portfolio fair value. In addition, the table includes the carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments at December 31, 2007.

 

               Fair Value Measurements at
     Carrying
Amount
   Fair
Value
   Reporting Date Using(1)
             Level 1    Level 2    Level 3

December 31, 2008

              

Financial Assets

              

Investments

              

Fixed maturities

   $ 3,485,261    $ 3,485,261    $ 49,101    $ 3,405,721    $ 30,439

Equity securities

     61,569      61,569      31,675      29,439      455

Short-term and other investments (2)

     354,925      358,510      244,579      1,097      —  
                                  

Total investments

     3,901,755      3,905,340      325,355      3,436,257      30,894

Separate Account (variable annuity) assets

     965,217      965,217      965,217      —        —  

Financial Liabilities

              

Policyholder account balances on-interest-sensitive life contracts

     80,250      70,580         

Annuity contract liabilities

     2,166,518      1,877,400         

Other policyholder funds

     128,359      128,359         

Short-term debt

     38,000      38,000         

Long-term debt

     199,549      189,480         

December 31, 2007 

              

Financial Assets

              

Investments

              

Fixed maturities

   $ 3,873,001    $ 3,873,001         

Equity securities

     86,548      86,548         

Short-term and other investments (2)

     143,990      147,011         

Short-term investments, loaned securities collateral

     76,711      76,711         
                      

Total investments

     4,180,250      4,183,271         

Separate Account (variable annuity) assets

   $ 1,562,210    $ 1,562,210         

Financial Liabilities

              

Policyholder account balances on interest-sensitive life contracts

     80,772      73,848         

Annuity contract liabilities

     2,014,211      1,768,074         

Other policyholder funds

     138,470      138,470         

Short-term debt

     —        —           

Long-term debt

     199,485      198,625         

 

(1) At December 31, 2008, this information is not required for financial liabilities or for periods prior to the adoption of SFAS No.157.

 

(2) Fair value of “Short-term and other investments” includes investments for which inputs to fair value measurements are not required. Inputs to fair value measurements are provided only for those investments carried at fair value.

 

F-73


NOTE 3 - Fair Value Measurements-(Continued)

 

The following table presents a reconciliation for all Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the period January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008.

 

     Level 3 Assets  
     Fixed
Maturities
    Equity
Securities
    Total  

Financial Assets

      

Beginning balance, January 1, 2008

   $ 688     $ 457     $ 1,145  

Total net gains (losses) (unrealized)

     2       (2 )     —    

Paydowns and maturities

     (598 )     —         (598 )

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements

     —         —         —    

Transfers in (out) of Level 3

     30,347       —         30,347  
                        

Ending balance, December 31, 2008

   $ 30,439     $ 455     $ 30,894  
                        

For the period January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008, there were no realized gains or losses included in earnings that were attributable to Level 3 assets still held at December 31, 2008. Transfers into Level 3 during the year ended December 31, 2008 were attributable to a change in the availability of observable market information for individual fixed maturities.

NOTE 4 - Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses

The following table sets forth an analysis of property and casualty unpaid claims and claim expenses and provides a reconciliation of beginning and ending reserves for the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Gross reserves, beginning of year (1)

   $ 306,190     $ 317,730     $ 342,661  

Less reinsurance recoverables

     15,930       22,352       31,604  
                        

Net reserves, beginning of year (2)

     290,260       295,378       311,057  
                        

Incurred claims and claim expenses:

      

Claims occurring in the current year

     434,206       380,399       359,840  

Decrease in estimated reserves for claims occurring in prior years (3)

     (18,100 )     (19,968 )     (19,210 )
                        

Total claims and claim expenses incurred (4)

     416,106       360,431       340,630  
                        

Claims and claim expense payments for claims occurring during:

      

Current year

     289,341       236,176       220,962  

Prior years

     134,060       129,373       135,347  
                        

Total claims and claim expense payments

     423,401       365,549       356,309  
                        

Net reserves, end of year (2)

     282,965       290,260       295,378  

Plus reinsurance recoverables

     14,793       15,930       22,352  
                        

Gross reserves, end of year (1)

   $ 297,758     $ 306,190     $ 317,730  
                        

 

(1) Unpaid claims and claim expenses as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets also include life, annuity, and group accident and health reserves of $13,485, $9,192 and $8,931 at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, in addition to property and casualty reserves.
(2) Reserves net of anticipated reinsurance recoverables.
(3) Shows the amounts by which the Company decreased its reserves in each of the periods indicated for claims occurring in previous periods to reflect subsequent information on such claims and changes in their projected final settlement costs. Also refer to the paragraphs below for additional information regarding the reserve development recorded in 2008, 2007 and 2006.
(4) Benefits, claims and settlement expenses as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations also include life, annuity, and group accident and health amounts of $55,427, $48,059 and $48,105 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, in addition to the property and casualty amounts.

 

F-74


NOTE 4 - Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses-(Continued)

 

Underwriting results of the property and casualty segment are significantly influenced by estimates of the Company’s ultimate liability for insured events. There is a high degree of uncertainty inherent in the estimates of ultimate losses underlying the liability for unpaid claims and claim settlement expenses. This inherent uncertainty is particularly significant for liability-related exposures due to the extended period, often many years, that transpires between a loss event, receipt of related claims data from policyholders and ultimate settlement of the claim. Reserves for property and casualty claims include provisions for payments to be made on reported claims (“case reserves”), claims incurred but not yet reported (“IBNR”) and associated settlement expenses (together “loss reserves”). The process by which these reserves are established requires reliance upon estimates based on known facts and on interpretations of circumstances, including the Company’s experience with similar cases and historical trends involving claim payments and related patterns, pending levels of unpaid claims and product mix, as well as other factors including court decisions, economic conditions and public attitudes.

The Company believes the property and casualty loss reserves are appropriately established based on available facts, laws, and regulations. The Company calculates and records a single best reserve estimate as of each balance sheet date, in conformity with generally accepted actuarial standards, for each line of business and its components (coverages and perils) for reported losses and for IBNR losses and as a result believes no other estimate is better than the recorded amount. Due to uncertainties involved, the ultimate cost of losses may vary materially from recorded amounts.

The Company continually updates loss estimates using both quantitative and qualitative information from its reserving actuaries and information derived from other sources. Adjustments may be required as information develops which varies from experience, or, in some cases, augments data which previously were not considered sufficient for use in determining liabilities. The effects of these adjustments may be significant and are charged or credited to income in the period in which the adjustments are made.

Numerous risk factors will affect more than one product line. One of these factors is changes in claim department practices, including claim closure rates, number of claims closed without payment, the use of outside claims adjusters and the level of needed case reserve estimated by the adjuster. Other risk factors include changes in claim frequency, changes in claim severity, regulatory and legislative actions, court actions, changes in economic conditions and trends (e.g. medical costs, labor rates and the cost of materials), the occurrence of unusually large or frequent catastrophic loss events, timeliness of claim reporting, the state in which the claim occurred and degree of claimant fraud. The extent of the impact of a risk factor will also vary by coverages within a product line. Individual risk factors are also subject to interactions with other risk factors within product line coverages.

While all product lines are exposed to these risks, there are some loss types or product lines for which the financial effect will be more significant. For instance, the use of outside adjusters for large catastrophe losses adds a level of risk to this loss type not present when employee adjusters handle claims. Also, given the relatively large proportion (approximately 70% at December 31, 2008) of the Company’s reserves that are in the longer-tail automobile liability coverages, regulatory and court actions and changes in economic conditions and trends could be expected to impact this product line more extensively than others.

 

F-75


NOTE 4 - Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses-(Continued)

 

Reserves are established for claims as they occur for each line of business based on estimates of the ultimate cost to settle the claims. The actual loss results are compared to prior estimates and differences are recorded as reestimates. The primary actuarial techniques (development of paid loss dollars, development of reported loss dollars, methods based on expected loss ratios and methods utilizing frequency and severity of claims) used to estimate reserves and provide for losses are applied to actual paid losses and reported losses (paid losses plus individual case reserves set by claim adjusters) for an accident year or a calendar year to create an estimate of how losses are likely to develop over time. An accident year refers to classifying claims based on the year in which the claim occurred. A calendar year refers to classifying claims based on the year in which the claims are reported. Both classifications are used to prepare estimates of required reserves for payments to be made in the future. For estimating short-tail coverage reserves (e.g. homeowners and automobile physical damage), which comprise approximately 30% of the Company’s total loss reserves at December 31, 2008, the primary actuarial technique utilized is the development of paid loss dollars due to the relatively quick claim settlement period. As it relates to estimating long-tail coverage reserves (e.g. automobile liability), which comprise approximately 70% of the Company’s total loss reserves at December 31, 2008, the primary actuarial technique utilized is the development of reported loss dollars due to the relatively long claim settlement period.

In all of the loss estimation techniques referred to above, a ratio (development factor) is calculated which compares current results to results in the prior period for each accident year. Various development factors, based on historical results, are multiplied by the current experience to estimate the development of losses of each accident year from the current time period into the next time period. The development factors for the next time period for each accident year are compounded over the remaining calendar years to calculate an estimate of ultimate losses for each accident year. Occasionally, unusual aberrations in loss patterns are caused by factors such as changes in claim reporting, settlement patterns, unusually large losses, process changes, legal or regulatory environment changes, and other influences. In these instances, analyses of alternate development factor selections are performed to evaluate the effect of these factors, and actuarial judgment is applied to make appropriate development factor assumptions needed to develop a best estimate of ultimate losses. Paid losses are then subtracted from estimated ultimate losses to determine the indicated loss reserves. The difference between indicated reserves and recorded reserves is the amount of reserve reestimate.

Reserves are reestimated quarterly. When new development factors are calculated from actual losses, and they differ from estimated development factors used in previous reserve estimates, assumptions about losses and required reserves are revised based on the new development factors. Changes to reserves are recorded in the period in which development factor changes result in reserve reestimates.

 

F-76


NOTE 4 - Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses-(Continued)

 

Numerous actuarial estimates of the types described above are prepared each quarter to monitor losses for each line of business (coverages and perils) and for reported losses and IBNR. Often, several different estimates are prepared for each detailed component, incorporating alternative analyses of changing claim settlement patterns and other influences on losses, from which the Company selects the best estimate for each component, occasionally incorporating additional analyses and actuarial judgment, as described above. These estimates also incorporate the historical impact of inflation into reserve estimates, the implicit assumption being that a multi-year average development factor represents an adequate provision. Based on the Company’s review of these estimates, as well as the review of the independent reserve studies, the best estimate of required reserves for each line of business and its components (coverages and perils) is determined by management and is recorded for each accident year, and the required reserves for each component are summed to create the reserve balances carried on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Based on the Company’s products and coverages, historical experience and modeling of various actuarial methodologies used to develop reserve estimates, the Company estimates that the potential variability of the property and casualty loss reserves, within a reasonable probability of other possible outcomes, may be approximately plus or minus 6%, which equates to plus or minus approximately $12,000 based on 2008 net income. Although this evaluation reflects the most likely outcomes, it is possible the final outcome may fall below or above these estimates.

Net favorable development of total reserves for property and casualty claims occurring in prior years was $18,100 in 2008, primarily the result of favorable frequency and severity trends in voluntary automobile loss and loss adjustment expense emergence for accident years 2005 and prior. In 2007, net favorable development of total reserves for property and casualty claims occurring in prior years was $19,968 reflecting the emergence of favorable voluntary automobile severity trends in accident years 2005 and prior and favorable frequency trends in homeowners for accident year 2006. In 2006, net favorable development of total reserves for property and casualty claims occurring in prior years was $19,210 reflecting emergence of favorable claim trends, primarily for accident years 2005 and 2004, for the voluntary automobile line of business related primarily to claim frequencies, which were more favorable than previously estimated.

The Company completes a detailed study of property and casualty reserves based on information available at the end of each quarter and year. Trends of reported losses (paid amounts and case reserves on claims reported to the Company) for each accident year are reviewed and ultimate loss costs for those accident years are estimated. The Company engages an independent property and casualty actuarial consulting firm to prepare an independent study of the Company’s property and casualty reserves at December 31 of each year, supplemented by other analyses throughout the year. The result of the independent actuarial study at December 31, 2008 was consistent with management’s analyses and selected estimates and did not result in any adjustments to the Company’s recorded property and casualty reserves.

 

F-77


NOTE 4 - Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses-(Continued)

 

Based on an assessment of the relative weight given to emerging trends resulting from recent business process changes, pricing, underwriting and claims handling, at both December 31, 2008 and 2007 the Company recorded property and casualty reserves toward the higher end (upper quartile) of a reasonable range of reserve estimates, due primarily to reserves related to the automobile liability coverages.

At the time each of the reserve analyses were performed, the Company believed that each estimate was based upon sound and correct methodology and such methodology was appropriately applied and that there were no trends which indicated the likelihood of future loss reserve development. The financial impact of the net reserve development was therefore accounted for in the period that the development was determined.

No other unusual adjustments were made in the determination of the liabilities during the periods covered by these consolidated financial statements. Management believes that, based on data currently available, it has reasonably estimated the Company’s ultimate losses.

NOTE 5 - Debt

Indebtedness and scheduled maturities at December 31, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following:

 

     Effective
Interest
Rates
    Final
Maturity
   December 31,
        2008    2007

Short-term debt:

          

Bank Credit Facility

   Variable     2011    $ 38,000    $ —  

Long-term debt:

          

6.05% Senior Notes, Face amount of $75,000 less unaccrued discount of $172 and $198

   6.1 %   2015      74,828      74,802

6.85% Senior Notes, Face amount of $125,000 less unaccrued discount of $279 and $317

   6.9 %   2016      124,721      124,683
                  

Total

        $ 237,549    $ 199,485
                  

Credit Agreement with Financial Institutions (“Bank Credit Facility”)

On May 31, 2005, HMEC entered into a new Bank Credit Agreement (the “Current Bank Credit Facility”). As amended and restated on December 19, 2006, the Current Bank Credit Facility agreement provides for unsecured borrowings of up to $125,000 and expires on December 19, 2011. Interest accrues at varying spreads relative to corporate or Eurodollar base rates and is payable monthly or quarterly depending on the applicable base rate (London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 0.6%, or 4.7%, at December 31, 2008; LIBOR plus 0.6%, or 1.12%, as of the time of this Annual Report on Form 10-K). The unused portion of the Current Bank Credit Facility is subject to a variable commitment fee, which was 0.125% on an annual basis at December 31, 2008. On October 2, 2008, the Company borrowed $75,000 under its existing $125,000 Bank Credit Facility. Prior to December 31, 2008, the Company repaid $37,000 of this borrowing leaving a balance of $38,000 outstanding at December 31, 2008. In March and April 2006, the Company borrowed a total of $74,000 and subsequently repaid this balance in full on April 21, 2006, utilizing a portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes due 2016, described below. On May 31, 2005, the Company borrowed $25,000 and subsequently repaid this balance in full on June 13, 2005, utilizing a portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes due 2015, described below.

 

F-78


NOTE 5 - Debt-(Continued)

 

6.05% Senior Notes due 2015 (“Senior Notes due 2015”)

On June 9, 2005, the Company issued $75,000 aggregate principal amount of senior notes at an effective yield of 6.1%, which will mature on June 15, 2015. Interest on the Senior Notes due 2015 is payable semi-annually at a rate of 6.05%. The Senior Notes due 2015 are redeemable in whole or in part, at any time, at the Company’s option, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of their principal amount or (2) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted, on a semi-annual basis, at the Treasury yield (as defined in the indenture) plus 30 basis points, plus, in either of the above cases, accrued interest to the date of redemption.

The net proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes due 2015 were used to (1) repay the Current Bank Credit Facility, (2) redeem the Senior Notes due 2006, described below, and (3) make a capital contribution to HMEC’s primary life insurance subsidiary to substantially offset the early recapture of the Company’s life reinsurance agreement with the United States branch of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada.

6.85% Senior Notes due 2016 (“Senior Notes due 2016”)

On April 21, 2006, the Company issued $125,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.85% senior notes, which will mature on April 15, 2016, issued at a discount of 0.305% resulting in an effective yield of 6.893%. Interest on the Senior Notes due 2016 is payable semi-annually at a rate of 6.85%. The Senior Notes due 2016 are redeemable in whole or in part, at any time, at the Company’s option, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed or (2) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted, on a semi-annual basis, at the Treasury yield (as defined in the indenture) plus 30 basis points, plus, in either of the above cases, accrued interest to the date of redemption.

A portion of the net proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes due 2016 was used to repay in full the $74,000 balance then outstanding on the Bank Credit Facility. As described below, an additional $9,419 of the net proceeds was used in July 2006 for repurchases of Senior Convertible Notes. Remaining net proceeds were used to redeem the remaining outstanding Senior Convertible Notes on May 14, 2007, as described below, and for general corporate purposes.

1.425% Senior Convertible Notes (“Senior Convertible Notes”)

In March, April and July 2006, the Company repurchased $175,947 aggregate principal amount, $83,575 carrying value, of the outstanding Senior Convertible Notes at an aggregate cost of $82,846. The March and April 2006 repurchases were initially funded utilizing the Company’s Bank Credit Facility and the July 2006 repurchase was funded with a portion of the cash proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes due 2016.

 

F-79


NOTE 5 - Debt-(Continued)

 

On May 14, 2007, pursuant to provisions of the indenture, HMEC redeemed its remaining outstanding Senior Convertible Notes ($68,553 aggregate principal amount; $32,563 carrying value) at $475.00 per $1,000.00 principal amount. The $32,563 aggregate cost was funded with a portion of the remaining cash proceeds from HMEC’s April 2006 issuance of 6.85% Senior Notes Due 2016. None of the Senior Convertible Notes were converted into shares of HMEC’s common stock. No early termination penalties were incurred as a result of this redemption.

The $231,947 aggregate principal amount of Senior Convertible Notes which HMEC previously held in brokerage accounts and the $68,553 aggregate principal amount of Senior Convertible Notes redeemed on May 14, 2007 have been canceled.

Universal Shelf Registration

To provide additional capital management flexibility, the Company filed a “universal shelf” registration on Form S-3 with the SEC in November 2008. The registration statement, which registers the offer and sale by the Company from time to time of up to $300,000 of various securities, which may include debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants and/or delayed delivery contracts, was declared effective on January 7, 2009. Unless fully utilized or withdrawn by the Company earlier, this registration statement will remain effective through January 7, 2012. No securities associated with the registration statement have been issued as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Debt Retirement Gain/Charges

The redemption of the remaining outstanding Senior Convertible Notes on May 14, 2007 resulted in neither a gain nor a loss.

The repurchases of the Senior Convertible Notes during the year ended December 31, 2006 resulted in a pretax gain for the period of $159, which was reported as a component of interest expense for this period.

Covenants

The Company is in compliance with all of the financial covenants contained in the Senior Notes due 2015 indenture and the Senior Notes due 2016 indenture and the Bank Credit Facility Agreement, consisting primarily of relationships of (1) debt to capital, (2) insurance subsidiaries’ insurance financial strength ratings issued by A.M. Best Company, Inc. (“A.M. Best”) and (3) net worth, as defined in the financial covenants. For instance, compliance with the Bank Credit Agreement requires the Company’s insurance subsidiaries’ A.M. Best financial strength ratings to be at or above the “A-” rating assigned at the time of this Annual Report on form 10-K. A lower rating would result in default under this agreement, which could adversely impact the Company’s liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

 

F-80


NOTE 6 - Shareholders’ Equity and Stock Options

Share Repurchase Program and Treasury Shares Held (Common Stock)

As disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, on September 12, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors (“Board”) authorized a new share repurchase program allowing repurchases up to $50,000 and ended the May 1999 authorization. The new share repurchase program authorized the repurchase of common shares in open market or privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, depending on market conditions.

From September 12, 2007 through December 31, 2007, the Company repurchased 1,111,600 shares of its common stock, or 2.6% of the outstanding shares on December 31, 2006, at an aggregate cost of $20,748, or an average cost of $18.66 per share, under its new share repurchase program. From January 1, 2008 through February 19, 2008, the Company completed the new program by repurchasing an additional 1,626,776 shares of its common stock, or 3.9% of the outstanding shares on December 31, 2007. In total, 2,738,376 shares were repurchased under the $50,000 program at an average cost of $18.28 per share. The repurchase of shares was financed through use of cash.

On March 7, 2008, the Board authorized an additional $25,000 share repurchase program allowing for repurchase of common shares in open market or privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, depending on market conditions (the “March 2008 Program”). As of June 30, 2008, the Company completed the March 2008 Program resulting in a total of 1,571,449 shares of its common stock repurchased under this program at an average cost of $15.93 per share. Shares repurchased under the March 2008 Program represented 3.7% of the outstanding shares on December 31, 2007. The repurchase of shares was financed through use of cash.

At December 31, 2008, the Company held 21,813,196 shares in treasury. As of June 30, 2008, the Company had completed its authorized share repurchase programs.

Authorization of Preferred Stock

In 1996, the shareholders of HMEC approved authorization of 1,000,000 shares of $0.001 par value preferred stock. The Board of Directors is authorized to (1) direct the issuance of the preferred stock in one or more series, (2) fix the dividend rate, conversion or exchange rights, redemption price and liquidation preference, of any series of the preferred stock, (3) fix the number of shares for any series and (4) increase or decrease the number of shares of any series. No shares of preferred stock were outstanding at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

 

F-81


NOTE 6 - Shareholders’ Equity and Stock Options-(Continued)

 

Director Stock Plan

In 1996, the shareholders of HMEC approved the Deferred Equity Compensation Plan (“Director Stock Plan”) for directors of the Company and reserved 600,000 shares for issuance pursuant to the Director Stock Plan. Shares of the Company’s common stock issued under the Director Stock Plan may be either authorized and unissued shares or shares that have been reacquired by the Company. As of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, 254,060, 227,757 and 214,238 units, respectively, were outstanding under this plan representing an equal number of common shares to be issued in the future. The outstanding units of currently serving directors accrue dividends at the same rate as dividends paid to HMEC’s shareholders; outstanding units of retired directors do not accrue dividends. These dividends are reinvested into additional common stock units.

Employee Stock Plan

In 1997, the Board of Directors of HMEC approved the Deferred Compensation Plan for Employees (“Employee Stock Plan”). Shares of the Company’s common stock issued under the Employee Stock Plan may be either authorized and unissued shares or shares that have been reacquired by the Company. As of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, 215,200, 219,030 and 149,396 units, respectively, were outstanding under this plan representing an equal number of common shares to be issued in the future. The Employee Stock Plan allows distributions to be either in common shares or cash. Through December 31, 2008, all distributions under the Employee Stock Plan have been in cash. The outstanding units accrue dividends at the same rate as dividends paid to HMEC’s shareholders. These dividends are reinvested into additional common stock units.

Stock Options and Restricted Common Stock Units

The shareholders of HMEC approved the 1991 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1991 Plan”), the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2001 Plan”), and the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan and the Amended and Restated 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan (together, the “2002 Plan”) and reserved a total of 9,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance under these plans. Under the 1991 Plan, the 2001 Plan and the 2002 Plan, options to purchase shares of HMEC common stock may be granted to executive officers, other employees and directors. The options become exercisable in installments based on service generally beginning in the first year from the date of grant and generally become fully vested 4 to 5 years from the date of grant. The options generally expire 7 to 10 years from the date of grant. The exercise price of the option is equal to the market price of HMEC’s common stock on the date of grant resulting in a grant date intrinsic value of $0. Shares issued upon exercise of options may be either new shares or treasury shares; however, the Company has historically issued new shares.

Beginning in 2005, restricted common stock units also were issued under the 2002 Plan. As of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, 293,379, 341,801 and 252,867 units, respectively, were outstanding representing an equal number of common shares to be issued in the future. The outstanding units accrue dividends at the same rate as dividends paid to HMEC’s shareholders. These dividends are reinvested into additional restricted common stock units.

 

F-82


NOTE 6 - Shareholders’ Equity and Stock Options-(Continued)

 

Changes in outstanding options and shares available for grant under the 1991 Plan, the 2001 Plan and the 2002 Plan were as follows:

 

     Weighted Average
Option Price

per Share
   Range of
Option Prices
per Share
   Options  
         Outstanding     Vested and
Exercisable
    Available
for Grant
 

At December 31, 2005

   $19.05    $ 13.88-$33.87    4,546,050     4,006,950     1,954,286  
                        

Granted

   $17.72    $ 16.66-$18.17    17,250     —       (17,250 )

Vested

   $18.74    $ 16.96-$19.04    —       152,541     —    

Exercised

   $14.61    $ 13.88-$17.56    (114,400 )   (114,400 )   —    

Forfeited

   $23.13    $ 13.88-$33.87    (144,650 )   (144,650 )   144,650  
                        

At December 31, 2006

   $19.00    $ 13.88-$33.87    4,304,250     3,900,441     2,081,686  
                        

Granted

   $20.13    $ 19.16-$20.23    276,280     —       (276,280 )

Vested

   $18.76    $ 16.66-$20.23    —       149,155     —    

Exercised

   $17.27    $ 13.88-$20.80    (240,352 )   (240,352 )   —    

Forfeited

   $24.69    $ 15.32-$33.87    (79,998 )   (79,998 )   79,998  

Expired

   $22.42      $22.42    (19,500 )   (19,500 )   19,500  
                        

At December 31, 2007

   $19.05    $ 13.88-$33.87    4,240,680     3,709,746     1,904,904  
                        

Granted

   $14.11    $ 9.04-$16.81    622,828     50,676     (622,828 )

Vested

   $18.90    $ 16.66-$20.23    —       314,862     —    

Forfeited

   $19.18    $ 13.88-$23.31    (492,654 )   (492,654 )   492,654  

Expired

   $33.29    $ 29.21-$33.87    (71,100 )   (71,100 )   71,100  
                        

At December 31, 2008

   $18.09    $ 9.04-$25.63    4,299,754     3,511,530     1,845,830 *
                    

Cumulative common stock shares issued for restricted common stock units

             (9,355 )

Restricted common stock units outstanding at December 31, 2008

             (293,379 )
                

Available for grant at December 31, 2008

             1,543,096  
                

 

* The Company’s stock options and restricted common stock units are subject to a common pool of authorized shares. Common stock shares issued and issuable for the restricted common stock units outstanding at December 31, 2008 would also draw on this available for grant balance.

The weighted average grant date fair values were $3.47, $5.49 and $5.16 for options granted in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The weighted average prices of vested and exercisable options as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 were $19.00 and $19.04, respectively.

 

F-83


NOTE 6 - Shareholders’ Equity and Stock Options-(Continued)

 

For options outstanding at December 31, 2008, information segregated by ranges of exercise prices was as follows:

 

     Range of
Option Prices
per Share
   Total Outstanding Options    Vested and Exercisable Options
      Options    Weighted
Average
Option Price
per Share
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Term
   Options    Weighted
Average
Option Price
per Share
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Term
     $9.04    202,704    $ 9.04    6.9 years    50,676    $ 9.04    6.9 years
   $ 13.88-$20.80    3,898,100    $ 18.34    2.3 years    3,261,904    $ 18.44    1.7 years
   $ 21.64-$25.63    198,950    $ 22.42    1.9 years    198,950    $ 22.42    1.9 years
                        

Total

   $ 9.04-$25.63    4,299,754    $ 18.09    2.5 years    3,511,530    $ 18.53    1.8 years
                        

As of December 31, 2008, based on a closing stock price of $9.19 per share, the aggregate intrinsic (in-the-money) values of vested options and all options outstanding were $8 and $30, respectively.

NOTE 7 - Income Taxes

The income tax assets and liabilities included in Other Assets and Other Liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

 

     December 31,  
     2008     2007  

Income tax (asset) liability

    

Current

   $ (11,356 )   $ (130 )

Deferred

     (62,754 )     45,542  

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for all future tax consequences attributable to “temporary differences” between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. There are no deferred tax liabilities that have not been recognized. The “temporary differences” that give rise to the deferred tax balances at December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

 

     December 31,
     2008     2007

Deferred tax assets

    

Other comprehensive income (loss) – unrealized losses on securities

   $ 114,523     $ 1,727

Impaired securities

     18,525       2,054

Unearned premium reserve reduction

     14,123       16,756

Compensation accruals

     7,190       7,852

Other comprehensive income (loss) – net funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

     6,231       1,733

Discounting of unpaid claims and claim expenses tax reserves

     5,697       6,651

Postretirement benefits other than pension

     4,216       6,351

Unutilized capital loss carryforward

     3,736       —  

Other, net

     1,078       2,054
              

Total gross deferred tax assets

     175,319       45,178
              

Deferred tax liabilities

    

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     99,840       81,740

Life insurance future policy benefit reserve revaluation

     8,739       3,544

Intangible assets

     3,986       5,436
              

Total gross deferred tax liabilities

     112,565       90,720
              

Net deferred tax (asset) liability

   $ (62,754 )   $ 45,542
              

 

F-84


NOTE 7 - Income Taxes-(Continued)

 

The Company evaluated sources and character of income, including historical earnings, loss carryback potential, taxable income from future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences, and taxable income from prudent and feasible tax-planning strategies. Although realization of deferred tax assets is not assured, the Company believes it is more-likely-than-not that gross deferred tax assets will be fully realized and that a valuation allowance with respect to the realization of the total gross deferred tax assets was not necessary as of December 31, 2008 and 2007.

At December 31, 2008, the Company had $10,675 of capital loss carryforwards, which if not used, will begin to expire in 2013.

The components of income tax expense (benefit) were as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2008     2007    2006

Current

   $ (4,359 )   $ 24,429    $ 23,453

Deferred

     (6,380 )     9,854      18,132
                     

Total income tax expense (benefit)

   $ (10,739 )   $ 34,283    $ 41,585
                     

Income tax expense for the following periods differed from the expected tax computed by applying the federal corporate tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Expected federal tax on income

   $ 62     $ 40,975     $ 49,102  

Add (deduct) tax effects of:

      

Tax-exempt interest

     (5,854 )     (6,265 )     (6,180 )

Resolution of contingent tax liabilities

     (4,180 )     —         —    

Dividend received deduction

     (1,652 )     (1,265 )     (1,728 )

Other, net

     885       838       391  
                        

Income tax expense (benefit) provided on income

   $ (10,739 )   $ 34,283     $ 41,585  
                        

At December 31, 2008, the Company had federal income tax returns for the 2005 through 2007 tax years still open and subject to examination by all major taxing authorities. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) completed its examination of tax years 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006. As a result, the Company recorded a reduction in its liability for uncertain tax positions, including interest of, $4,180.

 

F-85


NOTE 7 - Income Taxes-(Continued)

 

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No 109”. Adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company. FIN 48 provides recognition of tax benefits from tax return positions only if it is more likely than not the position will be sustainable, upon examination, on its technical merits and any relevant administrative practices or precedents. As a result, the Company now applies a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold for all tax uncertainties. There were no differences between the amounts previously recognized for uncertain tax positions and the amounts determined under FIN 48, including changes in accrued interest and penalties.

The Company records liabilities for uncertain tax filing positions where it is more-likely-than-not that the position will not be sustainable upon audit by taxing authorities. These liabilities are reevaluated routinely and are adjusted appropriately based upon changes in facts or law. The Company has no unrecorded liabilities from uncertain tax filing positions.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, is as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
     2008     2007

Balance as of the beginning of the year

   $ 4,367     $ 3,914

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     505       427

Additions for tax positions for prior years

     81       26

Settlements

     (3,722 )     —  

Reductions for tax positions for prior years

     (146 )     —  
              

Balance as of the end of the year

   $ 1,085     $ 4,367
              

All of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits would affect the effective tax rate if recognized. There are no positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months.

The Company classifies all interest and penalties as income tax expense. The 2008 expense for interest and penalties was $12 ($8 net of tax benefits); for 2007 and 2006, this amount was $306 ($199 net of tax benefits) and $192 ($125 net of tax benefits), respectively. The Company has recorded $163 and $883 in liabilities for tax related interest and penalties on its Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

F-86


NOTE 8 - Statutory Surplus and Subsidiary Dividend Restrictions

The insurance departments of various states in which the insurance subsidiaries of HMEC are domiciled recognize as net income and surplus those amounts determined in conformity with statutory accounting principles prescribed or permitted by the insurance departments, which differ in certain respects from GAAP.

Reconciliations of statutory capital and surplus and net income, as determined using statutory accounting principles, to the amounts included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are as follows:

 

     (Unaudited)
December 31,
 
     2008     2007  

Statutory capital and surplus of insurance subsidiaries

   $ 556,835     $ 604,635  

Increase (decrease) due to:

    

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     312,046       261,789  

Difference in policyholder reserves

     43,535       39,501  

Goodwill

     47,396       47,396  

Value of acquired insurance in force

     223       5,380  

Liability for postretirement benefits, other than pensions

     (7,462 )     (10,871 )

Investment fair value adjustments on fixed maturities

     (289,389 )     4,464  

Difference in investment reserves

     26,686       50,457  

Federal income tax asset (liability)

     37,005       (69,317 )

Net funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

     (17,802 )     (4,950 )

Non-admitted assets and other, net

     (13,355 )     (912 )

Shareholders’ equity (deficit) of parent company and non-insurance subsidiaries

     (9,324 )     (34,809 )

Parent company short-term and long-term debt

     (237,549 )     (199,485 )
                

Shareholders’ equity as reported herein

   $ 448,845     $ 693,278  
                

 

     (Unaudited)
Year Ended December 31,
 
     2008     2007     2006  

Statutory net income of insurance subsidiaries

   $ 2,616     $ 88,839     $ 110,557  

Net income (loss) of non-insurance companies

     40       (284 )     (233 )

Interest expense

     (14,455 )     (14,060 )     (13,143 )

Tax benefit of interest expense and other parent company current tax adjustments

     6,737       5,707       4,365  
                        

Combined net income (loss)

     (5,062 )     80,202       101,546  

Increase (decrease) due to:

      

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     6,513       10,791       14,483  

Policyholder benefits

     19,186       12,201       9,205  

Federal income tax benefit (expense)

     5,782       (9,854 )     (18,132 )

Amortization of intangible assets

     (5,329 )     (5,379 )     (6,078 )

Investment reserves

     (3,819 )     (171 )     1,597  

Other adjustments, net

     (6,354 )     (5,002 )     (3,913 )
                        

Net income as reported herein

   $ 10,917     $ 82,788     $ 98,708  
                        

 

F-87


NOTE 8 - Statutory Surplus and Subsidiary Dividend Restrictions-(Continued)

 

The Company has principal insurance subsidiaries domiciled in Illinois, California and Texas. The statutory financial statements of these subsidiaries are prepared in accordance with accounting principles prescribed or permitted by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Division of Insurance), the California Department of Insurance and the Texas Department of Insurance, as applicable. Prescribed statutory accounting principles include a variety of publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), as well as state laws, regulations and general administrative rules.

