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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, 2018
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:
 
Name of each exchange on
Title of each class
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 Exchange 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 whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). 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 whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company,"and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer       X      Accelerated filer          
Non-accelerated filer              Smaller reporting company           
Emerging growth company          
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.       

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, 2018, was $1,792.2 million

As of February 15, 2019, the registrant had 40,986,161 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of this Form 10-K as specified in those Items and will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2018.







HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
FORM 10-K
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018
INDEX
Part
 
Item
 
 
 
Page
I
 
1.
 
 
1
 
 
 
 
 
1
 
 
 
 
 
1
 
 
 
 
 
1
 
 
 
 
 
2
 
 
 
 
 
3
 
 
 
 
 
5
 
 
 
 
 
13
 
 
 
 
 
14
 
 
 
 
 
15
 
 
 
 
 
17
 
 
 
 
 
18
 
 
 
 
 
19
 
 
1A.
 
 
19
 
 
1B.
 
 
36
 
 
2.
 
 
36
 
 
3.
 
 
36
 
 
4.
 
 
36
II
 
5.
 
 
36
 
 
6.
 
 
39
 
 
7.
 
 
40
 
 
 
 
 
40
 
 
 
 
 
41
 
 
 
 
 
41
 
 
 
 
 
43
 
 
 
 
 
46
 
 
 
 
 
47
 
 
 
 
 
53
 
 
 
 
 
63
 
 
 
 
 
70
 
 
 
 
 
70
 
 
7A.
 
 
70
 
 
8.
 
 
73
 
 
 
 
 
73
 
 
 
 
 
74
 
 
 
 
 
75
 
 
 
 
 
76
 
 
 
 
 
77
 
 
 
 
 
78
 
 
 
 
 
79
 
 
9.
 

 
141
 
 
9A.
 
 
141
 
 
9B.
 
 
143
III
 
10.
 
 
143
 
 
11.
 
 
144
 
 
12.
 
 
144
 
 
13.
 
 
144
 
 
14.
 
 
144
IV
 
15.
 
 
144
 
 
16.
 
 
156
 
 
 
157





PART I

ITEM 1.    Business

Measures within this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not based on accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (non-GAAP) are marked with an asterisk (*). An explanation of these measures is contained in the Glossary of Selected Terms included as Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are reconciled to the most directly comparable measures prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP) in the Appendix to the Company's Fourth Quarter 2018 Investor Supplement.

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 forward-looking statements is contained in Item 1A and in Item 7 of this report.

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 personal lines of automobile and property) insurance, retirement products (primarily tax-qualified annuities) and life insurance in the U.S. HMEC's principal insurance subsidiaries are Horace Mann Life Insurance Company (HMLIC), Horace Mann Insurance Company (HMIC), Horace Mann Property & Casualty Insurance Company (HMPCIC) and Teachers Insurance Company (TIC), each of which is an Illinois corporation, and Horace Mann Lloyds (HM Lloyds), an insurance company domiciled in Texas.
 
Founded by Educators for Educators®, 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 multi-line 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 Exclusive Distributors supported by the Company's Customer Contact Center. These agents sell Horace Mann's products and limited additional third-party vendor products. 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.
 
The Company's insurance premiums written and contract deposits* for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $1.2 billion and net income was $18.3 million. The Company's total assets were $11.0 billion at December 31, 2018. The Company's investment portfolio had an aggregate fair value of $8.3 billion at December 31, 2018 and consisted primarily of investment grade, publicly traded fixed maturity securities.
 

1




The Company conducts and manages its business through four reporting segments. The three operating segments, representing the major lines of insurance business, are: Property and Casualty, Retirement and Life. The Company does not allocate the impact of corporate-level transactions to the three operating segments, consistent with the basis for management's evaluation of the results of those segments, but classifies those items in the fourth reporting segment, Corporate and Other. Property and Casualty, Retirement, and Life accounted for 55.2%, 35.5% and 9.3%, respectively, of the Company's insurance premiums written and contract deposits for the year ended December 31, 2018.
 
The Company is one of the largest participants in the K-12 educator portion of 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 voluntarily purchased by individuals employed by public school systems or other tax-exempt organizations through the employee benefit plans of those entities. The Company has 403(b) payroll deduction capabilities utilized by approximately 30% of the 13,200 public school districts in the U.S.
 
The Company's annual reports 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 Investors section of the Company's website, 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 website, www.sec.gov.
 
Also available in the Investors section of the Company's website are its corporate governance principles, code of conduct, code of ethics, and corporate social responsibility reports, as well as the charters of the HMEC Board of Director's (Board) Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Executive Committee, Investment and Finance Committee, and Nominating and Governance Committee. Copies also may be obtained by writing to Investor Relations, Horace Mann Educators Corporation, 1 Horace Mann Plaza, Springfield, Illinois 62715-0001.
 
On May 29, 2018, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HMEC submitted the Annual Section 12(a) CEO Certification to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) 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, 2017, the CEO and Chief Financial Officer (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 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 property insurance in 1965. In November 1991, HMEC completed an initial public offering of its common stock. The common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol HMN.


2




Corporate Strategy

The Horace Mann vision is to be the company of choice to provide financial solutions for all educators and others who serve their communities. Management believes the unique value of the Company is providing solutions tailored for educators at each stage of their lives, empowering them to achieve lifelong financial success.
Education Market
Horace Mann serves customers in roughly one-third of the K-12 public school districts in the U.S., with significant opportunity to grow in this niche market. The U.S. Department of Education estimates that there are approximately 6.4 million K-12 public school teachers, administrators and support staff nationwide, a number that is steadily growing. Adjacent markets such as private education staff offer further opportunity.
Because of the focus on this niche market, the Company has a homogeneous customer set with similar characteristics and preferred risk profiles. This allows for more precise underwriting processes and more targeted marketing operations, amplifying the benefit of successful approaches.
In addition, the Company has taken steps to increase its "business-to-business" value to administrators and business officials who make decisions on financial solution providers at the school district level.
Growth Strategy
Horace Mann is implementing a long-term growth strategy designed to provide solutions for the full range of the education market’s financial needs through "PDI":
Products designed to meet educators’ needs and protect their unique risks;
Knowledgeable, trusted distribution tailored to educator preferences; and
Modern, scalable infrastructure that is easy to do business with.

The Company has undertaken a continuous business development process to analyze how to best achieve these strategic objectives: To build capabilities internally, leveraging internal resources; to partner with organizations with specific expertise; or to take advantage of unique opportunities to purchase specific elements to accelerate profitable growth over the long term.
Taking advantage of internal subject matter experts and institutional knowledge, product development has largely been completed internally. In particular, the Retirement and Life product suites have been updated to offer more contemporary investment options with features that meet educators’ risk tolerances.
For coverages Horace Mann does not have the scale or risk tolerance to offer, the Company identifies partners and executes agreements to sell their products through the Horace Mann General Agency. This allows Horace Mann to be the primary point of contact for customers’ financial needs, building brand affinity and loyalty.

3




In some cases inorganic development has made the most sense financially, and the Company decided to acquire capabilities. In 2018, the Company announced plans to acquire:
National Teachers Associates (NTA), a fellow insurer focused on the education market with complementary products and distribution. Headquartered in a suburb of Dallas, family-owned NTA specializes in developing, marketing and underwriting supplemental insurance products, including cancer and heart.
Benefit Consultants Group (BCG), a retirement plan provider with strong employer plan infrastructure and competencies based in Cherry Hill, NJ. BCG expands Horace Mann’s strategic capabilities in the retirement market.

Relevant Products
At the core of Horace Mann’s value proposition is the commitment to providing relevant products and solutions to address the issues that educators face at each stage of their career and life. For example:
For young educators new to the profession, student loan debt often precludes saving for retirement, at the point when those savings would have the most time to grow and make a significant impact at retirement age. Through the Company’s Student Loan Solutions program, educators receive complimentary financial guidance to pursue public servant forgiveness or alternate repayment programs, or consolidate loans at a lower rate, freeing up money to begin a savings program.
For mid-career educators, protecting their loved ones and assets in case of the unexpected becomes a priority. Horace Mann helps provide security and peace of mind by using a consultative sales approach for life insurance and property and casualty coverages.
For educators preparing to retire, the viability of their pension and retirement plans is top of mind. Horace Mann agents are well-versed in state teacher retirement systems, and can help with retirement income modeling and supplemental plans.
Other solutions are valuable to educators across all career stages. A recurring issue for a majority of teachers is spending their own money on classroom supplies. Horace Mann trains its agents to provide in-school workshops on how to optimize classroom crowdfunding opportunities, primarily DonorsChoose.org, to free up money to put toward educators’ own financial goals.
With the acquisition of NTA, the Company will be able to address educators’ need for supplemental insurance, such as cancer, heart and accident. The defined dollar benefit can be used for medical or non-medical costs of an accident, illness or health emergency, which can help customers address unexpected issues without needing to draw down retirement or other savings.
Trusted Distribution
Horace Mann aims to provide multiple complementary distribution channels to meet individual educator preferences. The largest component of this strategy is the Company’s more than 700 Exclusive Distributors with strong school district relationships. These local agents serve as a school district partner, providing financial wellness workshops in schools, consulting with educators and administrators, and supporting school events and activities. This trusted adviser model builds particularly strong brand loyalty and affinity. With the acquisition of NTA, the Company will gain more than 200 additional captive agents in largely complementary geographies.


4




To build brand awareness and encourage market access, the Company partners with multiple national, state and local associations to reach educators. Through strategic alliances with the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), The School Superintendents Association; and the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO), the Company builds relationships with administrators. Through partnerships with the National Education Association (NEA), as well as state and local affiliates, the Company can build credibility with individual educators.

To meet the preferences of customers who prefer "on demand" services, the Company’s direct sales team can provide coverage over the phone. Customers can secure auto, home and life quote and coverage comparisons online.

Modern Infrastructure

The Company is implementing a multi-year effort to upgrade its infrastructure to provide a superior customer experience. The Retirement and Life administration systems have been enhanced for faster, more accurate processes; a substantial reduction in the amount of time it takes to issue Life policies; and improved ease of doing business for both customers and agents. The Property and Casualty administration system upgrade has completed its first phase, reducing claims cycle time and providing more insight into customer and loss trends. In addition, the Company has implemented several initiatives to successfully improve the Company Net Promoter Score (NPS), a leading measure of customer satisfaction.

Through the acquisition of BCG, Horace Mann strengthens its retirement platform to better meet the needs of employers, as well as other worksite capabilities. This will strengthen Horace Mann's value proposition and enhance its retirement plan infrastructure and offerings for school districts.

Reporting Segments

Horace Mann conducts business primarily in four reporting segments: Property and Casualty, Retirement, Life and Corporate and Other.

These Segments are defined based on the way management organizes the segments for making operating decisions and assessing performance. Management maintains discrete financial information by these segments to evaluate performance and allocate resources.

The calculations of segment data are described in more detail in Item 8, Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report. Some of the information is discussed in this section, where the business operations of each segment are explained. The financial performance of each segment is discussed in Item 7 of this report.


5




Property and Casualty

The Company's primary Property and Casualty insurance products include private passenger automobile insurance and residential home insurance. 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.
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2018
 
 
% of Total
Written Premium/
Contract Deposits
 
% of P&C
Written Premium
 
Policies in Force Count
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Automobile
 
38.1%
 
69.0%
 
462,778
Property and other liability
 
17.1%
 
31.0%
 
212,927
Total
 
55.2%
 
100.0%
 
675,705

The Company offers standard auto coverages, including liability, collision and comprehensive. Horace Mann customers are mostly preferred risks, while the Company utilizes partner carriers for non-standard auto coverages. Property coverage includes both homeowners and renters policies. For both auto and property coverage, the Company offers educators a discounted rate and the Educator Advantage® package of features. This includes value-added benefits specifically for educators, such as liability coverage for transporting students in an insured vehicle and reimbursement for stolen school fundraising items.

The Company has programs in a majority of states to provide higher-risk automobile and property coverages, as well as a number of other insurance coverages, with third-party vendors underwriting and bearing the risk of such insurance and the Company receiving commissions on the sales. Similarly, the Company has increased its offering of third-party vendor products in many areas to include coverage for small business owners and classic/collector automobiles to meet those aspects of an educator's needs.


6




Catastrophe Costs (Pretax)

The level of catastrophe costs can fluctuate significantly from year to year. Catastrophe costs for the Company for the last ten years are shown in the following table.

Catastrophe Costs (1) 
($ in millions)
Year
 
Month
 
Event Description
 
States/Region
 
Total
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
114.1

 
 
March
 
Winter Storm
 
Northeastern U.S.
 
5.4

 
 
June
 
Wind, Hail
 
CO, UT
 
9.8

 
 
July
 
Carr Fire
 
CA
 
7.0

 
 
September
 
Hurricane Florence
 
Southeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S.
 
14.0

 
 
October
 
Hurricane Michael
 
Southeastern U.S.
 
4.0

 
 
November
 
Camp Fire
 
CA
 
38.0

 
 
 
 
All other single events less than $5.0 million
 
 
 
35.9

2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
61.8

 
 
February
 
Wind, Hail, Tornado
 
Multi-State
 
11.0

 
 
May
 
Wind, Hail, Tornado
 
CO
 
8.8

 
 
June
 
Wind, Hail
 
MN (primarily)
 
8.0

 
 
August
 
Hurricane Harvey
 
Southeastern U.S.
 
5.0

 
 
August
 
Hurricane Irma
 
Eastern U.S.
 
2.5

 
 
 
 
All other single events less than $5.0 million
 
 
 
26.5

2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
60.0

 
 
April
 
Wind, Hail
 
Multi-State
 
9.2

 
 
September
 
Hurricane Matthew
 
Southeastern U.S.
 
10.0

 
 
 
 
All other single events less than $5.0 million
 
 
 
40.8

2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
44.4

 
 
February
 
Winter Storm
 
Multi-State
 
8.9

 
 
 
 
All other single events less than $5.0 million
 
 
 
35.5

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
37.5

 
 
May
 
Wind, Hail
 
Multi-State
 
8.5

 
 
 
 
All other single events less than $5.0 million
 
 
 
29.0

2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
40.2

 
 
May
 
Wind, Hail, Tornado
 
Multi-State
 
10.1

 
 
August
 
Wind, Hail, Tornado
 
CO, MN, SD, WI
 
7.9

 
 
 
 
All other single events less than $5.0 million
 
 
 
22.2

2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
43.3

 
 
March
 
Wind, Hail, Tornado
 
Multi-State
 
6.6

 
 
April
 
Wind, Hail, Tornado
 
Multi-State
 
6.6

 
 
May
 
Wind, Hail, Tornado
 
Multi-State
 
5.8

 
 
June
 
Wind, Hail, Tornado
 
Multi-State
 
11.9

 
 
August
 
Hurricane Isaac
 
Multi-State
 
4.0

 
 
October
 
Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy
 
Eastern and Mid-Atlantic U.S.
 
2.8

 
 
 
 
All other single events less than $5.0 million
 
 
 
5.6

2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
86.0

 
 
April
 
Wind, Hail, Tornado
 
Multi-State
 
28.0

 
 
May
 
Wind, Hail, Tornado
 
Multi-State
 
17.6

 
 
June
 
Wind, Hail, Tornado
 
Multi-State
 
8.5

 
 
August
 
Hurricane Irene
 
NC
 
8.0

 
 
 
 
All other single events less than $5.0 million
 
 
 
23.9

2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
49.2

 
 
May
 
Wind, Hail, Tornado
 
Multi-State
 
8.3

 
 
June
 
Wind, Hail, Tornado
 
Multi-State
 
12.1

 
 
July
 
Wind, Hail, Tornado
 
Multi-State
 
5.5

 
 
October
 
Wind, Hail, Tornado
 
Multi-State
 
7.7

 
 
 
 
All other single events less than $5.0 million
 
 
 
15.6

2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
33.1

 
 
June
 
Wind, Hail, Tornado
 
Multi-State
 
6.3

 
 
July
 
Wind, Hail, Tornado
 
Multi-State
 
9.3

 
 
 
 
All other single events less than $5.0 million
 
 
 
17.5

 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
Net of reinsurance and before income tax benefits. Includes allocated loss adjustment expenses and reinsurance reinstatement premiums; excludes unallocated loss adjustment expenses.