The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to various regulatory restrictions which limit the amount of annual dividends or other distributions, including loans or cash advances, available to HMEC without prior approval of the insurance regulatory authorities. The aggregate amount of dividends that may be paid by the insurance subsidiaries to HMEC during 2009 without prior approval is approximately $55,000.

The NAIC has adopted risk-based capital guidelines to evaluate the adequacy of statutory capital and surplus in relation to risks assumed in investments, reserving policies, and volume and types of insurance business written. State insurance regulations prohibit insurance companies from making any public statements or representations with regard to their risk-based capital levels. Based on current guidelines, the risk-based capital statutory requirements are not expected to have a negative regulatory impact on the Company’s insurance subsidiaries. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, statutory capital and surplus of each of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries was above required levels.

At the time of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and during each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2008, the Company had no financial reinsurance agreements in effect.

NOTE 9 - Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company has the following retirement plans: a defined contribution plan; a 401(k) plan; a defined benefit plan for employees hired on or before December 31, 1998; and certain employees participate in a supplemental defined contribution plan or a supplemental defined benefit plan or both.

After completing the first year of employment, all employees participate in the defined contribution plan. Under this plan, the Company makes contributions to each participant’s account based on eligible compensation and years of service. Contribution percentages are currently as follows: (1) employees hired on or after April 1, 1997, 5% of eligible compensation; (2) employees hired prior to April 1, 1997 with less than 15 years of service, 6% of eligible compensation; and (3) employees hired prior to April 1, 1997 with 15 or more years of service, 7% of eligible compensation. Through December 31, 2006, participants were 100% vested in this plan after 5 years of service. Effective January 1, 2007, participants are 100% vested in this plan after 3 years of service.

All employees of the Company participate in a 401(k) plan. Beginning January 1, 2002, the Company automatically contributes 3% of eligible compensation to each employee’s account, which is 100% vested at the time of the contribution. In addition, employees may voluntarily contribute up to 20% of their eligible compensation into their account.

 

F-88


NOTE 9 - Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits-(Continued)

 

Effective April 1, 2002, participants stopped accruing benefits under the defined benefit and supplemental defined benefit plans but continue to retain the benefits they had accrued to date. Amounts earned under the defined benefit and supplemental defined benefit plans are based on years of service and the highest 36 consecutive months of earnings while under the plan (through March 31, 2002). Participants were 100% vested in these defined benefit plans effective April 1, 2007.

The Company’s policy with respect to funding the defined benefit plan is to contribute to the plan trust amounts which are actuarially determined to provide the plan with sufficient assets to meet future benefit payments consistent with the funding requirements of federal laws and regulations. For the defined contribution, 401(k) and defined benefit plans, investments have been set aside in separate trust funds. The supplemental retirement plans are unfunded, non-qualified plans.

Employees whose compensation exceeds the limits covered under the qualified plans participate in an unfunded, non-qualified defined contribution plan. The Company accrues an amount for each participant based on their compensation, years of service and account balance. Participants are 100% vested in this plan after 5 years of service.

Total expense recorded for the qualified and non-qualified defined contribution, 401(k), defined benefit and supplemental retirement plans was $12,947, $13,089 and $14,823 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Qualified Defined Contribution Plan, 401(k) Plan and Non-qualified Defined Contribution Plan

Pension benefits under the qualified defined contribution plan are fully funded. Contributions to employees’ accounts under this plan were expensed in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Investments for this plan are set aside in a trust fund and none of the trust fund assets for the plan have been invested in shares of HMEC’s common stock.

The 401(k) plan is fully funded. Contributions to employees’ accounts under this plan were expensed in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Investments for this plan are set aside through an annuity contract underwritten by the Company’s principal life insurance subsidiary. The annuity contract includes a fixed return account option and several variable return account options, with the account options selected by the individual plan participants for both the Company and participant portions contributed. One of the variable return account options invests in shares of HMEC common stock.

The non-qualified defined contribution plan is an unfunded plan. Contributions to employees’ accounts under the non-qualified defined contribution plan are equal to cash payments to retirees for the period.

 

F-89


NOTE 9 - Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits-(Continued)

 

Contributions to employees’ accounts under the qualified defined contribution plan, the 401(k) plan and the non-qualified defined contribution plan, as well as total assets of the plans, were as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2008    2007    2006

Qualified defined contribution plan:

        

Contributions to employees’ accounts

   $ 6,867    $ 6,824    $ 6,832

Total assets at the end of the year

     145,021      139,570      133,532

401(k) plan:

        

Contributions to employees’ accounts

     3,815      3,817      3,752

Total assets at the end of the year

     100,389      127,099      121,425

Non-qualified defined contribution plan:

        

Contributions to employees’ accounts

     —        —        17

Total assets at the end of the year

     —        —        —  

Defined Benefit Plan and Supplemental Retirement Plans

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans”, effective for years ending after December 15, 2006. As a result of adopting this standard on December 31, 2006, the Company’s shareholders’ equity and book value per share increased by approximately $7,000 and 16 cents, respectively, related to the defined benefit pension plan and postretirement benefit plan, and also incorporating the previously disclosed changes to its retiree health care benefit plan. The changes to the retiree health care benefit plan decreased the Company’s postretirement benefit obligations, which are included in Other Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, by approximately $10,000 at December 31, 2006. SFAS No. 158 requires recognition in the balance sheet of the funded status of defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans, including all previously unrecognized actuarial gains and losses and unamortized prior service cost, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. There was no impact on results of operations or cash flows.

 

F-90


NOTE 9 - Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits-(Continued)

 

The following tables summarize the funding status of the defined benefit and supplemental retirement pension plans and identify (1) the assumptions used to determine the projected benefit obligation and (2) the components of net pension cost for the defined benefit plan and supplemental retirement plans for the following periods:

 

     Defined Benefit Plan     Supplemental
Retirement Plans
 
     December 31,     December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006     2008     2007     2006  

Change in benefit obligation:

            

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 40,916     $ 45,164     $ 48,559     $ 15,279     $ 16,215     $ 16,454  

Service cost

     —         —         —         (45 )     (43 )     (42 )

Interest cost

     2,337       2,364       2,476       905       895       907  

Actuarial loss (gain)

     (1,433 )     (2,461 )     (540 )     (190 )     (664 )     5  

Benefits paid

     (1,564 )     (1,531 )     (1,566 )     (1,131 )     (1,124 )     (1,109 )

Settlements

     (2,808 )     (2,620 )     (3,765 )     —         —         —    
                                                

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 37,448     $ 40,916     $ 45,164     $ 14,818     $ 15,279     $ 16,215  
                                                

Change in plan assets:

            

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   $ 40,068     $ 41,775     $ 36,188     $ —       $ —       $ —    

Actual return on plan assets

     (10,523 )     2,444       4,468       —         —         —    

Employer contributions

     —         —         6,450       1,131       1,124       1,109  

Benefits paid

     (1,564 )     (1,531 )     (1,566 )     (1,131 )     (1,124 )     (1,109 )

Settlements

     (2,808 )     (2,620 )     (3,765 )     —         —         —    
                                                

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   $ 25,173     $ 40,068     $ 41,775     $ —       $ —       $ —    
                                                

Funded status

   $ (12,275 )   $ (848 )   $ (3,389 )   $ (14,818 )   $ (15,279 )   $ (16,215 )

Prepaid (accrued) benefit expense

     6,557       7,572       9,022       (12,935 )     (12,973 )     (12,689 )

Amounts recognized in balance sheet:

            

Other liabilities

   $ (12,275 )   $ (848 )   $ (3,389 )   $ (14,818 )   $ (15,279 )   $ (16,215 )
                                                

Total amount recognized in balance sheet

   $ (12,275 )   $ (848 )   $ (3,389 )   $ (14,818 )   $ (15,279 )   $ (16,215 )
                                                

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”):

            

Net actuarial loss

   $ 18,832     $ 8,420     $ 12,411     $ 1,883     $ 2,306     $ 3,526  
                                                

Total amount recognized in AOCI

   $ 18,832     $ 8,420     $ 12,411     $ 1,883     $ 2,306     $ 3,526  
                                                

Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation greater than plan assets:

            

Projected benefit obligation

   $ 37,448     $ 40,916     $ 45,164     $ 14,818     $ 15,279     $ 16,215  

Accumulated benefit obligation

     37,448       40,916       45,164       14,818       15,279       16,215  

Fair value of plan assets

     25,172       40,068       41,775       —         —         —    

 

F-91


NOTE 9 - Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits-(Continued)

 

The increase in the Company’s 2008 AOCI for the defined benefit plan of $10,412 was attributable primarily to the performance in plan assets. The decrease in the 2007 AOCI for the defined benefit plan of $3,991 was primarily attributable to improvements in asset performance and decreases in settlements. In addition, the 2007 AOCI was favorably impacted by the increase in the discount rate used to determine the benefit obligations as of December 31, 2007. These changes were recorded to a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

 

     Defined Benefit Plan     Supplemental
Retirement Plans
 
     Year Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006     2008     2007     2006  

Components of net periodic pension (income) expense:

            

Service cost

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ (45 )   $ (43 )   $ (42 )

Interest cost

     2,337       2,364       2,476       905       895       907  

Expected return on plan assets

     (2,725 )     (2,742 )     (2,586 )     —         —         —    

Recognized net actuarial loss

     475       1,290       1,580       234       556       841  

Settlement loss

     928       539       1,164       —         —         —    
                                                

Net periodic pension expense

   $ 1,015     $ 1,451     $ 2,634     $ 1,094     $ 1,408     $ 1,706  
                                                

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations included in other comprehensive income (loss):

            

Net actuarial loss (gain)

   $ 10,887     $ (2,701 )     *       (190 )   $ (663 )     *  

Amortization of prior actuarial loss

     (475 )     (1,290 )     *       (234 )     (556 )     *  
                                    

Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 10,412     $ (3,991 )     $ (424 )   $ (1,219 )  
                                    

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine expense:

            

Discount rate

     6.45 %     5.65 %     5.53 %     6.20 %     5.75 %     5.50 %

Expected return on plan assets

     7.50 %     7.50 %     7.50 %     *       *       *  

Annual rate of salary increase

     *       *       *       *       *       *  

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31:

            

Discount rate

     6.27 %     6.05 %     5.65 %     6.35 %     6.20 %     5.75 %

Expected return on plan assets

     7.50 %     7.50 %     7.50 %     *       *       *  

Annual rate of salary increase

     *       *       *       *       *       *  

 

*       Not applicable.

            

The assumption for the long-term rate of return on plan assets was determined by considering actual investment experience during the lifetime of the plan, balanced with reasonable expectations of future growth considering the various classes of assets and percentage allocation for each asset class.

 

F-92


NOTE 9 - Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits-(Continued)

 

The allocation by asset category of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 (the measurement dates) were as follows:

 

     December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Asset category

      

Equity securities(1)

   70.3 %   69.5 %   60.2 %

Debt securities

   29.0     30.1     25.9  

Cash and short-term investments

   0.7     0.4     13.9  
                  

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
                  

 

(1) None of the trust fund assets for the defined benefit pension plan have been invested in shares of HMEC’s common stock.

The Company has an investment policy for the defined benefit pension plan that aligns the assets within the plan’s trust to an approximate 70% equity and 30% stable value funds allocation. Management believes this allocation will produce the targeted long-term rate of return on assets necessary for payment of future benefit obligations, while providing adequate liquidity for payments to current beneficiaries. Assets are reviewed against the defined benefit pension plan’s investment policy and the trustee has been directed to adjust invested assets at least quarterly to maintain the target allocation percentages.

The Company expects to contribute $5,400 to the defined benefit plan and expects to contribute $1,147 to the supplemental retirement plans in 2009. In addition, the Company expects amortization of net losses of $1,348 and $156 for the defined benefit plan and the supplemental retirement plans, respectively, to be included in net periodic pension expense in 2009.

Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions

In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company also provides certain health care and life insurance benefits to retired employees and their eligible dependents. Effective January 1, 2001, the eligibility requirement was age 55 and 20 years of service. Employees hired on or after January 1, 2001 are not eligible for postretirement medical benefits. Effective January 1, 2004, only employees who were at least age 50 with at least 15 years of service by December 31, 2003 are eligible to participate in this program. Postretirement benefits other than pensions of active and retired employees are accrued as expense over the employees’ service years.

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company eliminated the previous health care benefits for retirees 65 years of age and over and established a Health Reimbursement Account (“HRA”) for each eligible participant. Health care benefits for eligible retirees under 65 years of age will continue to be provided as a bridge to Medicare eligibility. Eligible participants will receive a one-time credit of $10 to their HRA account to use for covered expenses incurred on or after age 65. As of December 31, 2006, HRA accounts were established for eligible participants and totaled $7,310. As of December 31, 2008, the balance of the HRA accounts was $5,178. Also, the new plan does not provide life insurance benefits to individuals who retired after December 31, 1993.

 

F-93


NOTE 9 - Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits-(Continued)

 

As a result of the changes in the plan for other postretirement benefits, the Company recorded a reduction in its expenses of $2,304 and $4,550 in 2008 and 2007, respectively, and anticipates a reduction in its expenses of approximately $350 in 2009.

The following table presents the funded status of postretirement benefits other than pensions of active and retired employees (including employees on disability more than 2 years) as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 (the measurement dates) reconciled with amounts recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

     December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Change in accumulated postretirement benefit obligations:

      

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligations at beginning of year

   $ 5,095     $ 6,138     $ 23,364  

Changes during fiscal year

      

Service cost

     1       8       25  

Interest cost

     266       291       729  

Medicare prescription reimbursements

     —         39       142  

Plan amendments

     —         —         (6,125 )

Post 65 liability transfer

     —         —         (7,310 )

Benefits paid

     (1,105 )     (1,376 )     (1,811 )

Actuarial (gain) loss

     292       (5 )     (2,876 )
                        

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligations at end of year

   $ 4,549     $ 5,095     $ 6,138  
                        

Unfunded status

   $ (4,549 )   $ (5,095 )   $ (6,138 )

Amounts recognized in balance sheet:

      

Other liabilities

   $ (4,549 )   $ (5,095 )   $ (6,138 )
                        

Total amount recognized in balance sheet

   $ (4,549 )   $ (5,095 )   $ (6,138 )
                        

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”):

      

Prior service credit

   $ —       $ (1,902 )   $ (5,912 )

Net actuarial gain

     (2,913 )     (3,874 )     (4,708 )
                        

Total amount recognized in AOCI

   $ (2,913 )   $ (5,776 )   $ (10,620 )
                        

 

*       Not applicable.

      
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Components of net periodic benefit:

      

Service cost

   $ 1     $ 8     $ 25  

Interest cost

     266       291       729  

Amortization of prior service cost

     (1,902 )     (4,010 )     (2,364 )

Amortization of prior losses

     (669 )     (839 )     (667 )
                        

Net periodic benefit

   $ (2,304 )   $ (4,550 )   $ (2,277 )
                        

The Company expects to contribute $686 to the postretirement benefit plans other than pensions in 2009. In addition, the Company expects amortization of net gains and losses of $601 included in net periodic pension expense in 2009.

 

F-94


NOTE 9 - Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits-(Continued)

 

Sensitivity Analysis for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for each year would change the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations as follows:

 

     December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligations

      

Effect of a one percentage point increase

   $ 91     $ 98     $ 149  

Effect of a one percentage point decrease

     (85 )     (92 )     (141 )

Service and interest cost components of the net periodic postretirement benefit expense

      

Effect of a one percentage point increase

   $ 5     $ 6     $ 8  

Effect of a one percentage point decrease

     (5 )     (5 )     (7 )

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31:

      

Discount rate

     5.98 %     5.65 %     5.50 %

Healthcare cost trend rate

     9.00 %     10.00 %     11.00 %

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)

     5.50 %     5.50 %     5.50 %

Year the rate is assumed to reach the ultimate trend rate

     2013       2013       2013  

Expected return on plan assets

     *       *       *  

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:

      

Discount rate

     5.65 %     5.50 %     5.74 %

Healthcare cost trend rate

     10.00 %     11.00 %     11.00 %

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)

     5.50 %     5.50 %     5.50 %

Year the rate is assumed to reach the ultimate trend rate

     2013       2013       2012  

Expected return on plan assets

     *       *       *  

 

*       Not applicable.

      

The discount rates at December 31, 2008 were based on the average yield for long-term, high-grade securities available during the benefit payout period. To set its discount rate, the Company looks to leading indicators, including the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

The Company’s defined benefit and supplemental defined benefit plans are subject to settlement accounting. Assumptions for both the number of individuals retiring in a calendar year and their elections regarding lump sum distributions are significant factors impacting the payout patterns for these plans. Therefore, actual results could vary from the estimates below. Estimated future benefit payments at December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

     2009    2010    2011    2012    2013    2014-2018

Pension plans:

                 

Defined benefit plan

   $ 6,070    $ 3,801    $ 3,594    $ 3,235    $ 3,144    $ 15,244

Supplemental retirement plans

     1,147      1,147      1,262      1,256      1,250      6,063

Other postretirement benefits

     686      694      684      595      542      1,920

 

F-95


NOTE 10 - Catastrophes and Reinsurance

In the normal course of business, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries assume and cede reinsurance with other insurers. Reinsurance is ceded primarily to limit losses from large exposures and to permit recovery of a portion of direct losses; however, such a transfer does not relieve the originating insurance company of contingent liability.

The Company is a national underwriter and therefore has exposure to catastrophic losses in certain coastal states and other regions throughout the U.S. Catastrophes can be caused by various events including hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, hail, severe winter weather and wildfires, and the frequency and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable. The financial impact from catastrophic losses results from both the total amount of insured exposure in the area affected by the catastrophe as well as the severity of the event. The Company seeks to reduce its exposure to catastrophe losses through the geographic diversification of its insurance coverage, deductibles, maximum coverage limits and the purchase of catastrophe reinsurance.

The Company’s net catastrophe losses incurred of approximately $73,931 for the year ended December 31, 2008 reflected losses from Hurricane Gustav, Hurricane Ike, wind/hail/tornado events in May and June, and winter storms in December. The Company’s net catastrophe losses incurred of approximately $23,538 for the year ended December 31, 2007 reflected losses in October from wildfires in California and wind/hail/tornado events in June and August as well as other smaller weather events. The Company’s net catastrophe losses incurred of approximately $19,223 for the year ended December 31, 2006 reflected wind/hail/tornado events in April and August as well as other smaller weather events.

The total amounts of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid insurance reserves classified as assets and reported in Other Assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:

 

     December 31,
     2008    2007

Reinsurance recoverables on reserves and unpaid claims

     

Life and health

   $ 7,578    $ 8,092

Property and casualty

     

State insurance facilities

     2,999      3,749

Other insurance companies

     11,794      12,181
             

Total

   $ 22,371    $ 24,022
             

 

F-96


NOTE 10 - Catastrophes and Reinsurance-(Continued)

 

The Company recognizes the cost of reinsurance premiums over the contract periods for such premiums in proportion to the insurance protection provided. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers for unpaid claims and claim settlement expenses, including estimated amounts for unsettled claims, claims incurred but not yet reported and policy benefits, are estimated in a manner consistent with the insurance liability associated with the policy. The effects of reinsurance on premiums written and contract deposits; premiums and contract charges earned; and benefits, claims and settlement expenses were as follows:

 

     Gross
Amount
   Ceded to
Other
Companies
   Assumed
from Other
Companies
   Net

Year ended December 31, 2008

           

Premiums written and contract deposits

   $ 986,985    $ 31,864    $ 4,976    $ 960,097

Premiums and contract charges earned

     685,870      32,207      4,869      658,532

Benefits, claims and settlement expenses

     480,799      12,126      2,859      471,532

Year ended December 31, 2007

           

Premiums written and contract deposits

     1,007,566      39,993      7,172      974,745

Premiums and contract charges earned

     686,414      39,584      7,427      654,257

Benefits, claims and settlement expenses

     415,653      9,450      2,287      408,490

Year ended December 31, 2006

           

Premiums written and contract deposits

     998,823      38,362      8,918      969,379

Premiums and contract charges earned

     682,791      37,893      9,024      653,922

Benefits, claims and settlement expenses

     419,271      34,411      3,875      388,735

Ceded premiums written and earned for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 included approximately $15, $30 and $600, respectively, of catastrophe reinsurance reinstatement premium.

There were no losses from uncollectible reinsurance recoverables in the three years ended December 31, 2008. Past due reinsurance recoverables as of December 31, 2008 were not material.

Through 2008, the Company maintained catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance coverage. The excess of loss coverage consisted of three contracts in addition to coverage with the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”). The primary contract (“first event”) provided 95% coverage of catastrophe losses above a retention of $25,000 per occurrence up to $150,000 per occurrence. This contract consisted of three layers, each of which provided for one mandatory reinstatement. The layers were $25,000 excess of $25,000, $40,000 excess of $50,000, and $60,000 excess of $90,000. The second excess of loss contract (“second event”) provided 95% coverage of catastrophe losses above a retention of $15,000 per occurrence up to $25,000 per occurrence, after the Company retained $10,000 of losses above $15,000 per occurrence. The third excess of loss contract (“third event”) provided 95% coverage of catastrophe losses above a retention of $15,000 per occurrence up to $25,000 per occurrence, after the Company retained $10,000 of losses above $15,000 per occurrence and less than $25,000 per occurrence, and after the second excess of loss contract described above was exhausted. Neither the second nor the third excess of loss contract provided for a reinstatement. In addition, the Company’s predominant insurance subsidiary for property and casualty business written in Florida reinsured 90% of hurricane losses in that state above an estimated retention of $13,800 up to $77,800 with the FHCF, based on the FHCF’s financial resources. The FHCF contract is a one-year contract, effective June 1, 2008. The Company’s FHCF coverage reflects the acquisition of additional coverage made available to the industry

 

F-97


NOTE 10 - Catastrophes and Reinsurance-(Continued)

 

by the FHCF for the 2008-2009 contract period which resulted in changes to attachment points under the Company’s primary reinsurance contract. Additional coverage made available by the FHCF to the industry in future contract periods could increase the likelihood of assessments in periods following significant hurricane losses.

For liability coverages, in 2008 the Company reinsured each loss above a retention of $700 up to $20,000. For property coverages, in 2008 the Company reinsured each loss above a retention of $750 up to $2,500, including catastrophe losses that in the aggregate were less than the retention levels above.

The maximum individual life insurance risk retained by the Company is $200 on any individual life and a maximum of $100 or $125 is retained on each group life policy depending on the type of coverage. Excess amounts are reinsured. The Company also maintains a life catastrophe reinsurance program. The Company reinsures 100% of the catastrophe risk in excess of $1,000 up to $15,000 per occurrence with one reinstatement. Starting in 2007, the Company’s life catastrophe risk reinsurance program began covering acts of terrorism and including nuclear, biological and chemical explosions but excludes other acts of war.

NOTE 11 - Contingencies and Commitments

Lawsuits and Legal Proceedings

Companies in the insurance industry have been subject to substantial litigation resulting from claims, disputes and other matters. Most recently, they have faced expensive claims, including class action lawsuits, alleging, among other things, improper sales practices and improper claims settlement procedures. Negotiated settlements of certain such actions have had a material adverse effect on many insurance companies.

There are various lawsuits and legal proceedings against the Company. Management and legal counsel are of the opinion that the ultimate disposition of such litigation will have no material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position.

Assessments for Insolvencies of Unaffiliated Insurance Companies

The Company is also contingently liable for possible assessments under regulatory requirements pertaining to potential insolvencies of unaffiliated insurance companies. Liabilities, which are established based upon regulatory guidance, have generally been insignificant.

Leases

The Company has entered into various operating lease agreements, primarily for real estate (offices for claims operations and field marketing operations across the country and portions of the home office complex). Rental expenses were $4,651, $4,766 and $7,901 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Future minimum lease payments under leases expiring subsequent to December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

     As of December 31, 2008
     2009    2010    2011    2012    2013    2014-2018    2019 and
beyond

Minimum operating lease payments

   $ 3,045    $ 3,015    $ 2,378    $ 2,163    $ 2,190    $ 11,407    $ 2,367

 

F-98


NOTE 12 - Supplementary Data on Cash Flows

A reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Cash flows from operating activities

      

Net income

   $ 10,917     $ 82,788     $ 98,708  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Realized investment (gains) losses

     63,859       3,418       (10,876 )

Depreciation and amortization

     13,955       12,778       11,927  

Increase in insurance liabilities

     114,809       92,046       84,304  

(Increase) decrease in premium receivables

     (2,717 )     4,048       (3,796 )

Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs

     (5,539 )     (9,761 )     (15,747 )

(Increase) decrease in reinsurance recoverable

     (575 )     1,806       5,600  

Increase (decrease) in income tax liabilities

     (21,578 )     19,070       31,813  

Other

     (10,279 )     (4,548 )     (16,127 )
                        

Total adjustments

     151,935       118,857       87,098  
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 162,852     $ 201,645     $ 185,806  
                        

The Company’s repurchase of debt in 2006 resulted in non-cash financing gains of $339.

NOTE 13 - Segment Information

The Company conducts and manages its business through four segments. The three operating segments, representing the major lines of insurance business, are: property and casualty insurance, principally personal lines automobile and homeowners products; annuity products, principally individual, tax-qualified fixed and variable deposits; and life insurance. The Company does not allocate the impact of corporate level transactions to the insurance segments, consistent with the basis for management’s evaluation of the results of those segments, but classifies those items in the fourth segment, corporate and other. In addition to ongoing transactions such as debt service, realized investment gains and losses and certain public company expenses, within the past five years such items have included debt retirement costs/gains and restructuring charges.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in “Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”. The Company accounts for intersegment transactions, primarily the allocation of agent and overhead costs from the corporate and other segment to the property and casualty, annuity and life segments, on a direct cost basis.

 

F-99


NOTE 13 - Segment Information-(Continued)

 

Summarized financial information for these segments is as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Insurance premiums and contract charges earned

      

Property and casualty

   $ 541,125     $ 535,109     $ 537,726  

Annuity

     17,754       21,760       19,683  

Life

     99,653       97,388       96,513  
                        

Total

   $ 658,532     $ 654,257     $ 653,922  
                        

Net investment income

      

Property and casualty

   $ 35,716     $ 38,002     $ 35,266  

Annuity

     136,182       128,904       119,936  

Life

     59,327       57,029       53,364  

Corporate and other

     123       926       1,559  

Intersegment eliminations

     (1,079 )     (1,099 )     (1,116 )
                        

Total

   $ 230,269     $ 223,762     $ 209,009  
                        

Net income (loss)

      

Property and casualty

   $ 28,087     $ 61,234     $ 74,307  

Annuity

     17,342       17,560       13,186  

Life

     16,415       17,275       14,518  

Corporate and other

     (50,927 )     (13,281 )     (3,303 )
                        

Total

   $ 10,917     $ 82,788     $ 98,708  
                        
     December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Assets

      

Property and casualty

   $ 867,590     $ 908,209     $ 903,015  

Annuity

     3,509,119       4,086,619       4,094,491  

Life

     1,035,739       1,199,147       1,232,722  

Corporate and other

     133,172       102,250       126,166  

Intersegment eliminations

     (37,902 )     (36,912 )     (26,707 )
                        

Total

   $ 5,507,718     $ 6,259,313     $ 6,329,687  
                        

Additional significant financial information for these segments is as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs

      

Property and casualty

   $ 57,948     $ 58,583     $ 58,487  

Annuity

     10,781       7,310       5,795  

Life

     10,405       9,766       9,716  
                        

Total

   $ 79,134     $ 75,659     $ 73,998  
                        

Amortization of intangible assets

      

Value of acquired insurance in force

      

Annuity

   $ 4,037     $ 4,041     $ 4,684  

Life

     1,292       1,338       1,394  
                        

Total

   $ 5,329     $ 5,379     $ 6,078  
                        

Income tax expense (benefit)

      

Property and casualty

   $ 5,608     $ 23,437     $ 30,526  

Annuity

     3,225       8,366       4,705  

Life

     9,235       9,321       7,779  

Corporate and other

     (28,807 )     (6,841 )     (1,425 )
                        

Total

   $ (10,739 )   $ 34,283     $ 41,585  
                        

 

F-100


NOTE 14 - Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Data

Selected quarterly financial data is presented below.

 

     Three Months Ended
     December 31,    September 30,     June 30,    March 31,
2008           

Insurance premiums written and contract deposits

   $ 239,088    $ 251,420     $ 245,002    $ 224,587

Total revenues

     221,101      178,204       216,245      219,268

Net income (loss)

     22,927      (30,808 )     4,542      14,256

Per share information

          

Basic

          

Net income (loss)

   $ 0.59    $ (0.79 )   $ 0.11    $ 0.35

Shares of common stock - weighted average (a)

     39,062      39,062       40,116      41,055

Diluted

          

Net income (loss)

   $ 0.58    $ (0.79 )   $ 0.11    $ 0.34

Shares of common stock and equivalent shares - weighted average (a)

     39,824      39,062       41,225      42,146
2007           

Insurance premiums written and contract deposits

   $ 239,246    $ 254,422     $ 250,799    $ 230,278

Total revenues

     221,545      221,874       221,531      222,055

Net income

     18,032      18,322       23,166      23,268

Per share information

          

Basic

          

Net income

   $ 0.42    $ 0.42     $ 0.54    $ 0.54

Shares of common stock - weighted average (a)

     42,953      43,288       43,223      43,118

Diluted

          

Net income

   $ 0.41    $ 0.41     $ 0.52    $ 0.52

Shares of common stock and equivalent shares - weighted average (a)

     43,924      44,268       44,924      45,396
2006           

Insurance premiums written and contract deposits

   $ 245,510    $ 252,238     $ 244,603    $ 227,029

Total revenues

     229,970      218,882       219,064      217,926

Net income

     28,655      19,307       27,500      23,246

Per share information

          

Basic

          

Net income

   $ 0.67    $ 0.45     $ 0.64    $ 0.54

Shares of common stock - weighted average (a)

     43,055      43,006       42,999      42,987

Diluted

          

Net income

   $ 0.64    $ 0.43     $ 0.61    $ 0.50

Shares of common stock and equivalent shares - weighted average (a)

     45,118      45,002       45,250      47,814

 

(a) Rounded to thousands.

 

F-101


SCHEDULE I

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS-OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES

December 31, 2008

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Type of Investments

   Cost(1)    Fair Value    Amount
shown in
Balance
Sheet

Fixed maturities:

        

U.S. Government and federally sponsored agency obligations

   $ 963,069    $ 988,458    $ 988,458

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

     507,466      493,341      493,341

Foreign government bonds

     14,380      14,908      14,908

Public utilities

     271,917      252,768      252,768

Other corporate bonds

     2,031,025      1,735,786      1,735,786
                    

Total fixed maturity securities

     3,787,857      3,485,261      3,485,261
                    

Equity securities:

        

Non-redeemable preferred stocks

     83,816      59,223      59,223

Common stocks

     2,368      2,346      2,346
                    

Total equity securities

     86,184      61,569      61,569
                    

Mortgage loans

     2,768      XXX      2,768

Short-term investments

     245,676      XXX      245,676

Short-term investments, loaned securities collateral

     —        XXX      —  

Policy loans

     106,481      XXX      106,481
                

Total investments

   $ 4,228,966      XXX    $ 3,901,755
                

 

(1) Bonds at original cost reduced by repayments and adjusted for amortization of premiums or accrual of discounts and impairment in value of specifically identified investments.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

F-102


SCHEDULE II

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

(Parent Company Only)

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

BALANCE SHEETS

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

     December 31,  
     2008     2007  
ASSETS     

Investments and cash

   $ 25,711     $ 247  

Investment in subsidiaries

     617,994       849,242  

Other assets

     48,992       49,273  
                

Total assets

   $ 692,697     $ 898,762  
                
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Short-term debt

   $ 38,000     $ —    

Long-term debt

     199,549       199,485  

Other liabilities

     6,303       5,999  
                

Total liabilities

     243,852       205,484  
                

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued

     —         —    

Common stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 75,000,000 shares; issued, 2008, 60,874,984; 2007, 60,855,455

     61       61  

Additional paid-in capital

     355,542       353,841  

Retained earnings

     694,492       698,539  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:

    

Net unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturities and equity securities

     (182,065 )     (2,621 )

Net funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

     (11,522 )     (3,217 )

Treasury stock, at cost, 2008, 21,813,196; 2007, 18,614,971 shares

     (407,663 )     (353,325 )
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     448,845       693,278  
                

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 692,697     $ 898,762  
                

See accompanying note to condensed financial statements.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

F-103


SCHEDULE II

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

(Parent Company Only)

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Revenues

      

Net investment income

   $ 131     $ 925     $ 1,557  

Realized investment gains

     29       33       —    
                        

Total revenues

     160       958       1,557  
                        

Expenses

      

Interest

     14,455       14,060       13,143  

Other

     462       2,542       2,935  
                        

Total expenses

     14,917       16,602       16,078  
                        

Loss before income taxes and equity in net earnings of subsidiaries

     (14,757 )     (15,644 )     (14,521 )

Income tax benefit

     (6,006 )     (5,090 )     (5,284 )
                        

Loss before equity in net earnings of subsidiaries

     (8,751 )     (10,554 )     (9,237 )

Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries

     19,668       93,342       107,945  
                        

Net income

   $ 10,917     $ 82,788     $ 98,708  
                        

See accompanying note to condensed financial statements.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

F-104


SCHEDULE II

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

(Parent Company Only)

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Cash flows – operating activities

      

Interest expense paid

   $ (13,683 )   $ (13,772 )   $ (11,150 )

Federal income taxes recovered

     4,729       5,551       5,080  

Cash dividends received from subsidiaries

     74,500       40,500       31,700  

Contribution to defined benefit pension plan trust fund

     —         —         (6,450 )

Other, net

     (8,780 )     2,850       (11,059 )
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     56,766       35,129       8,121  
                        

Cash flows—investing activities

      

Net (increase) decrease in investments

     (25,538 )     32,089       (31,986 )
                        

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     (25,538 )     32,089       (31,986 )
                        

Cash flows—financing activities

      

Dividends paid to shareholders

     (14,964 )     (18,359 )     (18,310 )

Purchase of treasury stock

     (54,338 )     (20,748 )     —    

Exercise of stock options

     —         4,477       1,874  

Principal borrowings on Bank Credit Facility

     38,000       —         —    

Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes due 2016

     —         —         123,485  

Repurchase of Senior Convertible Notes

     —         (32,563 )     (82,846 )

Change in bank overdrafts

     —         —         (190 )
                        

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (31,302 )     (67,193 )     24,013  
                        

Net increase (decrease) in cash

     (74 )     25       148  

Cash at beginning of period

     173       148       —    
                        

Cash at end of period

   $ 99     $ 173     $ 148  
                        

See accompanying note to condensed financial statements.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

F-105


SCHEDULE II

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

(Parent Company Only)

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

NOTE TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The accompanying condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes thereto.

 

F-106


SCHEDULE III & VI (COMBINED)

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

SCHEDULE III: SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION

SCHEDULE VI: SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Column identification for

                         

 

H

 

          

Schedule III: A

     B      C         D      E      F      G       H        I      J         K

Schedule VI: A

     B      C      D      E         F      G            I         J      K

Segment

   Deferred
policy
acquisition
costs
   Future
policy
benefits,
claims
and
claims
expenses
   Discount,
if any,
deducted
in
previous
column
   Unearned
premiums
   Other
policy
claims
and
benefits
payable
   Premium
revenue/
premium
earned
   Net
investment
income
    Benefits,
claims
and
settlement
expenses
   Claims and
claims
adjustment
expense incurred
related to
    Amortization
of deferred
policy
acquisition
costs
   Other
operating
expenses
   Paid
claims and
claims
adjustment
expense
   Premiums
written
                          Current
year
   Prior
years
            

Year Ended December 31, 2008

                                       

Property and casualty

   $ 21,331    $ 297,758    $ 0    $ 200,382    $ —      $ 541,125    $ 35,716     $ 416,106    $ 434,206    $ (18,100 )   $ 57,948    $ 70,596    $ 423,401    $ 545,873

Annuity

     193,459      2,172,533      xxx      —        124,529      17,754      136,182       95,165      xxx      xxx       10,781      32,291      xxx      xxx

Life

     97,256      886,324      xxx      6,196      3,830      99,653      59,327       92,059      xxx      xxx       10,405      34,036      xxx      xxx

Other, including consolidating eliminations

     N/A      —        xxx      N/A      N/A      —        (956 )     —        xxx      xxx       —        15,253      xxx      xxx
                                                                             

Total

   $ 312,046    $ 3,356,615      xxx    $ 206,578    $ 128,359    $ 658,532    $ 230,269     $ 603,330      xxx      xxx     $ 79,134    $ 152,176      xxx      xxx
                                                                             

Year Ended December 31, 2007

                                       

Property and casualty

   $ 20,624    $ 306,191    $ 0    $ 195,635    $ —      $ 535,109    $ 38,002     $ 360,431    $ 380,399    $ (19,968 )   $ 58,583    $ 72,343    $ 365,549    $ 535,217

Annuity

     146,177      2,018,024      xxx      —        133,863      21,760      128,904       90,172      xxx      xxx       7,310      32,974      xxx      xxx

Life

     94,988      856,582      xxx      6,892      4,607      97,388      57,029       85,134      xxx      xxx       9,766      36,601      xxx      xxx

Other, including consolidating eliminations

     N/A      —        xxx      N/A      N/A      —        (173 )     —        xxx      xxx       —        16,620      xxx      xxx
                                                                             

Total

   $ 261,789    $ 3,180,797      xxx    $ 202,527    $ 138,470    $ 654,257    $ 223,762     $ 535,737      xxx      xxx     $ 75,659    $ 158,538      xxx      xxx
                                                                             

Year Ended December 31, 2006

                                       

Property and casualty

   $ 21,407    $ 317,729    $ 0    $ 195,527    $ —      $ 537,726    $ 35,266     $ 340,630    $ 359,840    $ (19,210 )   $ 58,487    $ 72,254    $ 356,309    $ 539,747

Annuity

     131,850      1,948,075      xxx      —        137,434      19,683      119,936       87,512      xxx      xxx       5,795      33,808      xxx      xxx

Life

     96,120      832,531      xxx      7,490      5,398      96,513      53,364       83,071      xxx      xxx       9,716      38,153      xxx      xxx

Other, including consolidating eliminations

     N/A      —        xxx      N/A      N/A      —        443       —        xxx      xxx       —        16,123      xxx      xxx
                                                                             

Total

   $ 249,377    $ 3,098,335      xxx    $ 203,017    $ 142,832    $ 653,922    $ 209,009     $ 511,213      xxx      xxx     $ 73,998    $ 160,338      xxx      xxx
                                                                             

 

N/A Not applicable.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

F-107


SCHEDULE IV

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

REINSURANCE

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Column A

   Column B    Column C    Column D    Column E    Column F  
     Gross
Amount
   Ceded to
Other
Companies
   Assumed
from Other
Companies
   Net    Percentage of
Amount
Assumed to Net
 

Year ended December 31, 2008

              

Life insurance in force

   $ 13,671,845    $ 2,022,559      —      $ 11,649,286    —    

Premiums

              

Property and casualty

   $ 563,385    $ 27,129    $ 4,869    $ 541,125    0.9 %

Annuity

     17,754      —        —        17,754    —    

Life

     104,731      5,078      —        99,653    —    
                              

Total premiums

   $ 685,870    $ 32,207    $ 4,869    $ 658,532    0.7 %
                              

Year ended December 31, 2007

              

Life insurance in force

   $ 13,576,538    $ 1,800,836      —      $ 11,775,702    —    

Premiums

              

Property and casualty

   $ 562,061    $ 34,379    $ 7,427    $ 535,109    1.4 %

Annuity

     21,760      —        —        21,760    —    

Life

     102,593      5,205      —        97,388    —    
                              

Total premiums

   $ 686,414    $ 39,584    $ 7,427    $ 654,257    1.1 %
                              

Year ended December 31, 2006

              

Life insurance in force

   $ 13,400,292    $ 1,710,141      —      $ 11,690,151    —    

Premiums

              

Property and casualty

   $ 561,228    $ 32,526    $ 9,024    $ 537,726    1.7 %

Annuity

     19,683      —        —        19,683    —    

Life

     101,880      5,367      —        96,513    —    
                              

Total premiums

   $ 682,791    $ 37,893    $ 9,024    $ 653,922    1.4 %
                              

 

NOTE: Premiums above include insurance premiums earned and contract charges earned.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

F-108


 

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

EXHIBITS

To

FORM 10-K

For the Year Ended December 31, 2008

VOLUME 1 OF 1

 

 


The following items are filed as Exhibits to Horace Mann Educators Corporation’s (“HMEC”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. Management contracts and compensatory plans are indicated by an asterisk (*).

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

No.

       

Description

(3)    Articles of incorporation and bylaws:
   3.1    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of HMEC, filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on June 24, 2003, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on August 14, 2003.
   3.2    Form of Certificate for shares of Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share, of HMEC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to HMEC’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 33-53118) filed with the SEC on October 9, 1992.
   3.3    Bylaws of HMEC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, filed with the SEC on August 14, 2003.
(4)    Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures:
   4.1    Indenture, dated as of June 9, 2005, between HMEC and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (formerly JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. was trustee), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to HMEC’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 6, 2005, filed with the SEC on June 9, 2005.
   4.1(a)    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 9, 2005, between HMEC and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (formerly JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. was trustee), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to HMEC’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 6, 2005, filed with the SEC on June 9, 2005.
   4.1(b)    Form of HMEC 6.05% Senior Notes Due 2015 (included in Exhibit 4.1(a)).
   4.1(c)    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 21, 2006, between HMEC and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (formerly JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. was trustee), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to HMEC’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 18, 2006, filed with the SEC on April 21, 2006.


Exhibit

No.

       

Description

   4.1(d)    Form of HMEC 6.85% Senior Notes due April 15, 2016 (included in Exhibit 4.1(c)).
   4.2    Certificate of Designations for HMEC Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2006.
(10)    Material contracts:
   10.1    Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 19, 2006 among HMEC, certain financial institutions named therein and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2007.
   10.2*    Amended and Restated Horace Mann Educators Corporation Deferred Equity Compensation Plan for Directors.
   10.3*    Amended and Restated Horace Mann Educators Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Employees.
   10.4*    Amended and Restated Horace Mann Educators Corporation 1991 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2000.
   10.4(a)*    Amendment to Amended and Restated Horace Mann Educators Corporation 1991 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(a) to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000, filed with the SEC on August 11, 2000.
   10.4(b)*    Specimen Employee Stock Option Agreement under the Horace Mann Educators Corporation 1991 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(a) to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2000.
   10.4(c)*    Specimen Director Stock Option Agreement under the Horace Mann Educators Corporation 1991 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(b) to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2000.
   10.5*    Horace Mann Educators Corporation 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed with the SEC on March 29, 2002.


Exhibit

No.

       

Description

   10.5(a)*    Specimen Employee Stock Option Agreement under the Horace Mann Educators Corporation 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6(a) to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed with the SEC on March 29, 2002.
   10.5(b)*    Specimen Director Stock Option Agreement under the Horace Mann Educators Corporation 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6(b) to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed with the SEC on March 29, 2002.
   10.6*    Horace Mann Educators Corporation Amended and Restated 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan (“2002 Incentive Compensation Plan”), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, filed with the SEC on August 9, 2005.
   10.6(a)*    Specimen Employee Stock Option Agreement under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(a) to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, filed with the SEC on August 14, 2002.
   10.6(b)*    Revised Specimen Employee Stock Option Agreement under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan.
   10.6(c)*    Specimen Regular Employee Stock Option Agreement under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(b) to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, filed with the SEC on August 14, 2002.
   10.6(d)*    Specimen Director Stock Option Agreement under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(c) to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, filed with the SEC on August 14, 2002.
   10.6(e)*    Specimen Employee Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6(d) to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2006.
   10.6(f)*    Revised Specimen Employee Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan.
   10.6(g)*    Specimen Non-employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6(e) to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2006.


Exhibit

No.

       

Description

   10.6(h)*    Revised Specimen Non-employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan.
   10.6(i)*    Specimen Restricted Stock Unit Deferral Election Form under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6(f) to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2006.
   10.6(j)*    Revised Specimen Restricted Stock Unit Deferral Election Forms under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan.
   10.6(k)*    Specimen Modification to Stock Options outstanding as of June 30, 2004, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(d) to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, filed with the SEC on August 9, 2004.
   10.7*    Horace Mann Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan, 2002 Restatement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2002.
   10.8*    Horace Mann Executive Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan, 2002 Restatement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2002.
   10.9*    Amended and Restated Horace Mann Nonqualified Supplemental Money Purchase Pension Plan.
   10.10*    Summary of HMEC Non-Employee Director Compensation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2008.
   10.11*    Summary of HMEC Named Executive Officer Annualized Salary, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to HMEC’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 10, 2008, filed with the SEC on September 11, 2008.
   10.12*    Form of Severance Agreement between HMEC, Horace Mann Service Corporation (“HMSC”) and certain officers of HMEC and/or HMSC.
   10.12(a)*    Revised Schedule to Severance Agreements between HMEC, HMSC and certain officers of HMEC, and/or HMSC.
   10.13*    Form of Change in Control Agreement between HMEC, HMSC and certain officers of HMEC and/or HMSC.


Exhibit

No.

       

Description

   10.13(a)*    Revised Schedule to Change in Control Agreement between HMEC, HMSC and certain officers of HMEC and/or HMSC.
   10.14*    Employment Agreement between HMEC and Louis G. Lower II as of December 31, 1999, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2000.
   10.14(a)*    Amendment to Employment Agreement between HMEC and Louis G. Lower II as of January 1, 2008.
   10.15*    Employment Agreement between HMSC and Stephen P. Cardinal as of November 20, 2008.
   10.16*    Waiver and Release Agreement entered by and between HMSC and Frank D’Ambra as of May 21, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to HMEC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended on June 30, 2008, filed with the SEC on August 8, 2008.
(11)    Statement regarding computation of per share earnings.
(12)    Statement regarding computation of ratios.
(21)    Subsidiaries of HMEC.
(23)    Consent of KPMG LLP.
(31)    Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   31.1    Certification by Louis G. Lower II, Chief Executive Officer of HMEC.
   31.2    Certification by Peter H. Heckman, Chief Financial Officer of HMEC.
(32)    Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   32.1    Certification by Louis G. Lower II, Chief Executive Officer of HMEC.
   32.2    Certification by Peter H. Heckman, Chief Financial Officer of HMEC.
(99)    Additional exhibits
   99.1    Glossary of Selected Terms.
   99.2    Updated Numerical Exhibits to the Company’s Earnings Release for the Year Ended December 31, 2008.

Exhibit 10.2

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

DEFERRED EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN FOR DIRECTORS

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Establishment of Plan. Horace Mann Educators Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), maintains the Horace Mann Educators Corporation Deferred Equity Compensation Plan for Directors (the “Plan”) for those directors of the Company who are not employees of the Company. The Plan provides the opportunity for Directors to defer receipt of all or a part of their cash compensation on a pretax basis and to invest those deferrals in the Company’s Stock. The Plan shall be interpreted and applied at all times in accordance with Code Section 409A, and guidance issued thereunder. No benefits under the Plan shall be subject to “grandfathering” treatment under Code Section 409A, even if such benefits were deferred and vested under the Plan before January 1, 2005.

1.2 Purposes. The purposes of the Plan are to align the interests of Directors more closely with the interests of other shareholders of the Company, to encourage the highest level of Director performance by providing the Directors with a direct interest in the Company’s attainment of its financial goals and to help attract and retain qualified Directors.

1.3 Effective Date. The Plan was originally approved by the shareholders of the Company at the Company’s 1996 annual meeting of shareholders. It is hereby amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2009. To the extent an investment or distribution of Stock may be made under the Plan, the Plan is intended to qualify for the exemption from short swing profits liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, provided by Rule 16b-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission as now in effect or hereafter amended.

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS

2.1 Definitions. The following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

(a) “Administrative Committee” means the committee designated in Section 3 to administer the Plan.

(b) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(c) “Change in Control” means any of the events set forth below:

(1) any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company;

(2) any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12)-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes


thirty percent (30%) or more of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company; or

(3) a majority of members of the Company’s Board is replaced during any twelve (12)-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Company’s Board before the date of the appointment or election.

(d) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as from time to time amended.

(e) “Common Stock Equivalent” means a hypothetical share of Stock which shall have a value on any date equal to the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock on that date.

(f) “Deferred Stock Equivalent Account” means the bookkeeping account established by the Company in respect to each Director pursuant to Section 6.1 hereof and to which shall be credited the fees deferred by the Director as provided in the Plan and related Company matching deferral pursuant to Section 5.4, and the Common Stock Equivalents into which such deferred fees and matching credits are deemed invested pursuant to the Plan. The Company shall maintain separate subaccounts (each a “Subaccount”) within each Director’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account with respect to fees deferred under the Plan for each separate calendar year and Company matching deferral attributable to such fees.

(g) “Director” means a member of the Board who is not an employee of the Company. For purposes of the Plan, an employee is an individual whose wages are subject to the withholding of federal income tax under Code Section 3401.

(h) “Distribution Date” means, with respect to any Subaccount, the date selected by the Director with respect to such Subaccount in accordance with Section 5. The date selected may be a fixed date, the Director’s attainment of a particular age or the Director’s Separation from Service for any reason.

(i) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

(j) “Fair Market Value” means as of any applicable date the closing sale price of a share of Stock on the Composite Tape for New York Stock Exchange-Listed Stocks, or, if Stock is not quoted on the Composite Tape, on the New York Stock Exchange, or, if Stock is not listed on such Exchange, on the principal United States securities exchange registered under the Exchange Act on which Stock is listed, or, if Stock is not listed on any such exchange, the last closing bid quotation with respect to a share of Stock immediately preceding the time in question on the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotations System or any system then in use (or any other system of reporting or ascertaining quotations then available), or if Stock is not so quoted, the fair market value at the time in question of a share of Stock as determined by the Board in good faith.

 

-2-


(k) “Related Affiliate” means any corporation, company limited by shares, partnership, limited liability company, business trust, other entity, or other business association with whom the Company would be considered a single employer under Code Sections 414(b) and 414(c), except that in applying Code Sections 1563(a)(1), (2) and (3) for purposes of determining a controlled group of corporations under Code Section 414(b), the language “at least 50 percent” shall be used instead of “at least 80 percent” in each place it appears in Code Sections 1563(a)(1), (2) and (3), and in applying Treas. Regs. Sec. 1.414(c)-2 for purposes of determining a controlled group of trades or businesses under Code Section 414(c), the language “at least 50 percent” shall be used instead of “at least 80 percent” in each place it appears in Treas. Regs. Sec. 1.414(c)-2.

(l) “Separation from Service” means an individual ceases to be a Director of the Company or any Related Affiliate, unless immediately upon such cessation the individual enters into a relationship with the Company or any Related Affiliate which would not be a Separation from Service under Code Section 409A, in which case a Separation from Service will be deemed to occur upon the cessation of such relationship as provided in Code Section 409A.

(n) “Stock” means the $.001 par value common stock of the Company.

(o) “Unforeseeable Emergency” is a severe financial hardship to the Director resulting from a sudden and unexpected illness or accident of the Director, the Director’s spouse, the Director’s beneficiary, or the Director’s dependent (as defined in Code Section 152(a), without regard to subsections (b)(1), (b)(2) and (d)(1)(B)), the loss of the Director’s property due to casualty, or other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the Director.

2.2 Gender and Number. Except when otherwise indicated by the context, the masculine gender shall also include the feminine gender, and the definitions of any term herein in the singular shall also include the plural.

SECTION 3. PLAN ADMINISTRATION

The Plan shall be administered by the Administrative Committee, comprised of the Chief Financial Officer and the Secretary of the Company. Subject to limitations of the Plan, the Administrative Committee shall have the sole and complete authority: (a) to impose such limitations, restrictions and conditions as it shall deem appropriate, (b) to interpret the Plan and to adopt, amend and rescind administrative guidelines and other rules and regulations relating to the Plan and (c) to make all other determinations and to take all other actions necessary or advisable for the implementation and administration of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrative Committee shall have no authority, discretion or power to alter any terms or conditions specified in the Plan. The Administrative Committee’s determinations on matters within its authority shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company, the Directors and all other persons.

 

-3-


SECTION 4. STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

4.1 Number of Shares. There shall be authorized for issuance under the Plan, in accordance with the provisions of the Plan, 300,000 shares of Stock. This authorization may be increased from time to time by approval of the Board and by the shareholders of the Company if the Board determines that such shareholder approval is required. The Company shall at all times during the term of the Plan retain as authorized and unissued Stock at least the number of shares from time to time required under the provisions of the Plan, or otherwise assure itself of its ability to perform its obligations hereunder. The shares of Stock issuable hereunder shall be authorized and unissued shares or previously issued and outstanding shares of Stock reacquired by the Company.

4.2 Adjustments Upon Changes in Stock. If there shall be any change in the Stock, through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, spinoff, split up, dividend in kind or other change in the corporate structure or distribution to the shareholders, appropriate adjustments shall be made by the Administrative Committee (or if the Company is not the surviving corporation in any such transaction, the board of directors of the surviving corporation) in the aggregate number and kind of shares subject to the Plan and the number and kind of shares which may be issued under the Plan. Appropriate adjustments may also be made by the Administrative Committee in the terms of Common Stock Equivalents under the Plan to reflect such changes and to modify any other terms on an equitable basis as the Administrative Committee in its discretion determines.

SECTION 5. DEFERRAL ELECTIONS

5.1 Deferral Elections. A Director may elect to defer receipt of all or a specified portion of the annual director’s fee, the annual committee chair’s fee, the annual chairman of the board’s fee and/or meeting and other fees payable in cash to the Director for serving on the Board or any committee thereof. Deferral elections permitted under this Section 5 must be filed with the Administrative Committee on forms (which may be electronic) approved by the Administrative Committee. The Director’s election shall include: (a) the percentage or dollar amount of fees to be deferred for a calendar year, (b) the date (i.e., the Distribution Date) as of which the deferred fees shall be distributed as provided in Section 7.1, and (c) the form of such distribution (i.e., lump sum or annual installments over a fixed period not to exceed five (5) years) as provided in Section 7.2.

5.2 Timing of Deferral Elections. Director’s fee deferral elections must be filed no later than the December 31 preceding the calendar year for which such election is to be effective. Notwithstanding the preceding, with respect to an individual who first becomes a Director during a Plan Year (either by election or appointment), the Director’s election must be made and filed:

(a) with respect to the annual director’s fee, the annual committee chair’s fee, the annual chairman of the board’s fee, or other fees paid on an annual basis, prior to the date the individual becomes a Director (either by election or appointment); and

(b) with respect to the Director’s meeting fees, within thirty (30) days of the date the individual becomes a Director (either by election or appointment) (but only with respect to meetings which occur after the date of such deferral election).

 

-4-


For purposes of the preceding sentence, an individual who at one point was a Director, ceased being a Director, and again becomes a Director (either by election or appointment), shall be considered a new Director only if:

(1) he or she was not eligible to participate in the Plan (or any other plan or arrangement required by Code Section 409A to be aggregated with the Plan) at any time during the twenty-four (24)-month period ending on the date he or she again becomes a Director, or

(2) he or she was paid all amounts previously due under the Plan (or any other plan or arrangement required by Code Section 409A to be aggregated with the Plan) and, on and before the date of the last such payment, was not eligible to continue to participate in the Plan (or any other plan or arrangement required by Code Section 409A to be aggregated with the Plan) for periods after such payment.

(c) A deferral election (including elections as to the time and form of payment), once made, shall continue in effect with respect to subsequent calendar years (but, if a Director had most recently elected a fixed date, the applicable fixed date for the present year’s deferrals shall be adjusted by one year), until modified by the Director in accordance with this Section 5.2.

5.3 Automatic Suspension of Deferral Elections. In the event a Director requests a distribution pursuant to Section 7.7 due to an Unforeseeable Emergency, or the Director requests a cancellation of deferrals under the Plan in order to alleviate his or her Unforeseeable Emergency, and the Administrative Committee determines that the Director’s Unforeseeable Emergency may be relieved through the cessation of deferrals under the Plan, some or all the Director’s deferral elections under Section 5 for such calendar year, if any, shall be cancelled as soon as administratively practicable following such determination by the Administrative Committee.

5.4 Company Matching Deferral. At such time or times as Director’s fees are deferred and credited to his or her Deferred Stock Equivalent Account as Common Stock Equivalents, the Company shall match twenty-five (25%) of such deferred fees by crediting such Deferred Stock Equivalent Account with additional Common Stock Equivalents equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the number of Common Stock Equivalents attributable to the Director’s deferred fees.

SECTION 6. ACCOUNTS

6.1 Deferred Stock Equivalent Accounts. A Deferred Stock Equivalent Account shall be established for each Director. Fees deferred by a Director shall be credited to such Account as of the date such amounts would have otherwise been paid in cash to the Director, and shall be converted into Common Stock Equivalents based on Fair Market Value as of the date such amounts would have otherwise been paid in cash to the Director. A Director’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account shall also be credited with the Company matching deferral pursuant to Section 5.4 and with dividend equivalents and other distributions pursuant to Section 6.2 below.

 

-5-


6.2 Dividend Equivalents. Dividends and other distributions with respect to Common Stock Equivalents shall be deemed to have been paid as if such Common Stock Equivalents were actual shares of Stock issued and outstanding on the respective record or distribution dates. Common Stock Equivalents shall be credited to a Director’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account in respect of cash dividends and any other securities or property distributed with respect to the Stock in connection with reclassifications, spinoffs and the like on the basis of the value of the dividend or other asset distributed and the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock Equivalents on the date of the announcement of the dividend or asset distribution, all at the same time and in the same amount as dividends or other distributions are paid or distributed with respect to the Stock. Fractional shares shall be credited to a Director’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account cumulatively, but the balance of shares of Common Stock Equivalents in a Director’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account shall be rounded to the next highest whole share for any distribution to such Director pursuant to this Section 6.

6.3 Statement of Accounts. A statement as to the balance of his or her Deferred Stock Equivalent Account will be sent to each Director at least once each calendar year.

SECTION 7. DISTRIBUTIONS

7.1 Timing of Payment. Each Subaccount in a Director’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account shall be distributed or shall commence to be distributed within ninety (90) days following the Distribution Date selected by the Director within the time period applicable under Section 5 for making an initial deferral election with respect to such Subaccount. If the Director does not make an affirmative election as to the Distribution Date of any Subaccount, he or she shall be deemed to have elected distribution within ninety (90) days of the Director’s Separation from Service.

7.2 Form of Payment. A Director’s Subaccount in his or her Deferred Stock Equivalent Account shall be distributed in one of the following forms selected by the Director within the time period applicable under Section 5 for making an initial deferral election with respect to such Subaccount:

(a) a lump sum in Stock;

(b) substantially equal annual installments of Stock over a period not to exceed five (5) years, with the first such installment to be made within the ninety (90)-day period following the Distribution Date and subsequent installments to be made within the ninety (90)-day period commencing on each successive January 31, until the Director’s Subaccount is distributed in full. For purposes of this Section 7 and Code Section 409A, the entitlement to annual installment payments is treated as the entitlement to a single payment.

If the Director does not make an affirmative election as to the form of payment of any Subaccount, he or she shall be deemed to have elected distribution in a lump sum in Stock.

7.3 Payment Upon the Director’s Death. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event of a Director’s death before his or her entire Deferred Stock Equivalent

 

-6-


Account is paid, all amounts remaining in such Account shall be distributed to the Director’s beneficiary in a lump sum in Stock within ninety (90) days following his or her death.

7.4 Designation of Beneficiary. A Director shall file with the Administrative Committee a written designation of one or more persons or revocable trusts as the beneficiary who shall be entitled to receive the amount, if any, payable hereunder after the Director’s death. A Director may, from time to time, revoke or change his or her beneficiary designation without the consent of any prior beneficiary by filing a new designation with the Administrative Committee. The last such designation received by the Administrative Committee shall be controlling; provided, however, that no designation, or change or revocation thereof, shall be effective unless received by the Administrative Committee prior to the Director’s death and in no event shall it be effective as of a date prior to its receipt. If no such beneficiary designation is in effect at the time of the Director’s death, or if no designated beneficiary survives the Director, the Director’s estate shall be deemed to have been designated his or her beneficiary and the executor or administrator thereof shall receive the amount, if any, payable hereunder after the Director’s death. If the Administrative Committee is in doubt as to the right of any person to receive all or part of such amount, the Company may retain such amount until the rights thereto are determined, or the Company may pay such amount into any court of appropriate jurisdiction and such payment shall be a complete discharge of the liability of the Company therefor.

7.5 Subsequent Elections as to Time and Form of Distribution. Except as provided in the following sentence, a Director may not change his or her election as to the Distribution Date or form of payment with respect to any Subaccount at any time after December 31, 2008. The Distribution Date and form of payment with respect to any Subaccount as of December 31, 2008 shall be the last election made by the Director on or before December 31, 2008 or deemed to have been made by such Director on December 31, 2008 with respect to such Subaccount; provided, however, that in no event may any such election defer any amount otherwise payable during 2008 to 2009 or any later year or accelerate any amount otherwise payable during 2009 or any later year into 2008.

7.6 Change in Control. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, in the event of a Change in Control, each Director shall receive, within ten (10) days of the date of such Change in Control a lump sum distribution in the number of shares of Stock equal to the number of Common Stock Equivalents credited to such Director’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account as of the date of the Change in Control.

7.7 Emergency Payments. In the event of an Unforeseeable Emergency, the Administrative Committee may determine the value of the Deferred Stock Equivalent Account and pay all or a part of such Account to the Director in Stock, to the extent the Administrative Committee determines that such action is necessary in light of immediate and substantial needs of the Director (or his or her beneficiary) occasioned by severe financial hardship. The Administrative Committee will permit distribution on account of an Unforeseeable Emergency only to the extent reasonably necessary to satisfy the emergency need, plus amounts necessary to pay federal, state or local income taxes and penalties reasonably anticipated to result from the distribution, after taking into account the extent to which such need is or may be relieved through reimbursement or compensation by insurance, by liquidation of the Director’s or beneficiary’s assets (to the extent the liquidation of such assets would not itself cause severe financial hardship), or by cessation of deferrals under the Plan. Such action shall be taken only if the

 

-7-


Director (or a Director’s legal representatives or successors) signs an application describing fully the circumstances which are deemed to justify the payment, together with an estimate of the amounts necessary to prevent such hardship, which application shall be approved by the Administrative Committee after making such inquiries as the Administrative Committee deems necessary or appropriate. Any distribution pursuant to this Section 7.7 shall be made pro rata from all Subaccounts of the Director.

7.8 Payment of Taxable Amount. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event the Internal Revenue Service should finally determine that part or all of the value of a Director’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account which has not actually been distributed to the Director or beneficiary is nevertheless required to be included in the Director’s or beneficiary’s gross income for federal income tax purposes, then an amount necessary to pay applicable federal, state or local income taxes on such includible value shall be distributed from the Director’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account in a lump sum cash payment within sixty (60) days after such determination, without any action or approval by the Administrative Committee. A “final determination” of the Internal Revenue Service for purposes of this Section is a determination in writing by the Service ordering the payment of additional tax, reporting of additional gross income or otherwise requiring Plan amounts to be included in gross income, which is not appealable or which the Director or beneficiary does not appeal within the time prescribed for appeals.

SECTION 8. GENERAL CREDITOR STATUS

Each participating Director and beneficiary designated by a Director shall be and remain an unsecured general creditor of the Company with respect to any payments due and owing to such Director or beneficiary hereunder. All payments to persons entitled to benefits hereunder shall be made out of the general assets and shall be solely the obligation of the Company.

SECTION 9. CLAIMS PROCEDURES

Any Director or beneficiary (“Applicant”) who believes he or she is entitled to Plan benefits which have not been paid may file a written claim for benefits with the Administrative Committee. If a claim for benefits is denied, the Administrative Committee shall furnish to the Applicant, within ninety (90) days after its receipt of such claim (or within one-hundred eighty (180) days after such receipt if special circumstances require an extension of time), a written notice which: (a) specifies the reasons for the denial, (b) refers to the pertinent provisions of the Plan on which the denial is based, (c) describes any additional material or information necessary for the perfection of the claim and explains why such material or information is necessary and (d) explains the claim review procedures. Upon the written request of the Applicant submitted within sixty (60) days after receipt of such written notice, the Administrative Committee shall afford the Applicant a full and fair review of the decision denying the claim and, if so requested: (1) permit the Applicant to review any documents which are pertinent to the claim, (2) permit the Applicant to submit to the Administrative Committee issues and comments in writing and (3) afford the Applicant an opportunity to meet with the Administrative Committee as a part of the review procedure. Within sixty (60) days after its receipt of a request for review (or within one-hundred twenty (120) days after such receipt if special circumstances, such as the need to hold a hearing, require an extension of time) the Administrative Committee shall notify the Applicant in

 

-8-


writing of its decision and the reasons for its decision and shall refer the Applicant to the provisions of the Plan which form the basis for its decision.

SECTION 10. ASSIGNABILITY

The right of a Director and his or her beneficiary to receive payments or distributions hereunder shall not be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer (other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution), assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by creditors of a participating Director or his or her beneficiary.

SECTION 11. PLAN TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND MODIFICATION

The Plan shall automatically terminate at the close of business on the fifteenth anniversary of the original effective date unless sooner terminated by the Board. The Board may at any time terminate, and from time to time may amend or modify the Plan, provided, however, that no amendment or modification may become effective without approval of the amendment or modification by the shareholders if shareholder approval is required to enable the Plan to satisfy any applicable federal or state statutory or regulatory requirements, and, provided further that no termination, amendment or modification shall reduce the then existing balance of any Director’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account without the Director’s consent. In no event may any amendment or termination of the Plan (including automatic termination upon expiration of the Plan) accelerate the date of payment of a Director’s benefit as otherwise provided herein, except as may be permitted under Code Section 409A.