7




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

Impact of Catastrophe Losses
($ in millions)
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and claim expenses incurred (1)
 
$
547.7

 
$
496.3

 
$
464.1

Deduct: amount attributable to catastrophes (2)
 
107.3

 
61.8

 
60.0

Excluding catastrophes (1)
 
$
440.4

 
$
434.5

 
$
404.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims and claim expense payments
 
$
532.0

 
$
481.1

 
$
468.8

Deduct: amount attributable to catastrophes (2)
 
97.5

 
65.6

 
62.0

Excluding catastrophes
 
$
434.5

 
$
415.5

 
$
406.8

 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
Includes the impact of development of prior years' reserves as quantified in Property and Casualty Reserves.
(2) 
Net of reinsurance and before income tax benefits. Includes allocated loss adjustment expenses; excludes unallocated loss adjustment expenses.

Property and Casualty Reserves
 
Property and Casualty unpaid claims and claim 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 estimate of the reserve as of each reporting date in conformity with generally accepted actuarial standards. For additional information regarding the process used to estimate Property and Casualty reserves and the risk factors involved, as well as a summary reconciliation of the beginning and ending Property and Casualty insurance claims and claim expense reserves and reserve development recorded in each of the three years ended December 31, 2018, see Item 8, Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, and Item 7, Critical Accounting Estimates and Results of Operations for the Property and Casualty Segment for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2018 in this report.
 
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. Due to the nature of the Company's personal lines business, the Company has no exposure to losses related to claims for toxic waste cleanup, other environmental remediation or asbestos-related illnesses other than claims under property insurance policies for environmentally related items such as mold.
 
Property and Casualty Reinsurance
 
All reinsurance is obtained through contracts which generally are entered into for each calendar year. Although reinsurance does not legally discharge the Company from primary liability for the full amount of its policies, it does allow for recovery from assuming reinsurers to the extent of the reinsurance ceded. Past due reinsurance recoverables as of December 31, 2018 were not material.
 

8




The Company maintains catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance coverage. For 2018, the Company's catastrophe excess of loss coverage consisted of one contract in addition to a minimal amount of coverage by the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF). The catastrophe excess of loss contract provided 95% coverage for catastrophe losses above a retention of $25.0 million per occurrence up to $175.0 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 $85.0 million excess of $90.0 million. The Company's 2019 catastrophe excess of loss coverage is unchanged from 2018.

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, including estimated start-up and ongoing costs related to CEA participation, management believes it is in the Company's best economic interest to offer earthquake coverage directly to its property policyholders.
 
For liability coverages, in 2018 the Company reinsured each loss above a retention of $1.0 million up to $5.0 million per occurrence and $20.0 million in a clash event. A clash cover is a reinsurance casualty excess contract requiring two or more casualty coverages or policies issued by the Company to be involved in the same loss occurrence for coverage to apply. The Company's 2019 liability coverages are unchanged from 2018.

The Company markets personal lines excess liability policies. The limits of these policies are $1.0 million to $5.0 million in excess of $0.5 million of underlying auto and homeowners liability coverage. The Company reinsures these policies on a quota share basis with General Reinsurance Corporation (GRC). GRC assumes 95% of losses, including allocated loss adjustment expenses and premiums for all states except Massachusetts. For business written in the state of Massachusetts, the quota share portion is 75%.

For auto insurance sold in Michigan, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is unlimited in compliance with Michigan state law. The Company participates in the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA). For policies issued in 2018, MCCA reimburses PIP losses including allocated loss adjustment expenses in excess of $0.6 million.

For property coverages, in 2018 the Company reinsured each loss above a retention of $1.0 million up to $5.0 million per risk, including catastrophe losses. Also, the Company could submit to the reinsurers two per risk losses from the same occurrence for a total of $8.0 million of property recovery in any one event. The Company's 2019 property coverages are unchanged from 2018.


9




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 Global Inc. (S&P) as of January 1, 2019. No other single reinsurer's percentage participation in 2019 or 2018 exceeds 5%.
 
Property Catastrophe First Event Excess of Loss
Reinsurance Participants In Excess of 5%
A.M. Best
 
S&P
 
 
 
 
 
Participation
Rating
 
Rating
 
Reinsurer
 
Parent
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A
 
A+
 
Lloyd's of London Syndicates
 
 
 
28
%
 
31
%
NR
 
AA-
 
R+V Versicherung AG
 
DZ BANK AG
 
8
%
 
8
%
A+
 
AA-
 
Swiss Re Underwriters Agency, Inc.
 
Swiss Re Ltd.
 
7
%
 
7
%
A+
 
AA-
 
SCOR Global P&C SE
 
SCOR SE
 
7
%
 
7
%
 
 
 
 
 
NR - Not rated.
 
For both 2019 and 2018, remaining property catastrophe reinsurers representing 100% of the Company's aggregate reinsured catastrophe coverage were rated A- (Excellent) or above by A.M. Best.

Retirement

Educators in the Company's target market continue to benefit from the provisions of Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (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 utilize pretax income to make 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 K-12 educator portion of the 403(b) tax-qualified annuity market, measured by 403(b) net written premium on a statutory accounting basis. The Company has 403(b) payroll deduction capabilities utilized by approximately 30% of the 13,200 public school districts in the U.S. Of the Company's new annuity contract deposits in 2018, 57.2% were for 403(b) tax-qualified annuities and 61.9% of accumulated annuity value on deposit is 403(b) tax-qualified. In 2018, premium written* by Retirement represented 35.5% of the Company's consolidated insurance premiums written and contract deposits.
 
The Company markets both fixed and variable annuity contracts, primarily on a tax-qualified basis. Fixed only annuities provide a guarantee of principal and a guaranteed minimum rate of return. These contracts are backed by the Company's general account investments. The Company bears the investment risk associated with the investments and may change the declared interest rate on these contracts subject to contract guarantees. The Company also offers fixed indexed annuity (FIA) products with interest crediting strategies linked to the S&P 500 Index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). These products are fixed annuities with a guaranteed minimum interest rate, as described above, plus a contingent return based on equity market performance. The Company purchases call options on the applicable indices as an investment to provide the income needed to fund the annual index credits on the indexed products. See Item 8, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 4, for more information.
 
Variable annuities combine a fixed account option with equity-linked and bond-linked sub-account options. In general, contractholders bear the investment risk related to the variable annuity sub-accounts and may change their allocation at any time between the guaranteed interest rate fixed account and the wide range of variable investment options. By utilizing tools that provide assistance in determining needs and making asset allocation decisions, contractholders are able to choose the investment mix that matches their

10




personal risk tolerance and retirement goals. The Company's sub-account options also include both lifecycle funds and asset allocation funds. These all-purpose funds have assets allocated among multiple investment classes within each fund based on a specific targeted retirement date or risk tolerance.
 
Variable annuity contracts with a guaranteed minimum death benefit (GMDB) provide an additional benefit if the contractholder dies and the contract value is less than a contractually defined amount. The Company has a relatively low exposure to GMDB risk as 30.0% of contract values have no guarantee; 64.6% have only a return of premium guarantee; and only 5.4% have a guarantee of premium roll-up at an annual rate of 3.0% or 5.0%.
 
As of December 31, 2018, the Company had 102 variable sub-account options including funds managed by some of the best known names in the mutual fund industry such as AllianceBernstein, American Funds, Ariel, BlackRock, Calvert, Davis, Dreyfus, Fidelity, Franklin Templeton, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Lord Abbett, MFS, Neuberger Berman, Putnam, T. Rowe Price, Vanguard, Wells Fargo and Wilshire, offering the Company's customers multiple investment options to address their personal investment objectives and risk tolerance. These funds have been selected with the assistance of Wilshire Associates, the Company's fund advisor, until October 1, 2018 when they were replaced by SWBC Retirement Plan Services. The fund advisor provides oversight and input to fund manager additions and replacements. Total accumulated fixed and variable annuity cash value on deposit at December 31, 2018 was $6.7 billion.

In 2017, the Company introduced the Personal Retirement Planner (PRP) annuity series, replacing its previous individual annuity lineup. The PRP series includes a flexible premium deferred variable annuity, a flexible premium deferred fixed indexed annuity, a single premium deferred fixed annuity and a single premium immediate annuity. Consistent across all of these products is the elimination of any surrender charges for early withdrawal. This is supported by a revision in the compensation structure for the Company's Exclusive Distributors which pays them a consistent level percentage of account value each year in lieu of paying commissions up front on each deposit. The two fixed deferred annuity products each contain a market value adjustment clause to help mitigate disintermediation risk. The variable annuity offers a wide array of variable sub-accounts that are devoid of any revenue sharing or 12b-1 fees to provide greater fee transparency. The single premium deferred fixed annuity allows the customer to lock-in a fixed interest rate for a single lump sum payment for a period of 5, 7 or 10 years. FIA provides an opportunity for potentially greater credited interest over the long term than traditional fixed rate annuities by linking the credited interest rates to changes in a market index. In late 2018, the Company reintroduced two traditional fixed rate annuities and the original FIA from the previous annuity portfolio. This was done to expand the choices available to the Company's customers, particularly for customers who prefer the certainty of a declining surrender charge versus the unknown potential impact of a market value adjustment. These products also offer up-front premium bonuses which were eliminated in the 2017 product portfolio.

In addition to variable annuities, the Company administers the Horace Mann Retirement Advantage® open architecture platform for 403(b)(7) and other defined contribution plans. This platform combines a wide array of mutual funds integrated with a group unallocated fixed annuity stable value fund. This platform provides the Company with greater flexibility to offer customized 403(b)(7) and other qualified plan solutions to better meet the needs of school districts and other non-for-profit plan sponsors. With the acquisition of BCG, the Company expects to migrate the administration of its Retirement Advantage® platform from a third-party vendor to the BCG platform and it expects to offer its Group Unallocated Fixed Annuity as a stable value option within a number of the 401(k) plans BCG administers.

11




To further assist registered representatives in delivering the Horace Mann Value Proposition, the Company has entered into third-party vendor agreements with American Funds Distributors, Inc. and Fidelity Distributors Corporation, to market their respective 529 college savings programs, and a brokerage clearing arrangement with Raymond James Financial, Inc. In addition, the Company's Investment Advisor Representatives offer investment portfolios managed by unaffiliated registered investment advisors. With the recent expansion of the Company’s annuity lineup and introduction of the Retirement Advantage® platform, the Company has significantly reduced its utilization of third-party vendor products to help fill the life and retirement needs not met by products manufactured by the Company. But that capability of selling third-party manufactured products and receiving a fee on such sales remains in place where opportunity arises.

Life

The Company entered the individual life insurance business in 1949. The Company offers traditional term and whole life insurance products and, from time to time, revises products and product features or develops new products. Additionally, the Company offers a discount for educator customers.
($ in millions)
 
Year Ended December 31, 2018
 
 
% of Total
Written Premium/
Contract Deposits
 
% of Life
Written Premium
 
Life Insurance
in Force
 
Policies in Force Count
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Whole life, term and group
 
5.5%
 
59.1%
 
$
14,680

 
146,439

Experience life and indexed universal life
 
3.8%
 
40.9%
 
3,598

 
52,075

Total
 
9.3%
 
100.0%
 
$
18,278

 
198,514


During 2018, the average face amount of ordinary life insurance policies issued by the Company was approximately $186,000 and the average face amount of all ordinary life insurance policies in force at December 31, 2018 was approximately $108,000.

The Company offers a lineup of several product portfolios. Life by Design is a portfolio of Horace Mann manufactured and branded life insurance products which specifically address the financial planning needs of educators. The Life by Design portfolio features individual whole life and individual 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.

The Company offers a combination product called Life Select that mixes a base of either traditional whole life, 20-pay life or life paid-up at age 65 with a variety of term riders to allow for more flexibility in tailoring the coverage to customers' varying life insurance needs. Additional products and features include single premium whole life products, as well as a preferred plus underwriting category and $0.5 million and $1.0 million rate band enhancements for term products. The Company offers Cash Value Term — a term policy that builds cash value while providing the income protection of traditional level term life insurance.
 
The Company offers an indexed universal life (IUL) product with interest crediting strategies linked to the S&P 500 Index and the DJIA offering a contingent return based on equity market performance. Along with expanded product offerings, new marketing support tools continue to be introduced to aid the agency force. 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.

12




Life Reinsurance

The maximum individual life insurance risk retained by the Company is $300,000 on any individual life, while either $100,000 or $125,000 is retained on each group life policy depending on the type of coverage. 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. In 2018, the Company reinsured 100% of the catastrophe risk in excess of $1.0 million up to $35.0 million per occurrence, with one reinstatement. For 2019, the Company's catastrophe risk coverage is unchanged. The Company's life catastrophe risk reinsurance program covers acts of terrorism and includes nuclear, biological and chemical explosions but excludes other acts of war.

Corporate and Other

Corporate and Other includes capital raising activities (including debt financing and related interest expense), net investment gains (losses), certain public company expenses and other corporate-level transactions (including expenses related to business acquisition activity). The Company does not allocate the impact of corporate-level transactions to the operating segments, consistent with the basis for management's evaluation of the results of those segments.

Geographic Composition of Business
 
The Company's business is geographically diversified. For the year ended December 31, 2018, based on direct premiums and contract deposits for all product lines, the top five states and their portion of total direct insurance premiums and contract deposits were California, 8.3%; Texas, 7.3%; North Carolina, 6.5%; Minnesota, 5.8%; and South Carolina, 5.7%.
 
HMEC's property and casualty subsidiaries are licensed to write business in 48 states and the District of Columbia. The following table shows the Company's top ten Property and Casualty states based on total direct premiums.
Property and Casualty Segment Top Ten States
($ in millions)
 
 
Property and Casualty Segment
 
 
2018 Direct
Premiums (1)
 
Percent
of Total
State
 
 
 
 
California
 
$
75.6

 
10.9
%
Texas
 
61.8

 
8.9

North Carolina
 
49.3

 
7.1

Minnesota
 
39.6

 
5.7

South Carolina
 
34.3

 
5.0

Louisiana
 
32.6

 
4.7

Georgia
 
31.3

 
4.5

Florida
 
29.5

 
4.3

Pennsylvania
 
24.0

 
3.5

Colorado
 
21.8

 
3.2

Total of top ten states
 
399.8

 
57.8

All other areas
 
292.3

 
42.2

Total direct premiums
 
$
692.1

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
Defined as earned premiums before reinsurance as determined under statutory accounting principles.

13




HMEC's principal life insurance subsidiary is licensed to write business in 48 states and the District of Columbia. The following table shows the Company's top ten combined Life and Retirement states based on total direct premiums and contract deposits.

Combined Life and Retirement Segments Top Ten States
($ in millions) 
 
 
2018 Direct
Premiums and
Contract Deposits (1)
 
Percent
of Total
State
 
 
 
 
South Carolina
 
$
36.9

 
6.6
%
Pennsylvania
 
35.8

 
6.4

Minnesota
 
32.7

 
5.8

North Carolina
 
31.6

 
5.6

Florida
 
31.1

 
5.6

Texas
 
30.1

 
5.4

California
 
28.7

 
5.1

Indiana
 
25.7

 
4.6

Virginia
 
24.4

 
4.4

Illinois
 
24.2

 
4.3

Total of top ten states
 
301.2

 
53.8

All other areas
 
258.3

 
46.2

Total direct premiums
 
$
559.5

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
Defined as collected premiums before reinsurance as determined under statutory accounting principles.

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, widespread advertising campaigns, more diversified product lines, greater economies of scale and/or lower-cost marketing approaches compared to the Company. In the Company's target market, management believes that the principal competitive factors in the sale of Property and Casualty's insurance products are overall service, worksite sales and service, price, and name recognition. Management believes that the principal competitive factors in the sale of Retirement's products and Life's insurance products are worksite sales and service, product features, perceived stability of the insurer, price, overall service and name recognition.
 