SECTION 12. GOVERNING LAW/PLAN CONSTRUCTION

The Plan and all agreements hereunder shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. Nothing in this document shall be construed as an employment agreement or in any way impairing the right of the Company, the Board or its committees or the Company’s shareholders, to remove a Director from service as a director, to refuse to renominate or reelect such person as a director, or to enforce the duly adopted retirement policies of the Board.

 

-9-

Exhibit 10.3

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN FOR EMPLOYEES

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Establishment of Plan. Horace Mann Educators Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), maintains the Horace Mann Educators Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Employees (the “Plan”) for those employees of the Company who are eligible for bonus payments under the Company’s short term or long term incentive plans (the “LTIP Employees”). The Plan provides the opportunity for LTIP Employees to defer receipt of all or a part of their cash compensation under the short term incentive plan and/or the long term incentive plan on a pretax basis and to invest those deferrals in the Company’s Stock. The Plan shall be interpreted and applied at all times in accordance with Code Section 409A, and guidance issued thereunder. No benefits under the Plan shall be subject to “grandfathering” treatment under Code Section 409A, even if such benefits were deferred and vested under the Plan before January 1, 2005.

1.2. Purposes. The purposes of the Plan were to align the interests of LTIP Employees more closely with the interests of other shareholders of the Company, to encourage the highest level of LTIP Employee performance by providing the LTIP Employees with a direct interest in the Company’s attainment of its financial goals and to help attract and retain qualified LTIP Employees.

1.3. Effective Date. The Plan was originally effective December 1, 1997. It is hereby amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2009. To the extent an investment or distribution of cash or Stock may be made under the Plan, the Plan is intended to qualify for the exemption from short swing profits liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, provided by Rule 16b-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission as now in effect or hereafter amended.

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS

2.1. Definitions. The following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

(a) “Administrator” means the person designated in Section 3 to administer the Plan.

(b) “Annual Bonus Compensation” means the bonus payable under the Company’s short term incentive plan, as such plan shall exist from time to time.

(c) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(d) “Change in Control” means any of the events set forth below:

(1) any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company;


(2) any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12)-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes thirty percent (30%) or more of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company; or

(3) a majority of members of the Company’s Board is replaced during any twelve (12)-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Company’s Board before the date of the appointment or election.

(e) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as from time to time amended.

(f) “Common Stock Equivalent” means a hypothetical share of Stock which shall have a value on any date equal to the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock on that date.

(g) “Deferred Stock Equivalent Account” means the bookkeeping account established by the Company in respect to each LTIP Employee pursuant to Section 5.1 hereof and to which shall be credited the amounts of Annual Bonus Compensation and/or Long Term Bonus Compensation deferred by the LTIP Employee as provided in the Plan and converted into Common Stock Equivalents pursuant to the Plan. The Administrator maintains separate subaccounts (each a “Subaccount”) within each LTIP Employee’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account with respect to Annual Bonus Compensation and/or Long-Term Bonus Compensation for which a deferral election is made during the same election period under Section 4.2.

(h) “Distribution Date” means, with respect to any Subaccount, the date selected by the LTIP Employee with respect to such Subaccount on an approved election form. The date selected may be a fixed date, the LTIP Employee’s attainment of a particular age or the LTIP Employee’s Separation from Service for any reason.

(i) “Employer” means the Company and all persons with whom the Company would be considered a single employer under Code Sections 414(b) and 414(c), except that in applying Code Sections 1563(a)(1), (2) and (3) for purposes of determining a controlled group of corporations under Code Section 414(b), the language “at least 50 percent” shall be used instead of “at least 80 percent” in each place it appears in Code Sections 1563(a)(1), (2) and (3), and in applying Treas. Regs. Sec. 1.414(c)-2 for purposes of determining a controlled group of trades or businesses under Code Section 414(c), the language “at least 50 percent” shall be used instead of “at least 80 percent” in each place it appears in Treas. Regs. Sec. 1.414(c)-2.

(j) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

(k) “Fair Market Value” means as of any applicable date the closing sale price of a share of Stock on the Composite Tape for New York Stock Exchange-Listed Stocks, or, if Stock is not quoted on the Composite Tape, on the New York Stock Exchange, or, if Stock is not listed on such Exchange, on the principal United States securities exchange registered under the Exchange Act on which Stock is listed, or, if Stock is not listed on any such exchange, the last closing bid quotation with respect to a share of Stock immediately preceding the time in question

 

- 2 -


on the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotations System or any system then in use (or any other system of reporting or ascertaining quotations then available), or if Stock is not so quoted, the fair market value at the time in question of a share of Stock as determined by the Board in good faith.

(l) “Internal Revenue Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

(m) “Long Term Bonus Compensation” means the bonus payable under the Company’s long term incentive plan, as such plan shall exist from time to time.

(n) “Payment Date” means the date on which the Company would have paid the Annual Bonus Compensation and/or the Long Term Bonus Compensation to the LTIP Employee but for the LTIP Employee’s deferral election hereunder.

(o) “Separation from Service” means the LTIP Employee has a termination of employment with the Employer. Whether a termination of employment has occurred shall be determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate the LTIP Employee and Employer reasonably anticipate that no further services will be performed by the LTIP Employee for the Employer; provided, however, that an LTIP Employee shall be deemed to have a termination of employment if the level of services he or she would perform for the Employer after a certain date permanently decreases to no more than twenty percent (20%) of the average level of bona fide services performed for the Employer (whether as an employee or independent contractor) over the immediately preceding 36-month period (or the full period of services to the Employer if the LTIP Employee has been providing services to the Employer for less than 36 months). For this purpose, an LTIP Employee is not treated as having a Separation from Service while he or she is on a military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence, if the period of such leave does not exceed six months, or if longer, so long as the LTIP Employee has a right to reemployment with the Employer under an applicable statute or by contract.

(p) “Specified Employee” has the meaning given such term by the Board by separate action given effect from time to time under Code Section 409A.

(q) “Stock” means the $0.001 par value common stock of the Company.

(r) “Unforeseeable Emergency” is a severe financial hardship to the LTIP Employee resulting from a sudden and unexpected illness or accident of the LTIP Employee, the LTIP Employee’s spouse, the LTIP Employee’s beneficiary, or the LTIP Employee’s dependent (as defined in Code Section 152(a), without regard to subsections (b)(1), (b)(2) and (d)(1)(B)), the loss of the LTIP Employee’s property due to casualty, or other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the LTIP Employee.

2.2. Gender and Number. Except when otherwise indicated by the context, the masculine gender shall also include the feminine gender, and the definitions of any term herein in the singular shall also include the plural.

 

- 3 -


SECTION 3. PLAN ADMINISTRATION. The Plan shall be administered by the Human Resources Benefits Officer of the Company. Subject to the limitations of the Plan, the Administrator shall have the sole and complete authority: (a) to impose such limitations. restrictions and conditions as he or she shall deem appropriate, (b) to interpret the Plan and to adopt, amend and rescind administrative guidelines and other rules and regulations relating to the Plan and (c) to make all other determinations and to take all other actions necessary or advisable for the implementation and administration of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator shall have no authority, discretion or power to alter any terms or conditions specified in the Plan. The Administrator’s determinations on matters within his or her authority shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company, the LTIP Employees, beneficiaries and all other persons.

SECTION 4. DEFERRAL ELECTIONS

4.1. Deferral Elections. An LTIP Employee may elect to defer receipt of all or a specified portion of any Annual Bonus Compensation or Long Term Bonus Compensation payable in cash to the LTIP Employee. Deferral elections permitted under this Section 4 must be filed with the Company on forms (which may be electronic) approved by the Administrator. The LTIP Employee’s election shall include: (a) the percentage or dollar amount of each applicable Annual Bonus Compensation payment to be deferred and the percentage of each applicable Long Term Bonus Compensation payment to be deferred, (b) the date (i.e., the Distribution Date) as of which the deferred payments shall be distributed as provided in Section 6.1, and (c) the form of such distribution (i.e., lump sum or annual installments over a fixed period not to exceed five (5) years) as provided in Section 6.2.

4.2. Timing of Deferral Elections.

(a) An election to defer Annual Bonus Compensation and/or Long Term Bonus Compensation payments shall be made on or before December 31 of the calendar year preceding the performance period during which the Annual Bonus Compensation is earned or, in the case of Long Term Bonus Compensation, the first calendar year in the performance period during which the Long Term Bonus Compensation is earned.

(b) Notwithstanding the preceding, with respect to an individual who first becomes an LTIP Employee during a calendar year, the LTIP Employee’s election must be made and filed within thirty (30) days of the date such individual first becomes an LTIP Employee; provided, however, that if the LTIP Employee is or ever was a participant in this Plan or any other plan required by Code Section 409A to be aggregated with this Plan, this sentence shall not apply and the LTIP Employee may not make a deferral election with respect to Annual Bonus Compensation and/or Long Term Bonus Compensation until the next calendar year in accordance with Section 4.2(a) above, unless:

(1) he or she was not eligible to participate in the Plan (or any other plan required by Code Section 409A to be aggregated with this Plan) at any time during the twenty-four (24)-month period ending on the date he or she again becomes an LTIP Employee, or

 

- 4 -


(2) he or she was paid all amounts previously due under the Plan (and any other plan required by Code Section 409A to be aggregated with this Plan) and, on and before the date of the last such payment, was not eligible to continue to participate in the Plan (and any other plan required by Code Section 409A to be aggregated with this Plan) for periods after such payment.

A bonus deferral election under this Section 4.2(b) will be effective only with respect to Annual Bonus Compensation and/or Long Term Bonus Compensation paid for services performed after such election. For this purpose, the amount of the bonus payable to the LTIP Employee for services rendered subsequent to the LTIP Employee’s election will be determined by multiplying the bonus by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of calendar days remaining in the performance period after the election and the denominator of which is the total number of calendar days in such performance period. For purposes of this Section 4.2(b), the date of an LTIP Employee’s election is the date the executed election form (which may be electronic) is received by the Company.

(c) A deferral election for one performance period will not automatically be given effect for a subsequent performance period, so that if deferral is desired for a subsequent performance period, a separate election must be made by the LTIP Employee for such performance period.

4.3. Automatic Suspension of Deferral Elections. In the event an LTIP Employee requests a distribution pursuant to Section 6.7 due to an Unforeseeable Emergency, or the LTIP Employee requests a cancellation of deferrals under the Plan in order to alleviate his or her Unforeseeable Emergency, and the Administrator determines that the LTIP Employee’s Unforeseeable Emergency may be relieved through the cessation of deferrals under the Plan, some or all the LTIP Employee’s deferral elections under Section 4 for such calendar year, if any, shall be cancelled as soon as administratively practicable following such determination by the Administrator.

SECTION 5. ACCOUNTS

5.1. Deferred Stock Equivalent Accounts. A Deferred Stock Equivalent Account and related Subaccounts shall be established for each LTIP Employee. Annual Bonus Compensation and/or Long Term Bonus Compensation deferred by an LTIP Employee shall be converted into Common Stock Equivalents based on Fair Market Value as of the applicable Payment Date and shall be credited to such Account as of such date. The Deferred Stock Equivalent Account will be reduced by the amount of any distributions which amount shall be converted into Common Stock Equivalents based on Fair Market Value as of the date of distribution.

5.2. Dividend Equivalents. An LTIP Employee’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account shall be credited with dividend equivalents and other distributions pursuant to this Section 5.2. Dividends and other distributions with respect to Common Stock Equivalents shall be deemed to have been paid as if such Common Stock Equivalents were actual shares of Stock issued and outstanding on the respective record or distribution dates. Common Stock Equivalents shall be credited to an LTIP Employee’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account in respect of cash dividends and any other securities or property distributed with respect to the Stock in connection with reclassifications, spinoffs and the like on the basis of the value of the dividend or other asset

 

- 5 -


distributed and the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock Equivalents on the record date of the dividend or asset distribution, all at the same time and in the same amount as dividends or other distributions are paid or distributed with respect to the Stock. Fractional shares shall be credited to the LTIP Employee’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account cumulatively, but the balance of shares of Common Stock Equivalents in an LTIP Employee’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account shall be rounded to the next highest whole share for any distribution to such LTIP Employee pursuant to Section 6.

5.3. Statement of Accounts. A statement as to the balance of his or her Deferred Stock Equivalent Account will be sent to each LTIP Employee at least once each calendar year.

SECTION 6. DISTRIBUTIONS

6.1. Timing of Payment. Each Subaccount in an LTIP Employee’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account shall be distributed or shall commence to be distributed within ninety (90) days following the Distribution Date selected by the LTIP Employee within the time period applicable under Section 4 for making an initial deferral election with respect to such Subaccount; provided that if the applicable Distribution Date is the LTIP Employee’s Separation from Service and the LTIP Employee is a Specified Employee, the Subaccount shall be distributed or shall commence to be distributed within ninety (90) days of the date which is six (6) months following such Separation from Service. If the LTIP Employee did not make an affirmative election as to the Distribution Date of any Subaccount, he or she shall be deemed to have elected distribution within ninety (90) days of the LTIP Employee’s Separation from Service or, if the LTIP Employee is a Specified Employee, within ninety (90) days of the date which is six (6) months following such Separation from Service.

6.2. Form of Payment. An LTIP Employee’s Subaccount in his or her Deferred Stock Equivalent Account shall be distributed in one of the following forms previously selected by the LTIP Employee within the time period for making an initial deferral election with respect to such Subaccount:

(a) a lump sum in cash;

(b) substantially equal annual cash installments over a period not to exceed five (5) years, with the first such installment to be made within the ninety (90)-day period following the Distribution Date (or, in the event the LTIP Employee is a Specified Employee, such later date as provided in Section 6.1) and subsequent installments to be made within the ninety (90)-day period commencing on each successive July 1, until the LTIP Employee’s Subaccount is distributed in full. For purposes of this Section 6 and Code Section 409A, the entitlement to annual installment payments is treated as the entitlement to a single payment.

If the LTIP Employee does not make an affirmative election as to the form of election of any Subaccount, he or she shall be deemed to have elected distribution in a lump sum cash payment.

6.3. Subsequent Elections as to Time and Form of Distribution.

 

- 6 -


(a) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Distribution Date and form of payment with respect to any Subaccount as of January 1, 2009 shall be the last election made or deemed made by the LTIP Employee on or before December 31, 2008 with respect to such Subaccount; provided, however, that in no event may any such election defer any amount otherwise payable during 2008 to 2009 or any later year or accelerate any amount otherwise payable during 2009 or any later year into 2008.

(b) After December 31, 2008, an LTIP Employee may not change his or her Distribution Date or form of payment with respect to any Subaccount at any time after he or she makes the initial election pursuant to Section 4.2.

6.4. Payment Upon the LTIP Employee’s Death. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event of an LTIP Employee’s death before his or her entire Deferred Stock Equivalent Account is paid, all amounts remaining in such Account shall be distributed to the LTIP Employee’s beneficiary in a lump sum cash payment within ninety (90) days of the LTIP Employee’s death.

6.5. Designation of Beneficiary. An LTIP Employee shall file with the Administrator a written designation of one or more persons or revocable trusts as the beneficiary who shall be entitled to receive the amount, if any, payable hereunder after the LTIP Employee’s death. An LTIP Employee may from time to time, revoke or change his or her beneficiary designation without the consent of any prior beneficiary by filing a new designation with the Administrator. The last such designation received by the Administrator shall be controlling; provided, however, that no designation, or change or revocation thereof, shall be effective unless received by the Administrator prior to the LTIP Employee’s death and in no event shall it be effective as of a date prior to its receipt. If no such beneficiary designation is in effect at the time of the LTIP Employee’s death, or if no designated beneficiary survives the LTIP Employee, the LTIP Employee’s estate shall be deemed to have been designated his or her beneficiary and the executor or administrator thereof shall receive the amount, if any, payable hereunder after the LTIP Employee’s death. If the Administrator is in doubt as to the right of any person to receive all or part of such amount, the Company may retain such amount until the rights thereto are determined, or the Company may pay such amount into any court of appropriate jurisdiction and such payment shall be a complete discharge of the liability of the Company therefor.

6.6. Change in Control. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, in the event of a Change in Control, each LTIP Employee shall receive, within ten (10) days of the date of such Change in Control, a lump sum cash distribution of his or her Deferred Stock Equivalent Account.

6.7. Emergency Payments. In the event of an Unforeseeable Emergency, the Administrator may determine the value of the Deferred Stock Equivalent Account and pay all or a part of such Account to the LTIP Employee in cash, to the extent the Administrator determines that such action is necessary in light of immediate and substantial needs of the LTIP Employee (or his or her beneficiary) occasioned by severe financial hardship. The Administrator will permit distribution on account of an Unforeseeable Emergency only to the extent reasonably necessary to satisfy the emergency need, plus amounts necessary to pay federal, state or local income taxes and penalties reasonably anticipated to result from the distribution, after taking into account the extent to which such need is or may be relieved through reimbursement or compensation by

 

- 7 -


insurance, by liquidation of the LTIP Employee’s or beneficiary’s assets (to the extent the liquidation of such assets would not itself cause severe financial hardship), or by cessation of deferrals under the Plan. Such action shall be taken only if the LTIP Employee (or an LTIP Employee’s legal representatives or successors) signs an application describing fully the circumstances which are deemed to justify the payment, together with an estimate of the amounts necessary to prevent such hardship, which application shall be approved by the Administrator after making such inquiries as the Administrator deems necessary or appropriate.

6.8. Payment of Taxable Amount. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event the Internal Revenue Service should finally determine that part or all of the value of a LTIP Employee’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account which has not actually been distributed to the LTIP Employee or beneficiary is nevertheless required to be included in the LTIP Employee’s or beneficiary’s gross income for federal income tax purposes, then an amount necessary to pay applicable federal, state or local income taxes on such includible value shall be distributed from the LTIP Employee’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account in a lump sum cash payment within sixty (60) days after such determination, without any action or approval by the Administrator. A “final determination” of the Internal Revenue Service for purposes of this Section is a determination in writing by the Service ordering the payment of additional tax, reporting of additional gross income or otherwise requiring Plan amounts to be included in gross income, which is not appealable or which the LTIP Employee or beneficiary does not appeal within the time prescribed for appeals.

6.9. Withholding. The Company, at the time of any deferral or distribution under this Plan, shall withhold benefits otherwise due or payable in order to comply with any federal, state, local or other income or other tax laws requiring withholding with respect to benefits provided to the LTIP Employee under this Plan.

SECTION 7. GENERAL CREDITOR STATUS Each participating LTIP Employee and beneficiary designated by a LTIP Employee shall be and remain an unsecured general creditor of the Company with respect to any payments due and owing to such LTIP Employee or beneficiary hereunder. All payments to persons entitled to benefits hereunder shall be made out of the general assets and shall be solely the obligation of the Company. The Plan is a promise by the Company to pay benefits in the future and it is the intention of the Company and participating LTIP Employees that the Plan be “unfunded” for tax purposes (and for the purposes of Title I of ERISA) and be maintained primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation to a select group of management or highly compensated employees.

SECTION 8. CLAIMS PROCEDURES. Any LTIP Employee or beneficiary (“Applicant”) who believes he or she is entitled to Plan benefits which have not been paid may file a written claim for benefits with the Administrator. If a claim for benefits is denied, the Administrator shall furnish to the Applicant within 90 days after its receipt of such claim (or within 180 days after such receipt if special circumstances require an extension of time), a written notice which: (a) specifies the reasons for the denial, (b) refers to the pertinent provisions of the Plan on which the denial is based, (c) describes any additional material or information necessary for the perfection of the claim and explains why such material or information is necessary, and (d) explains the claim review procedures. Upon the written request of the Applicant submitted within 60 days after receipt of such written notice, the Administrator shall afford the Applicant a full and fair review of the decision denying the claim and, if so requested: (1) permit the

 

- 8 -


Applicant to review any documents which are pertinent to the claim, (2) permit the Applicant to submit to the Administrator issues and comments in writing and (3) afford the Applicant an opportunity to meet with the Administrator as a part of the review procedure. Within 60 days after his or her receipt of a request for review (or within 120 days after such receipt if special circumstances, such as the need to hold a hearing, require an extension of time) the Administrator shall notify the Applicant in writing of his or her decision and the reasons for his or her decision and shall refer the Applicant to the provisions of the Plan which form the basis for his or her decision.

SECTION 9. ASSIGNABILITY. The right of an LTIP Employee and his or her beneficiary to receive payments or distributions hereunder shall not be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer (other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution), assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by creditors of a participating LTIP Employee or his or her beneficiary.

SECTION 10. PLAN TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND MODIFICATION. The Company may at any time terminate, and from time to time may amend or modify the Plan; provided, however, that no amendment or modification may become effective without approval of the amendment or modification by the shareholders if shareholder approval is required to enable the Plan to satisfy any applicable federal or state statutory or regulatory requirements, and, provided further that no termination, amendment or modification shall reduce the then existing balance of any LTIP Employee’s Deferred Stock Equivalent Account without the LTIP Employee’s consent. In no event may any amendment or termination of the Plan accelerate the date of payment of a LTIP Employee’s benefit as otherwise provided herein, except as may be permitted under Code Section 409A.

SECTION 11. GOVERNING LAW/PLAN CONSTRUCTION. The Plan and all agreements hereunder shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. Nothing in this document shall be construed as an employment agreement or in any way impairing the right of the Company to terminate the employment of an LTIP Employee.

 

- 9 -

Exhibit 10.6(b)

Revised Specimen

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

Amended and Restated 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan

Stock Option Agreement

This Stock Option Agreement (the “Agreement”) confirms the grant on XXXXX (the “Grant Date”) by HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), to Name (“Employee”) of an incentive stock option (the “Option”) to purchase shares of Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (the “Shares”), as follows:

 

  Shares purchasable:    ???   
  Exercise Price:    $XXXX per Share   

Option vests and becomes exercisable : As to 0% of the Shares on the Grant Date and thereafter as to 20% of the Shares, cumulatively, on each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth anniversaries of the Grant Date (rounded to the nearest whole share). In addition, the Option will become immediately vested and exercisable upon the occurrence of certain events relating to Termination of Employment, in accordance with Section 4 hereof. If the portion of this Option and any previously granted incentive stock option which vests in any one year has an aggregate exercise price in excess of $100,000, that portion of this Option in excess of that $100,000 aggregate vesting limit will not qualify as an incentive stock option but will be treated as a vested non-qualified stock option.

Expiration Date : September 10, 2015 (the “Stated Expiration Date”) or, in the event Employee’s employment by the Company and its subsidiaries terminates earlier, the date the Option ceases to be exercisable under Section 4 hereof.

The Option is subject to the terms and conditions of the Amended and Restated 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) and this Agreement, including the Terms and Conditions of Option Grant attached hereto and deemed a part hereof. The number and kind of shares purchasable, the Exercise Price, and other terms and conditions are subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 11(c) of the Plan.

Employee acknowledges and agrees that (i) the Option is nontransferable, except as provided in Section 6 hereof and Section 11(b) of the Plan, (ii) the Option is subject to forfeiture in the event of Employee’s termination of employment in certain circumstances, as specified in Section 4 hereof, and (iii) sales of Shares will be subject to the Company’s policies regulating trading by employees.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION has caused this Agreement to be executed by its officer thereunto duly authorized.

 

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
By:  

 

  Louis G. Lower, II
  President and CEO


TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTION GRANT

The following Terms and Conditions apply to the Option granted to Employee by HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION (the “Company”), as specified on the preceding page. Certain specific terms of the Option, including the number of shares purchasable, vesting and Expiration Date, and Exercise Price, are set forth on the preceding page.

1. General . The Option is granted to Employee under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), which has been previously delivered to Employee and/or is available upon request to the Human Resources Financial Services Department. All of the applicable terms, conditions and other provisions of the Plan are incorporated by reference herein. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not defined herein shall have the same meanings as in the Plan. If there is any conflict between the provisions of this document and mandatory provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan govern. By accepting the grant of the Option, Employee agrees to be bound by all of the terms and provisions of the Plan (as presently in effect or later amended), the rules and regulations under the Plan adopted from time to time, and the decisions and determinations of the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Committee”) made from time to time. The Option is an incentive stock option as defined under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to the maximum extent possible, and any portion that does not so qualify is a non-qualified stock option.

2. Right to Exercise Option . Subject to all applicable laws, rules, regulations and the terms of the Plan and this Agreement, Employee may exercise the Option only after the time and to the extent the Option has become vested and exercisable and prior to the Expiration Date of the Option.

3. Method of Exercise . To exercise the Option, Employee must (a) give written notice to the Vice President, Shared Services: HR Financial Services or designee of the Company, which notice shall specifically refer to this Agreement, state the number of Shares as to which the Option is being exercised, the name in which he or she wishes the Shares to be issued, and be signed by Employee, and (b) pay in full to the Company the Exercise Price of the Option for the number of Shares being purchased either (i) in cash (including by check), payable in United States dollars, (ii), by delivery of Shares already owned by Employee (which Shares must have been held for at least six months if they were acquired under a Company plan and are not considered to be “mature” shares for accounting purposes) having a fair market value, determined as of the date the Option is exercised, equal to all or the part of the aggregate Exercise Price being paid in this way, or (iii) in any other manner then permitted by the Committee. Once Employee gives notice of exercise, such notice may not be revoked. When Employee exercises the Option, or part thereof, the Company will transfer Shares (or make a non-certificated credit) to Employee’s brokerage account at a designated securities brokerage firm or otherwise deliver Shares to Employee. No Employee or Beneficiary shall have at any time any rights with respect to Shares covered by this Agreement prior to the valid exercise and full payment for the Shares as specified herein, and no adjustment shall be made for dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to such valid exercise and payment.

4. Termination Provisions . The following provisions will govern the vesting, exercisability and expiration of the Option in the event of termination of Employee’s employment, unless the Committee determines to provide more favorable terms; provided, however, that the vesting,

 

1


exercisability and expiration of the Option provided under Section 9(a)(iii) of the Plan, relating to certain Terminations following a Change of Control, shall apply to the extent that the provisions of Section 9(a)(iii) would be more favorable to Employee, except as limited under Subsection (h) below:

(a) Death . In the event of Employee’s Termination of Employment due to death, the Option, to the extent then outstanding, will vest and become immediately exercisable in full, and will remain exercisable, in accordance with Section 11(b) of the Plan, for two years after such death. ( Note: Exercise of the option more than two years after Termination would not qualify for favorable incentive stock option tax treatment.)

(b) Disability . In the event of Employee’s Termination of Employment due to Disability (as defined below), the Option, to the extent then outstanding, will vest and become immediately exercisable in full, and will remain exercisable until the Stated Expiration Date. ( Note: Certain Disabilities under the Plan may not qualify as a “disability” under incentive stock option tax rules, so that exercise of the option more than three months after Termination would not qualify for favorable incentive stock option tax treatment.)

(c) Retirement . In the event of Employee’s Termination of Employment due to Retirement (as defined below), the Option, to the extent then outstanding, will not be forfeited, but will remain outstanding until the Stated Expiration Date. Any portion of the Option that had not become exercisable as of the date of Termination of Employment will become exercisable one year after the date of Termination of Employment (without regard to any intervening vesting date specified on the cover page of this Agreement). ( Note: Exercise of any portion of the option more than three months after Termination would not qualify for favorable incentive stock option tax treatment.)

(d) Termination by the Company Without Cause. In the event of Employee’s Termination of Employment by the Company without Cause, the portion of the then-outstanding Option not vested and exercisable at the date of termination will be forfeited, and any portion of the then-outstanding Option that is vested and exercisable at the date of termination will expire immediately at the date of Termination of Employment.

(e) Termination by the Company for Cause . In the event of Employee’s Termination of Employment by the Company for Cause (as defined below), the Option, whether or not then vested and exercisable, immediately will be forfeited and will expire.

(f) Termination by the Employee Voluntarily . In the event of Employee’s voluntary Termination of Employment, the portion of the then-outstanding Option not vested and exercisable at the date of termination will be forfeited, and any vested portion of the then-outstanding Option will expire immediately at the date of Termination of Employment.

(g) Certain Definitions . The following definitions apply for purposes of this Agreement:

(i) “Cause” means (A) the willful and continued failure by Employee to perform substantially his duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from Employee’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Employee which specifically identifies the manner in which Employee has not substantially performed his duties, (B) the willful

 

2


engagement by Employee in conduct which is not authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company or within the normal course of Employee’s business decisions and is known by Employee to be materially detrimental to the best interests of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or (C) the willful engagement by Employee in illegal conduct or any act of serious dishonesty which adversely affects, or, in the reasonable estimation of the Board of Directors of the Company, could in the future adversely affect, the value, reliability or performance of Employee to the Company in a material manner. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company or based upon the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by Employee in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. The foregoing notwithstanding, in any case governed by Section 9 of the Plan (following a Change of Control), the definition set forth in Section 9(c) of the Plan shall govern.

(ii) “Disability” means a disability entitling the Employee to long-term disability benefits under the Company’s long-term disability policy as in effect at the date of Employee’s Termination of Employment.

(iii) “Retirement” means retirement from active employment with the Company or a subsidiary pursuant to the early or normal retirement provisions of the Company’s or the subsidiary’s qualified retirement plan.

(iv) “Termination of Employment” means the earliest time at which Employee is not employed by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company and is not serving as a non-employee director of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company.

(h) Limitation on Acceleration of Certain Options Upon Termination Following a Change of Control . If Employee is involuntarily terminated within a year of a Change in Control and if the acquiring company assumes the Options, to the extent outstanding, the Option will vest and become immediately exercisable in full until the Stated Expiration Date. ( Note: Exercise of any portion of the option more than three months after Termination would not qualify for favorable incentive stock option tax treatment .)

If Employee terminates or is terminated for any other reason, the Option, whether or not then vested and exercisable, immediately will be forfeited and will expire, although the Committee reserves the right to alter such treatment. If the acquiring company does not assume the Options, then upon the Change in Control (whether Employee is terminated or not), to the extent outstanding, the Option will vest and become immediately exercisable in full until the Stated Expiration Date.

In the event of a Termination of Employment of Employee following a Change of Control, if Section 9(a)(iii) of the Plan or any other provision (an “Enhancement Provision”) would apply so as to accelerate vesting of the Option or otherwise enhance the rights of Employee with respect to the exercise or expiration of the Option, and if Employee will be subject to a golden parachute excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code (regardless of any rights to a gross-up payment from the Company or any other party), and if the amount of “parachute payments” resulting from the Enhancement Provision exceeds the intrinsic value of the Option (i.e., the “spread”) at the date parachute payments would be measured for

 

3


purposes of Section 4999, then the Enhancement Provision shall not apply to the Option except to the extent (if any) possible without Employee becoming subject to the golden parachute excise tax under Section 4999.

5 . Employee Representations and Warranties Upon Exercise . As a condition to the exercise of the Option, the Company may require Employee to make any representation or warranty to the Company as may be required under any applicable law or regulation.

6. Nontransferability . Employee may not transfer the Option or any rights there under to any third party other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and, during Employee’s lifetime, only Employee or his or her duly appointed guardian or legal representative may exercise the Option, except for transfers to a Beneficiary in the event of death or as otherwise permitted and subject to the conditions under Section 11(b) of the Plan ( note: these exceptions do not apply to portions of the Option that are incentive stock options ).

7. Miscellaneous .

(a) Binding Agreement; Written Amendments . This Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators and successors of the parties. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the Option, and supersedes any prior agreements or documents with respect to the Option. No amendment or alteration of this Agreement which may impose any additional obligation upon the Company shall be valid unless expressed in a written instrument duly executed in the name of the Company, and no amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of this Agreement which may materially impair the rights of Employee with respect to the Option shall be valid unless expressed in a written instrument executed by Employee.

(b) No Promise of Employment. The Option and the granting thereof shall not constitute or be evidence of any agreement or understanding, express or implied, that Employee has a right to continue as an officer or employee of the Company for any period of time, or at any particular rate of compensation.

(c) Governing Law . The validity, construction, and effect of this agreement shall be determined in accordance with the laws (including those governing contracts) of the state of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws, and applicable federal law.

(d) Notices . Any notice to be given the Company under this Agreement shall be addressed to the Company at its principal executive offices, in care of the Vice President, Shared Services: HR Financial Services, and any notice to the Employee shall be addressed to the Employee at Employee’s address as then appearing in the records of the Company.

 

4

Exhibit 10.6(f)

Revised Specimen

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

Amended and Restated 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan

Restricted Stock Units Agreement — Employee

This Restricted Stock Units Agreement (the “Agreement”) confirms the grant on                     ,              (the “Grant Date”) by HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), to                      (“Employee”), under Sections 6(e) and 7 of the Amended and Restated 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), of Restricted Stock Units (the “Units”), including rights to Dividend Equivalents as specified herein, as follows:

Number Granted:                      Units

How Units are Earned and Vest : Vesting and forfeiture terms are fully specified in the Designation; forfeited Units cease to be outstanding and in no event will thereafter result in any delivery of Shares to Employee.

Settlement : Units granted hereunder, together with Units credited as a result of Dividend Equivalents, will be settled by delivery of one share of the Company’s Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (“Shares”), for each Unit being settled. Subject to elective deferral of settlement under Section 6 below, such settlement shall occur at the times specified in the Designation.

The Units are subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, including the Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock Units attached hereto and deemed a part hereof. The number of Units and the kind of shares deliverable in settlement and other terms and conditions of the Units are subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 5 hereof and Section 11(c) of the Plan.

Employee acknowledges and agrees that (i) the Units are nontransferable, except as provided in Section 3 hereof and Section 11(b) of the Plan, (ii) the Units are subject to forfeiture in the event of Employee’s Termination of Employment in certain circumstances prior to vesting, as specified in the Designation, and (iii) sales of Shares will be subject to any Company policy regulating trading by employees.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION has caused this Agreement to be executed by its officer thereunto duly authorized.