The Company competes in its target market with a number of national providers of personal automobile, property and life insurance such as State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide as well as several regional companies. The Company also competes for automobile business with other companies such as GEICO, Progressive and USAA, many of which feature direct marketing distribution.

Among the national providers of annuities and other financial service platforms that serve the retirement needs of educators and others that serve the community, the Company's major competitors include The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of American International Group; AXA; Voya Financial, Inc.; Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, a subsidiary of National Life Insurance Company; Security Benefit; and Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association – College Retirement Equities Fund. Select mutual fund families and financial planners also compete in this marketplace.
 

14




The market for tax-deferred retirement products in the Company's target market has been impacted by the revised Code Section 403(b) regulations, which made the 403(b) market more comparable to the 401(k) market than it was in the past. While this change has and may continue to reduce the number of competitors in this market, it has made the 403(b) market more attractive to some of the larger companies experienced in 401(k) plans, 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 maturity securities, which are selected to match the anticipated duration of the Company's liabilities. When impairment of the value of an investment is considered other-than-temporary, the decrease in value is recognized and a new cost basis is established.

The Company has separate investment strategies and guidelines for its Property and Casualty, Retirement and Life portfolios, 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 rate sensitive, as is the case in Property and Casualty.
 
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 securities, other asset-backed securities, preferred stocks, common stocks, real estate mortgages, real estate, and alternative investments.
 

15




The following table presents the carrying values and amortized cost or cost of the Company's investment portfolio.
Investment Portfolio
December 31, 2018
($ in millions)
 
 
Percentage
of Total
Carrying
Value
 
Carrying Value
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
Life and
Retirement
 
Property and
Casualty(7)
 
Amortized
Cost or Cost (8)
Publicly Traded Fixed Maturity Securities, Equity Securities
and Short-term Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and agency obligations(1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
 
9.5
%
 
$
787.4

 
$
777.8

 
$
9.6

 
$
778.0

Other, including U.S. Treasury securities
 
10.1

 
833.5

 
826.0

 
7.5

 
835.1

Investment grade corporate and public utility bonds
 
20.8

 
1,714.0

 
1,542.1

 
171.9

 
1,684.8

Non-investment grade corporate and public utility bonds (2)
 
1.0

 
86.5

 
54.4

 
32.1

 
90.2

Investment grade municipal bonds
 
23.4

 
1,928.5

 
1,488.2

 
440.3

 
1,812.0

Non-investment grade municipal bonds (2)
 
0.3

 
27.9

 
11.5

 
16.4

 
27.6

Investment grade other mortgage-backed securities (3)
 
19.7

 
1,622.0

 
1,497.6

 
124.4

 
1,635.8

Non-investment grade other mortgage-backed securities (2)(3)
 
0.5

 
40.8

 
32.7

 
8.1

 
39.4

Foreign government bonds
 
1.0

 
84.9

 
83.6

 
1.3

 
83.3

Redeemable preferred stock, all investment grade
 
0.2

 
17.9

 
17.9

 

 
17.6

Equity securities:
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-redeemable preferred stocks, all investment grade
 
0.7

 
54.7

 
53.6

 
1.1

 
54.7

Common stocks
 
0.5

 
37.2

 

 
37.2

 
37.2

Closed-end fund
 
0.2

 
19.8

 
19.8

 

 
19.8

Short-term investments (4)
 
1.5

 
122.2

 
97.8

 
24.4

 
122.2

Total publicly traded securities
 
89.4

 
7,377.3

 
6,503.0

 
874.3

 
7,237.7

Other Invested Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade private placements
 
4.1

 
338.5

 
338.5

 

 
336.6

Non-investment grade private placements (2)
 
0.4

 
33.4

 
33.4

 

 
33.5

Mortgage loans (5)
 

 
2.7

 
2.7

 

 
2.7

Policy loans (5)
 
1.9

 
154.0

 
154.0

 

 
154.0

Limited partnership interests
 
4.0

 
328.5

 
247.6

 
80.9

 
328.5

Other
 
0.2

 
16.3

 
15.3

 
1.0

 
16.3

Total other invested assets
 
10.6

 
873.4

 
791.5

 
81.9

 
871.6

Total investments (6)
 
100.0
%
 
$
8,250.7

 
$
7,294.5

 
$
956.2

 
$
8,109.3

 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
All investment grade that includes $762.4 million fair value of investments guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and $858.6 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 or when it is downgraded from investment grade, primarily on the basis of the S&P rating for such security, or if there is no S&P rating, the Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's) or Fitch Ratings, Inc. (Fitch) rating for such security, or if there is no S&P, Moody's or Fitch rating, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (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) 
Includes commercial mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, other mortgage-backed securities and collateralized loan obligations.
(4) 
Short-term investments mature within one year of being acquired and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Short-term investments included $117.3 million in money market funds and is not rated.
(5) 
Mortgage and policy loans are carried at amortized cost or unpaid principal balance.
(6) 
Approximately 6.3% of the Company's investment portfolio, having a carrying value of $516.4 million as of December 31, 2018, consisted of securities with some form of credit support, such as insurance. Of the securities with credit support as of December 31, 2018, municipal bonds represented $411.3 million carrying value.
(7) 
Includes $5.4 million of short-term investments held in Corporate and Other.
(8) 
The values of limited partnership interests are carried using the equity method of accounting which approximates fair value.


16




Fixed Maturity Securities
 
For reporting purposes, the Company has classified the entire portfolio of fixed maturity securities as "available for sale". Fixed maturity securities 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 adjustment for net unrealized investment gains (losses) on securities available for sale is recognized as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income within shareholders' equity, net of applicable deferred taxes and the related impact on deferred policy acquisition costs associated with investment contracts and life insurance products with account values. Fixed maturity securities 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.
Fixed Maturity Securities Portfolio
December 31, 2018
 
 
% of Fixed Maturity
Securities Portfolio
 
% of Total
Investment Portfolio
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade
 
97.3
%
 
88.7
%
Non-investment grade
 
2.7
%
 
2.4
%
Publicly traded
 
95.1
%
 
86.6
%
Mortgage-backed securities
 
16.0
%
 
14.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
Average quality
 
A+

 
A+

Average option-adjusted duration
 
5.9 years

 
5.9 years

Percent maturing in next 5 years
 
27.6
%
 
25.2
%

Mortgage-backed 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.

Cash Flow
 
Information regarding HMEC's sources and uses of cash, including payment of principal and interest with respect to HMEC's indebtedness, and payment by HMEC of dividends to its shareholders, is contained Item 8, Note 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements and in Item 7, Liquidity and Financial Resources — Cash Flow and — Capital Resources in this report.
 
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 to HMEC in 2019 from all its insurance subsidiaries without prior regulatory approval is $90.7 million.
 

17




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. Some regulations, such as those addressing unclaimed property, generally apply to all corporations. In addition, the laws of the various states establish regulatory agencies with broad administrative powers, which relate to a wide variety of matters, including granting and revoking licenses to transact business, regulating trade practices and rate setting, licensing agents, requiring statutory financial statements, monitoring insurer solvency and reserve adequacy, and prescribing the type and amount of investments permitted. On an ongoing basis, various state legislators and insurance regulators examine the nature and scope of state insurance regulation.
 
In addition to individual state monitoring and regulation, state regulators develop coordinated regulatory policies through the NAIC. States have adopted NAIC risk-based capital guidelines to evaluate the adequacy of statutory capital and surplus in relation to an insurance company's risks. Based on current guidelines, the risk-based capital statutory requirements are not expected to have a negative regulatory impact on HMEC's insurance subsidiaries. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, statutory capital and surplus of each of HMEC's insurance subsidiaries was above required levels. States have also adopted the NAIC's U.S. Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA) which requires insurance companies to submit their own assessment of their current and future risks and provide a consolidated group-level perspective on risk and capital formulated through an internal risk self-assessment process.
 
Assessments Against Insurers and Mandatory Insurance Facilities
 
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, 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. Also, 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. For the three years ended December 31, 2018, the impacts of the above industry items were not material to the Company's results of operations.
 
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 retirement business include employee benefits regulation, standards applied to employer sponsored retirement plans, standards applied to certain financial advisors, controls on the costs of medical care, medical entitlement programs such as Medicare, structure of retirement plans and accounts, changes to the insurance industry antitrust exemption, and minimum solvency requirements. Also, see Item 1A of this report. Other federal regulation such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and USA PATRIOT Act, including its anti-money laundering regulations, also impact the Company's business. 

18




The variable annuities underwritten by HMLIC are regulated by the SEC. Horace Mann Investors, Inc., the broker-dealer and Registered Investment Adviser subsidiary of HMEC, is also regulated by the SEC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA), the Municipal Securities Rule-making Board (MSRB) and various state securities regulators.
 
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 annuity and life products.
 
Financial Regulation Legislation
 
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) created the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The FIO studies the current insurance regulatory system and is charged with monitoring and providing specific reports on various aspects of the insurance industry. However, the FIO does not have general supervisory or regulatory authority over the business of insurance. The FIO has suggested an expanded federal role in some circumstances. The executive branch has requested a review of financial regulation, including Dodd-Frank. Management will continue to monitor these future developments for impact on the Company, insurers of similar size and the insurance industry as a whole.

Employees
 
At December 31, 2018, the Company had 1,478 non-agent employees and 17 full-time Employee Agents. (This does not include Exclusive Distributors that were part of the Company's total dedicated agency force at December 31, 2018.) 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 position and results of operations. The risks that the Company has highlighted in the following section of this report are not the only ones that the Company faces.

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.

Risks Related to Economic Conditions, Market Conditions and Investments

Volatile financial markets and adverse economic environments can impact financial market risk as well as the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
 
Financial markets in the U.S. and elsewhere can experience extreme volatility and disruption for uncertain periods of time. During such times, stresses affecting the global banking system can lead to economic volatility which can exert significant downward pressure on prices of equity securities and many other investment asset classes and result in substantially increased market volatility, severely constrained credit and capital markets, particularly for financial institutions, and an overall loss of investor confidence.

19




Many states and local governments can also be impacted by adverse economic conditions which could have an impact on both the Company's niche market and its investment portfolio. Like other financial institutions which face significant financial market risk in their operations, the Company was adversely affected by these conditions and could be adversely impacted by similar circumstances in the future. The Company's ability to access the capital markets to refinance outstanding indebtedness or raise capital could be impaired during significant financial market disruptions.
 
As discussed further in subsequent risk factors, in addition to the effects of financial markets volatility, a prolonged economic recession may have other adverse impacts on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
 
If the Company's investment strategy is not successful, the Company could suffer unexpected losses.
 
The success of the Company's investment strategy is crucial to the success of its business. Specifically, the Company's fixed maturity securities portfolio is subject to a number of risks including:

interest rate risk, which is the risk that interest rates will decline and funds reinvested will earn less than expected;
market value risk, which is the risk that invested assets will decrease in value due to changes in yields realized on the assets and prevailing market yields for similar assets, an unfavorable change in the liquidity of the asset or an unfavorable change in the financial prospects or a downgrade in the credit rating of the issuer of the asset;
credit risk, which is the risk that the value of certain investments become impaired due to deterioration in the 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 due to broker-dealers' unwillingness to hold inventory, and increased market volatility;
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 sale of 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. Regulatory risk could also come from changes in tax laws or bankruptcy laws that would adversely impact the valuation and/or after tax yields of certain invested assets.

In addition to significant steps taken to attempt to mitigate these risks through the Company's investment guidelines, policies and procedures, the Company also attempts to mitigate these risks through product pricing, product features and the establishment of policy reserves, but it cannot provide assurance

20




that assets will be properly matched to meet anticipated liabilities or that the investments will provide sufficient returns to enable satisfaction of guaranteed fixed benefit obligations.

The Company's investment strategy and guidelines have resulted in an investment portfolio which is comprised primarily of investment grade, fixed maturity securities. Inclusion of alternative investments, although consistent with the Company's overall conservative investment guidelines, could result in some volatility in the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
 
From time to time, the Company could enter into foreign currency, interest rate, credit derivative and other hedging transactions in an effort to manage risks, including risks that may be attributable to any new products offered by the Company. For instance, the Company utilizes call options to manage interest crediting risk related to its FIA and IUL products. The Company cannot provide assurance that it will successfully structure derivatives and hedges so as to effectively manage risks. If the Company's calculations are incorrect, or if it does not properly structure derivatives or hedges, it may have unexpected losses that may require it to draw on surplus, which could adversely affect the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
 
Although the Company's defined benefit pension plan has been frozen since 2002, declining financial markets could also cause, and in the past have caused, the value of the investments in this plan to decrease, resulting in additional pension expense, a reduction in other comprehensive income and an increase in required contributions to this plan, which could have an adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
 
The determination of fair value of the Company's fixed maturity securities portfolio includes methodologies, estimations and assumptions that are subject to differing interpretations and could result in changes to investment valuations that may materially impact the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
 
The determination of fair values is made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about financial instruments, including estimates of the timing and amounts of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of the issuer or counterparty. The use of different methodologies and assumptions may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. During periods of market disruption, including periods of rapidly widening credit spreads or illiquidity, it may be difficult to value certain securities if trading becomes less frequent and/or market data becomes less observable. There may be certain asset classes that were in active markets with significant observable data that become illiquid due to the financial environment. In such cases, fair value determination may require more subjectivity and management judgment and those fair values may differ materially from the value at which the investments ultimately could be sold. Further, rapidly changing and unprecedented credit and equity market conditions could materially impact the valuation of securities and the period-to-period changes in value could vary significantly. The difference between fair value and amortized cost, net of applicable deferred income taxes and the related impact on deferred policy acquisition costs (DAC) associated with investment (annuity) contracts and life insurance products with account values, and interest-sensitive life contracts, is reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income within shareholders' equity. Decreases in the fair value of investments could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. 


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Equity method adjustments on certain limited partnership investments as well as fair value accounting for equity securities may reduce profitability and/or cause volatility in the Company's results of operations.
 
The Company invests in limited partnership interests, which are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. This means that the Company's proportionate share of the changes in fair value of the underlying net asset values are reported in net investment income in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. As a result, the amount of net investment income recognized from these investments can vary substantially from period to period. Recent equity and credit market volatility may reduce net investment income from these types of investments and negatively impact the results of operations. Changes in fair value from applying fair value accounting to equity securities that is reported in net investment gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations may cause volatility in the Company's results of operations.

An impairment of all or part of the Company's goodwill could adversely affect its results of operations.
 
At December 31, 2018, the Company had $47.4 million of goodwill recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Goodwill was recorded when the Company was acquired in 1989 and when HMPCIC was acquired in 1994, in both instances reflecting the excess of cost over the fair market value of net assets acquired. In 2018, the goodwill balance was evaluated for impairment, as described in Item 8, Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report, with no impairment charge resulting from such assessment. The evaluation of goodwill considers a number of factors including the impacts of a volatile financial market on earnings, discount rate assumptions, liquidity and the Company's market capitalization. If an evaluation of the Company's fair value or of the Company's reporting units' fair value indicates that all or a portion of the goodwill balance is impaired, the Company would be required to write-off the impaired portion. Such a write-off could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations in the period of the write-off; however, management does not anticipate a material effect on the Company's financial condition. 

Risks Related to Life and Retirement Segments

A sustained period of low interest rates or interest rate fluctuations could negatively affect net interest margin derived from the difference between interest earned on investments and interest paid under fixed annuity and life insurance products with account values.
 
Significant changes in interest rates expose the Company to the risk of not earning the appropriate level of income or experiencing losses based on the differences between the interest earned on investments and the credited interest paid on outstanding fixed annuity and life insurance products with account values. Significant changes in interest rates may affect:

the ability to maintain appropriate interest rate spreads over the rates guaranteed in fixed annuity and life products;
the book yield of the investment portfolio; and
the net unrealized investment gains (losses) in the portfolio and the related after tax effect on shareholders' equity and total capital.


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Both rising and declining interest rates can negatively affect the income derived from fixed annuity and life products' interest rate spreads. During periods of falling interest rates or a sustained period of low interest rates, investment earnings will be lower because new investments in fixed maturity securities likely will bear lower interest rates. The Company may not be able to fully offset the decline in investment earnings with lower crediting rates on fixed annuity products, particularly in a multi-year period of low interest rates. As of the time of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, new money rates remain at historically low levels. If interest rates do remain low over an extended period of time, it could pressure investment income by having to invest insurance cash flows and reinvest the cash flows from the investment portfolio in lower yielding securities.
 
During periods of rising interest rates, there may be competitive pressure to increase the crediting rates on fixed annuity products. The Company may not, however, immediately have the ability to acquire investments with interest rates sufficient to offset an increase in crediting rates under fixed annuity products. Although the Company develops and maintains asset/liability management programs and procedures designed to reduce the volatility of investment income when interest rates are rising or falling, changes in interest rates can affect interest rate spreads.

Changes in interest rates may also affect business in other ways. For example, a rapidly changing interest rate environment may result in less competitive crediting rates on certain fixed rate products which could make those products less attractive, leading to lower sales and/or increases in the level of life insurance and fixed annuity product surrenders and withdrawals. New business volume also could be negatively impacted by product or agent compensation changes which the Company might make to mitigate the income effect of spread compression. Interest rate fluctuations that impact future profits may also impact DAC amortization.
 
The Company's Life and Retirement operations participate in cash flow testing procedures imposed by statutory insurance regulations, the purpose of which is to ensure that reserves are adequate to meet the Company's obligations under a variety of interest rate scenarios. Variable annuity reserves are also calculated under a variety of interest rate and market rate scenarios. A continuation of the current low interest rate environment could cause the Company to increase statutory reserves as a result of cash flow testing or minimum requirements for variable annuities, which would reduce statutory surplus of the Life insurance subsidiaries and potentially limit the subsidiaries' ability to distribute cash to the holding company or write insurance business (as further described in a subsequent risk factor).

The Retirement business may be, and in the past has 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 retirement products. In general, sales of fee-based products 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 fee-based products to potential customers, may cause current customers to withdraw or reduce the amounts invested in fee-based products and may reduce the market value of existing customers' investments in fee-based products, in turn reducing the amount of fee-based product revenues generated. In addition, some variable annuity products offer guaranteed minimum death benefit features, which provide for a benefit if the contractholder 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 exposure to losses from variable annuity products featuring guaranteed minimum death benefits. Declining or volatile financial markets that impact future profits may also impact DAC amortization.

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The Company may experience volatility in its results of operations and financial condition due to fair value accounting for derivative instruments.
 
All derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in FIA and IUL products, are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of these instruments are recognized immediately in the Company's results of operations as follows:

Call options purchased to fund the annual index credits on FIA and IUL products are carried at fair value. Fair value is based on the amount of cash expected to be received to settle the call options adjusted for the nonperformance risk of the counterparty. Changes in fair value of derivatives include the gains or losses recognized at expiration of the option term or upon early termination as well as changes in fair value for open positions.
FIA contractual obligations for future annual index credits are accounted for as a "series of embedded derivatives" over the expected lives of the applicable contracts. Increases or decreases in the fair value of embedded derivatives generally correspond to increases or decreases in equity market performance and changes in interest rates used to discount the excess of the projected policy contract values over the projected minimum guaranteed contract values.
The IUL contractual obligations for future index credits are set equal to the fair value of outstanding 12 month derivatives held in support of the applicable contracts.

In future periods, the application of fair value accounting for derivatives and embedded derivatives to FIA and IUL business may cause volatility in the Company's results of operations.

Deviations from assumptions regarding future market appreciation, interest spreads, business persistency, mortality and morbidity used in calculating life and annuity reserves and DAC amortization could have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
 
The processes of calculating reserves and DAC amortization for the 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 sub-accounts due to price appreciation), interest spreads (the interest rates expected to be received on investments less the rate of interest credited to contractholders), business 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). The Company periodically reviews the adequacy of these reserves and DAC recoverability on an aggregate basis and, if future experience is estimated to differ significantly from previous assumptions, adjustments to reserves and DAC amortization may be required which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.


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A reduction or elimination of the tax advantages of retirement and life products and/or a change in the tax benefits of various government-authorized retirement programs, such as 403(b) products and individual retirement accounts (IRAs), could make the Company's products less attractive to clients and adversely affect its results of operations.
 
A significant part of the Company's retirement business involves fixed and variable 403(b) tax-qualified products, which are purchased voluntarily by individuals employed by public school systems or other tax-exempt organizations. The Company's financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by changes in federal and state laws and regulations that affect the relative tax and other advantages of its life and retirement products to clients or the tax benefits of programs utilized by its customers. As a result of persisting economic conditions, revenue challenges exist at federal, state and local government levels. These challenges could increase the risk of future adverse impacts on current tax-advantaged products or result in notable reforms to educator pension programs. Also, see Item 1, Regulation of this report.
 
Current federal income tax laws generally permit the tax-deferred accumulation of earnings on the premiums paid by the holders of retirement and life insurance products. Taxes, if any, are generally 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 within life insurance and non-qualified annuity contracts. Enactment of this legislation, or other tax reform efforts, including a simplified "flat tax" income structure with an exemption from taxation for investment income, could result in fewer sales of life insurance and retirement products.

Risks Related to Property and Casualty

Catastrophic events, as well as significant weather events not designated as catastrophes, can have a material adverse effect on the Company's 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 — not all of which are designated by the insurance industry as a catastrophe, another year may have numerous such events causing results for such a year to be materially worse than for previous years.
 
The Company's Property and Casualty insurance subsidiaries have experienced, and the Company anticipates that in the future they will continue to experience, catastrophe losses. A catastrophic event, a series of multiple catastrophic events or a series of non-catastrophe severe weather events could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations of the insurance subsidiaries.
 

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Various events can cause catastrophes, including hurricanes, windstorms, hail, severe winter weather, wildfires, earthquakes, explosions and terrorism. 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 the Company's insurance subsidiaries are related to property coverages. The Company's 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 the Company's 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.

Based on 2018 direct premiums earned, 57.8% of the total annual premiums for the Company's Property and Casualty business were for policies issued in the ten largest states in which the 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: California, North Carolina, Texas, South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana and Colorado.
 
As an ongoing practice, the Company manages its exposure to catastrophes, as well as its exposure to non-catastrophe weather and other property loss risks. 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.
 
The Company's 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 under certain circumstances.

The Company's Property and Casualty loss reserves may not be adequate.
 
The Company's 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 reporting date. If these loss reserves prove inadequate, a loss is recognized and measured by the amount of the shortfall and, as a result, the financial condition and results of operations of the insurance subsidiaries may be adversely affected, potentially affecting their ability to distribute cash to the Company.
 
Reserves do not represent an exact calculation of liability. Reserves represent estimates, generally involving actuarial projections at a given time, of what the 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

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of an insured event and the time it is actually reported. The Company's 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, the Company cannot be certain that the ultimate liability will not exceed amounts reserved, with a resulting adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations.

Changing climate conditions may adversely affect the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
Many scientists indicate that the world's overall climate is getting warmer. Climate change, to the extent it produces rising temperatures and changes in weather patterns, could impact the frequency and/or severity of weather events and wildfires, the affordability and availability of the Company's catastrophe reinsurance coverage, and the Company's results of operations. If an increase in weather events and/or wildfires were to occur, in addition to the attendant increase in claim costs, which could adversely impact the results of operations and financial condition, concentrations of insurance risk could impact the Company's ability to make property insurance available to customers. This could adversely impact the volume of business and the Company's results of operations or cash flows.

Strategic Risks and Operational Risks

Business or asset acquisitions may expose the Company to certain risks.
Acquisitions involve a number of risks, including operational, strategic, financial, accounting, legal, compliance and tax risks. The completion of any business acquisition is subject to certain risks, including those relating to the receipt of required regulatory approvals, the terms and conditions of regulatory approvals, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of a transaction and the risk that the parties may not be willing or able to satisfy the conditions to a transaction. As a result, there can be no assurance that any business acquisition will be completed as contemplated, or at all, or regarding the expected timing of the completion of the acquisition. Once acquisitions are complete, there can be no assurance that the Company will realize the anticipated economic, strategic or other benefits of any transaction. For example, the integration of businesses acquired may not be as successful as anticipated or there may be undisclosed risks present in such businesses.  Difficulties integrating an acquired business may result in the acquired business performing differently than expected (including through the loss of customers) or in failure to realize anticipated expense-related efficiencies. Existing businesses could also be negatively impacted by acquisitions resulting from the diversion of management’s attention.
The personal lines insurance and retirement markets are highly competitive and the Company's financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by competitive forces.
 
The Company operates in a highly competitive environment and competes 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. The Company competes in its target market with a number of national providers of personal automobile and property insurance and life insurance and retirement products.
 

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The insurance industry consists of a large number of insurance companies, some of which have substantially greater financial resources, more diversified product lines, more sophisticated product pricing, greater economies of scale and/or lower-cost marketing approaches compared to the Company. In the Company's target market, it believes that the principal competitive factors in the sale of property and casualty insurance products are overall service, worksite sales and service, price, and name recognition. The Company believes that for its market, the principal competitive factors in the sale of retirement products and life insurance are worksite sales and service, product features, perceived stability of the insurer, price, overall service and name recognition. And, the Company believes that its focus on the educator market niche, as well as the knowledge obtained regarding this niche throughout the Company's history, contribute to its ability to effectively and profitably serve this market.
 
Particularly in the Property and Casualty business, the Company's insurance subsidiaries have experienced pricing and profitability cycles. During these periods of intense competition, they may be unable to increase policyholders and revenues without adversely impacting profit margins. With respect to these cycles, the factors having the greatest impact include significant and/or rapid changes in loss costs, including changes in loss frequency and/or severity; prior approval and restrictions in certain states for price increases; intense price competition; less restrictive underwriting standards; aggressive marketing; and increased advertising, which have resulted in higher industry-wide combined loss and expense ratios. During the current cycle, and potentially beyond, competition from direct writers and large, mass market carriers has been particularly aggressive, evidenced in part by their significant national advertising expenditures. In addition, advancements in vehicle technology and safety features, such as accident prevention technologies or the development of autonomous or partially autonomous vehicles — once widely available and utilized, as well as expanded availability of usage-based insurance could materially alter the way that automobile insurance is marketed, priced and underwritten. The inability of the Company's insurance subsidiaries to effectively anticipate the impact of these issues on its business and compete successfully in the property and casualty business could adversely affect the subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations and the resulting ability to distribute cash to the Company.
 
In the Retirement business, the current IRS Section 403(b) regulations make the 403(b) market similar to the 401(k) market. These regulations have reduced and could continue to reduce the number of competitors in this market as the 403(b) market has become more attractive to some of the larger companies experienced in 401(k) plans, including both insurance and mutual fund companies, that had not previously been active competitors in this business. While not yet widespread, there has been continued pressure in some states to adopt state-sponsored or mandated 403(b) plans with single- or limited-provider options; this pressure has come from competitor lobbying efforts and state legislature pension reform initiatives. The inability of the Company's insurance subsidiaries to compete successfully in these markets could adversely affect the subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations and the resulting ability to distribute cash to the Company.

If the Company is not able to effectively develop and expand its marketing operations, including agents and other points of distribution, its financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
 
The Company's agencies are owned primarily by non-employee, independent contractor Exclusive Distributors with most agencies operating in outside offices with licensed producers. The economic viability of each agency is directly dependent on the productivity of the agency and the success at penetrating, serving and cross-selling the Company's educator market.
 

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The Company's success in marketing and selling its products is largely dependent upon the efforts of its agent sales force and the success of their agency operations. As the Company expands its business, it may need to expand the number of agencies marketing its products. If the Company is unable to appoint additional agents, fail to retain high-producing agents, unable to maintain the productivity of those agency operations or unable to maintain market penetration in existing territories, sales of the Company's products likely would decline and the Company's financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

If the Company is not able to maintain and secure (1) access to educators and (2) endorsements and other relationships with the educational community, its financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
 
The Company's ability to successfully increase new business in the educator market is largely dependent on its 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 retirement products via payroll deduction, any significant decrease in access, either through fewer payroll slots, increased security measures, impacts of state or federal level pension reform initiatives, requirements of national and state Do Not Call registries, or for other reasons could adversely affect the sale of all lines of business and require the Company to change its traditional approach to worksite marketing and promotion, as well as contact with potential customers. With the current IRS regulations regarding Section 403(b) arrangements, including retirement products, the Company's ability to maintain and increase its share of the 403(b) market, and the access it gives for other product lines, will depend on its ability to successfully compete in this market. Some school districts and benefit consultants have placed emphasis on the relative financial strength ratings of competing companies, as well as low cost product and distribution approaches, which may put the Company at a competitive disadvantage relative to other more highly-rated insurance companies.

The Company's ability to maintain and obtain product and corporate endorsements from, and/or marketing agreements with, local, state and national education-related associations is important to its marketing strategy. In addition to teacher organizations, the Company has established relationships with various other educator, principal, school administrator and school business official groups. These contacts and endorsements help to establish the Company's brand name and presence in the educational community and to enhance access to educators.

Economic and other factors affecting the Company's niche market could adversely impact its 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 the majority of its business, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company's subsidiaries could be more prone than many of its competitors to the effects of economic forces and other issues affecting the educator market including, but not limited to, federal, state and local budget deficits and cut-backs and adverse changes in state and local tax revenues.

While the U.S. financial markets and certain sectors of the economy have shown improvement over recent years, federal and state revenue shortages continue to pressure the budgets of many school districts. Teacher layoffs and early retirements have taken place and it is possible that additional reductions could occur. Similar to others in the insurance industry, the Company has experienced periods with pressure on new business sales levels. However, despite the economic headwinds, as of the time of this Annual Report

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on Form 10-K, the Company's retention of annuity accumulated values remains strong. However, there can be no assurance that these business factors will remain favorable.

Individual states may impose additional cybersecurity regulations, increasing the complexity of compliance.
 
In the absence of overarching federal law, individual states are adopting their own privacy and cybersecurity laws and regulations. Indeed, most states have passed some form of privacy and/or cybersecurity laws or regulations, including New York, South Carolina, and California. For example, the New York State Department of Financial Services adopted regulation providing minimum standards for an organization's cybersecurity program and requiring an annual certification confirming compliance. Also, in May 2018, South Carolina passed a cybersecurity bill requiring, among other things, any insurance entity operating in the state to establish and implement a cybersecurity program protecting their business and their customers from a data breach, to investigate data breaches and notify regulators of a cybersecurity event. In July 2018, California passed a broad-based privacy law which provides consumers with the following new rights: (1) the right to request information about personal information a company has collected about them; (2) the right to require deletion of their personal information; (3) the right to request disclosures of information about how their personal information is collected and shared; and (4) the right to instruct a company not to share their personal information. In the absence of overarching federal laws and regulations on data privacy and cybersecurity, it is anticipated that individual states will enact new or amended state laws and regulations governing data privacy and cybersecurity.

Data security breaches or denial of service on the Company's websites could have an adverse impact on its business and reputation.
 
Unauthorized access to and unintentional dissemination of the Company's confidential, highly-sensitive customer, employee or Company data or other breaches of data security in the Company's facilities, networks or databases, or those of its agents or third-party vendors - including information technology and software vendors, could result in loss or theft of assets or sensitive information, data corruption or operational disruption that may expose the Company to liability and/or regulatory action and may have an adverse impact on the Company’s customers, employees, investors, reputation and business. In addition, any compromise of the security of Company data or prolonged denial of service on the Company's websites could harm its business and reputation. Additionally, the Company recognizes the increased external threats of data breaches in the marketplace resulting in non-public data of customers becoming increasingly available in the public domain. The Company has designed, implemented and routinely tested industry-compliant procedures for protection of confidential information and sensitive corporate data, including rapid response procedures to help contain or prevent data loss if a breach were to occur and the evaluation of its customer identification authentication programs. The Company has also implemented multiple technical security protections and contractual obligations regarding security breaches for its agents and third-party vendors. Even with these efforts, there can be no assurance that security breaches or service disruptions will be prevented.