 

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
By:  

 

[Name]  
[Title]  


TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

The following Terms and Conditions apply to the Restricted Stock Units granted to Employee by HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION (the “Company”) and Units resulting from Dividend Equivalents (if any), as specified in the Restricted Stock Units Agreement (of which these Terms and Conditions form a part). Certain terms of the Units, including the number of Units granted, vesting date(s) and settlement date, are set forth on the preceding pages.

1. General . The Units are granted to Employee under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), together with the 200  -200   Designation of Restricted Stock Units and related documents (the “Designation”), which has been previously delivered to Employee and/or are available upon request to the Human Resources Financial Services Department. All of the applicable terms, conditions and other provisions of the Plan and Designation are incorporated by reference herein. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not defined herein shall have the same meanings as in the Plan and/or the Designation. If there is any conflict between the provisions of this document and mandatory provisions of the Plan or the Designation, the provisions of the Plan or Designation govern. By accepting the grant of the Units, Employee agrees to be bound by all of the terms and provisions of the Plan (as presently in effect or later amended), the rules and regulations under the Plan adopted from time to time, and the decisions and determinations of the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Committee”) made from time to time.

2. Account for Employee . The Company shall maintain a bookkeeping account for Employee (the “Account”) reflecting the number of Units then credited to Employee hereunder as a result of such grant of Units and any crediting of additional Units to Employee pursuant to payments equivalent to dividends paid on Common Stock under Section 5 hereof (“Dividend Equivalents”).

3. Nontransferability . Until Units become settleable in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, Employee may not transfer Units or any rights hereunder to any third party other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, except for transfers to a Beneficiary or as otherwise permitted and subject to the conditions under Section 11(b) of the Plan.

4. Termination Provisions . The provisions governing the vesting and forfeiture of the Units are set forth in the Designation.

5 . Dividend Equivalents and Adjustments .

(a) Dividend Equivalents . Dividend Equivalents will be credited on Units (other than Units that, at the relevant record date, previously have been settled or forfeited) and deemed reinvested in additional Units. Such crediting shall be as follows, except that the Company may vary the manner of crediting (for example, by crediting cash dividend equivalents rather than additional Units) for administrative convenience:

(i) Cash Dividends . If the Company declares and pays a dividend or distribution on Common Stock in the form of cash, then additional Units shall be credited to Employee’s

 

2


Account in lieu of payment or crediting of cash dividend equivalents equal to the number of Units credited to the Account as of the relevant record date multiplied by the amount of cash paid per share in such dividend or distribution divided by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock at the payment date for such dividend or distribution.

(ii) Non-Common Stock Dividends . If the Company declares and pays a dividend or distribution on Common Stock in the form of property other than shares of Common Stock, then a number of additional Units shall be credited to Employee’s Account as of the payment date for such dividend or distribution equal to the number of Units credited to the Account as of the record date for such dividend or distribution multiplied by the fair market value of such property actually paid as a dividend or distribution on each outstanding share of Common Stock at such payment date, divided by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock at such payment date.

(iii) Common Stock Dividends and Splits . If the Company declares and pays a dividend or distribution on Common Stock in the form of additional shares of Common Stock, or there occurs a forward split of Common Stock, then a number of additional Units shall be credited to Employee’s Account as of the payment date for such dividend or distribution or forward split equal to the number of Units credited to the Account as of the record date for such dividend or distribution or split multiplied by the number of additional shares of Common Stock actually paid as a dividend or distribution or issued in such split in respect of each outstanding share of Common Stock.

(b) Adjustments . The number of Units credited to Employee’s Account shall be appropriately adjusted, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of Employee’s rights with respect to Units or to reflect any changes in the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock resulting from any event referred to in Section 11(c) of the Plan, taking into account any Units credited to Employee in connection with such event under Section 5(a) hereof in the discretion of the Committee.

(c) Risk of Forfeiture and Settlement of Units Resulting from Dividend Equivalents and Adjustments. Units which directly or indirectly result from Dividend Equivalents on or adjustments to a Unit granted hereunder shall be subject to the same risk of forfeiture as applies to the granted Unit and will be settled at the same time as the granted Unit.

6. Deferral of Settlement . Settlement of any Unit, which otherwise would occur upon the lapse of the risk of forfeiture of such Unit, will be deferred in certain cases if and to the extent validly elected by Employee. Deferrals shall comply with requirements under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”). In accordance with procedures established by the Company, the Employee may be permitted to elect deferral of settlement at times designated by the Company. At any time that Units are treated as deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, they will be subject to accelerated settlement under Section 9(a) of the Plan only if the Change in Control constitutes a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company, within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v). Deferrals will be subject to such other restrictions and terms as may be specified by the Company prior to

 

3


deferral.

7 . Employee Representations and Warranties Upon Settlement . As a condition to the settlement of the Units, the Company may require Employee to make any representation or warranty to the Company as may be required under any applicable law or regulation.

8. Miscellaneous .

(a) Binding Agreement; Written Amendments . This Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators and successors of the parties. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the Units, and supersedes any prior agreements or documents with respect to the Units. No amendment or alteration of this Agreement which may impose any additional obligation upon the Company shall be valid unless expressed in a written instrument duly executed in the name of the Company, and no amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of this Agreement which may materially impair the rights of Employee with respect to the Units shall be valid unless expressed in a written instrument executed by Employee.

(b) No Promise of Employment. The Units and the granting thereof shall not constitute or be evidence of any agreement or understanding, express or implied, that Employee has a right to continue as an officer or employee of the Company for any period of time, or at any particular rate of compensation.

(c) Governing Law . The validity, construction, and effect of this Agreement shall be determined in accordance with the laws (including those governing contracts) of the state of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws, and applicable federal law.

(d) Fractional Units and Shares . The number of Units credited to Employee’s Account shall include fractional Units calculated to at least three decimal places, unless otherwise determined by the Committee. Unless settlement is effected through a third-party broker or agent that can accommodate fractional shares (without requiring issuance of a fractional share by the Company), upon settlement of the Units Employee shall be paid, in cash, an amount equal to the value of any fractional share that would have otherwise been deliverable in settlement of such Units.

(e) Mandatory Tax Withholding . Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, at the time of settlement the Company will withhold from any shares deliverable in settlement of the Units, in accordance with Section 11(d)(i) of the Plan, the number of shares having a value nearest to, but not exceeding, the amount of income and employment taxes required to be withheld under applicable local laws and regulations, and pay the amount of such withholding taxes in cash to the appropriate taxing authorities. Employee will be responsible for any withholding taxes not satisfied by means of such mandatory withholding and for all taxes in excess of such withholding taxes that may be due upon vesting or settlement of Units.

(f) Statements . An individual statement of each Employee’s Account will be issued to

 

4


Employee at such times as may be determined by the Company. Such a statement shall reflect the number of Units credited to Employee’s Account, transactions therein during the period covered by the statement, and other information deemed relevant by the Company. Such a statement may be combined with or include information regarding other plans and compensatory arrangements. Employee’s statements shall be deemed a part of this Agreement, and shall evidence the Company’s obligations in respect of Units, including the number of Units credited as a result of Dividend Equivalents (if any). Any statement containing an error shall not, however, represent a binding obligation to the extent of such error, notwithstanding the inclusion of such statement as part of this Agreement.

(g) Unfunded Obligations . The grant of the Units and any provision for distribution in settlement of Employee’s Account hereunder shall be by means of bookkeeping entries on the books of the Company and shall not create in Employee any right to, or claim against any, specific assets of the Company, nor result in the creation of any trust or escrow account for Employee. With respect to Employee’s entitlement to any distribution hereunder, Employee shall be a general creditor of the Company.

(h) Notices . Any notice to be given the Company under this Agreement shall be addressed to the Company at its principal executive offices, in care of the Vice President, Corporate Benefits, and any notice to the Employee shall be addressed to the Employee at Employee’s address as then appearing in the records of the Company.

(i) Shareholder Rights. Employee and any Beneficiary shall not have any rights with respect to Shares (including voting rights) covered by this Agreement prior to the settlement and distribution of the Shares as specified herein.

 

5


HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

200  -200   Restricted Stock Units Designation

 

Employee Name:  

 

Number Granted:  

 

  Units  
Grant Date:  

 

 

Vesting: Subject to the termination provisions below, the Units shall vest as follows: 50% of the earned Units shall vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, and 50% shall vest on the fourth anniversary of the grant date.

Termination Provisions: This section describes the vesting of the Units upon a termination of employment or a change in control.

Upon a termination of employment by reason of death, disability, retirement, or an involuntary or constructive termination within one year of a change in control (where awards are assumed by an acquirer), unvested Units shall vest immediately. In the event of a change in control, if the awards are not assumed by an acquirer, unvested Units shall vest immediately. Upon all other terminations, the Units shall be forfeited.

Settlement: Subject to elective deferral of settlement as described in Section 6 of the Restricted Stock Units Agreement, each vested Unit, together with each Unit credited as a result of Dividend Equivalents on such Unit, shall be settled by delivery of one share of the Company’s Common Stock, par value $.001, such delivery to be made within 90 days following the date of vesting; provided, however, that in the event the Employee is a specified employee and vesting occurs on account of a termination of employment for any reason, delivery shall be made within 90 days of the date which is six months following such separation from service.

Definitions : The definitions for change in control, termination of employment, disability, retirement and specified employee, as such terms are used herein, shall be defined in accordance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and guidance issued thereunder, as adopted from time to time by the Company.

 

1

Exhibit 10.6(h)

Revised Specimen

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

Amended and Restated 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan

Restricted Stock Units Agreement — Director

This Restricted Stock Units Agreement (the “Agreement”) confirms the grant on                          ,              (the “Grant Date”) by HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), to                      (“Director”), under Section 6(e) and 7 of the Amended and Restated 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), of Restricted Stock Units (the “Units”), including rights to Dividend Equivalents as specified herein, as follows:

 

Target Number Granted:  

 

 
How Units Vest:  

 

 

If Director ceases to be a director for any reason, other than death or a Change in Control, prior to the vesting date stated above, the Units granted hereunder shall be immediately forfeited. In the event of death or a Change in Control, the Units granted hereunder shall become vested and settlement shall be accelerated.

Settlement : Units granted hereunder, together with Units credited as a result of Dividend Equivalents, will be settled by delivery of one share of the Company’s Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (“Shares”), for each Unit being settled.

The Units are subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, including the Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock Units attached hereto and deemed a part hereof. The number of Units and the kind of shares deliverable in settlement and other terms and conditions of the Units are subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 5 hereof and Section 11(c) of the Plan.

Director acknowledges and agrees that (i) the Units are nontransferable, except as provided in Section 3 hereof and Section 11(b) of the Plan and (ii) sales of Shares will be subject to any Company policy regulating trading by Directors.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION has caused this Agreement to be executed by its officer thereunto duly authorized.

 

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
By:  

 

  Lou Lower
  President & CEO


TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

The following Terms and Conditions apply to the Restricted Stock Units granted to Director by HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION (the “Company”) and Units resulting from Dividend Equivalents (if any), as specified in the Restricted Stock Units Agreement (of which these Terms and Conditions form a part). Certain terms of the Units, including the number of Units granted, vesting date(s) and settlement date, are set forth on the preceding pages.

1. General . The Units are granted to Director under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”). All of the applicable terms, conditions and other provisions of the Plan are incorporated by reference herein. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not defined herein shall have the same meanings as in the Plan. If there is any conflict between the provisions of this document and mandatory provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan govern. By accepting the grant of the Units, Director agrees to be bound by all of the terms and provisions of the Plan (as presently in effect or later amended), the rules and regulations under the Plan adopted from time to time, and the decisions and determinations of the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Committee”) made from time to time.

2. Account for Director . The Company shall maintain a bookkeeping account for Director (the “Account”) reflecting the number of Units then credited to Director hereunder as a result of such grant of Units and any crediting of additional Units to Director pursuant to payments equivalent to dividends paid on Common Stock under Section 5 hereof (“Dividend Equivalents”).

3. Nontransferability . Until Units become settleable in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, Director may not transfer Units or any rights hereunder to any third party other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, except for transfers to a Beneficiary or as otherwise permitted and subject to the conditions under Section 11(b) of the Plan.

4. Termination Provisions . The provisions governing the vesting and forfeiture of the Units are set forth in the Plan and Agreement.

5 . Dividend Equivalents and Adjustments .

(a) Dividend Equivalents . Dividend Equivalents will be credited on Units (other than Units that, at the relevant record date, previously have been settled or forfeited) and deemed reinvested in additional Units. Such crediting shall be as follows, except that the Company may vary the manner of crediting (for example, by crediting cash dividend equivalents rather than additional Units) for administrative convenience:

(i) Cash Dividends . If the Company declares and pays a dividend or distribution on Common Stock in the form of cash, then additional Units shall be credited to Director’s Account in lieu of payment or crediting of cash dividend equivalents equal to the number of Units credited to the Account as of the relevant record date multiplied by the amount of cash paid per share in such dividend or distribution divided by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock at the payment date for such dividend or distribution.

(ii) Non-Common Stock Dividends . If the Company declares and pays a dividend or distribution on Common Stock in the form of property other than shares of Common Stock, then a number of additional Units shall be credited to Director’s Account as of the payment date for such dividend or distribution equal to the number of Units credited to the Account as of the record date for such dividend or distribution multiplied by the fair market value of such property actually paid as a dividend or distribution on each outstanding share of Common Stock at such payment date, divided by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock at such payment date.

(iii) Common Stock Dividends and Splits . If the Company declares and pays a dividend or distribution on Common Stock in the form of additional shares of Common Stock, or there occurs a forward split of Common Stock, then a number of additional Units shall be credited to Director’s Account as of the payment date for such dividend or distribution or forward split equal to the number of Units credited to the Account as of the record date for such dividend or distribution or split multiplied by the number of additional shares of Common Stock actually paid as a dividend or distribution or issued in such split in respect of each outstanding

 

2


share of Common Stock.

(b) Adjustments . The number of Units credited to Director’s Account shall be appropriately adjusted, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of Director’s rights with respect to Units or to reflect any changes in the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock resulting from any event referred to in Section 11(c) of the Plan, taking into account any Units credited to Director in connection with such event under Section 5(a) hereof in the discretion of the Committee.

(c) Risk of Forfeiture and Settlement of Units Resulting from Dividend Equivalents and Adjustments. Units which directly or indirectly result from Dividend Equivalents on or adjustments to a Unit granted hereunder shall be subject to the same risk of forfeiture as applies to the granted Unit and will be settled at the same time as the granted Unit.

6. Deferral of Settlement . Settlement of any Unit, which otherwise would occur upon the lapse of the risk of forfeiture of such Unit, will be deferred in certain cases if and to the extent validly elected by Director. Deferrals shall comply with requirements under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”). Unless otherwise restricted by Section 409A and regulations thereunder, Director will be permitted to elect deferral of settlement by filing an election at any time prior to the date of grant of such Units. At any time that Units are treated as deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, they will be subject to accelerated settlement under Section 9(a) of the Plan only if the Change in Control constitutes a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company, within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v). Deferrals will be subject to such other restrictions and terms as may be adopted from time to time by the Company. Units granted hereunder, whether or not deferred, shall be settled in Shares.

7 . Director Representations and Warranties Upon Settlement . As a condition to the settlement of the Units, the Company may require Director to make any representation or warranty to the Company as may be required under any applicable law or regulation.

8. Miscellaneous .

(a) Binding Agreement; Written Amendments . This Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators and successors of the parties. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the Units, and supersedes any prior agreements or documents with respect to the Units. No amendment or alteration of this Agreement which may impose any additional obligation upon the Company shall be valid unless expressed in a written instrument duly executed in the name of the Company, and no amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of this Agreement which may materially impair the rights of Director with respect to the Units shall be valid unless expressed in a written instrument executed by Director.

(b) No Promise of Service. The Units and the granting thereof shall not constitute or be evidence of any agreement or understanding, express or implied, that Director has a right to continue as a Director of the Company for any period of time, or at any particular rate of compensation.

(c) Governing Law . The validity, construction, and effect of this Agreement shall be determined in accordance with the laws (including those governing contracts) of the state of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws, and applicable federal law.

(d) Fractional Units and Shares . The number of Units credited to Director’s Account shall include fractional Units calculated to at least three decimal places, unless otherwise determined by the Committee. Unless settlement is effected through a third-party broker or agent that can accommodate fractional shares (without requiring issuance of a fractional share by the Company), upon settlement of the Units Director shall be paid, in cash, an amount equal to the value of any fractional share that would have otherwise been deliverable in settlement of such Units.

(e) Mandatory Tax Withholding . Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, at the time of

 

3


settlement the Company will withhold from any shares deliverable in settlement of the Units, in accordance with Section 11(d)(i) of the Plan, the number of shares having a value nearest to, but not exceeding, the amount of income and employment taxes required to be withheld under applicable local laws and regulations, and pay the amount of such withholding taxes in cash to the appropriate taxing authorities. Director will be responsible for any withholding taxes not satisfied by means of such mandatory withholding and for all taxes in excess of such withholding taxes that may be due upon vesting or settlement of Units.

(f) Statements . An individual statement of each Director’s Account will be issued to Director at such times as may be determined by the Company. Such a statement shall reflect the number of Units credited to Director’s Account, transactions therein during the period covered by the statement, and other information deemed relevant by the Company. Such a statement may be combined with or include information regarding other plans and compensatory arrangements. Director’s statements shall be deemed a part of this Agreement, and shall evidence the Company’s obligations in respect of Units, including the number of Units credited as a result of Dividend Equivalents (if any). Any statement containing an error shall not, however, represent a binding obligation to the extent of such error, notwithstanding the inclusion of such statement as part of this Agreement.

(g) Unfunded Obligations . The grant of the Units and any provision for distribution in settlement of Director’s Account hereunder shall be by means of bookkeeping entries on the books of the Company and shall not create in Director any right to, or claim against any, specific assets of the Company, nor result in the creation of any trust or escrow account for Director. With respect to Director’s entitlement to any distribution hereunder, Director shall be a general creditor of the Company.

(h) Notices . Any notice to be given the Company under this Agreement shall be addressed to the Company at its principal executive offices, in care of the Vice President, Corporate Benefits, and any notice to the Director shall be addressed to the Director at Director’s address as then appearing in the records of the Company.

(i) Shareholder Rights. Director and any Beneficiary shall not have any rights with respect to Shares (including voting rights) covered by this Agreement prior to the settlement and distribution of the Shares as specified herein.

 

4

Exhibit 10.6(j)

Revised Specimen

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

2002 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

Employees’ Restricted Stock Units — Deferral Election Form

An Employee may use this form to elect to defer all or a portion of the Restricted Stock Units (“Units”) that may be granted to the Employee in 20     under the 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan or any successor plan (the “Plan”) of Horace Mann Educators Corporation (the “Company”). If you elect deferral, your 20     Units which are converted into phantom stock units will be settled in accordance with your elections and other terms set out below. This includes any additional phantom stock units resulting from dividend equivalents on the phantom stock units covered by your elections. Deferrals are subject to all terms of the Plan, the Restricted Stock Units Agreement, and any procedures adopted by the Company’s Compensation Committee hereunder (collectively, the “Governing Documents”), which terms are incorporated herein by reference. In the event of your death, your account will be paid to your designated beneficiary in a single lump sum payment.

NOTE: If you fail to timely return this Deferral Election Form, you will be deemed to have elected not to defer any portion of Units that may be granted to you in 20    . Your prior year’s election will not carry over.

 

1.    Name:  

 

2.    I elect to defer     % of the Units, if any, that may be granted to me by the Company in 20    . I understand that my deferral election must be made on or before December 31, 20     and, once made, is irrevocable.
3.    Event that will trigger distribution and settlement of phantom stock units for Units grants in [Year] and related dividend equivalents (unless previously forfeited or settled under another controlling provision of the Plan) (select only one):
   ¨   At fixed date of                     , 20    .
   ¨   Upon attainment of age                     .
   ¨   Upon termination of my service as an Employee for any reason.
4.    Form of distribution and settlement of Units (select only one):
   ¨   Lump sum distribution of shares.
   ¨   Annual installments of shares over a fixed period of      years (not exceeding five), commencing within 90 days of the selected distribution date, with subsequent installments within 90 days of each following January 31.
The undersigned hereby elects to defer the specified Units in accordance with the Governing Documents and the elections set forth above. The undersigned acknowledges that this election is irrevocable with respect to the Units covered by this Form.

Dated this              day of                     , 20    .

 

Director Signature:   

 

  
You must return this form on or before                     , 20    , to:   

Kimila Daniels

1 Horace Mann Plaza

Springfield, IL 62715

Phone 217-788-5723

Fax 217-788-5137

Exhibit 10.9

HORACE MANN NONQUALIFIED SUPPLEMENTAL

MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN

ARTICLE I.

ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE OF PLAN

1.1 Plan Establishment and Amendment. Horace Mann Service Corporation originally established the Horace Mann Nonqualified Supplemental Money Purchase Pension Plan (the “Plan”) effective April 1, 2002. The Plan is hereby amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2009. This Plan shall be interpreted and applied at all times in accordance with Code Section 409A, and guidance issued thereunder. No benefits under the Plan shall be subject to “grandfathering” treatment under Code Section 409A, even if such benefits were deferred and vested under the Plan before January 1, 2005.

1.2 Purpose of Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to provide supplemental retirement benefits to certain executives and other key employees of Horace Mann Service Corporation who are members of a select group of management or highly compensated employees of Horace Mann Service Corporation within the meaning of Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1) of ERISA. The Plan is designed to provide certain benefits not available under the HMSC Money Purchase Pension Plan, a qualified plan under Section 401(a) of the Code, due to limitations imposed by the Code. Previously such benefits were provided as the “NQMPPP Feature” of the Horace Mann Executive Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan (the “ESERP”). The ESERP was frozen effective March 31, 2002. For those participants in the ESERP on March 31, 2002 who had a positive account balance under the ESERP’s NQMPPP feature, the benefit under the ESERP represented by the value of the participant’s NQMPPP Feature account (a memorandum account) as of March 31, 2002, has been transferred to the Plan as provided under the ESERP and as referenced hereunder.

ARTICLE II.

DEFINITIONS

The following terms shall have the following meanings when used herein:

2.1 Account means a memorandum account maintained by the Committee for each Participant for bookkeeping purpose only, to which is credited, if applicable, the Prior Plan Benefit as of April 1, 2002 and which is further adjusted from time to time as provided in Article III.

2.2 Beneficiary means the Participant’s surviving spouse, but if the Participant has no surviving spouse then the individual, individuals, trust or estate designated by the Participant on the beneficiary designation form provided to the Participant (with only the last such beneficiary designation to be effective), but if the Participant has made no effective beneficiary designation as of the date of the Participant’s death, then the Participant’s surviving children, but if there are no surviving children of the Participant then the Participant’s estate.


2.3 Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as from time to time amended.

2.4 Committee means the Committee appointed by HMSC for the purpose of administering the Plan.

2.5 Company or HMSC means Horace Mann Service Corporation and any successor thereto.

2.6 Company Credits means the amount credited to a Participant’s Account under the provisions of section 3.1 or 3.2, whichever applicable.

2.7 Compensation means compensation as defined in the HMSC MPPP except not subject to any limitation imposed under Section 401(a)(17) of the Code.

2.8 Eligible Participant means a Participant who is an employee of HMSC and who has not been designated by HMSC as ineligible to be credited with a Company Credit for a particular Year; provided, however, that an individual shall cease to be an Eligible Participant immediately upon his or her Separation from Service.

2.9 Employer means the Company and all persons with whom the Company would be considered a single employer under Code Sections 414(b) and 414(c), except that in applying Code Sections 1563(a)(1), (2) and (3) for purposes of determining a controlled group of corporations under Code Section 414(b), the language “at least 50 percent” shall be used instead of “at least 80 percent” in each place it appears in Code Sections 1563(a)(1), (2) and (3), and in applying Treas. Regs. Sec. 1.414(c)-2 for purposes of determining a controlled group of trades or businesses under Code Section 414(c), the language “at least 50 percent” shall be used instead of “at least 80 percent” in each place it appears in Treas. Regs. Sec. 1.414(c)-2.

2.10 ERISA means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 as from time to time amended

2.11 Excess Compensation means any Compensation in excess of the compensation that can be taken into account under the HMSC MPPP as subject to any limitation imposed under Section 401(a)(17) of the Code.

2.12 HMEC means Horace Mann Educators Corporation, the parent company of HMSC.

2.13 HMSC MPPP means the HMSC Money Purchase Pension Plan as currently in effect and as from time to time amended.

2.14 Investment Return means the positive or negative rate of return (taking into account earnings, gains and losses) applicable during the relevant period hereunder to those assets of the HMSC MPPP which represent contributions made to the HMSC MPPP prior to July 1, 2002 (as adjusted for earnings, gains and losses).

2.15 Participant means an employee of HMSC (a) whose Compensation exceeds the maximum amount of compensation allowable to be taken into account by a qualified plan under Section 401(a)(17) of the Code, (b) who is a member of a select group of management or highly

 

- 2 -


compensated employees of HMSC, and (c) who has been designated by HMSC as a participant in the Plan. Participant also includes a former employee of HMSC for whom an Account is maintained under the Plan and a current employee of HMSC who is not currently an Eligible Participant but for whom an Account is maintained under the Plan.

2.16 Plan means the Horace Mann Nonqualified Supplemental Money Purchase Pension Plan as set forth herein and as from time to time amended.

2.17 Plan Year or Year means the 12-month period beginning each January 1 and ending each succeeding December 31.

2.18 Prior Plan Benefit means the benefit of a Participant under the Horace Mann Executive Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan (“ESERP”) represented by the Participant’s “NQMPPP Feature account” which benefit was transferred to the Plan pursuant to the provisions of the ESERP and credited to the Participant’s Account in the Plan as of April 1, 2002.

2.19 Separation from Service means the Participant has a termination of employment with the Employer. Whether a termination of employment has occurred shall be determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate the Participant and Employer reasonably anticipate that no further services will be performed by the Participant for the Employer; provided, however, that a Participant shall be deemed to have a termination of employment if the level of services he or she would perform for the Employer after a certain date permanently decreases to no more than twenty percent (20%) of the average level of bona fide services performed for the Employer (whether as an employee or independent contractor) over the immediately preceding 36-month period (or the full period of services to the Employer if the Participant has been providing services to the Employer for less than 36 months). For this purpose, a Participant is not treated as having a Separation from Service while he or she is on a military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence, if the period of such leave does not exceed six months, or if longer, so long as the Participant has a right to reemployment with the Employer under an applicable statute or by contract.

2.20 Specified Employee has the meaning given such term by the Board of Directors of the Company by separate action given effect from time to time under Code Section 409A.

2.21 Years of Vesting Service at any particular time means the same number of years of vesting service credited to the Participant at such time under the provisions of the HMSC MPPP.

ARTICLE III.

ADJUSTMENTS TO ACCOUNTS

3.1 Company Credits for Eligible Participants With 5 or More Years of Vesting Service as of April 1, 2002. As of each payroll payment during each Plan Year the Committee will credit to the Account of each Participant who (a) is an Eligible Participant as of such day, and (b) as of April 1, 2002 had 5 or more Years of Vesting Service, an amount equal to a percentage of the Participant’s Excess Compensation for such payroll period as determined under the following schedule:

 

- 3 -


Vesting Service Completed

by Participant

  

Amount of

Employer’s Contribution

5 years but less than 15 years

   6%

15 years or more

   7%

3.2 Company Credits for Eligible Participants With Less Than 5 Years of Vesting Service as of April 1, 2002. As of each payroll payment during each Plan Year, the Committee will credit to the Account of each Participant who (a) is an Eligible Participant as of such day, and (b) as of April 1, 2002 had less than 5 Years of Vesting Service, an amount equal to 5% of the Participant’s Excess Compensation for such payroll period.

3.3 Adjustments to Accounts for Investment Return. As of each payroll payment during each Plan Year, the Committee will adjust each Participant’s Account to reflect the Investment Return applicable to the Participant’s Account for the payroll period for which such payroll payment is made as determined by the Committee.

3.4 Changes to Accounts for Payments to Participants. The Company may in its discretion at any time or times pay to a Participant an amount equal to all or a portion of tax liability (including, but not limited to, liability for taxes payable under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act) of the Participant with respect to the Participant’s accrued benefit under the Plan. As of the date of any such payment by the Company, the Committee shall debit the Participant’s Account by an amount equal to the amount of such payment.

ARTICLE IV.

DETERMINATION OF BENEFIT

4.1 Vesting. A Participant who is fully vested under the provisions of the HMSC MPPP at any particular time shall also be fully vested at such time in such Participant’s benefit under the Plan.

4.2 Amount of Benefit. The amount of the benefit of a Participant who is fully vested hereunder shall be equal to the amount of the Participant’s Account as of the date of the Participant’s Separation from Service after all credits and adjustments to the Participant’s Account to be made under the provisions of Article III have been made. The amount of a Participant’s accrued benefit at any particular time prior to the Participant’s Separation from Service shall be the amount of the Participant’s Account at such time.

ARTICLE V.

PAYMENT OF BENEFIT

5.1 Time of Payment of Benefit. A fully vested Participant’s benefit hereunder as determined under section 4.2 will be paid to the Participant no later than ninety (90) days following the Participant’s Separation from Service or, if the Participant is a Specified Employee, no later than ninety (90) days following the date that is six (6) months after the Participant’s Separation from Service.

 

- 4 -


5.2 Method of Payment of Benefit. A Participant’s benefit hereunder will be paid in the form of a lump sum cash payment.

5.3 Death of Participant. In the event of a fully vested Participant’s Separation from Service on account of the Participant’s death, the benefit that would have been paid to the Participant hereunder had the Participant not died but had a Separation from Service on the date of the Participant’s death will be paid to the Participant’s Beneficiary no later than ninety (90) days following the Participant’s death. In the event of the death of a fully vested Participant after the Participant’s Separation from Service and prior to the payment to the Participant of the Participant’s benefit hereunder, the benefit that would otherwise have been paid to the Participant hereunder will be paid to the Participant’s Beneficiary no later than ninety (90) days following the Participant’s death.

5.4 Special Rule Upon Change of Control. The Company may, by action of its Board of Directors within the thirty (30) days preceding or twelve (12) months following a change in control (within the meaning of Code Section 409A), partially terminate the Plan and distribute benefits to all Participants involved in such change in control within twelve (12) months after such action, provided that all plans sponsored by the service recipient immediately after the change in control which are required to be aggregated with this Plan pursuant to Code Section 409A are also terminated and liquidated with respect to each Participant involved in the change in control.

ARTICLE VI.

ADMINISTRATION

6.1 Committee Authority. The Committee is the Plan Administrator of the Plan. The Committee is authorized to establish rules and procedures as it deems advisable or necessary for the administration of the Plan. The Committee has the sole and absolute discretion to construe and interpret the Plan. In the administration of the Plan the Committee may, from time to time, (a) delegate its duties, (b) employ agents and delegate to them such duties as it sees fit, and (c) consult with legal counsel.

6.2 Claims Procedure. If a Participant believes he or she is being denied a benefit to which he or she is entitled under the Plan, the Participant may file a written request for such benefit with the Committee setting forth his or her claim. Upon receipt of the claim, the Committee shall advise the Participant that a reply will be forthcoming within ninety (90) days and shall deliver such reply within such period, unless Committee extends the reply period for an additional ninety (90) days for reasonable cause. If the claim is denied in whole or in part, the Committee shall so advise the Participant in writing setting forth: (a) the specific reason or reasons for such denial; (b) the specific reference to pertinent provisions of the Plan on which such denial is based; (c) a description of any additional material or information necessary for the Participant to perfect his or her claim and an explanation why such material or such information is necessary; and (d) appropriate information as to the steps to be taken if the Participant wishes to submit the claim for review. Any request for review must be submitted in writing by the Participant to the Committee in care of the Committee at its principal place of business within sixty (60) days after the receipt by the Participant of the denial of the Participant’s claim. The Participant or his or her duly authorized representative may, but need not, review the pertinent documents and submit issues and comments in writing for consideration by the Committee. If

 

- 5 -


the Participant does not request a review of the Committee’s determination within such sixty (60) day period, the Participant shall be barred and estopped from challenging the Committee’s determination. Within sixty (60) days after the Committee’s receipt of a request for review, it will review its determination. After considering all materials presented by the Participant, the Committee will render a written opinion, written in a manner calculated to be understood by the Participant, setting forth the specific reasons for the decision and containing specific references to the pertinent provisions of the Plan on which the decision is based. If special circumstances require that the sixty (60) day time period be extended, the Committee will so notify the Participant and will render the decision as soon as possible, but no later than one hundred twenty (120) days after receipt of the request for review.

ARTICLE VII.

MISCELLANEOUS

7.1 Amendment or Termination. The Company reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan when, in the sole opinion of the Company, such amendment or termination is advisable; provided, however, that no amendment or termination of the Plan may accelerate the date of payment of a Participant’s benefit as otherwise provided herein (except as provided in Section 5.4 or as otherwise permitted by Code Section 409A). Any such amendment or termination shall be made pursuant to a resolution of the board of directors of the Company and shall be effective as of the date of such resolution.

7.2 No Contract of Employment. Nothing contained in this Plan will confer upon any Participant the right to be retained in the service of the Company nor limit the right of the Company to discharge or otherwise deal with Participants without regard to the existence of the Plan.

7.3 Unfunded. The Plan at all times shall be entirely unfunded and no provision shall at any time be made with respect to segregating any assets of the Company for payment of any benefits hereunder. The Plan does not have a trust or trust fund arrangement. No Participant or Beneficiary or any other person shall have any interest in any particular assets of the Company by reason of the right to receive a benefit under the Plan and any such Participant or Beneficiary or other person shall have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to any rights under the Plan. Nothing contained in the Plan shall constitute a guaranty by the Company or any other entity or person that the assets of the Company will be sufficient to pay any benefit hereunder.