Successful execution of the Company's business growth strategy is dependent on effective implementation of new or enhanced technology systems and applications.
 
The Company's ability to effectively execute its business growth strategy and leverage potential economies of scale is dependent on its ability to provide the requisite technology components for that strategy. While the Company has effectively upgraded its infrastructure technologies with improvements in its data center, a new communications platform and enhancements to its disaster recovery capabilities,

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its ability to replace or supplement dated, monolithic legacy business systems — such as the Company's Life, Retirement and Property and Casualty policy administrative systems — with more flexible, maintainable, and customer accessible solutions will be necessary to achieve its plans. The inherent difficulty in replacing and/or modernizing these older technologies, coupled with the Company's limited experience in these endeavors, presents an increased risk to delivering these technology solutions in a cost effective and timely manner. The Company's scale will require it to develop innovative solutions to address these challenges, including consideration of "software as a service" arrangements and other third-party based information technology capabilities. More modern approaches to software development and utilization of third-party vendors can augment the Company's internal capacity for these implementations, but may not adequately reduce the operational risks of timely and cost effective delivery.
 
Loss of key vendor relationships could affect the Company's operations.
 
The Company increasingly relies on services and products provided by a number of vendors in the U.S. and abroad. These include, for example, vendors of computer hardware and software, including on-demand software, and vendors of services such as investment management advisement, information technology services — such as those associated with the Life, Retirement and Property and Casualty policy administrative systems — and delivery services for customer policy-level communications. In the event that one or more of the Company's vendors suffers a bankruptcy or otherwise becomes unable to continue to provide products or services, the Company may suffer operational difficulties and financial losses.

Financial Strength, Credit and Counterparty Risks

Losses due to defaults by others could reduce the Company's profitability or negatively affect the value of its investments.
 
Third-party debtors may not pay or perform their obligations. These parties may include the issuers whose securities the Company holds, customers, reinsurers, borrowers under mortgage loans, trading counterparties, derivative counterparties, clearing agents, exchanges, clearing houses and other financial intermediaries. These parties may default on their obligations to the Company due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, downturns in the economy or real estate values, operational failure or other reasons.

During or following an economic downturn, the Company's municipal bond portfolio could be subject to a higher risk of default or impairment due to declining municipal tax bases and revenue. States are currently barred from seeking protection in federal bankruptcy court. However, federal legislation could possibly be enacted to allow states to declare bankruptcy in connection with deficit reductions or mounting unfunded pension liabilities, which could adversely impact the value of the Company's investment portfolio.
 
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 the Company's broker-dealer and Registered Investment Adviser regulatory entities, or could lead to a chain of defaults that could adversely affect the Company. A default of a major market participant could disrupt various markets, which could in turn cause market declines or volatility and negatively impact the Company's financial condition and results of operations.


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Uncollectible reinsurance, as well as reinsurance availability and pricing, can have a material adverse effect upon the Company's 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. The Company's insurance subsidiaries obtain reinsurance to help manage their exposure to property, casualty and life insurance risks. Although a reinsurer is liable to the Company's 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 the 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 the Company limits participation in its reinsurance programs to reinsurers with high financial strength ratings and also limit the amount of coverage from each reinsurer, the Company's 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.
 
Additionally, the availability and cost of reinsurance are subject to prevailing market conditions beyond the Company's control. For example, significant losses from hurricanes or terrorist attacks, an increase in capital requirements, or a future lapse of the provisions of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act could have a significant adverse impact on the reinsurance market.
 
If one of the Company's 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.

Any downgrade in or adverse change in outlook for the Company's claims-paying ratings, financial strength ratings or credit ratings could adversely affect its 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) retirement market, school districts and benefit consultants have placed an 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 the Company's insurance subsidiaries by a major rating agency could result in 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 the Company has. This loss of business could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations and financial condition of that subsidiary.

A downgrade of the Company's debt rating also could adversely impact its cost and flexibility of borrowing which could have an adverse impact on its liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.


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Reduction of the statutory surplus of the Company's insurance subsidiaries could adversely affect their ability to write insurance business.
 
Insurance companies write business based, in part, upon guidelines including capital ratios considered by the NAIC and various rating agencies. Some of these ratios include risk-based capital ratios for both property and casualty insurance companies and life insurance companies, as well as a ratio of premiums to surplus for property and casualty insurance companies. Risk-based capital ratios measure an insurer's capital adequacy and consider various risks such as underwriting, investment, credit, asset concentration and interest rate. If the Company's 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, thereby reducing capital adequacy, in order to pay dividends to the Company to enable it to meet its financial obligations. As their surplus is reduced by the payment of dividends, continuing losses or both, the Company's 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 the insurance subsidiaries.

An inability to access Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) funding could adversely affect the Company's results of operations.
 
Any changes in requirements to retain membership in the FHLB, or changes in regulation, could impact the Company's eligibility for continued FHLB membership or its FHLB funding capacity. Any event that adversely affects amounts received from FHLB could have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. See Item 7, Financing Activities for more information about FHLB activities.

Regulatory and Legal Risks

The insurance industry is highly regulated.
 
The Company is subject to extensive regulation and supervision in the jurisdictions in which it does 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 the Company's 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 the Company's ability to obtain timely rate increases or operate at desired levels of profitability. Changes in insurance regulations, including those affecting the ability of the Company's insurance subsidiaries to distribute cash to the Company and those affecting the ability of its 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 the insurance subsidiaries. In addition, consumer privacy requirements may increase the Company's cost of processing business. The Company's 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 its success.
 
Regulation that could adversely affect the Company's 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

33




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 the Company's 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, the Company's 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 the insurance subsidiaries.
 
In the event of insolvency, liquidation or other reorganization of any of the Company's insurance subsidiaries, its creditors and stockholders would have no right to proceed against any such insurance subsidiary or 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 full payment from the assets of the insurance subsidiary before the Company, as a stockholder, would be entitled to receive any distribution.
 
The financial position of the Company's 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.
 
Dodd-Frank created the FIO within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The FIO studies the current insurance regulatory system and is charged with monitoring and providing specific reports on various aspects of the insurance industry. However, the FIO does not have general supervisory or regulatory authority over the business of insurance. The FIO has suggested an expanded federal role in some circumstances. Management will continue to monitor developments under Dodd-Frank, as various aspects of it continue to be addressed by governmental bodies. 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.

Regulatory initiatives, including the enactment Dodd-Frank, could adversely impact liquidity and volatility of financial markets in which the Company participates.
 
In response to the credit and financial crisis, U.S. and overseas governmental and regulatory authorities are considering or implementing enhanced or new regulatory requirements intended to prevent future crises or stabilize the institutions under their supervision. Such measures are leading to stricter regulation of financial institutions. Changes from Dodd-Frank and other U.S. and overseas governmental initiatives have created uncertainty and could continue to adversely impact liquidity and increase volatility of the financial markets in which the Company participates and, in turn, negatively affect its financial condition or results of operations. The executive branch has requested a review of financial regulations including Dodd-Frank, which may eliminate or mitigate this risk.


34




Future regulatory and legislative activity, including standards of care proposed by the SEC and related state activity, could have an adverse material effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.

The regulatory standards of care owed by financial intermediaries to retail and institutional clients are in a state of flux. In 2016, the Department of Labor (DOL) adopted a final regulation defining who would be a "fiduciary" of an employee benefit plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) as a result of giving investment advice to a plan or its participants or beneficiaries (the Fiduciary Rule). The DOL also adopted prohibited transaction exemptions, including the "Best Interest Contract" (BIC Exemption), designed to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure investment advice fiduciaries provide advice in their clients' best interest. The Fiduciary Rule replaced a less restrictive "Five Part Test" regulating the scope of persons who fit the definition of an investment advice fiduciary under ERISA and the Code, resulting in an expansion of types of activities considered to be investment advice.  However, on June 21, 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit vacated the Fiduciary Rule and the related prohibited transaction exemptions, including the BIC Exemption.

The regulatory environment continued to evolve in 2018 with the SEC's introduction of proposed rules governing the fiduciary duty and standard of conduct applicable to broker-dealers and investment advisers that provide retail investment advice.  Among other things, the proposed rules establish a broker-dealer best interest standard of conduct when recommending securities transactions to retail customers, require broker-dealers and investment advisers to summarize their relationship to retail investors, and require investment advisers to adhere to a new SEC standard of conduct interpretation.  

There also continues to be regulatory and legislative activity at the state level. The NAIC proposed amendments to its Suitability in Annuity Transactions model regulation that would require an insurance producer to act in the interests of the consumer, without placing the producer’s or the insurer’s financial interest ahead of the consumer’s interest when recommending an annuity.  For example, the New York Department of Financial Services issued its final version of its "Suitability and Best Interest in Life Insurance and Annuity Transactions" regulation, which provides for a "best interest" standard of care for all sales of life insurance and annuity products.  Also, Nevada amended its definition of "financial planner" in 2017 to include broker-dealers, sales representatives and investment advisers and their respective representatives, resulting in such persons owing a fiduciary duty to their clients. In 2019, the Nevada Securities Division proposed regulations that, if adopted, could have a significant impact on broker-dealers, sales representatives and investment advisers and their client relationships.  Regulatory and legislative activity concerning financial intermediaries continues to develop in other states, as well.

Individually and collectively, these federal and state regulatory and legislative activities have the potential to adversely impact the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.

Litigation may harm the Company's financial strength or reduce its 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 similar future claims against any of the Company's insurance subsidiaries, including the potential adverse effect on its reputation and charges against the earnings of its insurance subsidiaries as a result of legal defense costs, a settlement agreement or an adverse finding or findings against its insurance subsidiaries in such a claim, could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations of the insurance subsidiaries.

35




ITEM 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None.

ITEM 2.    Properties
 
The home office property at 1 Horace Mann Plaza in Springfield, Illinois, consisting of an office building totaling 225,000 square feet, 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 Chicago, Illinois, suburban Dallas, Texas, and suburban Raleigh, North Carolina, for its claims operations and leases some office space related to its field marketing operations. These properties, which are utilized by all of the Company's reporting segments, are adequate and suitable for the Company's current and anticipated future needs.

ITEM 3.    Legal Proceedings
 
At the time of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company does not have pending litigation from which there is a reasonable possibility of material loss.

ITEM 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Not applicable.
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 is traded on the NYSE under the symbol of HMN. The following table provides the high and low closing 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
Fiscal Period
 
High
 
Low
 
Paid
2018:
 
 
 
 
Fourth Quarter
 
$
43.60

 
$
35.81

 
$
0.285

Third Quarter
 
46.56

 
42.66

 
0.285

Second Quarter
 
45.12

 
40.77

 
0.285

First Quarter
 
43.86

 
37.68

 
0.285

2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fourth Quarter
 
$
47.15

 
$
39.60

 
$
0.275

Third Quarter
 
39.60

 
34.00

 
0.275

Second Quarter
 
40.45

 
36.95

 
0.275

First Quarter
 
43.50

 
39.50

 
0.275

 
The payment of dividends in the future is subject to the discretion of the Board and will depend upon general business conditions, legal restrictions and other factors the Board may deem to be relevant. Additional information is contained in Item 1, Cash Flow and in Item 8, Note 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.
 

36




Shareholder Return Performance Graph
 
The graph below compares cumulative total return of HMEC's common stock, the S&P 500 Insurance Index and the S&P 500 Index. The graph assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2013 in HMEC, the S&P 500 Insurance Index and the S&P 500 Index.
CHART-3DB4718A85DA51DC911.JPG
 
 
Dec. 2013
 
Dec. 2014
 
Dec. 2015
 
Dec. 2016
 
Dec. 2017
 
Dec. 2018
HMEC
 
$
100

 
$
108

 
$
112

 
$
148

 
$
157

 
$
137

S&P 500 Insurance Index
 
100

 
108

 
111

 
130

 
151

 
134

S&P 500 Index
 
100

 
114

 
115

 
129

 
157

 
150

 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Insurance Index, as published by S&P, assume an annual reinvestment of dividends in calculating total return. HMEC assumes reinvestment of quarterly dividends when paid.

Holders and Shares Issued
 
As of February 15, 2019, the approximate number of holders of HMEC's common stock was 24,139.
 
During 2018, options were exercised for the issuance of 138,374 shares or 0.3% of the Company's common stock shares outstanding at December 31, 2017. The Company received $3.6 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options which was used for general corporate purposes.
 
Regarding the equity compensation plan information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K, see Item 12, Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management, and Related Stockholder Matters of this report.

37




Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
On December 7, 2011, the Board authorized a share repurchase program allowing repurchases of up to $50.0 million of HMEC's common stock, par value $0.001 (2011 Plan). On September 30, 2015, the Board authorized an additional share repurchase program allowing repurchases of up to $50.0 million to begin following the completion of the 2011 Plan and utilization of that authorization began in January 2016. Both share repurchase programs authorize the repurchase of common shares in open market or privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, depending on market conditions. The current share repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be limited or terminated at any time without notice. During the three months ended December 31, 2018, the Company repurchased shares of HMEC common stock as follows:
Period
 


Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
 



Average Price
Paid Per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Maximum Number
(or Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares
That May Yet Be
Purchased Under The
Plans or Programs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
October 1 - 31
 
126,951

 
$
39.41

 
126,951

 
$22.8 million
November 1 - 30
 

 

 

 
$22.8 million
December 1 - 31
 

 

 

 
$22.8 million
Total
 
126,951

 
$
39.41

 
126,951

 
$22.8 million

For the quarterly periods ended in 2018 and 2017, the Company repurchased shares of HMEC common stock as follows:
Period
 


Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
 



Average Price
Paid Per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Maximum Number
(or Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares
That May Yet Be
Purchased Under The
Plans or Programs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fourth Quarter 2018
 
126,951

 
$
39.41

 
126,951

 
$22.8 million
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third Quarter 2018
 

 

 

 
$27.8 million
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Second Quarter 2018
 
2,000

 
39.72

 
2,000

 
$27.8 million
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Quarter 2018
 
161

 
37.52

 
161

 
$27.8 million
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fourth Quarter 2017
 

 

 

 
$27.8 million
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third Quarter 2017
 
48,440

 
34.28

 
48,440

 
$27.8 million
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Second Quarter 2017
 

 

 

 
$29.5 million
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Quarter 2017
 

 

 

 
$29.5 million


38




ITEM 6.    Selected 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 GAAP. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of HMEC and its subsidiaries presented in Item 8 of this report.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
($ in millions, except per share data)
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Insurance premiums and contract charges earned
 
$
817.3

 
$
794.7

 
$
759.1

 
$
731.9

 
$
715.8

Net investment income
 
376.5

 
373.6

 
361.2

 
332.6

 
329.8

Net investment gains (losses)
 
(12.5
)
 
(3.4
)
 
4.1

 
12.7

 
10.9

Other income
 
10.3

 
6.6

 
4.5

 
3.2

 
4.2

Total revenues
 
1,191.6

 
1,171.5

 
1,128.9

 
1,080.4

 
1,060.7

Interest expense
 
13.0

 
11.9

 
11.8

 
13.1

 
14.2

Income before income taxes
 
19.5

 
88.7

 
114.2

 
129.5

 
146.1

Net income
 
18.3

 
169.4

 
83.8

 
93.5

 
104.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per Share Data (1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
 
$
0.44

 
$
4.10

 
$
2.04

 
$
2.23

 
$
2.50

Diluted
 
$
0.44

 
$
4.08

 
$
2.02

 
$
2.20

 
$
2.47

Shares of Common Stock (in millions)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Weighted average - basic
 