7.4 Nonalienation of Benefits. No benefit payable under the Plan shall be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, or charge prior to actual receipt thereof by the payee; and any attempt so to anticipate, alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber or charge prior to such receipt shall be void; and the Company shall not be liable in any manner for or subject to the debts, contracts, liabilities, engagements or torts of any person entitled to any benefit under the Plan.

7.5 Taxes. The Company will cause taxes (including, but not limited to, employment taxes or federal or state income taxes) to be withheld from amounts paid hereunder as required by law. A Participant should seek the advice of a tax consultant or financial advisor regarding his or her personal tax situation.

 

- 6 -


7.6 No Trust Relationship. Nothing contained herein and no actions taken pursuant to the Plan shall create or be construed to create a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company and any Participant. The Company shall not be considered a trustee by reason of any provision of this Plan.

7.7 Governing Law. The Plan is established under and will be construed according to the laws of the State of Illinois, to the extent that such laws are not preempted by ERISA, and regulations thereunder.

7.8 Invalidity of Certain Provisions. If any provision of this Plan shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions hereof and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such provisions, to the extent invalid or unenforceable, had not been included.

7.9 Limitations on Liability and Indemnification. Notwithstanding any of the preceding provisions of the Plan, neither the Company, Plan Administrator, nor any individual acting as an employee or agent of the Company or as a member of the Pension Committee shall be liable to any Participant, former Participant, surviving spouse or any other person for any claim, loss, liability or expense incurred in connection with the Plan. Further, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Committee, the Plan Administrator, and each officer and employee of the Company to whom are delegated duties, responsibilities and authority with respect to the Plan against all claims, liabilities, fines and penalties, and all expenses reasonably incurred by or imposed upon such person (including but not limited to reasonable attorney fees) which are not the result of intentional acts knowingly in violations of the Plan or the law.

7.10 Headings. The headings of articles are included solely for convenience of reference, and if there is any conflict between such headings and the text of this Plan, the text shall control.

Executed as of this 23rd day of December 2008, but effective as of the 1 st day of January 1 2009.

 

HORACE MANN SERVICE CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ Kathi Karr

Title:   Vice President, Human Resources Financial Services

 

- 7 -

Exhibit 10.12

Form of

SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

This SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of                     , 20    , is made and entered into by and between Horace Mann Educators Corporation (“HMEC”), a Delaware Corporation (the “Parent Company”), Horace Mann Service Corporation (“HMSC”), an Illinois corporation (the “Employer Company”), (HMEC and HMSC collectively referred to as the “Company”), and                      (the “Executive”).

WHEREAS , the Company considers the maintenance of a sound and vital senior management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the interests of the Parent Company and its subsidiaries, including the Employer Company, hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Group”;

WHEREAS , the Company recognizes that, as is the case with many publicly owned corporations, the possibility of a change in control of the Group may arise and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions which it may raise among senior management, may result in the departure or distraction of senior management personnel to the detriment of the Group; and

WHEREAS , accordingly the Company has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company’s senior management to their assigned duties and long-range responsibilities without distraction in circumstances arising from the possibility of a change in control of the Group; and

WHEREAS , the Company believes it important and in the best interests of the Group, should the Group face the possibility of a change in control, that the senior management of the Company be able to assess and advise the Board of Directors of the Company whether such a proposed change in control would be in the best interests of the Group and to take such other action regarding such a proposal as the Board of Directors might determine to be appropriate, without senior management being influenced by the uncertainties of their own employment situations; and

WHEREAS , in order to induce the Executive to remain in the employ of the Company in the event of any actual or threatened change in control of the Group, the Company has determined to set forth the severance benefits which the Company will provide to the Executive under the circumstances set forth below;

NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing recitals, and the mutual covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

-1-


1. Definitions. Terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.

(a) Base Year. The “Base Year” shall be the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding a Change in Control.

(b) Cash Compensation. “Cash Compensation” shall mean the sum of (i) the Executive’s annual base salary and (ii) the cash bonus paid to the Executive under the Horace Mann Incentive Compensation Program (or similar program that may replace the Incentive Compensation Program) for whichever of the five (5) fiscal years immediately preceding the year in which the Date of Termination occurs that will result in the highest amount of Cash Compensation.

(c) Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean serious, willful misconduct by the Executive such as, for example, the commission by the Executive of a felony arising from specific conduct of the Executive which reasonably relates to his qualification or ability (personal or professional) to perform his duties to the Company or its Subsidiaries or a perpetration by the Executive of a common law fraud against the Company or its Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the entire membership of the Company’s Board of Directors at a meeting of the Board called and held for the purpose of considering his termination for Cause (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive, together with the Executive’s counsel, to be heard before the Board). The resolution of the Board shall contain a finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board the Executive was guilty of the conduct set forth above and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall have the right to contest his termination for Cause.

(d) Change in Control. A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if (i) there shall be consummated (1) any consolidation or merger of HMEC in which HMEC is not the continuing or surviving corporation, or pursuant to which shares of HMEC’s Common Stock would be converted into cash, securities or other property, other than a merger of HMEC in which no HMEC shareholder’s ownership percentage in the surviving corporation immediately after the merger is less than such shareholder’s ownership percentage in HMEC immediately prior to such merger by ten percent (10%) or more, or (2) any sale, lease exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all, or substantially all, of the assets of HMEC; (ii) the shareholders of HMEC approve any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of HMEC which is a part of a sale of assets, merger, or reorganization of HMEC or other similar transaction; (iii) any “Person” as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is or becomes, directly or indirectly, the “beneficial owner,” as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, of securities of HMEC that represent 51% or more of the combined voting power of HMEC’s then outstanding securities; or (iv) a majority of the members of the Company’s Board of Directors are persons who are then serving on the Board of

 

-2-


Directors without having been elected by the Board of Directors or having been nominated by the Company for election of its shareholders.

(e) Constructive Termination. “Constructive Termination” shall mean the following events:

(1) any material diminution in the Executive’s duties or responsibilities to the Group;

(2) any required relocation of the Executive from his present work site to another site more than fifty (50) miles from the present work site;

(3) a diminution in the Executive’s annual base salary of more than ten percent (10%) below the Executive’s salary for the Base Year; or

(4) a diminution in the Executive’s annual cash bonus under the Horace Mann Incentive Compensation Program (or similar program that may replace the Incentive Compensation Program) of more than fifty percent (50%) below that paid to the Executive for the Base Year, except in the event that such diminution is comparable to the diminution in the cash bonus paid to other employees of the same business segment as the Executive due to the performance of that business segment.

Notwithstanding the preceding, a Constructive Termination shall not be deemed to have occurred until and unless the Executive provides written notice to the Company within ninety (90) days after the initial existence of one of the above conditions and the Company is provided thirty (30) days to remedy the condition and fails to do so.

(f) Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” shall mean the effective date of the Notice of Termination which results (on such effective date) in the Executive’s separation from service (as that term is defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and guidance issued thereunder).

2. Termination Following Change in Control.

(a) Termination of Employment. If a Change in Control shall have occurred while the Executive is still an employee of the Company, the Executive shall be entitled to the compensation provided in Section 3 if, within 3 years after the Change in Control, the Executive’s employment is terminated by (i) the Company without Cause or (ii) the Executive due to Constructive Termination.

(b) Notice of Termination. Any purported termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or the Executive shall be communicated by a Notice of Termination to the other party in accordance with Section 10 hereof. The Notice of Termination shall set forth in reasonable detail the reasons for termination and, if termination is for Cause, the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for

 

-3-


termination of the Executive’s employment and, in the case of a Constructive Termination, the information specified in Section 1(e).

3. Severance Compensation upon Termination of Employment . If the Executive becomes entitled to compensation pursuant to Section 2(a), then the Company shall:

(i) pay to the Executive as severance pay in a lump sum, in cash, on the fifth day following the Date of Termination, an amount equal to          times the Executive’s Cash Compensation;

(ii) arrange to provide to the Executive for          years (or such shorter period as the Executive may elect) disability, life, accident and health insurance substantially similar to those insurance benefits, if any, which the Executive was receiving immediately prior to the Notice of Termination (including coverage for dependents at the same per person cost as the Executive was then paying); and

(iii) fully vest the Executive in the Executive’s benefit under any nonqualified supplemental pension plan sponsored by the Company.

4. Indemnification for Excise Tax .

(a) Indemnification . In addition to the amounts specified in Section 3, the Company agrees that it will pay or cause to be paid to the Executive, at the time specified in paragraph (b) below, an amount in cash (the “Additional Amount”) as determined by the following formula:

Additional Amount = Excise Taxes + Attributable Taxes

“Excise Taxes” shall mean all federal and state excise taxes, if any, payable under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and any state counterparts, with respect to the benefits received by the Executive pursuant to Section 3 of this Agreement. “Attributable Taxes” shall mean all taxes, including any federal and state income taxes and any federal and state excise taxes under Section 4999 of the Code and its state counterparts, that become payable by the Executive as a result of the receipt of the Additional Amount.

(b) Preparation of Tax Return; Notice to the Company . The Company, at its expense, agrees to supply the Executive with advice from a tax practitioner as to whether the Executive must reflect an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code and any state counterparts on the filing of any income tax return of the Executive relating to the period or periods in which the Executive received payments or benefits under this Agreement. If such tax practitioner advises that such excise tax must be reflected on such tax return, the Executive agrees to so reflect and, unless such tax was previously withheld from payments to the Executive, pay such tax and the Company will reimburse the Executive in accordance with Section 4(a) above as soon as practicable after receipt of proof of payment (or, in the case of tax that was previously withheld, proof that such return was filed as required) from the Executive. If such tax practitioner advises that such excise tax

 

-4-


need not be reflected on such tax return, the Executive agrees to prepare and file his tax return in accordance with such advice. The Executive shall notify the Company in writing no less than thirty (30) days prior to the time the Executive is required to file each tax return, and shall promptly provide to the tax practitioner selected by the Company such information as it may request in connection with establishing the existence of an obligation to withhold tax pursuant to Section 16 hereof or an obligation pursuant to this Section 4. If the Executive provides such notice and information and prepares the relevant tax return as provided in this paragraph (b), the Company shall indemnify the Executive in accordance with Section 4(a) of this Agreement for any subsequent assessment of Excise Taxes or Attributable Taxes by the IRS or any state taxing authority, and any interest, penalties, and additions to tax directly relating to such Excise Taxes. If the Executive fails to comply fully with the requirements of this paragraph (b), then the Company’s obligations will not include indemnification or any interest, penalties or additions to tax. In the event the Executive’s liability for Excise Taxes is determined upon audit by the IRS or the relevant state taxing authority, the Company shall pay to the Executive the amount determined in accordance with paragraph (a) and this paragraph (b) at such time as the Company determines that it no longer desires to contest the Executive’s liability pursuant to paragraph (c); provided, however, that in all events the Company will indemnify the Executive for interest, penalties and additions to tax, directly relating to Excise Taxes, which accrue after such time the Company receives notice of a proposed assessment of Excise Taxes resulting from an audit of the Executive’s tax return. In no event will reimbursement under this Section 4(b) occur later than the end of the Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which he or she remits the related taxes.

(c) Duty to Cooperate . The Executive agrees to notify the Company promptly in the event of any audit by the IRS or any state taxing authority in which the IRS or the state taxing authority asserts that any Excise Tax should be assessed against the Executive and to cooperate with the Company in contesting (at the Company’s expense) any such proposed assessment. The Executive agrees not to settle or compromise any such assessment without the Company’s consent. The Executive will promptly provide to the Company all information requested by the Company in connection with its contest of a proposed final assessment of Excise Taxes.

5. Mitigation of Damages; Effect of Plan on Other Contractual Rights.

(a) The Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as a result of employment by another employer or by retirement benefits received after the Date of Termination, or otherwise.

(b) The provisions of this Agreement, and any payment provided for hereunder, shall not reduce any amounts otherwise payable, or in any way diminish the Executive’s existing rights, or rights that would accrue solely as a result of the passage of time, under any benefit plan, employment agreement or other contract, plan or arrangement.

 

-5-


6. Term . This Agreement shall terminate three (3) years after the date of a Change in Control. Termination or amendment of this Agreement shall not affect any obligation of the Company under this Agreement which has accrued and is unpaid as of the effective date of such termination or amendment.

7. At-Will Employment . Nothing in this Agreement shall confer upon the Executive any right to continue in the employ of the Company prior to a Change in Control of the Company or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company, which are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge the Executive at any time prior to the date of a Change in Control of the Company for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause.

8. Successors.

(a) The Company will require any successor or assign (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, expressly, absolutely and unconditionally to assume and agree in writing to perform this Agreement in the same mariner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession or assignment had taken place. Failure of the Company to obtain such written agreement of any such successor shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle the Executive to compensation from the Company in the same amount and on the same terms as the Executive would be entitled hereunder if such succession had not occurred, except that for purposes of implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes effective shall be deemed the Date of Termination. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as defined above and any successor or assign to its business and/or assets which executes and delivers the agreement provided for in this Section 8 or which otherwise becomes bound by all the terms and provisions of this Agreement by operation of law.

(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal and legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devises and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amounts are still payable to him hereunder, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executive’s devisee, legatee or other designee or, if there be no such designee, to the Executive’s estate.

9. Governing Law; Arbitration; Attorneys’ Fees.

(a) This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to its conflict or choice of laws provisions.

(b) If any controversies, disputes or claims arise out of, in connection with, or in relation to, the interpretation, performance or breach of this Agreement, all such controversies, disputes or claims shall be settled, at the request of any party hereto, by arbitration conducted in Springfield, Illinois, in accordance with the then existing rules of the American Arbitration Association. The decision rendered by the arbitrators as to all

 

-6-


issues of law and fact shall be final and binding without right of appeal on all parties hereto who receive notice of such arbitration and the opportunity to participate therein. Judgment upon any award rendered in such arbitration may be entered by an state or federal court having jurisdiction over the matter.

(c) Should any party hereto institute any action or proceeding to enforce any provision of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to receive from the losing party reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in such action or proceeding, whether or not such action or proceeding is prosecuted to judgment.

10. Notice . For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or two days after deposit in the mail by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, as follows: if to the Company, to Horace Mann Service Corporation, 1 Horace Mann Plaza, Springfield, Illinois 62715, attention: Chief Executive Officer (except if such notice is sent by the Chief Executive Officer, in which ease such notice shall be sent to the attention of the Chairman of the Board of Directors), and if to the Executive at the address specified at the end of this Agreement. Notice may also be given at such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

11. Miscellaneous . No provisions of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by the Executive and the Company. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.

12. Validity . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

13. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but both of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

14. Gender . In this Agreement (unless the content requires otherwise), use of any masculine term shall include the feminine.

15. Entire Agreement . This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersedes all previous oral and written and all contemporaneous oral negotiations, commitments and understandings.

 

-7-


16. Withholding . The Company shall withhold benefits otherwise due or payable hereunder in order to comply with any federal, state, local or other income or other tax laws requiring withholding with respect to benefits provided to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement.

17. Optional Amendment . Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement, upon the written request of the Executive, the terms of this Agreement may be modified by the Company to the extent necessary to avoid the application of Section 409A of the Code and/or to allow the Agreement to qualify for any regulatory or other administrative exception to the application of Section 409A of the Code. Consistent with the parties’ intent, the Agreement shall be interpreted at all times in a manner consistent with Code Section 409A to avoid the imposition of excise taxes thereunder.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
By:  

 

Name:   Joseph J. Melone
Title:   Chairman of the Board
By:  

 

Name:   Louis G. Lower II
Title:   President & Chief Executive Officer
EXECUTIVE:
By:  

 

 

-8-

Exhibit 10.12(a)

Revised Schedule to Severance Agreement

Horace Mann Educators Corporation (“HMEC”) and Horace Mann Service Corporation (“HMSC”) entered into severance agreements for change of control with the following persons on the dates shown. These agreements are substantially similar to the one included as Exhibit 10.12 to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 except that the multiple of the highest annual compensation received by the employee in the five preceding years used to determine a one-time cash payment is equal to the duration listed below.

 

Employee

  

Duration

  

       Original

Agreement Date

  

   Replacement

Agreement Date

Ann M. Caparrós

   2.9 years    March 1994    December 2008

Peter H. Heckman

   2.9 years    April 2000    December 2008

Paul D. Andrews

   2 years    July 2001    December 2008

Bret A. Conklin

   2 years    January 2002    December 2008

Dwayne D. Hallman

   2 years    January 2003    December 2008

Ricky A. Renner

   2 years    July 2001    December 2008

Robert E. Rich

   2 years    February 2001    December 2008

 

Note: HMEC entered into a severance agreement with Louis G. Lower II as set forth in the Lower Employment Agreement contained in Exhibit 10.12 to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, and an amendment contained in Exhibit 10.14(a) to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Exhibit 10.13

Form Of

CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

This CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of Date , is entered into by and among Horace Mann Educators Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“HMEC” or the “Parent Company”), Horace Mann Service Corporation, an Illinois corporation (the “Employer Company” and, together with HMEC, the “Company”), and Name  (the “Executive”).

WHEREAS , the Company considers the maintenance of a sound and vital senior management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the interests of the Parent Company and its subsidiaries, including the Employer Company, hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Group;”

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that, as is the case with many publicly owned corporations, the possibility of a change in control of the Group may arise and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions that it may raise among senior management, may result in the departure or distraction of senior management personnel to the detriment of the Group;

WHEREAS, accordingly the Company has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company’s senior management to their assigned duties and long-range responsibilities without distraction in circumstances arising from the possibility of a change in control of the Group;

WHEREAS, the Company believes it important and in the best interests of the Group, should the Group face the possibility of a change in control, that the senior management of the Company be able to assess and advise the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) whether such a proposed change in control would be in the best interests of the Group and to take such other action regarding such a proposal as the Board might determine to be appropriate, without senior management being influenced by the uncertainties of their own employment situations;

WHEREAS, the Executive is an employee of the Company; and

WHEREAS, in order to induce the Executive to remain in the employ of the Company in the event of any actual or threatened change in control of the Group, the Company has determined to set forth the severance benefits that the Company will provide to the Executive under the circumstances set forth below.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, and the mutual covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Definitions. Terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.

(a) Base Year. The “Base Year” shall be the twelve (12) month period immediately

 

1

November 2008


preceding a Change in Control.

(b) Cash Compensation. “Cash Compensation” shall mean the sum of (i) the Executive’s annual base salary for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs and (ii) an amount equal to the average of the annual cash bonus paid to the Executive under the Horace Mann Incentive Compensation Program (or such similar program as may replace the Incentive Compensation Program) in the three (3) fiscal years (or such fewer year) as the Executive may have been employed by the Company immediately preceding the year in which the Date of Termination occurs.

(c) Cause. “Cause” shall mean serious, willful misconduct by the Executive such as, for example, the commission by the Executive of a Felony arising from specific conduct of the Executive that reasonably relates to his or her qualification or ability (personal or professional) to perform his or her duties to the Group or a perpetration by the Executive of a common law Fraud against the Group. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for the purpose of considering his or her termination for Cause (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive, together with the Executive’s counsel, to be heard before the Board). The resolution of the Board shall contain a finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board the Executive was guilty of conduct constitutes “Cause” as defined above and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall have the right to contest his or her termination for Cause.

(d) Change in Control. A “Change in Control” shall mean the first to occur of any of the following events:

(i) the consummation of any merger, consolidation or reorganization or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of HMEC (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, immediately following such Business Combination, all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of outstanding voting securities of HMEC immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the company resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a company that, as a result of such transaction, owns HMEC or all or substantially all of HMEC’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the outstanding voting securities of HMEC;

(ii) the approval by the shareholders of HMEC of any plan or proposal for the complete liquidation or dissolution of HMEC;

(iii) any “Person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), excluding for this purpose (x) HMEC or any subsidiary of HMEC, and (y) any employee benefit plan of HMEC or any subsidiary of HMEC, or any person or entity organized, appointed or established by the Company for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan that acquires beneficial ownership of voting securities of HMEC, is or becomes, directly or indirectly,

 

2

November 2008


the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), of securities of HMEC that represent more than 50% of the combined voting power of HMEC’s then outstanding securities; provided, however, that no Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred as a result of a change in ownership percentage resulting solely from an acquisition of securities by the Company; or

(iv) the persons who constitute the Board as of the date hereof (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason, including, without limitation, as a result of a tender offer, proxy contest, merger or similar transaction, to constitute at least a majority thereof; provided, however, that any person becoming a member of the Board subsequent to the date hereof shall be considered an Incumbent Director if such person’s election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least 50% of the members of the Board who were Incumbent Directors at the date of such election giving effect to the provisions of this clause; provided, further, that any such person whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of members of the Board or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board, including by reason of agreement intended to avoid or settle any such actual or threatened contest or solicitation, shall not be considered an Incumbent Director.

(e) Constructive Termination. “Constructive Termination” shall mean any of the following events:

(i) any material diminution in the Executive’s duties or responsibilities to the Group;

(ii) any required relocation of the Executive from his or her present work site to another site more than fifty (50) miles from the present work site;

(iii) a diminution in the Executive’s annual base salary of more than ten percent (10%) below the Executive’s salary for the Base Year; or

(iv) a material diminution in the Executive’s potential annual cash bonus opportunity under the Horace Mann Incentive Compensation Program (or such similar program as may replace the Incentive Compensation Program).

Notwithstanding the preceding, a Constructive Termination shall not be deemed to have occurred until and unless the Executive provides written notice to the Company within ninety (90) days after the initial existence of one of the above conditions and the Company is provided thirty (30) days to remedy the condition and fails to do so.

(f) Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” shall mean the effective date of the Notice of Termination which results (on such effective date) in the Executive’s separation from service (as that term is defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and guidance issued hereunder).

2. Termination Following Change in Control.

(a) Termination of Employment . If a Change in Control shall have occurred while the Executive is still an employee of the Company, the Executive shall be entitled to the compensation provided in Section 3 if, within two (2) years after the Change in Control, the

 

3

November 2008


Executive’s employment is terminated by (i) the Company without Cause or (ii) the Executive due to Constructive Termination.

(b) Notice of Termination. Any purported termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or the Executive shall be communicated by a Notice of Termination to the other party in accordance with Section 10. The Notice of Termination shall set forth in reasonable detail the reasons for termination and, if termination is for Cause, the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment and, in the case of a Constructive Termination, the information specified in Section 1(f).

3. Severance Compensation upon Termination of Employment. If the Executive becomes entitled to compensation pursuant to Section 2(a), then the Company shall:

(a) pay to the Executive as severance pay in a lump sum, in cash, on the fifth day following the Date of Termination, an amount equal to one (2.0) times the Executive’s Cash Compensation;

(b) to the extent permitted under the Company’s group term life insurance policy, pay for a period of 18 months after the Date of Termination (or such shorter period provided in the policy) the costs of converted term life insurance continued by the Executive at the level substantially similar to those insurance benefits, if any, that the Executive was receiving immediately prior to the Date of Termination (including the coverage for the Executive’s dependents);

(c) pay for 18 months after the Date of Termination any premiums for group medical or dental coverage for the Executive and/or the Executive’s eligible dependents, provided the Executive timely elects and maintains such coverage in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”) and satisfies all other eligibility requirements under COBRA; and

(d) fully vest the Executive in the Executive’s benefit in the Horace Mann Nonqualified Supplemental Money Purchase Pension Plan.

Notwithstanding anything in the Horace Mann Service Corporation Severance Pay Plan to the contrary, amounts payable under Section 3(a) or (b) above shall be reduced by the amount of any lump sum payment, or the aggregate of any installment payment, payable under such Plan.

4 . Indemnification for Excise Tax .

(a) Indemnification . In addition to the amounts specified in Section 3, the Company agrees that it will pay or cause to be paid to the Executive, at the time specified in Section 4(b), an amount in cash (the “Additional Amount”) as determined by the following formula:

Additional Amount = Excise Taxes + Attributable Taxes

“Excise Taxes” shall mean all federal and state excise taxes, if any, payable under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and any state counterparts, with respect to the benefits received by the Executive pursuant to Section 3.

 

4

November 2008


“Attributable Taxes” shall mean all taxes, including any federal and state income taxes and any federal and state excise taxes under Section 4999 of the Code and its state counterparts, that become payable by the Executive as a result of the receipt of the Additional Amount.

(b) Preparation of Tax Return; Notice to the Company. The Company, at its expense, agrees to supply the Executive with advice from a tax practitioner as to whether the Executive must reflect an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code and any state counterparts on the filing of any income tax return of the Executive relating to the period or periods in which the Executive received payments or benefits under this Agreement. If such tax practitioner advises that such excise tax must be reflected on such tax return, the Executive agrees to so reflect and, unless such tax was previously withheld from payments to the Executive, pay such tax and the Company will reimburse the Executive in accordance with Section 4(a) above as soon as practicable after receipt of proof of payment (or, in the case of tax that was previously withheld, proof that such return was filed as required) from the Executive. If such tax practitioner advises that such excise tax need not be reflected on such tax return, the Executive agrees to prepare and file his or her tax return in accordance with such advice. The Executive shall notify the Company in writing no less than thirty (30) days prior to the time the Executive is required to file each tax return, and shall promptly provide to the tax practitioner selected by the Company such information as it may request in connection with establishing the existence of an obligation to withhold tax pursuant to Section 16 or an obligation pursuant to this Section 4. If the Executive provides such notice and information and prepares the relevant tax return as provided in this Section 4(b), the Company shall indemnify the Executive in accordance with Section 4(a) for any subsequent assessment of Excise Taxes or Attributable Taxes by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or any state taxing authority, and any interest, penalties, and additions to tax directly relating to such Excise Taxes. If the Executive fails to comply fully with the requirements of this Section 4(b), then the Company’s obligations will not include indemnification or any interest, penalties or additions to tax. In the event the Executive’s liability for Excise Taxes is determined upon audit by the IRS or the relevant state taxing authority, the Company shall pay to the Executive the amounts determined in accordance with Section 4(a) and this Section 4(b) at such time as the Company determines that it no longer desires to contest the Executive’s liability pursuant to Section 4(c); provided, however, that in all events the Company will indemnify the Executive for interest, penalties and additions to tax, directly relating Excise Taxes, that accrue after such time the Company receives notice of a proposed assessment of Excise Taxes resulting from an audit of the Executive’s tax return. In no event will reimbursement under this Section 4(b) occur later than the end of the Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which he or she remits the related taxes.

(c) Duty to Cooperate. The Executive agrees to notify the Company promptly in the event of any audit by the IRS or any state taxing authority in which the IRS or the state taxing authority asserts that any Excise Tax should be assessed against the Executive and to cooperate with the Company in contesting (at the Company’s expense) any such proposed assessment. The Executive agrees not to settle or compromise any such assessment without the Company’s consent. The Executive will promptly provide to the Company all information requested by the Company in connection with its contest of a proposed final assessment of Excise Taxes.

5. Mitigation of Damages; Effect of Plan on Other Contractual Rights .

(a) The Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall

 

5

November 2008


the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as a result of employment by another employer or by retirement benefits received after the Date of Termination, or otherwise.

(b) The provisions of this Agreement, and any payment provided for hereunder, shall not reduce any amounts otherwise payable, or in any way diminish the Executive’s existing rights, or rights that would accrue solely as a result of the passage of time, under any benefit plan, employment agreement or other contract, plan or arrangement.

6. Term. The term of this Agreement (the “Term”) shall commence on the date hereof and shall terminate upon the third anniversary of the date hereof; provided, however, that unless previously terminated in accordance herewith, the Term shall be extended for additional three year periods unless the Company gives notice to the Executive of its intention to have this Agreement expire no less than 90 days prior to the end of the then current Term. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change in Control shall have occurred at anytime during the Term, then the Term shall continue for two (2) years after the date of occurrence of such Change in Control and shall terminate immediately thereafter. A termination or amendment of this Agreement (other than an amendment pursuant to Section 16) shall not affect any obligation of the Company under this Agreement that has accrued and is unpaid as of the effective date of such termination or amendment.

7. At-Will Employment. Nothing in this Agreement shall confer upon the Executive any right to continue in the employ of the Company prior to or after a Change in Control of the Company or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company, which are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge the Executive at any time prior to or after a Change in Control of the Company for any reason whatsoever, with or without Cause.

8. Successors.

(a) The Company will require any successor or assign (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, expressly, absolutely and unconditionally to assume and agree in writing to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession or assignment had taken place. Failure of the Company to obtain such written agreement of any such successor shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle the Executive to compensation from the Company in the same amount and on the same terms as the Executive would be entitled hereunder if such succession had not occurred, except that for purposes of implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes effective shall be deemed the Date of Termination. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as defined above and any successor or assign to its business and/or assets that executes and delivers the agreement provided for in this Section 8 or that otherwise becomes bound by all the terms and provisions of this Agreement by operation of law.

(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal and legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devises and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amounts are still payable to him or her hereunder, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executive’s devisee, legatee or other

 

6

November 2008


designee or, if there be no such designee, to the Executive’s estate.

9. Governing Law; Arbitration; Attorneys’ Fees.

(a) This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to its conflict or choice of laws provisions.

(b) If any controversies, disputes or claims arise out of, in connection with, or in relation to, the interpretation, performance or breach of this Agreement, all such controversies, disputes or claims shall be settled, at the request of any party hereto, by arbitration conducted in Springfield, Illinois, in accordance with the then existing rules of the American Arbitration Association. The decision rendered by the arbitrators as to all issues of law and fact shall be final and binding without right of appeal on all parties hereto who receive notice of such arbitration and the opportunity to participate therein. Judgment upon any award rendered in such arbitration maybe entered by any state or federal court having jurisdiction over the matter.

(c) Should any party hereto institute any action or proceeding to enforce any provision of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to receive from the losing party reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in such action or proceeding, whether or not such action or proceeding is prosecuted to judgment.

10. Notice. Notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or two days after deposit in the mail by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, as follows:

if to the Company, to Horace Mann Service Corporation, 1 Horace Mann Plaza, Springfield, Illinois 62715, attention: Chief Executive Officer (except if such notice is sent by the Chief Executive Officer, in which case such notice shall be sent to the attention of the Chairman of the Board of Directors), and if to the Executive at the address specified at the end of this Agreement. Notice may also be given at such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

11. Miscellaneous. No provisions of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and the Company. No waiver by either party hereto at anytime of any breach by the other party hereto of, or Compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party that are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.

12. Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

13. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersedes all previous oral and written

 

7

November 2008


and all contemporaneous oral negotiations, commitments and understandings.

14. Withholding. The Company shall withhold benefits otherwise due or payable hereunder in order to comply with any federal, state, local or other income or other tax laws requiring withholding with respect to benefits provided to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement.

15. Optional Amendment. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement, upon the written request of the Executive, the terms of this Agreement may be modified by the Company to the extent necessary to avoid the application of Section 409A of the Code and/or to allow the Agreement to qualify for any regulatory or other administrative exception to the application of Section 409A of the Code. Consistent with the parties’ intent, the Agreement shall be interpreted at all times in a manner consistent with Code Section 409A to avoid the imposition of excise taxes thereunder.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
By:  

 

Name:   Joseph J. Melone
Title:   Chairman of the Board
HORACE MANN SERVICE CORPORATION
By:  

 

Name:   Louis G. Lower II
Title:   President & Chief Executive Officer
EXECUTIVE:
By:  

 

 

8

November 2008

Exhibit 10.13(a)

Revised Schedule to Change in Control Agreement

Horace Mann Educators Corporation (“HMEC”) and Horace Mann Service Corporation (“HMSC”) entered into Change in Control Agreements with the following persons on the dates shown. These agreements are substantially similar to the one included as Exhibit 10.13 to HMEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, except that the multiple of the annual base salary and average of annual cash bonus paid to the employee in the last three years is equal to the duration listed below.

 

Employee

  Duration   Agreement Date
Stephen P. Cardinal   2 years   December 2008
Richard R. Schulenburg   2 years   December 2008
Thomas C. Wilkinson   2 years   September 2008

Exhibit 10.14(a)

AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

On this 22 nd day of December, 2008, Horace Mann Educators Corporation, a Delaware Corporation (“Employer”), and Louis G. Lower II (“Employee”), hereby agree as follows:

WHEREAS , the parties previously entered into an Employment Agreement dated December 31, 1999 (“Agreement”), which Agreement continues in effect; and

WHEREAS , in connection with the enactment of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), and guidance issued thereunder, the parties wish to revise the Agreement as necessary to comply with Code Section 409A and related guidance;

NOW, THEREFORE , the parties hereby agree to the following amendments to the Agreement, the same to be effective as of January 1, 2008:

1. Section 4.4 of the Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced with the following new Section 4.4:

“4.4 Pension Benefits .

(a) Employer shall provide for Employee’s participation in Employer’s pension plan and an additional non-qualified pension plan at no cost to Employee so that the following retirement benefits will be payable to Employee during his lifetime by Employer, in aggregate, pursuant to such plans:

 

Last Date of Employment

   Annual Benefit

On or prior to December 31, 2000

   $ 0

January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2001

   $ 45,000

January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002

   $ 90,000

January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003

   $ 135,000

January 1, 2004 or later

   $ 180,000

(b) To the extent an actuarial equivalent is not provided in Employer’s pension plan or additional non-qualified pension plan, except as otherwise provided in Section 4.4(c) or (d) below, the annual benefit provided above (“accrued benefit”) shall be paid hereunder in monthly installments commencing on the first day of the first month following Employee’s separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”)); provided, however, that if Employee is married at the time such payments commence, the accrued benefit shall be paid in the form of a joint and 50% survivor annuity, with monthly payments to Employee commencing on the first day of the first month following Employee’s separation from service and continuing until the first day of the month immediately preceding the Employee’s death, and with monthly payments equal to fifty percent (50%) of Employee’s monthly payment continuing thereafter to the Employee’s surviving spouse at separation, if any, until the first day of the month immediately preceding such spouse’s death. Notwithstanding the preceding, if Employee is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Code Section 409A) upon his separation from service, then any payments to which Employee would have been entitled to receive under this Section 4.4(b) during the first six (6) months following his separation from service shall be


accumulated and paid on the first day of the seventh month following such separation, along with the normal payment for such seventh month.

(c) If, during the Term, any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires ownership of stock of Employer that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of Employer and, within two (2) years of such event Employee incurs a separation from service (within the meaning of Code Section 409A) on account of a Termination Without Cause (as defined in Section 10), a Material Change (as defined below) or an Employer Notice of Non-Renewal (as defined in Section 1), then this Agreement shall terminate and the Employer shall pay to the Employee within sixty (60) days of such separation the actuarially determined present value of the benefits payable to the Employee in Section 4.4(b) above for his expected remaining life, calculated on the basis of the Employee having been employed by the Employer until the date which is three (3) years after such separation.

For purposes of this Section 4.4, a “Material Change” means that, during the Term, (1) there is a significant adverse change or diminution in the Employee’s duties, working conditions or status as an employee, (2) the Employer breaches its obligations hereunder, or (3) the Employee is required to perform his duties hereunder in a location other than Springfield, Illinois which is more than one hundred fifty (150) miles away from Winnetka, Illinois and the Employee elects, by written notice to the Employer, to treat such change as a Termination Without Cause on the date of such notice.”

(d) If, at any time after payment under Section 4.4(b) has commenced, any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires ownership of stock of Employer that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of Employer, then Employer shall pay to the Employee within sixty (60) days of such acquisition the actuarially determined present value of the benefits payable to the Employee in Section 4.4(b) above for his expected remaining life.

2. The last sentence of Section 5(a) of the Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced with the following new sentence:

“The Employee shall furnish the Employer with such evidence that such expenses were incurred as the Employer reasonably requires or requests in accordance with its policies and procedures from time to time and such expenses shall be reimbursed within sixty (60) days of such substantiation, but in no event shall reimbursement under this Section 5(a) be made later than the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense is incurred.”

3. Section 7 of the Agreement is hereby amended by the addition of the following new sentence at the end thereof:

“Notwithstanding anything in this Section 7 to the contrary, salary amounts shall be paid to the Employee within sixty (60) days of termination and the pro rata share of incentive compensation bonuses under Sections 6.3 and 6.4 shall be paid to the Employee no later than two

 

-2-


and one-half (2 1/2) months after the end of the performance year in which such termination occurs.”

4. Section 8 of the Agreement is hereby amended by the addition of the following new sentence at the end thereof:

“Notwithstanding anything in this Section 8 to the contrary, salary amounts shall be paid to the Employee’s estate in a lump sum within sixty (60) days of the Employee’s death and the pro rata share of incentive compensation bonuses under Sections 6.3 and 6.4 shall be paid to the Employee’s estate no later than two and one-half (2 1/2) months after the end of the performance year in which such death occurs.”

5. Section 9(d) of the Agreement is hereby amended by the addition of the following new sentence at the end of the second paragraph thereof:

“Notwithstanding anything in this Section 9(d) to the contrary, salary amounts shall be paid to the Employee within sixty (60) days of termination and the pro rata share of incentive compensation bonuses under Sections 6.3 and 6.4 shall be paid to the Employee no later than two and one-half (2 1/2) months after the end of the performance year in which such termination occurs.”

6. Sections 10(d) and 10(e) are hereby amended by the addition of the following language at the end thereof:

“unless the parties agree to an earlier termination date.”

7. Section 10(f) of the Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced with the following new Section 10(f):

“(f) Upon a separation from service (within the meaning of Code Section 409A) due to a Termination Without Cause (as defined above), the Employer’s obligations hereunder shall be limited to:

(1) payment to the Employee of a lump sum cash severance amount equal to two times the aggregate target incentive compensation bonuses pursuant to Section 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5 for the Employee with regard to the performance year prior to the performance year in which the Employee’s separation from service occurs, such payment to be made within thirty (30) days of separation;

(2) payment to the Employee of a lump sum cash amount equal to two (2) years of the Employee’s salary at the rate in effect as of such separation from service, such payment to be made within thirty (30) days of separation;

(3) continuation of benefits pursuant to Section 4.3 through the date which is eighteen (18) months after the Employee’s separation from service; and

(4) a pro-rata share of any incentive compensation bonuses pursuant to Section 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5, for the performance year in which the Employee’s separation

 

-3-


from service occurs, such pro-rata portions payable when such bonuses are regularly paid to the Employer’s employees.

8. Section 10(g) of the Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced with the following new Section 10(g):

“(g) If, during the Term, the Employee terminates his employment on account of one of the following “Good Reason” conditions (“Termination for Good Reason”), the Employee shall be entitled to the rights described in Section 10(f) above. “Good Reason” conditions mean one or more of the following conditions:

(1) a significant adverse change in the Employee’s duties, working conditions or status as an employee;

(2) the Employer breaches its obligations under this Agreement; or

(3) the Employee is required to perform his duties hereunder in a location other than Springfield, Illinois which is more than one hundred fifty (150) miles away from Winnetka, Illinois.

In order for the terms of this Section 10(g) to be operative, the Employee must provide written notice to the Employer within thirty (30) days after the initial existence of one of the above conditions, the Employer must be provided at least thirty (30) days to remedy the condition, and the Employee must terminate his employment within ninety (90) days of the expiration of such thirty (30)-day remedy period.”

9. Section 11 of the Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced with the following new Section 11:

“11. Change of Control . If, during the Term, any individual, entity or group or persons acting in concert own voting securities of Employer which, in the aggregate, have more than 50% of the voting power of outstanding voting securities of Employer entitled to vote for the election of directors of Employer, such shall constitute a “Change of Control” for purposes of this Section 11. If, within three (3) years following a Change of Control, the Employee incurs a separation from service (within the meaning of Code Section 409A) that is a Termination Without Cause (as defined in Section 10), a Termination for Good Reason (as defined in Section 10(g)), or an Employer Notice of Non-Renewal (as defined in Section 1), then this Agreement shall terminate and the Employer shall pay to the Employee:

(a) a lump sum cash payment equal to three (3) times the greater of (1) the Employee’s highest annual cash compensation from the Employer in any calendar year since Employee’s first date of employment with Employer, as reported on Form W-2 for such year, or (2) one million two hundred thousand dollars ($1,200,000), such payment to be made within sixty (60) days of such separation from service;

(b) continuation of benefits pursuant to Section 4.3 through the date which is eighteen (18) months after the Employee’s separation from service; and

 

-4-


(c) in the event it shall be determined that any payment or distribution by the Employer to or for the benefit of the Employee pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including without limitation an Excise Tax Payment (as defined below), (“Payment”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Code Section 4999 or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, collectively the “Excise Tax”), an additional lump sum payment (“Excise Tax Payment”) in an amount equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments, such payment to be made no later than the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Employee remits such Excise Taxes.”

10. Section 12.5 is hereby amended by the addition of the following new sentence at the end thereof:

“The Agreement is intended to comply with, or otherwise be exempt from, Code Section 409A and shall be interpreted and construed in a manner that does not result in the imposition of additional taxes or penalties under Code Section 409A.”

Except as specifically provided herein, the Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Employer and the Employee have caused this Amendment to Employment Agreement to be executed in their respective names all on the day and year first above written.

 

EMPLOYER:
HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

/s/ Joseph J. Melone

Joseph Melone
Chairman of the Board
EMPLOYEE:

/s/ Louis G. Lower II

Louis G. Lower, II

 

-5-

Exhibit 10.15

Employment Agreement

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is by and between Horace Mann Service Corporation, an Illinois corporation, headquartered in Springfield, Illinois (“Company”) and Steve Cardinal (“Executive”).

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Company and Executive that the terms and conditions of Executive’s services be formally set forth.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants and agreements set forth below, the parties hereby acknowledge and agree as follows:

1. Employment Title and Duties; Reporting Relationship. During the Employment Term, as defined below, Executive shall serve in the position of Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer reporting to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Executive shall have such duties and authority as shall be determined from time to time by the President & Chief Executive Officer. Executive’s principal place of employment shall be Springfield, Illinois, or such other location as the parties mutually agree.

2. Term. Unless terminated by either party as provided in Paragraph 7 below, Executive shall be employed by the Company for a period commencing upon on December 1, 2008 and ending on the third (3 rd ) anniversary thereof (the “Employment Term”), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement; provided, however, that commencing with such third (3 rd ) anniversary and on each anniversary thereof (each, an “Extension Date”), the Employment Term shall be automatically extended for an additional one-year period (“Extended Employment Term”), unless the Company or Executive provides the other party hereto with sixty (60) days’ prior written notice before the expiration of the then current Employment Term, that the Employment Term shall not be so extended. Any such Extended Employment Term is also subject to termination as provided in Paragraph 7.

3. Compensation. The Company agrees to provide Executive with the following compensation for all services rendered by Executive under this Agreement.

3.1 Base Salary. During the Employment Term, the Company shall initially pay Executive a base salary at an annualized rate of Three Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($380,000.00), payable in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s usual payment practices. Executive will be eligible for increases in Executive’s base salary, if any, as may be determined from time to time in accordance with the Company’s Salary Administration Policy and in the sole discretion of the Board. Executive’s annual base salary, as in effect from time to time, is hereinafter referred to as the “Base Salary.”

3.2 Annual Incentive Plan. Beginning with the 2009 performance period, Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual incentive award (“Annual Incentive Award”) pursuant to the Amended and Restated 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended from time to time (including any successor plan, the “Incentive Compensation Plan”). Executive’s Target Bonus Opportunity (as hereafter defined) for the 2009 performance period will be 50% of base salary. The Annual Incentive Award, if any, for a fiscal year shall be payable in the year following the year to which it relates, no later than March 15. Further, if the Target Bonus Opportunity is adjusted

 

-1-


downward, Executive’s opportunity shall be no lower than any other Company Executive Vice President. Executive must be employed by the Company on the date of payment in order to receive any payment of the Annual Incentive, unless otherwise provided in Section 7.

3.3 Long-Term Incentive Plan. During the Employment Term and beginning with the 2009-2010 performance period, Executive will be eligible to participate in the long-term incentive program (LTIP) pursuant to the Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended from time to time. Executive’s target opportunity for the 2009-2010 performance period will be Five Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($500,000.00).

3.4 Sign-on award.

(a) Equity. Upon approval of the Board, Executive will receive an award of restricted stock units valued at Fifty Thousand Dollars and No cents ($50,000.00) and an award of stock options valued at Four Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars and No cents ($450,000.00). Executive’s right to the restricted stock units and stock options shall vest in accordance with the following schedule: 25% upon the date of the Award, 25% on the first (1st) anniversary of the date of the Award, 25% on the second (2nd) anniversary of the date of the Award, and 25% on the third (3rd) anniversary of the date of the Award. The restricted stock units and options shall be governed in accordance with separate applicable agreements and shall be subject to the terms of the Incentive Compensation Plan pursuant to which they are granted. In the event that the Board fails to approve a grant of restricted stock units and stock options by December 31, 2008, Executive shall be eligible to receive a total payment up to the gross amount of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($500,000.00) payable in equal gross amounts of One Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand ($125,000.00) on or before December 31, 2008, December 31, 2009, December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011, if Executive remains employed on such dates, subject to Paragraph 7.3(c)(vi).

(b) Cash. The Company will pay Executive a gross cash sign-on bonus of Eighteen Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($18,000.00). This amount will be paid on the next available payroll period following the effective date of this Agreement. It is not eligible compensation under the Incentive Compensation Plan or any other employee benefit plan.

3.5. Deductions and Withholding . The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state and local taxes and other amounts as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

3.6. Relocation Expenses. Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Company’s Relocation Program, as amended from time to time. The Company and Executive have agreed to additional relocation benefits which are attached and incorporated into this Agreement as Exhibit A, which is to be read in conjunction with the Horace Mann Relocation Policy.

3.7. Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans (other than annual bonus, change in control and incentive plans as defined herein) as in effect from time to time, on the same basis as those benefits are generally made available to other senior executives of the Company.

3.8 Retention Bonus. Executive will receive a Retention Bonus which shall be One Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($100,000.00). The Retention Bonus is payable in 2009, on or before March 15, 2009, so long as Executive’s employment with the Company is not

 

-2-


terminated voluntarily by Executive or terminated for Cause as defined in Section 7 herein prior to that date.

4. Change in Control Agreement. The parties acknowledge that Executive and the Company are parties to a Change in Control Agreement that provides severance benefits in specified circumstances following a change in control of the Company (the “Change in Control Agreement”).

5. Extent of Services. During the Employment Term, Executive will devote Executive’s full business time and best efforts to the Company’s business, and the active performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and will not engage in any other business, profession or occupation for compensation or otherwise which would conflict, interfere with or diminish Executive’s performance of such services for the Company, either directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Board; provided that nothing herein shall preclude Executive, subject to the prior written approval of the Board, from accepting appointment to or continuing to serve on the boards of directors of, or to hold any other offices or positions in or with respect to, other companies, organizations or entities; provided in each case, and in the aggregate, that such activities do not materially conflict, interfere with or diminish the performance of Executive’s services to the Company hereunder.

6. Reimbursement of Business Expenses. During the Employment Term, reasonable business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder shall be reimbursed by the Company in accordance with Company policies.

7. Termination of Employment Agreement and Compensation Upon Termination.

7.1 Executive’s Employment Term may be terminated as follows, provided that during the sixty (60) day notice period provided in 7(b) and (d) below, the Company may assign Executive different duties or no duties, as long as the Company complies with its financial obligations under this Agreement during that period. Such termination of employment shall constitute the termination of the Employment Term and all of the Company’s obligations to the Executive by the Company, except as specifically provided in this Agreement.

(a) By the Company immediately for Cause (as hereinafter defined).

(b) By the Company upon sixty (60) days written notice without Cause.

(c) Automatically, without the action of either party, upon the death of Executive.

(d) Voluntarily by Executive upon sixty (60) days written notice.

(e) By Executive, upon existence of Good Reason (as hereinafter defined).

(f) Upon Executive’s termination following a Change of Control (as described in the Change of Control Agreement Section 4 above).

(g) By either party upon a determination of Total Disability (as hereinafter defined) of Executive.

7.2 Definitions of “Cause,” “Good Reason,” and “Total Disability”.

 

-3-


(a) Cause . “Cause” shall mean serious, willful misconduct by the Executive such as, for example, the commission by the Executive of a Felony arising from specific conduct of the Executive that reasonably relates to his qualification or ability (personal or professional) to perform his duties to the Group or a perpetration by the Executive of a common law Fraud against the Group. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for the purpose of considering his or her termination for Cause (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive, together with the Executive’s counsel, to be heard before the Board). The resolution of the Board shall contain a finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board the Executive was guilty of conduct constitutes “Cause” as defined above and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall have the right to contest his or her termination for Cause.

(b) Good Reason. “Good Reason” shall mean any of the following events:

(i) any material diminution in Executive’s duties or responsibilities to the Company, or a requirement that Executive report to someone other than the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company;

(ii) any required relocation of Executive from Springfield, Illinois, to another site more than fifty (50) miles away;

(iii) a diminution in Executive’s annual Base Salary of more than ten percent (10%) below Executive’s then current Base Salary; or

(iv) a material diminution in Executive’s potential annual Incentive Award Target Opportunity (“Target Bonus Opportunity”). For purposes of this sub-paragraph, a material diminution is defined as a reduction of 10% or more below the Target Bonus Opportunity from the prior year under the Horace Mann Incentive Compensation Program (or such similar program as may replace the Incentive Compensation Program). For example, if in the prior year the Target Bonus Opportunity was 50%, a reduction of the Target Bonus Opportunity to 39% or below, would be a material diminution.

(v) notwithstanding the preceding, Good Reason shall not be deemed to exist until and unless Executive provides written notice to the Company within ninety (90) days after the initial existence of one of the above conditions and the Company is provided thirty (30) days to remedy the condition and fails to do so.

(c) “ Total Disability ” shall mean that if by reason of accident or illness of Executive, Executive is unable to substantially perform his employment duties, and is expected to be in such condition for periods totaling six (6) months (whether or not consecutive) during any period of twelve (12) months. The determination of whether a Total Disability exists or has occurred shall be based on the determination of a physician mutually acceptable to the Company and Executive.

7.3 Compensation Upon Termination . If Executive’s employment hereunder is terminated in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.1 hereof, the Company will be obligated

 

-4-


to provide to Executive compensation and benefits, in lieu of any severance under any severance plan that the Company may then have in effect and subject to setoff for any amounts owed by Executive to the Company or any affiliate of the Company by reason of any contract, agreement, promissory note, advance, failure to return Company property or loan document, as detailed below. Unless otherwise provided, amounts payable under this section will be paid as soon as practicable and in accordance with pay out dates specified in applicable plans.

(a) Upon Termination for death or Total Disability . If Executive’s employment hereunder is terminated by reason of his death or Total Disability (except with respect to 7.3(a)(v) below), under Sections 7.1 (c) or (g)  hereof, the Company will provide to Executive or Executive’s estate or beneficiaries:

(i) any accrued Base Salary and Annual Incentive payments earned on a pro-rata basis as of the date of termination;

(ii) reimbursement for expenses incurred by him prior to the date of termination that are subject to reimbursement pursuant to this Agreement (the “Accrued Reimbursable Expenses”);

(iii) vesting in Executive’s benefit in the Horace Mann Nonqualified Supplemental Money Purchase Pension Plan;

(iv) full vesting for all earned but unvested equity and incentive compensation (including restricted stock units, options, and long term incentive program awards) held by Executive;

(v) upon Executive’s termination by reason of death, a lump sum equal to six (6) months of Executive’s then current Base Salary.

(b) Upon Termination by Company for Cause or Voluntarily by Executive . If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or if Executive voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company under Sections 7.1 (a) or (d) , the Company will:

(i) pay Executive any accrued Base Salary; and

(ii) pay Executive the Accrued Reimbursable Expenses (as defined in (a) above).

(c) Upon Termination by the Company without Cause or upon a Good Reason Termination . If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or upon a Good Reason Termination under Sections 7.1 (b) or (e) , the Company will:

(i) pay Executive any accrued Base Salary and Annual Incentive payments earned on a pro-rata basis as of the date of termination;

(ii) pay Executive the Accrued Reimbursable Expenses (as defined in (a) above);

(iii) pay an amount equal to two (2) times Executive’s then current Base Salary; if such termination occurs during the initial three year Employment Term or an amount equal to the

 

-5-


Executive’s current Base Salary if such Termination occurs during an Extended Employment Term. Such payment will be made in a lump sum within 30 days after termination;

(iv) pay (directly to the provider) for a period of up to 18 months after the date of termination any premiums for group medical or dental coverage for Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents, provided Executive timely elects and maintains such coverage in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”) and satisfies all other eligibility requirements under COBRA;

(v) fully vest Executive in Executive’s benefit in the Horace Mann Nonqualified Supplemental Money Purchase Pension Plan.

(vi) fully vest Executive in all earned but unvested equity and incentive compensation (including restricted stock units, options, and long term incentive program awards) and the remainder of any alternative cash payments due under Paragraph 3.4 which have not yet been paid.

(vii) make payment for transportation of household goods to a city other than Springfield, Illinois, up to the amount paid by the Company for transportation of Executive’s household goods for Executive’s relocation from Scottsdale, Arizona to Springfield, Illinois. Such payment shall be made within 30 days of presentation to Horace Mann of receipts for the move away from Springfield, Illinois. Such payment amount will be grossed up for taxes.

(d) Upon Termination by the Company without Cause Six (6) months prior to a Change in Control. If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause six (6) months prior to a Change in Control, the Company will pay Executive the greater of the payments he is entitled to receive under this Agreement or the amount of payments and benefits he would be entitled to receive upon a Change in Control under the Change in Control Agreement which Executive and the Company are parties. Any such payments due under this paragraph will thus be offset by any payments received under Paragraph 7.3(c) above and will be paid in a lump sum within 30 days after a Change in Control.

8. Restrictive Covenants.

8.1 Confidentiality.

(a) Executive recognizes that the Company derives substantial economic value from information created and used in its business which is not generally known by the public, including, but not limited to, plans, designs, concepts, computer programs, formulae, and equations; product fulfillment and supplier information; customer, client and supplier lists, and confidential business practices of the Company, its affiliates and any of its customers, clients, vendors, business partners or suppliers; profit margins and the prices and discounts the Company obtains or has obtained or at which it sells or has sold or plans to sell its products or services (except for public pricing lists); manufacturing, assembling, labor and sales plans and costs; business and marketing plans, ideas, or strategies; confidential financial performance and projections; employee compensation; employee staffing and recruiting plans and employee personal information; and other confidential concepts and ideas related to the Company’s business (collectively, “Confidential Information”). Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that by virtue of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will have access and will use in the course of Executive’s duties certain Confidential Information and that Confidential Information constitutes trade secrets and confidential and

 

-6-


proprietary business information of the Company and its affiliates, all of which is the exclusive property of the Company. For purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information includes the foregoing and other information protected under the Illinois Uniform Trade Secrets Act (the “Act”), or to any comparable protection afforded by applicable law, but does not include information that Executive establishes, is or may become known to Executive or to the public from sources outside the Company and through means other than a breach of this Agreement.

(b) Executive agrees that Executive will not for himself or for any other person or entity, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Company, while employed by the Company and thereafter: (1) use Confidential Information for the benefit of any person or entity other than the Company or its affiliates; (2) remove, copy, duplicate or otherwise reproduce any document or tangible item embodying or pertaining to any of the Confidential Information, except as required to perform Executive’s duties for the Company or its affiliates; or (3) while employed and thereafter, publish, release, disclose or deliver or otherwise make available to any third party any Confidential Information by any communication, including oral, documentary, electronic or magnetic information transmittal device or media. Upon termination of employment, Executive shall return all Confidential Information and all other property of the Company. This obligation of non-disclosure and non-use of information shall continue to exist for so long as such information remains Confidential Information.

8.2 Non-Competition. During any period in which Executive is employed by the Company, and for one year (or six (6) months following Executive’s Termination of Employment during an Extended Employment Term), Executive will not, without prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly seek or obtain a Competitive Position in a Restricted Territory and perform a Restricted Activity with or for a Competitor, as those terms are defined herein.

(a) Competitive Position means any employment or performance of services with a Competitor in which Executive has executive or Senior Management level duties for such Competitor.

(b) Restricted Territory means any geographic area in which the Company does business and in which Executive had responsibility for, or Confidential Information about, such business within the twenty-four (24) months prior to Executive’s termination of employment from the Company.

(c) Restricted Activity means any activity for which Executive had executive responsibility for the Company within the twenty-four (24) months prior to Executive’s termination of employment from the Company or about which Executive had Confidential Information.

(d) Competitor means any entity or individual (other than the Company), that derives a primary portion of its revenue by providing the following services to educators and educational institutions: sales and underwriting of property, casualty and life insurance, annuity products and related financial products or other products or services substantially the same or similar to those offered by the Company while Executive was employed, or other products or services offered by the Company within twenty four (24) months prior to the termination of Executive’s employment if Executive had responsibility for, or Confidential Information about, such other products or services while Executive was employed by the Company.

 

-7-


8.3 Non-Solicitation Of Employees. While employed and for one year following Executive’s termination of employment, Executive will not, either individually or as a employee, partner, independent contractor, owner, agent, or in any other capacity, directly or indirectly solicit, hire, attempt to solicit or hire, or participate in any attempt to solicit or hire, for any non-Company affiliated entity, any person who on or during the six (6) months immediately preceding the date of such solicitation or hire is or was an officer or employee of the Company, or whom Executive was involved in recruiting while Executive was employed by the Company.

8.4 Equitable Relief And Other Remedies - Construction.

(a) Executive acknowledges that each of the provisions of this Agreement are reasonable and necessary to preserve the legitimate business interests of the Company, its present and potential business activities and the economic benefits derived therefrom; that they will not prevent him or her from earning a livelihood in Executive’s chosen business and are not an undue restraint on the trade of Executive, or any of the public interests which may be involved.

(b) Executive acknowledges that the Company will be damaged by a violation of this Agreement and the amount of such damage may be difficult to measure. Executive agrees that if Executive commits or threatens to commit a breach of any of the covenants and agreements contained in Paragraph 8, to the extent permitted by applicable law, then the Company shall have the right to seek and obtain all appropriate injunctive and other equitable remedies in addition to any other rights and remedies that may be available at law or under this Agreement, it being acknowledged and agreed that any such breach would cause irreparable injury to the Company and that money damages would not provide an adequate remedy. Further, if a court of competent jurisdiction determines that Executive violated Paragraph 8.2 hereof Executive agrees that the period of violation shall be added to the Period in which Executive’s activities are restricted.

(c) The parties agree that the covenants contained in this Agreement are severable. If an arbitrator or court shall hold that the duration, scope, area or activity restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties agree that the maximum duration, scope, area or activity restrictions reasonable and enforceable under such circumstances shall be substituted for the stated duration, scope, area or activity restrictions to the maximum extent permitted by law.

8.5 Survival Of Provisions. The obligations contained in this Paragraphs 8 and in Paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 13 below shall survive the cessation of the Employment Term and Executive’s employment with the Company and shall be fully enforceable thereafter.

9. Notification Of Existence Of Agreement. Executive agrees that in the event that Executive is offered employment with another employer (including service as a partner of any partnership or service as an independent contractor) at any time during the existence of this Agreement, or such other period in which post termination obligations of this Agreement apply, Executive shall immediately advise said other employer (or partnership) of the existence of this Agreement and shall immediately provide said employer (or partnership or service recipient) with a copy of Paragraph 8 of this Agreement.

10. Notification Of Subsequent Employment. For one year following Executive’s termination, Executive shall report promptly to the Company any employment with another employer (including service as a partner of any partnership or service as an independent contractor or establishment of

 

-8-


any business as a sole proprietor) obtained period in which Executive’s post termination obligations set forth in Paragraph 8 apply.

11. Dispute Resolution.

11.1. In the event of a dispute in connection with this Agreement, Executive and Company agree to use their best efforts to first attempt a resolution of said dispute through discussion.

11.2. Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including the breach, termination, or validity thereof, shall be finally resolved by arbitration in accordance with the CPR Rules for Non-Administered Arbitration then currently in effect, by a sole arbitrator. During the arbitration, each Party shall pay for his or its own costs and attorneys fees, if any.

11.3. The arbitration shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 1 16, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrator shall not have the right to award speculative damages or punitive damages to either party except as expressly permitted by statute (notwithstanding this provision by which both parties hereto waive the right to such damages) and shall not have the power to amend this Agreement. The arbitrator shall be required to follow applicable law. The place of arbitration shall be Springfield, Illinois. Any application to enforce or set aside the arbitration award shall be filed in a state or federal court located in Springfield, Illinois.

11.4. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Paragraph 11, an action to enforce this Agreement shall be filed within eighteen (18) months after the party seeking relief had actual or constructive knowledge of the alleged violation of the Employment Agreement in question. In addition, any party shall be entitled to seek immediate, temporary, or preliminary injunctive or equitable relief from a court of law or equity if, in its judgment, such relief is necessary to avoid irreparable damage. To the extent that any party wishes to seek such relief from a court, the parties agree to the following with respect to the location of such actions. Such actions brought by the Executive shall be brought in a state or federal court located in Springfield, Illinois. Such actions brought by the Company shall be brought in a state or federal court located in Springfield, Illinois; the Executive’s state of residency; or any other forum in which the Executive is subject to personal jurisdiction. The Executive specifically consents to personal jurisdiction in the State of Illinois for such purposes.

11.5 IF FOR ANY REASON THIS ARBITRATION CLAUSE BECOMES NOT APPLICABLE, THEN EACH PARTY, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY AS TO ANY ISSUE RELATING HERETO IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING, OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER MATTER INVOLVING THE PARTIES HERETO.

12. Executive Representations and Warranties. By entering into this Agreement, Executive represents and warrants that he is not knowingly breaching or violating any provision of any law or regulation. Executive has not knowingly provided to the Company, nor has been requested by the Company to provide, any confidential or non-public document or information of a former employer that constitutes or contains any protected trade secret, and will not knowingly use any protected trade secrets of any former employer in the course of his/her employment hereunder.

 

-9-


13. General.

13.1. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the Incentive Compensation Plan and benefit plans and the Change in Control Agreement referred to in Paragraphs 4 and 7 and employment policies and rules of conduct of general applicability adopted by the Company from time to time, contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to its specific subject matter and supersedes all prior oral and written communications, agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment. In the event of a conflict between this Agreement and other policies, or agreements of the Company, this Agreement shall prevail.

13.2 Legal Fees. The Company shall or reimburse Executive for up to Ten Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($10,000.00) in legal fees and expenses of counsel incurred by Executive in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, and delivery of this Agreement.

13.3 Amendments. No provision in this Agreement may be amended unless such amendment is set forth in a writing that expressly refers to the provision of this Agreement that is being amended and that is signed by Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company.

13.4 Effect of waiver. No waiver by any person of any breach of any condition or provision contained in this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of any similar or dissimilar condition or provision at the same or any prior or subsequent time. To be effective, any waiver must be set forth in a writing signed by the waiving person and must specifically refer to the condition(s) or provision(s) of this Agreement being waived.

13.5 Written notice. Any notice, consent, demand, request, or other communication given to a person in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given to such Person when delivered personally to such person; sent by facsimile or other electronic transmission with telephone confirmation of receipt (numbers noted below); or when sent by recognized overnight courier or by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

If to Executive:

Last address on file with the Company

If to Company:

Senior Vice President – Corporate Services

1 Horace Mann Plaza

Springfield, IL 62715

Phone: (217) 788-5300

Fax: (217) 535-7277

Paul.Andrews@horacemann.com

With a copy to Chief Counsel

1 Horace Mann Plaza

Springfield, IL 62715

Phone: (217) 788-5757

Fax: (217) 788-5776

 

-10-


Rhonda.Armstead@horacemann.com

13.6. Binding agreement. This Agreement shall be a valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally.

13.7. Governing law. This Agreement is deemed to be accepted and entered into in the State of Illinois and shall be governed by and construed and interpreted according to the internal laws of the State of Illinois without reference to conflicts of law principles.

13.8. Severability of Provisions. All provisions of this Agreement are intended to be severable. In the event any provision or restriction contained herein is held to be invalid or unenforceable in any respect, in whole or in part, such finding will in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. The parties hereto further agree that any such provision found by a arbitrator or court to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be deemed modified by the arbitrator or court so that it will be enforced to the greatest extent permissible under law and to the extent that any court of competent jurisdiction determines any restriction herein to be unreasonable in any respect, such court may limit this Agreement to render it reasonable in light of the circumstances in which it was entered into and specifically enforce this Agreement as limited.

13.9. Amounts Payable Subject to Set-off. All amounts payable hereunder are subject to set-off for any debt owed by Executive to the Company.

13.10. Post-Employment Cooperation. Following any termination of the employment of the Employee, the Employee shall reasonably cooperate with the Company (subject to Executive’s then current employment obligations) in all matters relating to the winding up of his/her pending work on behalf of the Company and the orderly transfer of any such pending work to other employees of the Company as may be designated by the Company. In addition, for a period of six (6) months following Executive’s termination of employment for any reason, he shall reasonably cooperate with the Company with respect to any matters that arose during the course of his employment. The Company agrees to cooperate with Executive so that Executive’s obligations under the preceding sentence shall not interfere with any subsequent employment. The Company shall reimburse Executive’s reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection therewith.

13.11. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is binding on and is for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives. If Executive should die while any amounts are still payable to him hereunder, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to Executive’s devisee, legatee, or other designee, or if, there be no such designee, to Executive’s estate. Neither this Agreement nor any right or obligation hereunder may be assigned by Executive. Executive specifically consents to the assignment of this Agreement, and all rights of the Company herein, to any affiliate of the Company

13.12. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

-11-


13.13. IRC Section 409A. This Agreement is not intended to constitute a “non-qualified deferred compensation plan” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations issued thereunder (“Section 409A”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this Agreement or any benefit paid to Executive hereunder is subject to Section 409A and if the Executive is a “Specified Executive” (as defined under Section 409A) as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment hereunder, then the payment of benefits, if any, scheduled to be paid by the Company to Executive hereunder during the first six (6) month period beginning on the date of a termination of employment hereunder shall, to the extent required by Section 409A, be delayed during such six (6) month period and shall commence immediately following the end of such six (6) month period (and, if applicable, the period in which such payments were scheduled to be made if not for such delay shall be extended accordingly). In no event shall the Company be required to pay Executive any “gross-up” or other payment with respect to any taxes or penalties imposed under Section 409A with respect to any benefit paid to Executive hereunder.

13.14. Paragraph Headings. The headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be a part of or control or affect the meaning of any provision hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed the Agreement effective the day and year first above written.

 

HORACE MANN SERVICE CORPORATION     STEVE CARDINAL
By:  

/s/ Paul D. Andrews

   

/s/ Stephen P. Cardinal

  Paul D. Andrews    
  Senior Vice President    
Dated: November 20, 2008     Dated: November 20, 2008

 

-12-


EXHIBIT A

Chief Marketing Officer Relocation

November 14, 2008

Parameters

 

   

Guaranteed Home Buy-Out policy benefits

SPECIAL NOTE: The candidate will not be offered the benefit of an equity loan.