41.6

 
41.4

 
41.2

 
41.9

 
41.6

Weighted average - diluted
 
41.9

 
41.6

 
41.5

 
42.4

 
42.2

Ending outstanding
 
41.0

 
40.7

 
40.2

 
40.6

 
40.9

Cash dividends per share
 
$
1.14

 
$
1.10

 
$
1.06

 
$
1.00

 
$
0.92

Book value per share
 
$
31.50

 
$
36.88

 
$
32.15

 
$
31.18

 
$
32.65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Data, at Year End:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total investments
 
$
8,250.7

 
$
8,352.3

 
$
7,999.3

 
$
7,648.0

 
$
7,403.5

Total assets
 
11,031.9

 
11,198.3

 
10,576.8

 
10,057.0

 
9,768.4

Total policy liabilities
 
6,384.1

 
6,182.0

 
6,024.1

 
5,683.4

 
5,351.5

Short-term debt
 

 

 

 

 
38.0

Long-term debt
 
297.7

 
297.5

 
247.2

 
247.0

 
199.8

Total shareholders' equity
 
1,290.6

 
1,501.6

 
1,294.0

 
1,264.7

 
1,336.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment Information (2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance premiums written and contract deposits
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Property and Casualty
 
$
681.5

 
$
662.8

 
$
634.3

 
$
605.8

 
$
584.4

Retirement
 
439.1

 
453.1

 
520.2

 
548.0

 
480.6

Life
 
114.4

 
111.2

 
108.0

 
102.7

 
102.7

Total
 
1,235.0

 
1,227.1

 
1,262.5

 
1,256.5

 
1,167.7

Net income (loss)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Property and Casualty
 
$
(14.3
)
 
$
17.8

 
$
25.6

 
$
40.0

 
$
46.9

Retirement
 
41.7

 
88.4

 
50.7

 
43.4

 
45.3

Life
 
18.8

 
77.6

 
16.6

 
15.0

 
17.5

Corporate and Other (3)
 
(27.9
)
 
(14.4
)
 
(9.1
)
 
(4.9
)
 
(5.5
)
Total
 
18.3

 
169.4

 
83.8

 
93.5

 
104.2

 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the weighted average number of fully vested restricted common stock units and common stock units payable as shares of HMEC common stock. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares and common stock equivalents outstanding, to the extent dilutive. The Company's common stock equivalents relate to outstanding common stock options, common stock units (related to deferred compensation for Directors and employees) and restricted common stock units.
(2) 
Information regarding assets by segment at December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is contained in Item 8, Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.
(3) 
The Corporate and Other segment primarily includes interest expense on debt, the impact of net investment gains (losses), corporate debt retirement costs, and certain public company expenses.



39




ITEM 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) ($ in millions, except per share data)

Introduction

The purpose of this MD&A is to provide an understanding of the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with Item 1, Item 6 and Item 8 of this report. This MD&A begins with the Company’s consolidated financial highlights followed by segment highlights and consolidated results of operations, an outlook for future performance, details about critical accounting estimates and the results of operations by segment. The Company's strategy is described in Item 1 of this report.

As discussed in Item 1, Horace Mann Educators Corporation (HMEC) is an insurance holding company. Through its subsidiaries, HMEC markets and underwrites personal lines of property and casualty insurance, 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.

On December 10, 2018, the Company entered into a definitive agreement (Agreement) to acquire all of the equity interests in NTA Life Enterprises, LLC and Ellard Enterprises, Inc. (collectively, NTA), holding companies and their supplemental insurance subsidiaries. The Agreement provides, among other things, that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Agreement, the Company will acquire all of the equity interests in NTA for $405 million. The Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement have been approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (Board). The closing of the acquisition is expected to occur in mid-2019, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of applicable closing conditions as well as approval by certain regulators.
On October 30, 2018, The Company entered into a definitive agreement (Agreement) to acquire all of the equity interests in Benefit Consultants Group, Inc. (BCG), a retirement plan provider and subsidiary broker-dealer. The Agreement provides, among other things, that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Agreement, the Company will acquire all of the outstanding capital stock of BCG for $25 million. The Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement were approved by the Company’s Board and subsequent to receiving regulatory approvals, closed on January 2, 2019.
The Company provides projections and other forward-looking information in the following discussions that are not historical in nature and are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements due to the number of risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company’s business. Horace Mann undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For additional information regarding risk and uncertainties, see Item 1A of this report.


40




Consolidated Financial Highlights

($ in millions)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018-2017
 
2017-2016
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change %
 
Change %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
 
$
1,191.6

 
$
1,171.5

 
$
1,128.9

 
1.7
%
 
3.8
%
Net income
 
18.3

 
169.4

 
83.8

 
-89.2
%
 
102.1
%
Per diluted share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
0.44

 
4.08

 
2.02

 
-89.2
%
 
102.0
%
Net investment gains (losses), after tax
 
(0.24
)
 
(0.04
)
 
0.05

 
N.M.
 
N.M.
Book value per share
 
$
31.50

 
$
36.88

 
$
32.15

 
-14.6
%
 
14.7
%
Net income return on equity
 
1.3
%
 
12.3
%
 
6.2
%
 
-11.0
pts
 
6.1
pts
___________________
N.M. - The Company defines increases or decreases greater than or equal to 150% as "N.M." or not meaningful.

Net Income

The Company's 2018 net income decreased compared to 2017 primarily due to the tax benefit recognized in 2017 from the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), an elevated level of catastrophe costs and increased net investment losses in 2018. In 2017, the Company's net income benefited/(decreased) $99.0 million ($0.6 million in Property and Casualty, $39.5 million in Retirement, $60.3 million in Life and $(1.4) million in Corporate and Other) from the re-measurement of its net deferred tax liability (DTL) attributed to TCJA. After tax net investment losses of $10.1 million in 2018 were $8.4 million higher than $1.7 million of after tax net investment losses a year earlier.

The Company's 2017 net income increased compared to 2016 primarily due to the re-measurement of the Company's DTL in 2017 which offset after tax net investment losses of $1.7 in 2017 compared to after tax net investment gains of $2.3 million a year earlier.

Segment Highlights

Net income (loss) by segment is as follows:
($ in millions)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018-2017
 
2017-2016
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change %
 
Change %
Analysis of net income (loss) by segment:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Property and Casualty
 
$
(14.3
)
 
$
17.8

 
$
25.6

 
N.M.
 
-30.5
 %
Retirement
 
41.7

 
88.4

 
50.7

 
-52.8
 %
 
74.4
 %
Life
 
18.8

 
77.6

 
16.6

 
-75.8
 %
 
N.M.
Corporate and Other
 
(27.9
)
 
(14.4
)
 
(9.1
)
 
-93.8
 %
 
-58.2
 %
Net income
 
$
18.3

 
$
169.4

 
$
83.8

 
-89.2
 %
 
102.1
 %
___________________
N.M. - Not meaningful.


41




Property and Casualty
($ in millions)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018-2017
 
2017-2016
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change %
 
Change %
Financial Data:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Written premiums*
 
$
681.5

 
$
662.8

 
$
634.3

 
2.8
%
 
4.5
%
Net income (loss)
 
(14.3
)
 
17.8

 
25.6

 
N.M.
 
-30.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Statistics:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
 
82.3
%
 
76.6
 %
 
74.8
 %
 
5.7
 pts
 
1.8
 pts
Expense ratio
 
27.0
%
 
26.7
 %
 
26.7
 %
 
0.3
 pts
 

Combined ratio
 
109.3
%
 
103.3
 %
 
101.5
 %
 
6.0
 pts
 
1.8
 pts
Effect on the combined ratio of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Catastrophe costs
 
17.1
%
 
9.5
 %
 
9.7
 %
 
7.6
 pts
 
-0.2
 pts
Prior years' (favorable) adverse
reserve development
 
N.M.
 
-0.4
 %
 
-1.1
 %
 
N.M.
 
0.7
 pts
Combined ratio excluding the effects of
catastrophe costs and prior years' reserve
development (underlying combined ratio)*
 
92.2
%
 
94.2
 %
 
92.9
 %
 
-2.0
 pts
 
1.3
 pts
___________________
N.M. - Not meaningful.

For 2018, written premiums* increased compared to 2017, driven primarily by rate increases and somewhat offset by $6.7 million of reinsurance reinstatement premiums. For 2017, written premiums increased compared to 2016, reflecting increases in average written premium per policy for both property and automobile. Policy retention continued to be stable.

For 2018, net income decreased $32.1 million compared to 2017, driven primarily by elevated catastrophe costs which were $49.9 higher than the prior year. For 2017, net income decreased $7.8 million compared to 2016, driven primarily by elevated weather-related losses.

Excluding the effects of catastrophe costs and prior years' reserve development, the underlying combined ratio* has improved since 2016.

Retirement
($ in millions)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018-2017
 
2017-2016
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change %
 
Change %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales deposits*
 
$
518.7

 
$
491.8

 
$
514.0

 
5.5
%
 
-4.3
%
Total assets under management
 
6,842.6

 
6,832.2

 
6,446.1

 
0.2
%
 
6.0
%
Net income
 
41.7

 
88.4

 
50.7

 
-52.8
%
 
74.4
%
Net income excluding DAC unlocking
 
44.8

 
89.1

 
50.5

 
-49.7
%
 
76.4
%
For 2018, sales deposits* increased compared to 2017, driven by strong growth in fee-based deposits. For 2017, sales deposits decreased compared to 2016, reflecting a decrease in spread-based deposits partially offset by an increase in fee-based deposits.
For 2018, total assets under management were comparable to a year ago. For 2017, total assets under management increased compared to 2016, primarily due to market appreciation on variable account annuities. Total cash value persistency remained strong.

42




For 2018, net income excluding deferred policy acquisition costs (DAC) unlocking decreased $44.3 million compared to 2017, primarily due to the benefit of a $39.5 million DTL re-measurement occurring in 2017, a $7.0 million pretax decrease in net interest margin and higher operating expenses to support long-term retirement infrastructure. For 2017, net income excluding DAC unlocking increased $38.6 million compared to 2016, primarily due to the DTL re-measurement benefit that occurred in 2017 and a $6.4 million pretax increase in net interest margin offset by higher operating expenses driven by strategic investments in technology, products and distribution.

Life
($ in millions)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018-2017
 
2017-2016
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change %
 
Change %
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Sales*
 
$
21.2

 
$
17.7

 
$
15.6

 
19.8
 %
 
13.5
%
Mortality costs
 
35.1

 
36.1

 
33.1

 
-2.8
 %
 
9.1
%
Net income
 
18.8

 
77.6

 
16.6

 
-75.8
 %
 
N.M.
___________________
N.M. - Not meaningful.
Sales rose consecutively from 2016 to 2018, reflecting an increased emphasis on meeting the needs of the under-insured educator market through enhanced marketing efforts and ease of doing business improvements. Life persistency was comparable during the periods.
For 2018, net income decreased $58.8 million compared to 2017, primarily due to the benefit of a $60.3 million DTL re-measurement that occurred in 2017, and net income in 2017 increased compared to 2016 for the same reason.

Consolidated Results of Operations
($ in millions)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018-2017
 
2017-2016
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change %
 
Change %
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Insurance premiums and contract charges earned
 
$
817.3

 
$
794.7

 
$
759.1

 
2.8
 %
 
4.7
 %
Net investment income
 
376.5

 
373.6

 
361.2

 
0.8
 %
 
3.4
 %
Net investment gains (losses)
 
(12.5
)
 
(3.4
)
 
4.1

 
N.M.
 
N.M.
Other income
 
10.3

 
6.6

 
4.5

 
56.1
 %
 
46.7
 %
Total revenues
 
1,191.6

 
1,171.5

 
1,128.9

 
1.7
 %
 
3.8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses
 
637.6

 
582.3

 
541.1

 
9.5
 %
 
7.6
 %
Interest credited
 
206.2

 
198.6

 
192.0

 
3.8
 %
 
3.4
 %
DAC amortization expense
 
109.9

 
102.2

 
96.7

 
7.5
 %
 
5.7
 %
Operating expenses
 
205.4

 
187.8

 
173.1

 
9.4
 %
 
8.5
 %
Interest expense
 
13.0

 
11.9

 
11.8

 
9.2
 %
 
0.8
 %
Total benefits, losses and expenses
 
1,172.1

 
1,082.8

 
1,014.7

 
8.2
 %
 
6.7
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
 
19.5

 
88.7

 
114.2

 
-78.0
 %
 
-22.3
 %
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
1.2

 
(80.7
)
 
30.4

 
-101.5
 %
 
N.M.
Net income
 
$
18.3

 
$
169.4

 
$
83.8

 
-89.2
 %
 
102.1
 %
___________________
N.M. - Not meaningful.

43




Insurance Premiums and Contract Charges Earned

For 2018, insurance premiums and contract charges earned increased compared to 2017, primarily due to increases in average premium per policy for both property and automobile. For 2017, insurance premiums and contract charges earned increased compared to 2016 for the same reason.

Net Investment Income

For 2018, net investment income was comparable to 2017 as increased prepayment activity and returns on alternative investments offset the reduction in yields from a movement up in quality of the portfolio. Average invested assets increased 2.2% in 2018. For 2017, net investment income increased compared to 2016 reflecting growth in asset balances and an increase in prepayment activity, partially offset by the impact of the current low interest rate environment. Average investment assets increased 4.2% in 2017. The annualized yield on the total investment portfolio is listed in the following table:
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pretax yield
 
5.1%
 
5.2%
 
5.2%
After tax yield
 
4.1%
 
3.4%
 
3.5%

During 2018, management continued to identify and purchase investments, including a modest level of alternative investments, with attractive risk-adjusted yields relative to market conditions without venturing into asset classes or individual securities that would be inconsistent with the Company's overall conservative investment guidelines.
 
Net Investment Gains (Losses) - Pretax
 
For 2018, net investment losses increased compared to 2017. Effective January 1, 2018, with the adoption of new accounting guidance for recognition and measurement of financial instruments, equity securities are reported at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net investment gains (losses). The changes in fair value of equity securities accounted for the increase in net investment losses over 2017. In 2017, net investment losses as compared to net investment gains in 2016 were realized primarily from ongoing investment portfolio management activity and, when determined, the recognition of other-than-temporary impairments (OTTI). The break down of net investment gains (losses) by transaction type is shown in the following table:
($ in millions)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTTI losses recognized in earnings
 
$
(1.5
)
 
$
(12.6
)
 
$
(11.1
)
Sales and other, net
 
3.5

 
7.7

 
16.3

Change in fair value - equity securities
 
(18.3
)
 
N/A

 
N/A

Change in fair value and gains (losses) realized
on settlements - derivative instruments
 
3.8

 
1.5

 
(1.1
)
Net investment gains (losses)
 
$
(12.5
)
 
$
(3.4
)
 
$
4.1


The Company, from time to time, sells securities subsequent to the reporting date that were considered temporarily impaired at the reporting date. Such sales are due to issuer specific events occurring subsequent to the reporting date that result in a change in the Company's intent to sell an invested asset.


44




Other Income

For the three years ended 2018, 2017 and 2016, other income steadily increased due to increases in commissions from third-party vendor products and decreases in annuity premium bonuses.

Benefits, Claims and Settlement Expenses

For 2018, benefits, claims and settlement expenses increased compared to 2017, driven primarily by elevated catastrophe costs in Property and Casualty. For 2017, benefits, claims and settlement expenses increased compared to 2016, driven primarily by elevated weather-related losses in Property and Casualty.

Interest Credited

Compared to 2017, the 2018 increase in Retirement interest credited reflected higher interest costs on FHLB funding agreements as well as a 2.3% increase in average accumulated fixed deposits, at an average crediting rate of 3.7% and 3.6% for the years 2018 and 2017, respectively. Compared to a year earlier, the 2017 increase in Retirement interest credited reflected a 4.8% increase in average accumulated fixed deposits. Life interest credited remained flat between years.

DAC Amortization Expense

For 2018 and 2017, the increase in DAC amortization expense was primarily attributable to DAC unlocking in Retirement accompanied by growth in premiums and related commissions for Property and Casualty. For Life, DAC unlocking resulted in immaterial changes to amortization for the three years ended 2018, 2017 and 2016.