 

   

Horace Mann will provide the candidate with temporary living facilities from December 1, 2008 until the date of his new home closing or June 30, 2009, whichever is later.

 

   

If other business travel does not support a scheduled stop in Phoenix, AZ, Horace Mann will pay normal business transportation costs for one (1) round trip per calendar month from Springfield, IL to Phoenix, AZ during the period December 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.

Proposed Home Sale Strategy and Calendar

January

 

   

Initiate relocation

 

   

Two (2) agents/brokers recommended/pre-screened by the relocation company from different companies referred to candidate

 

   

Agent/brokers meet with candidate and submit a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to the relocation company who will review and discuss with candidate

 

   

If the average results of the two CMA’s vary by more than 5% a third CMA will be ordered. The two closest will be averaged to establish the most probable sale price

 

   

Candidate selects listing agent/broker and home is listed (approx. mid month)

 

   

Listing price cannot exceed 105% of the average of the 2 CMA’s received/used to determine list price

February - April

 

   

Candidate markets home for 90 days

 

   

If an acceptable buyer is found during the 90 day marketing period the buyer and offer must be approved by the relocation company. The candidate should not sign the purchase contract as that will result in negative tax consequences.

April

 

   

At the end of the 90 day marketing period, select two (2) Employee Relocation Council (ERC) certified appraisers from a list provided by the relocation company and independent relocation appraisals will be ordered to determine the home value

 

   

The ERC appraisal will determine current market value based on “as is” condition and the most probable sale price within the next 120 day period

 

   

Home inspections ordered

May

 

   

Appraisals submitted to relocation vendor

 

   

If there is more than a 5% variance in the value of the two appraisals, a third will be ordered and the two closest will be averaged to determine the Guaranteed Sale Offer.

 

   

Home inspection reports submitted to relocation vendor and any required repairs will be the candidates responsibility

 

   

Vendor prepares and issues Guaranteed Sale Offer and Contract of Sale to candidate

 

-13-


   

The Guaranteed Sale Offer if valid for a maximum of 30 days. During this period, candidate will continue to market the home

May - June

 

   

If the candidate has been unsuccessful in finding a buyer during the offer period, they may accept the Guaranteed Sale Offer by signing and returning the Contract of Sale

 

   

If accepted, the candidate is expected to vacate the property within 30 days of their acceptance of the offer

 

-14-

Exhibit 11

Horace Mann Educators Corporation

Computation of Net Income per Share

For the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008    2007     2006  

Basic - assumes no dilution:

       

Net income for the period

   $ 10,917    $ 82,788     $ 98,708  
                       

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period

     39,820      43,145       43,012  
                       

Net income per share - basic

   $ 0.27    $ 1.92     $ 2.29  
                       

Diluted - assumes full dilution:

       

Net income for the period

   $ 10,917    $ 82,788     $ 98,708  

Interest expense, net of tax, on dilutive Senior Convertible Notes

     —        279       1,336  
                       

Adjusted net income for the period

   $ 10,917    $ 83,067     $ 100,044  
                       

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period

     39,820      43,145       43,012  

Weighted average number of common equivalent shares to reflect the dilutive effect of common stock equivalent securities:

       

Stock options

     7      233       114  

Common stock units related to Deferred Equity Compensation Plan for Directors

     254      228       214  

Common stock units related to Deferred Compensation Plan for Employees

     215      219       150  

Restricted common stock units related to Incentive Compensation Plan

     293      342       253  

Weighted average number of common equivalent shares to reflect the dilutive effect of Senior Convertible Notes

     —        444       2,030  
                       

Total common and common equivalent shares adjusted to calculate diluted earnings per share

     40,589      44,611       45,773  
                       

Net income per share – diluted

   $ 0.27    $ 1.86     $ 2.19  
                       

Percentage of dilution compared to basic net income per share

     —        3.1 %     4.4 %

Exhibit 12

Horace Mann Educators Corporation

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

For the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004

(Dollars in millions)

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2008    2007    2006    2005    2004

Fixed charges:

              

Interest expense

   $ 14.5    $ 14.1    $ 13.1    $ 8.9    $ 6.8

Interest credited to policyholders on interest-sensitive contracts

     131.8      127.2      122.5      115.9      108.7
                                  

Total fixed charges

   $ 146.3    $ 141.3    $ 135.6    $ 124.8    $ 115.5
                                  

Earnings:

              

Income before income taxes

   $ 0.2    $ 117.1    $ 140.3    $ 94.0    $ 69.7

Add: Interest expense

     14.5      14.1      13.1      8.9      6.8
                                  

Subtotal – earnings before interest expense

     14.7      131.2      153.4      102.9      76.5

Add: Interest credited to policyholder on interest-sensitive contracts

     131.8      127.2      122.5      115.9      108.7
                                  

Earnings before fixed charges

   $ 146.5    $ 258.4    $ 275.9    $ 218.8    $ 185.2
                                  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

     1.0x      1.8x      2.0x      1.8x      1.6x
                                  

Supplemental information (A):

              

Ratio of earnings before interest expense to interest expense

     1.0x      9.3x      11.7x      11.6x      11.2x
                                  

 

(A) Fixed charges and earnings in this calculation do not include interest credited to policyholders on interest-sensitive contracts. This adjusted coverage ratio is not required, but is provided as supplemental information because it is commonly used by individuals who analyze the Company’s results.

Exhibit 21

Horace Mann Educators Corporation

Insurance Subsidiaries, Other Significant Subsidiaries and

Their Respective States of Incorporation or Organization

December 31, 2008

Insurance Subsidiaries:

Allegiance Life Insurance Company - Illinois

Educators Life Insurance Company of America - Arizona

Horace Mann Insurance Company - Illinois

Horace Mann Life Insurance Company - Illinois

Horace Mann Lloyds - Texas

Horace Mann Property & Casualty Insurance Company - California

Teachers Insurance Company - Illinois

Other Significant Subsidiaries:

Horace Mann General Agency, Inc. - Texas

Horace Mann Investors, Inc. - Maryland

Horace Mann MGA and Brokerage of Florida, Inc. - Florida

Horace Mann Service Corporation - Illinois

Exhibit 23

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

Horace Mann Educators Corporation:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (No. 33-47066, No. 33-45152, No. 333-16473, No. 333-74686 and No. 333-98917) on Form S-8 and the registration statement (No. 333-155753) on Form S-3 of Horace Mann Educators Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) of our report dated March 2, 2009, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008, and all related financial statement schedules and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 which report appears in the December 31, 2008 annual report on Form 10-K of the Company.

Our report dated March 2, 2009, contains an explanatory paragraph that states the Company has adopted American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) Statement of Position (“SOP”) 05-1, Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection with Modifications or Exchanges of Insurance Contracts , effective January 1, 2007, FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No 109 , effective January 1, 2007, and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, as of December 31, 2006.

/s/    KPMG LLP

KPMG LLP

Chicago, Illinois

March 2, 2009

Exhibit 31.1

Chief Executive Officer Certification

pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Louis G. Lower II, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 of Horace Mann Educators Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ Louis G. Lower II

Louis G. Lower II, Chief Executive Officer
Horace Mann Educators Corporation
Date: March 2, 2009

Exhibit 31.2

Chief Financial Officer Certification

pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Peter H. Heckman, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 of Horace Mann Educators Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ Peter H. Heckman

Peter H. Heckman, Chief Financial Officer
Horace Mann Educators Corporation
Date: March 2, 2009

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Horace Mann Educators Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Louis G. Lower II, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

  (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ Louis G. Lower II

Louis G. Lower II
Chief Executive Officer
Date: March 2, 2009

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Horace

Mann Educators Corporation and will be retained by Horace Mann Educators Corporation

and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Horace Mann Educators Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Peter H. Heckman, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

  (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ Peter H. Heckman

Peter H. Heckman
Chief Financial Officer
Date: March 2, 2009

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Horace

Mann Educators Corporation and will be retained by Horace Mann Educators Corporation

and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

Exhibit 99.1

Glossary of Selected Terms

The following measures are used by the Company’s management to evaluate performance against historical results and establish targets on a consolidated basis. A number of these measures are components of net income or the balance sheet but, in some cases, may be considered non-GAAP financial measures under applicable SEC rules because they are not displayed as separate line items in the Consolidated Statement of Operations or Consolidated Balance Sheets, and in some cases, require inclusion or exclusion of certain items not ordinarily included or excluded in a GAAP financial measure. In the opinion of the Company’s management, a discussion of these measures is meaningful to provide investors with an understanding of the significant factors that comprise the Company’s periodic results of operations and financial condition.

Agent - A licensed representative of an insurer in marketing insurance products.

 

   

Dedicated agents - Exclusive Agents and Career Agents under contract with the Company to market only the Company’s products and limited additional third-party vendor products authorized by the Company.

 

   

Exclusive agents - Independent contractors.

 

   

Career agents - Employee agents of the Company.

 

   

Experienced agents - Career Agents with more than two years of experience with the Company. Their compensation is comprised of commissions and incentives.

 

   

Financed agents - Career Agents in their first two years of employment with the Company. Their compensation is comprised of a base salary (subsidy) and commissions, with the base salary (subsidy) component declining as the agent gains more experience. Financed Agents are also eligible for incentives.

 

   

Licensed producers - Staff of Dedicated Agents who are licensed to write insurance business.

 

   

Independent agents - Agents who are under contract with the Company to market the Company’s annuity products but who are not restricted to writing only the Company’s products and products authorized by the Company.

Book value per share excluding the fair value adjustment for investments - The result of dividing total shareholders’ equity excluding after tax net unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturities and equity securities, including the related effect on certain deferred policy acquisition costs and value of acquired insurance in force, by ending shares outstanding. Book value per share is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

 

- 1 -


Catastrophe costs — The sum of catastrophe losses and property and casualty catastrophe reinsurance reinstatement premiums.

Catastrophe losses — In categorizing property and casualty claims as being from a catastrophe, the Company utilizes the designations of the Property Claims Service, a subsidiary of Insurance Services Office, Inc., and additionally beginning in 2007, includes losses from all such events that meet the definition of covered loss in the Company’s primary catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance contract, and reports loss and loss adjustment expense amounts net of reinsurance recoverables. A catastrophe is a severe loss resulting from natural and man-made events within a particular territory, including risks such as hurricane, fire, earthquake, windstorm, explosion, terrorism and other similar events, that causes $25 million or more in insured property and casualty losses for the industry and affects a significant number of property and casualty insurers and policyholders. Each catastrophe has unique characteristics. Catastrophes are not predictable as to timing or amount in advance. Their effects are not included in earnings or claim and claim adjustment expense reserves prior to occurrence. In the opinion of the Company’s management, a discussion of the impact of catastrophes is meaningful for investors to understand the variability in periodic earnings.

Net income before realized investment gains and losses — Net income adjusted to exclude after tax realized investment gains and losses. Net income is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. A projection of net income, including after tax realized investment gains and losses, is not accessible on a forward-looking basis because management believes that it is not possible to provide a reliable forecast of realized investment gains and losses, which can vary substantially from one period to another and may have a significant impact on net income.

Net Reserves — Property and casualty unpaid claim and claim expense reserves net of anticipated reinsurance recoverables.

Prior Years’ Reserve Development — A measure which the Company reports for its property and casualty segment which identifies the increase or decrease in net incurred claim and claim adjustment expense reserves at successive valuation dates for claims which occurred in previous calendar years. In the opinion of the Company’s management, a discussion of prior years’ loss reserve development is useful to investors as it allows them to assess the impact on current period earnings of incurred claims experience from the current calendar year and previous calendar years.

 

- 2 -


Property and casualty operating statistics — Operating measures utilized by the Company and the insurance industry regarding the relative profitability of property and casualty underwriting results.

 

   

Loss Ratio or Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Ratio — The ratio of (1) the sum of net incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses to (2) net earned premiums.

 

   

Expense Ratio — The ratio of (1) the sum of operating expenses and the amortization of policy acquisition costs to (2) net earned premiums.

 

   

Combined Ratio — The sum of the Loss Ratio and the Expense Ratio. A Combined Ratio less than 100% generally indicates profitable underwriting prior to the consideration of investment income.

 

   

Combined Ratio Excluding Catastrophes and Prior Years’ Reserve Development — The sum of the Loss Ratio and the Expense Ratio adjusted to remove the effect of catastrophe costs and prior years’ reserve development. The Combined Ratio is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

Return on equity — The ratio of (1) trailing 12-month net income to (2) the average of ending shareholders’ equity for the current quarter end and the preceding four quarter ends.

Sales or Annualized New Sales — Sales represent the amount of new business sold during the period and exclude renewal of policies sold in previous periods. Sales are measured by the Company as premiums and deposits to be collected over the 12 months following the sale of a new policy, and this time period may extend into the following calendar year. Sales should not be viewed as a substitute for any financial measure determined in accordance with GAAP, including “sales” as it relates to non-insurance companies, and the Company’s definition of sales might differ from that used by other companies. The Company utilizes sales information as a performance measure that indicates the productivity of agents. Sales are also a leading indicator of future revenue trends.

 

- 3 -

Exhibit 99.2

UPDATED NUMERICAL EXHIBITS TO THE COMPANY’S EARNINGS RELEASE

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

Digest of Earnings and Highlights (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Data)

 

     Quarter Ended
December 31,
          Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2008     2007     % Change     2008     2007     % Change  

DIGEST OF EARNINGS

            

Net income

   $ 22.9     $ 18.0     27.2 %   $ 10.9     $ 82.8     -86.8 %

Net income per share:

            

Basic

   $ 0.59     $ 0.42     40.5 %   $ 0.27     $ 1.92     -85.9 %

Diluted (A)

   $ 0.58     $ 0.41     41.5 %   $ 0.27     $ 1.86     -85.5 %

Weighted average number of shares and equivalent shares (in millions) (B):

            

Basic

     39.1       43.0     -9.1 %     39.8       43.1     -7.7 %

Diluted (A)

     39.8       43.9     -9.3 %     40.6       44.6     -9.0 %

HIGHLIGHTS

            

Operations

            

Insurance premiums written and contract deposits

   $ 239.1     $ 239.2     0.0 %   $ 960.1     $ 974.7     -1.5 %

Return on equity (C)

           1.9 %     12.3 %   N.M.  

Property & Casualty GAAP combined ratio

     92.9 %     91.9 %   N.M.       100.7 %     91.9 %   N.M.  

Effect of catastrophe costs on the Property & Casualty combined ratio

     7.2 %     4.3 %   N.M.       13.7 %     4.4 %   N.M.  

Experienced agents

           524       569     -7.9 %

Financed agents

           146       221     -33.9 %

Total Horace Mann agents

           670       790     -15.2 %

Licensed producers

           394       253     55.7 %

Total points of distribution (D)

           1,064       1,043     2.0 %

Additional Per Share Information

            

Dividends paid

   $ 0.0525     $ 0.105     -50.0 %   $ 0.3675     $ 0.42     -12.5 %

Book value (E)

         $ 11.49     $ 16.41     -30.0 %

Financial Position

            

Total assets

         $ 5,507.7     $ 6,259.3     -12.0 %

Short-term debt

           38.0       —       N.M.  

Long-term debt

           199.5       199.5     —    

Total shareholders’ equity

           448.8       693.3     -35.3 %

 

N.M. - Not meaningful.

(A) Effective December 31, 2004, the Company adopted EITF Consensus 04-8, “The Effect of Contingently Convertible Instruments on Diluted Earnings per Share”. Diluted per share information for all periods is presented on a basis consistent with this consensus. On May 14, 2007, the Company redeemed all remaining Senior Convertible Notes. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Senior Convertible Notes represented 0.4 million equivalent shares and had after tax interest expense of $0.3 million.
(B) In November and December 2007, the Company repurchased 1,111,600 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $20.7 million, or an average cost of $18.66 per share. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company repurchased 1,636,376 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $29.5 million, or an average cost of $18.01 per share. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, the Company repurchased 1,561,849 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $24.8 million, or an average cost of $15.93 per share.
(C) Based on trailing 12-month net income and average quarter-end shareholders’ equity.
(D) Includes licensed producers working in Horace Mann agents’ offices and excludes independent agents.
(E) Book value per share excluding the fair value adjustment for investments was $16.15 at December 31, 2008 and $16.47 at December 31, 2007. Ending shares outstanding were 39,061,788 at December 31, 2008 and 42,240,484 at December 31, 2007.

 

- 1 -


HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

Statements of Operations and Supplemental GAAP Consolidated Data (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Quarter Ended
December 31,
          Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2008     2007     % Change     2008     2007     % Change  

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

            

Insurance premiums and contract charges earned

   $ 168.8     $ 166.3     1.5 %   $ 658.5     $ 654.3     0.6 %

Net investment income

     58.1       57.5     1.0 %     230.3       223.8     2.9 %

Net realized investment losses

     (8.2 )     (5.5 )   49.1 %     (63.9 )     (3.4 )   N.M.  

Other income

     2.4       3.3     -27.3 %     9.9       12.3     -19.5 %

Total revenues

     221.1       221.6     -0.2 %     834.8       887.0     -5.9 %

Benefits, claims and settlement expenses

     111.3       101.5     9.7 %     471.5       408.5     15.4 %

Interest credited

     33.9       32.2     5.3 %     131.8       127.2     3.6 %

Policy acquisition expenses amortized

     23.1       20.0     15.5 %     79.1       75.7     4.5 %

Operating expenses

     33.7       37.8     -10.8 %     132.4       139.0     -4.7 %

Amortization of intangible assets

     1.2       1.4     -14.3 %     5.3       5.4     -1.9 %

Interest expense

     4.3       3.5     22.9 %     14.5       14.1     2.8 %

Total benefits, losses and expenses

     207.5       196.4     5.7 %     834.6       769.9     8.4 %

Income before income taxes

     13.6       25.2     -46.0 %     0.2       117.1     -99.8 %

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (9.3 )     7.2     N.M.       (10.7 )     34.3     N.M.  

Net income

   $ 22.9     $ 18.0     27.2 %   $ 10.9     $ 82.8     -86.8 %

ANALYSIS OF PREMIUMS WRITTEN AND CONTRACT DEPOSITS

            

Property & Casualty

            

Automobile and property (voluntary)

   $ 134.8     $ 129.5     4.1 %   $ 542.2     $ 530.6     2.2 %

Involuntary and other property & casualty

     2.3       2.6     -11.5 %     3.7       4.6     -19.6 %

Total Property & Casualty

     137.1       132.1     3.8 %     545.9       535.2     2.0 %

Annuity deposits

     73.9       78.8     -6.2 %     311.7       337.1     -7.5 %

Life

     28.1       28.3     -0.7 %     102.5       102.4     0.1 %

Total

   $ 239.1     $ 239.2     0.0 %   $ 960.1     $ 974.7     -1.5 %

ANALYSIS OF SEGMENT NET INCOME (LOSS)

            

Property & Casualty

   $ 14.5     $ 16.1     -9.9 %   $ 28.1     $ 61.2     -54.1 %

Annuity

     2.9       3.9     -25.6 %     17.3       17.6     -1.7 %

Life

     4.2       4.6     -8.7 %     16.4       17.3     -5.2 %

Corporate and other (A)

     1.3       (6.6 )   N.M.       (50.9 )     (13.3 )   N.M.  

Net income

     22.9       18.0     27.2 %     10.9       82.8     -86.8 %

Catastrophe costs, after tax, included above (B)

     (6.5 )     (3.8 )   71.1 %     (48.1 )     (15.3 )   214.4 %

 

N.M. - Not meaningful.

(A) The Corporate and Other segment includes interest expense on debt and the impact of realized investment gains and losses and other corporate level items. The Company does not allocate the impact of corporate level transactions to the insurance segments consistent with how management evaluates the results of those segments. See detail for this segment on page 4.
(B) Includes allocated loss adjustment expenses and catastrophe reinsurance reinstatement premiums. See also page 3.

 

- 2 -


HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

Supplemental Business Segment Overview (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Quarter Ended
December 31,
          Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2008     2007     % Change     2008     2007     % Change  

PROPERTY & CASUALTY

            

Premiums written

   $ 137.1     $ 132.1     3.8 %   $ 545.9     $ 535.2     2.0 %

Premiums earned

     139.1       135.9     2.4 %     541.1       535.1     1.1 %

Net investment income

     8.7       10.2     -14.7 %     35.7       38.0     -6.1 %

Other income

     0.4       0.9     -55.6 %     1.5       2.9     -48.3 %

Losses and loss adjustment expenses (LAE)

     95.9       90.1     6.4 %     416.1       360.4     15.5 %

Operating expenses (includes policy acquisition expenses amortized)

     33.2       34.8     -4.6 %     128.5       130.9     -1.8 %

Income before tax

     19.1       22.1     -13.6 %     33.7       84.7     -60.2 %

Net income

     14.5       16.1     -9.9 %     28.1       61.2     -54.1 %

Net investment income, after tax

     7.2       8.3     -13.3 %     29.8       31.3     -4.8 %

Catastrophe costs, after tax (A)

     6.5       3.8     71.1 %     48.1       15.3     214.4 %

Catastrophe losses and LAE, before tax

     9.9       5.9     67.8 %     73.9       23.6     213.1 %

Reinsurance reinstatement premiums, before tax

     —         —       —         —         —       —    

Operating statistics:

            

Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio

     69.0 %     66.3 %   N.M.       76.9 %     67.4 %   N.M.  

Expense ratio

     23.9 %     25.6 %   N.M.       23.8 %     24.5 %   N.M.  

Combined ratio

     92.9 %     91.9 %   N.M.       100.7 %     91.9 %   N.M.  

Effect of catastrophe costs on the combined ratio

     7.2 %     4.3 %   N.M.       13.7 %     4.4 %   N.M.  

Automobile and property detail:

            

Premiums written (voluntary) (B)

   $ 134.8     $ 129.5     4.1 %   $ 542.2     $ 530.6     2.2 %

Automobile

     92.6       90.7     2.1 %     367.8       365.3     0.7 %

Property

     42.2       38.8     8.8 %     174.4       165.3     5.5 %

Premiums earned (voluntary) (B)

     136.1       132.5     2.7 %     537.8       525.1     2.4 %

Automobile

     91.9       91.3     0.7 %     365.5       364.6     0.2 %

Property

     44.2       41.2     7.3 %     172.3       160.5     7.4 %

Policies in force (voluntary) (in thousands)

           798       801     -0.4 %

Automobile

           535       535     —    

Property

           263       266     -1.1 %

Policy renewal rate (voluntary)

            

Automobile (6 months)

           91.1 %     91.0 %   N.M.  

Property (12 months)

           88.6 %     88.3 %   N.M.  

Voluntary automobile operating statistics:

            

Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio

     67.0 %     70.2 %   N.M.       68.0 %     69.7 %   N.M.  

Expense ratio

     23.4 %     25.3 %   N.M.       23.5 %     24.5 %   N.M.  

Combined ratio

     90.4 %     95.5 %   N.M.       91.5 %     94.2 %   N.M.  

Effect of catastrophe costs on the combined ratio

     0.0 %     0.3 %   N.M.       1.2 %     0.5 %   N.M.  

Total property operating statistics:

            

Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio

     74.7 %     58.2 %   N.M.       97.2 %     60.4 %   N.M.  

Expense ratio

     24.8 %     26.7 %   N.M.       24.2 %     25.2 %   N.M.  

Combined ratio

     99.5 %     84.9 %   N.M.       121.4 %     85.6 %   N.M.  

Effect of catastrophe costs on the combined ratio

     21.6 %     12.9 %   N.M.       40.4 %     13.6 %   N.M.  

Prior years’ reserves favorable (adverse) development, pretax

            

Voluntary automobile

   $ 6.3     $ 5.1     23.5 %   $ 16.0     $ 12.3     30.1 %

Total property

     (0.6 )     0.1     N.M.       (0.5 )     7.7     N.M.  

Other property and casualty

     1.0       —       N.M.       2.6       —       N.M.  

Total

     6.7       5.2     28.8 %     18.1       20.0     -9.5 %

 

N.M. - Not meaningful.

(A) Includes allocated loss adjustment expenses and catastrophe reinsurance reinstatement premiums.
(B) Amounts are net of additional ceded premiums to reinstate the Company’s property and casualty catastrophe reinsurance coverage, if any, as quantified above.

 

- 3 -


HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

Supplemental Business Segment Overview (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Quarter Ended
December 31,
          Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2008     2007     % Change     2008     2007     % Change  

ANNUITY

            

Contract deposits

   $ 73.9     $ 78.8     -6.2 %   $ 311.7     $ 337.1     -7.5 %

Variable

     31.8       38.7     -17.8 %     134.4       149.9     -10.3 %

Fixed

     42.1       40.1     5.0 %     177.3       187.2     -5.3 %

Contract charges earned

     3.9       5.4     -27.8 %     17.7       21.8     -18.8 %

Net investment income

     34.7       32.8     5.8 %     136.2       128.9     5.7 %

Net interest margin (without realized investment gains and losses)

     10.5       10.0     5.0 %     42.7       38.9     9.8 %

Other income

     0.8       1.5     -46.7 %     4.9       5.7     -14.0 %

Mortality loss and other reserve changes

     (1.3 )     0.7     N.M.       (1.7 )     (0.2 )   N.M.  

Operating expenses (includes policy acquisition expenses amortized)

     12.8       10.6     20.8 %     39.0       36.2     7.7 %

Amortization of intangible assets

     0.9       1.1     -18.2 %     4.0       4.1     -2.4 %

Income (loss) before tax

     0.2       5.9     -96.6 %     20.6       25.9     -20.5 %

Net income

     2.9       3.9     -25.6 %     17.3       17.6     -1.7 %

Pretax income increase (decrease) due to valuation of:

            

Deferred policy acquisition costs

   $ (4.1 )   $ (1.4 )   192.9 %   $ (4.0 )   $ (1.2 )   233.3 %

Value of acquired insurance in force

     —         (0.1 )   -100.0 %     —         (0.2 )   -100.0 %

Guaranteed minimum death benefit reserve

     (1.0 )     0.8     N.M.       (1.3 )     0.7     N.M.  

Annuity contracts in force (in thousands)

           171       167     2.4 %

Accumulated value on deposit

         $ 3,262.3     $ 3,714.1     -12.2 %

Variable

           965.2       1,562.2     -38.2 %

Fixed

           2,297.1       2,151.9     6.7 %

Annuity accumulated value retention - 12 months

            

Variable accumulations

           93.2 %     90.9 %   N.M.  

Fixed accumulations

           93.5 %     91.6 %   N.M.  

LIFE

            

Premiums and contract deposits

   $ 28.1     $ 28.3     -0.7 %   $ 102.5     $ 102.4     0.1 %

Premiums and contract charges earned

     25.8       25.0     3.2 %     99.7       97.4     2.4 %

Net investment income

     14.8       14.6     1.4 %     59.3       57.0     4.0 %

Income before tax

     6.4       7.0     -8.6 %     25.6       26.6     -3.8 %

Net income

     4.2       4.6     -8.7 %     16.4       17.3     -5.2 %

Pretax income increase (decrease) due to valuation of:

            

Deferred policy acquisition costs

   $ (0.3 )   $ (0.2 )   50.0 %   $ (0.2 )   $ (0.2 )   —    

Life policies in force (in thousands)

           221       226     -2.2 %

Life insurance in force

         $ 13,672     $ 13,577     0.7 %

Lapse ratio - 12 months (Ordinary life insurance)

           5.4 %     5.8 %   N.M.  

CORPORATE AND OTHER (A)

            

Components of loss before tax:

            

Net realized investment losses

   $ (8.2 )   $ (5.5 )   49.1 %   $ (63.9 )   $ (3.4 )   N.M.  

Interest expense

     (4.3 )     (3.5 )   22.9 %     (14.5 )     (14.1 )   2.8 %

Other operating expenses, net investment income and other income

     0.4       (0.8 )   N.M.       (1.3 )     (2.6 )   -50.0 %

Loss before tax

     (12.1 )     (9.8 )   23.5 %     (79.7 )     (20.1 )   N.M.  

Net income (loss)

     1.3       (6.6 )   N.M.       (50.9 )     (13.3 )   N.M.  

 

N.M. - Not meaningful.

(A) The Corporate and Other segment includes interest expense on debt and the impact of realized investment gains and losses and other corporate level items. The Company does not allocate the impact of corporate level transactions to the insurance segments consistent with how management evaluates the results of those segments.

 

- 4 -


HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

Supplemental Business Segment Overview (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Quarter Ended
December 31,
          Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2008     2007     % Change     2008     2007     % Change  

INVESTMENTS

            

Annuity and Life

            

Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost 2008, $3,145.4; 2007, $3,136.8)

         $ 2,876.7     $ 3,135.1     -8.2 %

Equity securities, at fair value (cost 2008, $55.6; 2007, $55.7)

           38.3       50.8     -24.6 %

Short-term investments

           154.1       33.5     360.0 %

Short-term investments, securities lending collateral

           —         76.7     -100.0 %

Policy loans and other

           109.2       102.8     6.2 %
                        

Total Annuity and Life investments

           3,178.3       3,398.9     -6.5 %

Property & Casualty

            

Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost 2008, $642.5; 2007, $733.5)

           608.6       737.9     -17.5 %

Equity securities, at fair value (cost 2008, $30.6; 2007, $38.4)

           23.3       35.7     -34.7 %

Short-term investments

           66.0       7.7     N.M.  

Short-term investments, securities lending collateral

           —         —       —    
                        

Total Property & Casualty investments

           697.9       781.3     -10.7 %

Corporate investments

           25.6       0.1     N.M.  

Total investments

           3,901.8       4,180.3     -6.7 %

Net investment income

            

Before tax

   $ 58.1     $ 57.5     1.0 %   $ 230.3     $ 223.8     2.9 %

After tax

     39.3       39.1     0.5 %     156.3       152.1     2.8 %

Net realized investment gains (losses) by investment portfolio included in

            

Corporate and Other segment income (loss)

            

Property & Casualty

   $ (2.8 )   $ (0.5 )   N.M.     $ (16.4 )   $ (0.7 )   N.M.  

Annuity

     (5.3 )     (5.0 )   N.M.       (47.1 )     (1.5 )   N.M.  

Life

     (0.1 )     —       N.M.       (0.4 )     (1.2 )   N.M.  

Corporate and Other

     0.0       —       N.M.       0.0       —       N.M.  
                                    

Total, before tax

     (8.2 )     (5.5 )   N.M.       (63.9 )     (3.4 )   N.M.  

Total, after tax

     2.7       (3.6 )   N.M.       (41.5 )     (2.2 )   N.M.  

Per share, diluted

   $ 0.07     $ (0.08 )   N.M.     $ (1.02 )   $ (0.05 )   N.M.  

 

N.M. - Not meaningful.

 

- 5 -


HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION

Supplemental Business Segment Overview (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     December 31, 2008     September 30,
2008
    June 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
     Fair
Value
   Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
    Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
    Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
    Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
 

FIXED MATURITY & EQUITY SECURITY INVESTMENTS

           

Fixed income securities

           

U.S. government and federally sponsored agency bonds

   $ 139.0    $ 4.9     $ 0.2     $ 0.8     $ 2.3  

Municipal bonds

     493.3      (14.1 )     (22.8 )     (5.1 )     6.0  

Corporate bonds

           

Financial institutions

     181.1      (19.9 )     (31.6 )     (13.5 )     (3.0 )

Other

     1,285.3      (122.6 )     (113.5 )     (34.1 )     11.0  

High yield

     129.2      (38.0 )     (17.2 )     (9.5 )     (4.6 )

Foreign government bonds

     14.9      0.5       0.5       0.9       1.5  

Mortgage-backed securities

           

Prime agency

     849.5      20.5       (0.6 )     (2.3 )     1.9  

Prime other

     15.7      (0.6 )     (0.1 )     (1.6 )     0.5  

Sub-prime, Alt-A

     7.1      (0.7 )     (0.7 )     (0.6 )     (0.1 )

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     221.7      (108.6 )     (47.1 )     (23.9 )     (5.4 )

Asset-backed securities

           

Sub-prime, Alt-A

     3.9      0.1       (0.3 )     (0.1 )     —    

Collateralized debt obligations, collateralized loan obligations

     16.7      (0.4 )     (1.2 )     (2.5 )     (3.8 )

Other

     88.5      (8.5 )     (3.8 )     (1.1 )     0.4  

Preferred stocks

           

Financial institutions

     65.7      (29.8 )     (25.1 )     (9.4 )     (7.6 )

Other

     33.0      (10.0 )     (8.1 )     (4.2 )     (3.4 )
                                       

Total fixed income securities

     3,544.6      (327.2 )     (271.4 )     (106.2 )     (4.3 )

Common stocks

     2.3      —         0.3       0.3       (0.5 )

Derivatives

     —        —         —         —         —    
                                       

Total fixed maturity and equity security investments

   $ 3,546.9    $ (327.2 )   $ (271.1 )   $ (105.9 )   $ (4.8 )
                                       

 

     December 31, 2008     September 30,
2008
 
     Investment
Positions
   Fair
Value
   Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
    Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

          

By Standard & Poor’s Corporation Rating:

          

AAA

   74    $ 133.4    $ (32.2 )   $ (12.1 )

AA

   25      57.4      (17.4 )     (7.6 )

A

   28      30.4      (58.9 )     (27.4 )

BBB or below

   1      0.5      (0.1 )     —    
                            

Total

   128    $ 221.7    $ (108.6 )   $ (47.1 )
                            

By Vintage Year:

          

2003 and prior

   17    $ 25.9    $ (4.2 )   $ (1.6 )

2004

   14      14.5      (8.7 )     (2.4 )

2005

   37      58.4      (71.3 )     (29.2 )

2006

   25      32.7      (21.8 )     (10.4 )

2007 and later

   35      90.2      (2.6 )     (3.5 )
                            

Total

   128    $ 221.7    $ (108.6 )   $ (47.1 )
                            

 

- 6 -