Operating Expenses

The 2018 and 2017 increases in operating expenses were consistent with management's expectations as the Company makes expenditures supporting targeted strategies in product, distribution and infrastructure, which are intended to enhance the overall customer experience, increase sales, and support favorable policy retention and business cross-sale ratios. 2018 also included $5.1 million pretax of transaction costs to acquire BCG and NTA.
 
The Property and Casualty expense ratio was 27.0% for 2018 and 26.7% for 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Interest Expense

In 2018, interest expense increased compared to 2017 and interest expense in 2017 increased compared to 2016. The increased levels of interest expense in 2018 and 2017 were mainly attributable to Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings occurring in the fourth quarter of 2017 as described further in Item 8, Note 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.


45




Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

The effective income tax rate on the Company's pretax income, including net investment gains (losses), was 6.2%, (91.1)% and 26.6% for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Income from investments in tax-advantaged securities reduced the effective income tax rates by 21.2, 11.0 and 8.5 percentage points for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The TCJA reduced the 2017 effective income tax rate by 111.6 percentage points from re-measuring the Company's deferred taxes to reflect the changes in tax rates included in the Tax Act as of the date of enactment.

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 on changes in facts or law. The Company has no unrecorded liabilities from uncertain tax filing positions.

At December 31, 2018, the Company's federal income tax returns for years prior to 2014 are no longer subject to examination by the IRS. Management does not anticipate any assessments for tax years that remain subject to examination to have a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. Also, see Item 8, Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.

Outlook for 2019

At the time of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, management estimates that 2019 full year core earnings* will be within a range of $2.00 to $2.20 per diluted share and is expected to generate a core return on equity* of between 7.0% and 7.5%. Management expects the Company's overall pretax net investment income to decline by $5 million to $6 million, impacting each of the three operating segments, due to a movement up in quality of the portfolio and a reduction in prepayment activity. This projection also reflects an overall effective tax rate of between 16% and 18%.

Within Property and Casualty, planned premium rate increases, as well as continued underwriting initiatives, are expected to improve the underlying automobile loss ratio* by about 2 points and the underlying property loss ratio* by around 3 points. Management increased the estimate used for catastrophe costs by 20% to be between $45 million and $55 million or 7 to 7.5 points. The expense ratio is expected to be consistent with 2018 and is expected to remain around 27%.

Net income for Retirement is expected to reflect further spread compression as the new money rates remain below the average portfolio earned rate as well as due to anticipated declines in prepayment activity. As a result, net income for Retirement is anticipated to be in the range of $39 million to $41 million. In addition, expense levels will rise, offset by increases in fee income and other income due to the inclusion of BCG.

Life net income is anticipated to decline 15% due to the decrease in net investment income noted above accompanied by a modest increase in mortality costs.

As described in Critical Accounting Estimates, 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 estimates above. Additionally, see Forward-looking Information in Item 1 and Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K concerning other important factors that could impact actual results. Management believes that a

46




projection of net income is not appropriate on a forward-looking basis because it is not possible to provide a valid forecast of net investment gains (losses), which can vary substantially from one period to another and may have a significant impact on net income.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (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 judgments at the time the consolidated financial statements were prepared.

The Company has identified the following accounting estimates as critical in that they involve a higher degree of judgment and are subject to a significant degree of variability:

Valuation of fixed maturity securities, including evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments
Evaluation of goodwill for impairment
Valuation of life and annuity deferred policy acquisition costs
Valuation of liabilities for property and casualty unpaid claims and claim expenses
Valuation of investment contract and life policy reserves

Although variability is inherent in these accounting estimates, management believes the amounts provided are appropriate based upon the facts available during preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

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. Information regarding the Company's accounting policies pertaining to these topics is located in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as listed in Item 8 of this report.

Valuation of Fixed Maturity Securities

The fair value of a fixed maturity security is the estimated amount at which the security could be exchanged in an orderly transaction between knowledgeable, unrelated and willing parties. The valuation of fixed maturity securities is more subjective when markets are less liquid due to the lack of market based inputs, which may increase the potential that the estimated fair value of an investment is not reflective of the price at which an actual transaction would occur. The Company utilizes its investment managers and its custodian bank to obtain fair value prices from independent third-party valuation service providers, broker-dealer quotes, and model prices.

Each month, the Company obtains fair value prices from its investment managers and custodian bank, each of which use a variety of independent, nationally recognized pricing sources to determine market valuations for fixed maturity securities. Differences in prices between the sources that the Company considers significant are researched and the Company utilizes the price that it considers most representative of an exit price. Typical inputs used by these pricing sources include, but are not limited to, reported trades,

47




benchmark yield curves, benchmarking of like securities, rating designations, sector groupings, issuer spreads, bids, offers, and/or estimated cash flows and prepayment speeds. 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 92.3% of the portfolio, based on fair value, was priced through pricing services or index priced using observable inputs as of December 31, 2018.

When the pricing sources cannot provide fair value determinations, the investment managers and custodian bank obtain non-binding price quotes from broker-dealers. And for those securities where the investment manager cannot obtain broker-dealer quotes, they will model the security, generally using anticipated cash flows of the underlying collateral. Broker-dealers' valuation methodologies as well as investment managers’ modeling methodologies are sometimes matrix-based, using indicative evaluation measures and adjustments for specific security characteristics and market sentiment. The market inputs utilized in the evaluation measures and adjustments include: benchmark yield curves, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, ratings and corresponding issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data including anticipated cash flows, and industry and economic events. The extent of the use of each market input depends on the market sector and market conditions. Depending on the security, the priority of the use of inputs may change or some market inputs may not be relevant. For some securities, additional inputs may be necessary.

The Company gains assurance that its fixed maturity securities portfolio is appropriately valued through the execution of various processes and controls designed to ensure the overall reasonableness and consistent application of valuation methodologies, including inputs and assumptions, and compliance with accounting standards. The Company’s processes and controls are designed to ensure (1) the valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistently applied, (2) the inputs and assumptions are reasonable and consistent with the objective of determining fair value, and (3) the fair values are accurately recorded. For example, on a continuing basis, the Company assesses the reasonableness of individual fair values that have stale security prices or that exceed certain thresholds as compared to previous fair values received from valuation service providers. The Company performs procedures to understand and assess the methodologies, processes and controls of valuation service providers. In addition, the Company may validate the reasonableness of fair values by comparing information obtained from valuation service providers or broker-dealers to other third party valuation sources for selected securities.

At December 31, 2018, Level 3 invested assets comprised 3.0% of the Company's total investment portfolio fair value. Invested assets are classified as Level 3 when fair value is determined based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and those inputs are significant to the determination of fair value.

Evaluation of Other-than-temporary Impairments

The Company's methodology of assessing OTTI for fixed maturity securities is based on security-specific facts and circumstances as of the reporting date. The Company has a policy and process to evaluate fixed maturity securities (at the cusip/issuer level) on a quarterly basis to assess whether there has been OTTI. 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 the amortized cost basis, (3) the Company's intent to sell a security or whether it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of the amortized cost basis, (4) the market leadership position of the issuer, (5) the debt ratings of the issuer, and (6) the cash flows and liquidity of the issuer or the underlying cash flows for asset-backed securities, are all considered in the impairment assessment.

48




When OTTI is deemed to have occurred, the investment is written-down to fair value at the trade lot level and the credit-related loss portion is recognized as a net investment loss during the period. The amount of total OTTI related to non-credit factors for fixed maturity securities is recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI), net of applicable taxes, in which the Company has the intent to sell the security or if it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of the amortized cost basis. Also, see Item 8, Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.

Evaluation of Goodwill for Impairment
 
Goodwill represents the excess of the amounts paid to acquire a business over the fair value of its net assets at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. 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; the charge could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. The Company's reporting units, for which goodwill has been allocated, are equivalent to the Company's operating segments. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's allocation of goodwill by reporting unit/segment was as follows: $28.0 million, Retirement; $9.9 million, Life; and $9.5 million, Property and Casualty. Also see Item 8, Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.

The process of evaluating goodwill for impairment requires management to make multiple judgments and assumptions to determine the fair value of each 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 each reporting unit. Fair value estimates are based primarily on an in-depth analysis of historical experience, projected future cash flows and relevant discount rates, which consider market participant inputs and the relative risk associated with the projected cash flows. Other assumptions include levels of economic capital, future business growth, earnings projections and assets under management for each reporting unit. Estimates of fair value are subject to assumptions that are sensitive to change and represent the Company's reasonable expectation regarding future developments. The Company also considers other valuation techniques such as peer company price-to-earnings and price-to-book multiples.
 
The assessment of goodwill recoverability requires significant judgment and is subject to inherent uncertainty. The use of different assumptions, within a reasonable range, could cause the fair value of a reporting unit to be below carrying value. Subsequent goodwill assessments could result in impairment, particularly for each reporting unit with at-risk goodwill, due to the impact of a volatile financial markets on earnings, discount rate assumptions, liquidity and market capitalization. There were no events or material changes in circumstances during 2018 that indicated that an adverse material change in the fair value of the Company's reporting units had occurred.

Valuation of Life and Annuity Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
 
DAC, consisting of commissions, policy issuance and other costs which are incremental and directly related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal business, are deferred and amortized on a basis consistent with the type of insurance coverage. For all investment (annuity) contracts, DAC is amortized over 20 years in proportion to estimated gross profits. DAC is amortized in proportion to estimated gross profits over 20 years for certain life insurance products with account values and over 30 years for IUL. Also, see Item 8, Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.


49




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 net investment gains (losses). For the variable deposit portion of Retirement, the Company amortizes DAC utilizing a future financial market performance assumption of an 8.0% 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 long-term assumption. The Company's practice with regard to future financial market performance assumes that long-term appreciation in the financial markets is not changed by short-term market fluctuations, but is only changed when sustained annual deviations are experienced. The Company monitors these fluctuations and only changes the assumption when the long-term expectation changes. The potential effect of an increase/(decrease) by 100 basis points in the assumed future rate of return is reasonably likely to result in an estimated decrease/(increase) in DAC amortization expense of approximately $2.0 million. Although this evaluation reflects likely outcomes, it is possible an actual outcome may fall below or above these estimates. At December 31, 2018, the ratio of DAC to the total annuity accumulated cash value was 3.1%.
 
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 current period amortization expense for the period in which the adjustment is made. As noted above, there are key assumptions involved in the evaluation of DAC. In terms of the sensitivity of this amortization to three of the more significant assumptions, based on DAC as of December 31, 2018 and assuming all other assumptions are met, (1) a 10 basis point deviation in the annual targeted interest rate spread assumption would impact amortization between $0.3 million and $0.4 million, (2) a 1.0% deviation from the targeted financial market performance for the underlying mutual funds of the Company's variable annuities would impact amortization between $0.3 million and $0.4 million and (3) a $1.0 million net investment gain (loss) would impact amortization by approximately $0.1 million. These results may change depending on the magnitude and direction of any actual deviations but represent a range of reasonably likely experience for the noted assumptions. Detailed discussion of the impact of adjustments to DAC amortization expense is included in Results of Operations by Segment for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2018.

The most significant assumptions that are involved in the estimation of life insurance gross profits include interest rates expected to be received on investments, business persistency, and mortality. Conversions from term to permanent insurance cause an immediate write down of the associated DAC. The impact on amortization due to assumption changes has an immaterial impact on the results of operations.
 
Valuation of Liabilities for Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses
 
Underwriting results of Property and Casualty 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 liabilities 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 transpire 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).
 

50




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, public attitudes and medical costs. The Company calculates and records a single best estimate of the reserve (which is equal to the actuarial point estimate) as of each reporting date.

Reserves are re-estimated quarterly. Changes to reserves are recorded in the period in which development factor changes result in reserve re-estimates. A 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 Item 8, Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report. Due to the nature of the Company's personal lines business, the Company has no exposure to losses related to claims for toxic waste cleanup, other environmental remediation or asbestos-related illnesses other than claims under property insurance policies for environmentally related items such as mold.

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 6.0%, which equates to plus or minus approximately $13.0 million of net income based on net reserves as of December 31, 2018. 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 2.0% 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 net reserves of between $6.0 million and $10.0 million for long-tail liability related exposures (automobile liability coverages) and between $2.0 million and $4.0 million for short-tail liability related exposures (property and automobile physical damage coverages). Actual results may differ, depending on the magnitude and direction of the deviation.
 
The Company's actuaries discuss their loss and loss adjustment expense actuarial analysis 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's actuaries also discuss any indicated changes to the underlying assumptions used to calculate the indicated point estimate. Any variance between the indicated reserves from these changes in assumptions and the previously carried reserves is reviewed. 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.


51




The Company's liabilities for unpaid claims and claim expenses for Property and Casualty were as follows:
($ in millions)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Case
Reserves
 
IBNR
Reserves
 
Total (1)
 
Case
Reserves
 
IBNR
Reserves
 
Total (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Automobile liability
 
$
103.5

 
$
171.7

 
$
275.2

 
$
97.3

 
$
164.5

 
$
261.8

Automobile other
 
12.4

 
(4.0
)
 
8.4

 
11.9

 
0.7

 
12.6

Property
 
24.3

 
48.2

 
72.5

 
9.2

 
26.0

 
35.2

All other
 
2.1

 
9.0

 
11.1

 
1.4

 
8.2

 
9.6

Total
 
$
142.3

 
$
224.9

 
$
367.2

 
$
119.8

 
$
199.4

 
$
319.2

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

The facts and circumstances leading to the Company's re-estimate 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. Re-estimates occur because actual loss amounts are different than those predicted by the estimated development factors used in prior reserve estimates. At December 31, 2018, the impact of a reserve re-estimation resulting in a 1.0% increase in net reserves would be a decrease of approximately $2.0 million in net income. A reserve re-estimation resulting in a 1.0% decrease in net reserves would increase net income by approximately $2.0 million.

Favorable prior years' reserve re-estimates increased net income in 2018 by approximately $0.3 million pretax, primarily the result of favorable severity trends in property for accident years 2016 and prior. The lower than expected claims emergence and resultant lower expected loss ratios caused the Company to lower its reserve estimate at December 31, 2018.

Valuation of Investment Contract and Life Policy Reserves

Liabilities for future benefits on annuity and life policies are established in amounts adequate to meet the estimated future obligations on policies in force.

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. Liabilities for fixed indexed annuity (FIA) contracts are bifurcated into an embedded derivative and a host contract where the embedded derivative is included in Other policyholder funds in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the host contract is accounted for as a debt instrument with any discount to the minimum account value being accreted using the effective yield method.

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 lapses. Mortality and lapse 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 recognition of a loss for the period in which the increase in reserves occurred. Also see Item 8, Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.


52




Results of Operations by Segment for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2018

Consolidated financial results primarily reflect the operating results of three reporting segments as well as the corporate and other line. These segments are defined based on financial information Management uses to evaluate performance and to determine the allocation of assets.

Property and Casualty
Retirement
Life
Corporate and Other

The calculations of segment data are described in more detail in Item 8, Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report. The following sections provide analysis and discussion of results of operations for each of the reporting segments as well as investment results.


53




Property and Casualty

The following table provides certain financial information for the Property and Casualty segment for the periods indicated.

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018-2017
 
2017-2016
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change %
 
Change %
Financial Data:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Premiums written*:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Automobile
 
$
469.9

 
$
450.7

 
$
425.9

 
4.3
%
 
5.8
%
Property and other
 
211.6

 
212.1

 
208.4

 
-0.2
%
 
1.8
%
Total premiums written
 
681.5

 
662.8

 
634.3

 
2.8
%
 
4.5
%
Change in unearned insurance premiums
 
15.8

 
14.5

 
13.8

 
9.0
%
 
5.1
%
Total insurance premiums earned
 
665.7

 
648.3

 
620.5

 
2.7
%
 
4.5
%
Incurred claims and claims expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Claims occurring in the current year (1)
 
548.0

 
499.0

 
471.1

 
9.8
%
 
5.9
%
Prior years' reserve development (2)
 
(0.3
)
 
(2.7
)
 
(7.0
)
 
-88.9
%
 
-61.4
%
Total claims and claim expenses incurred
 
547.7

 
496.3

 
464.1

 
10.4
%
 
6.9
%
Operating expenses, including DAC
 
179.8

 
173.4

 
165.7

 
3.7
%
 
4.6
%
Underwriting loss
 
(61.8
)
 
(21.4
)
 
(9.3
)
 
N.M.
 
130.1
%
Net investment income
 
40.1

 
36.2

 
39.0

 
10.8
%
 
-7.2
%
Income before income taxes
 
(20.9
)
 
14.5

 
30.3

 
N.M.
 
-52.1
%
Net income (loss)
 
(14.3
)
 
17.8

 
25.6

 
N.M.
 
-30.5
%
Core earnings (loss)*
 
(14.3
)
 
17.2

 
25.6

 
N.M.
 
-32.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Statistics:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Automobile
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
 
76.3
 %
 
79.4
 %
 
80.2
 %
 
-3.1
 pts
 
-0.8
 pts
Expense ratio
 
26.8
 %
 
26.9
 %
 
27.1
 %
 
-0.1
 pts
 
-0.2
 pts
Combined ratio:
 
103.1
 %
 
106.3
 %
 
107.3
 %
 
-3.2
 pts
 
-1.0
 pts
Prior years' reserve development
 
 %
 
-0.1
 %
 
-0.3
 %
 
0.1
 pts
 
0.2
 pts
Catastrophes
 
1.7
 %
 
2.3
 %
 
2.5
 %
 
-0.6
 pts
 
-0.2
 pts
Underlying combined ratio*
 
101.4
 %
 
104.1
 %
 
105.1
 %
 
-2.7
pts
 
-1.0
pts
Property
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
 
95.4
 %
 
70.5
 %
 
63.9
 %
 
24.9
 pts
 
6.6
 pts
Expense ratio
 
27.7
 %
 
26.5
 %
 
26.2
 %
 
1.2
 pts
 
0.3
 pts
Combined ratio:
 
123.1
 %
 
97.0
 %
 
90.1
 %
 
26.1
 pts
 
6.9
 pts
Prior years' reserve development
 
-0.1
 %
 
-1.2
 %
 
-2.7
 %
 
1.1
 pts
 
1.5
 pts
Catastrophes
 
50.2
 %
 
24.5
 %
 
24.2
 %
 
25.7
 pts
 
0.3
 pts
Underlying combined ratio*
 
73.0
 %
 
73.7
 %
 
68.6
 %
 
-0.7
 pts
 
5.1
 pts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policies in force (in thousands)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Automobile
 
463

 
479

 
485

 
-3.3
%
 
-1.2
%
Property
 
201

 
205

 
220

 
-2.0
%
 
-6.8
%
Total
 
664

 
684

 
705

 
-2.9
%
 
-3.0
%
___________________
N.M. - Not meaningful.
Footnotes continued on next page.

54





 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
Catastrophe costs were incurred as follows:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Three months ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31
 
$
9.8

 
$
17.2

 
$
12.7

June 30
 
26.8

 
32.4

 
27.3

September 30
 
32.2

 
8.6

 
8.4

December 31
 
45.3

 
3.6

 
11.6

Total full year
 
$
114.1

 
$
61.8

 
$
60.0


(2) 
Shows the amounts by which the Company decreased its reserves in each of the periods indicated for claims occurring in previous years to reflect subsequent information on such claims and changes in their projected final settlement costs indicating that the actual and remaining projected losses for prior years are below the level anticipated in the previous December 31 loss reserve estimate.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Three months ended
 
 

 
 

 
 

March 31
 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
(1.0
)
 
$
(2.0
)
June 30
 

 
(0.6
)
 
(1.6
)
September 30
 

 
(0.5
)
 
(0.7
)
December 31
 

 
(0.6
)
 
(2.7
)
Total full year
 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
(2.7
)
 
$
(7.0
)

For 2018, core earnings* decreased $31.5 million compared to 2017, reflecting a significant level of catastrophe costs. The most significant catastrophe event in 2018 was the Camp Fire in California, which generated gross losses of $150.0 million, and, after reinsurance, the financial impact of that event was $37.9 million pretax, including reinsurance reinstatement premiums. The Camp Fire in California was the largest single catastrophe event for the Company since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. For 2017, core earnings decreased $8.4 million compared to 2016, driven primarily by weather-related losses.

On a reported basis, the improvement in the automobile combined ratio in 2018 was attributable to 2.6 points of improvement in the underlying loss ratio due to rate actions combined with continued stabilization in auto loss trends and the expense ratio was comparable to the prior year. The increase in the property combined ratio in 2018 was attributable to an increase in catastrophe costs. On an underlying basis, the property loss ratio improved compared to the prior year.

Total premiums written* in 2018 increased compared to 2017, reflecting increases in average written premium per policy for both property and automobile partially offset by $6.7 million of reinsurance reinstatement premiums. For 2018, the Company's full year rate plan anticipated mid-single digit average rate increases (including states with no rate actions) for both automobile and property; average approved rate changes during 2018 were higher at 11.1% for automobile and slightly lower at 4.5% for property.
 
Based on policies in force, the automobile 12 month retention rate for new and renewal policies was 81.9% compared to 83.0% at December 31, 2017 and 83.5% at December 31, 2016, respectively, with the decrease due to recent rate and underwriting actions. The property 12 month new and renewal policy retention rate was 88.0%, 87.6% and 87.8% at December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 

55




Automobile premiums written* increased $19.2 million compared to 2017. In 2018, the average written premium per policy and average earned premium per policy increased 6.9% and 6.8%, respectively, compared to 2017. In 2017, automobile premiums written increased $24.8 million compared to 2016. In 2017, the average written premium per policy and average earned premium per policy increased 6.1% and 5.7%, respectively, compared to 2016. For automobile, the number of educator policies has been stable relative to overall automobile policies over the past three years as educators represented 85.4%, 85.2% and 85.2% of the automobile policies in force as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 
Property and other premiums written* decreased $0.5 million, compared to 2017. While the number of property policies in force has declined, the average written premium per policy and average earned premium per policy increased 4.3% and 3.1%, respectively, in 2018 compared to 2017. In addition, catastrophe reinstatement reinsurance premiums reduced current period premiums written by approximately $6.7 million. Property and other premiums written increased $3.7 million, compared to 2016. In 2017, while the number of property policies in force declined, the average written premium per policy and average earned premium per policy increased 2.2% and 2.6%, respectively, compared to a year earlier. For property, the number of educator policies has been stable relative to overall property policies over the past three years as educators represented 82.4%, 82.3% and 82.0% of the property policies in force as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The Company continues to evaluate and implement actions to further mitigate its risk exposure in hurricane-prone areas, as well as other areas of the country. Such actions could include, but are not limited to, non-renewal of property policies, restricted agent geographic placement, limitations on agent new business sales, further tightening of underwriting standards and increased utilization of third-party vendor products.


56




Retirement

The following table provides certain information for the Retirement segment for the periods indicated.
($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018-2017
 
2017-2016
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change %
 
Change %
Financial Data:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Contract charges earned
 
$
31.2

 
$
28.0

 
$
24.9

 
11.4
%
 
12.4
%
Net investment income
 
262.6

 
262.0

 
249.4

 
0.2
%
 
5.1
%
Interest credited
 
161.1

 
153.5

 
147.3

 
5.0
%
 
4.2
%
Net interest margin without net
investment gains (losses)
 
101.5

 
108.5

 
102.1

 
-6.5
%
 
6.3
%
Mortality loss and other reserve charges
 
7.6

 
5.8

 
3.9

 
31.0
%
 
48.7
%
DAC amortization expense, excluding unlocking
 
19.2

 
16.7

 
14.9

 
15.0
%
 
12.1
%
DAC unlocking
 
3.9

 
1.1

 
(0.3
)
 
N.M.
 
N.M.
Operating expenses
 
57.3

 
49.8

 
40.3

 
15.1
%
 
23.6
%
Income before income taxes
 
51.7

 
69.0

 
71.0

 
-25.1
%
 
-2.8
%
Net income
 
41.7

 
88.4

 
50.7

 
-52.8
%
 
74.4
%
Core earnings*
 
41.7

 
48.9

 
50.7

 
-14.7
%
 
-3.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Statistics:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contract deposits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable
 
$
205.8

 
$
173.9

 
$
163.6

 
18.3
%
 
6.3
%
Fixed
 
233.3

 
279.2

 
356.6

 
-16.4
%
 
-21.7
%
Total
 
439.1

 
453.1

 
520.2

 
-3.1
%
 
-12.9
%
Single
 
234.2

 
244.4

 
310.6

 
-4.2
%
 
-21.3
%
Recurring
 
204.9

 
208.7

 
209.6

 
-1.8
%
 
-0.4
%
Total
 
439.1

 
453.1

 
520.2

 
-3.1
%
 
-12.9
%
Accumulated value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable
 
2,001.1

 
2,152.0

 
1,923.9

 
-7.0
%
 
11.9
%
Fixed
 
4,712.2

 
4,612.0

 
4,503.1

 
2.2
%
 
2.4
%
Total
 
6,713.3

 
6,764.0

 
6,427.0

 
-0.7
%
 
5.2
%
Accumulated value persistency
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable
 
94.4
%
 
94.8
%
 
94.9
%
 
-0.4
 pts
 
-0.1
 pts
Fixed
 
94.0
%
 
94.5
%
 
94.6
%
 
-0.5
 pts
 
-0.1
 pts
Total
 
94.1
%
 
94.6
%
 
94.7
%
 
-0.5
pts
 
-0.1
pts
Number of contracts in force
 
226

 
223

 
219

 
1.3
%
 
1.8
%
Fixed spread (basis points)
 
171

 
194

 
193

 
-23bps

 
1
bp
___________________
N.M. - Not meaningful.

For 2018, core earnings* decreased $7.2 million compared to 2017, reflecting tightening annualized net interest spreads on fixed annuities, higher DAC unlocking, and higher operating expenses to support long-term retirement infrastructure. For 2017, core earnings decreased $1.8 million compared to 2016, reflecting higher operating expenses driven by strategic investments in technology, products and distribution offset by a $6.4 million pretax increase in net interest margin.

For 2018, contract deposits decreased compared to 2017, reflecting decreases for single and recurring deposits. Variable annuity deposits increased $31.9 million but the increase was more than offset by the $45.9 million decrease in fixed annuity deposits.


57




For 2018, variable accumulated value decreased compared to 2017, driven by the decline in the market. Fixed annuity accumulated value increased compared to 2017 reflecting the increase in contract deposits as well as interest credited which increased compared to 2017. The annualized net interest spread on fixed annuities decreased 23 basis points.

The Company actively manages its interest rate risk exposure, considering a variety of factors, including earned interest rates, credited interest rates and the relationship between the expected durations of assets and liabilities. Management estimates that over the next 12 months approximately $472.9 million of Retirement and Life combined investment portfolio and related investable cash flows will be reinvested at current market rates. As interest rates remain at low levels, borrowers may prepay or redeem the securities with greater frequency in order to borrow at lower market rates, which could increase investable cash flows and exacerbate the reinvestment risk.

As a general guideline, for a 100 basis point decline in the average reinvestment rate and based on the Company's existing policies and investment portfolio, the impact from investing in that lower interest rate environment could further reduce Retirement net investment income by approximately $1.8 million in year one and $5.5 million in year two, further reducing the annualized net interest spread by approximately 4 basis points and 11 basis points in the respective periods, compared to the current period annualized net interest spread. The Company could also consider potential changes in rates credited to policyholders, tempered by any restrictions on the ability to adjust policyholder rates due to minimum guaranteed crediting rates.

The expectation for future annualized net interest spreads is also an important component in the amortization of DAC. In terms of the sensitivity of this amortization to the annualized net interest spread, based on DAC as of December 31, 2018 and assuming all other assumptions are met, a 10 basis point deviation in the current year targeted interest rate spread assumption would impact amortization between $0.3 million and $0.4 million. This result may change depending on the magnitude and direction of any actual deviations but represents a range of reasonably likely experience for the noted assumption.
 
Additional information regarding the interest crediting rates and balances equal to the minimum guaranteed rate for deferred annuity account values is shown below.
($ in millions)
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Annuities at
 
 
Total Deferred Annuities
 
Minimum Guaranteed Rate
 
 
Percent
of Total
 
Accumulated
Value (AV)
 
Percent of
Total Deferred
Annuities AV
 
Percent
of Total
 
Accumulated
Value
Minimum guaranteed interest rates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than 2%
 
26.2
%
 
$
1,181.0

 
50.8
%
 
15.5
%
 
$
600.2

Equal to 2% but less than 3%
 
6.7

 
299.8

 
82.8

 
6.4

 
248.1

Equal to 3% but less than 4%
 
13.6

 
610.4

 
99.9

 
15.8

 
609.9

Equal to 4% but less than 5%
 
52.3

 
2,356.4

 
100.0

 
60.9

 
2,356.3

5% or higher
 
1.2

 
52.6

 
100.0

 
1.4

 
52.6

Total
 
100.0
%
 
$
4,500.2

 
85.9
%
 
100.0
%
 
$
3,867.1

 
The Company will continue to be disciplined in executing strategies to mitigate the negative impact on profitability of a sustained low interest rate environment. However, the success of these strategies may be affected by the factors discussed in Item 1A and other factors within this report.


58




Life

The following table provides certain information for the Life segment for the periods indicated.
 ($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018-2017
 
2017-2016
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change %
 
Change %
Financial Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance premiums and contract deposits
 
$
114.4

 
$
111.2

 
$
108.0

 
2.9
%
 
3.0
%
Insurance premiums and contract charges earned
 
120.4

 
118.4

 
113.7

 
1.7
%
 
4.1
%
Net investment income
 
74.4

 
76.2

 
73.6

 
-2.4
%
 
3.5
%
Benefits and settlement expenses
 
82.3

 
80.2

 
73.1

 
2.6
%
 
9.7
%
Interest credited
 
45.1

 
45.1

 
44.7

 
%
 
0.9
%
DAC amortization expense, excluding unlocking
 
7.3

 
7.7

 
7.5

 
-5.2
%
 
2.7
%
DAC unlocking
 
0.3

 
(0.2
)
 
(0.4
)
 
N.M.
 
N.M.
Operating expenses
 
36.4

 
36.5

 
36.9

 
-0.3
%
 
-1.1
%
Income before income taxes
 
23.7

 
25.7

 
26.3

 
-7.8
%
 
-2.3
%
Net income
 
18.8

 
77.6

 
16.6

 
-75.8
%
 
N.M.
Core earnings*
 
18.8

 
17.3

 
16.6

 
8.7
%
 
4.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Statistics:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life insurance in force
 
$
18,278

 
$
17,564

 
$
17,025

 
4.1
%
 
3.2
%
Number of policies in force*
 
199

 
198

 
198

 
0.5
%
 
%
Average face amount in force (in dollars)
 
$
92,073

 
$
88,758

 
$
86,012

 
3.7
%
 
3.2
%
Lapse ratio (ordinary life insurance in force)
 
4.6
%
 
4.9
%
 
4.3
%
 
-0.3
pts
 
0.6
pts
Mortality costs
 
$
35.1

 
$
36.1

 
$
33.1

 
-2.8
%
 
9.1
%
___________________
N.M. - Not meaningful.

For 2018, core earnings* increased $1.5 million compared to 2017, reflecting a lower effective tax rate. For 2017, core earnings increased $0.7 million compared to 2016.

Life premiums and contract deposits* increased in 2018 and 2017, reflecting the favorable impact of new ordinary life business growth. The ordinary life insurance in force lapse ratio was 4.6%, 4.9% and 4.3% for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Corporate and Other

($ in millions)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018-2017
 
2017-2016
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change %
 
Change %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
$
11.9

 
$
11.8

 
$
11.8

 
0.8
%
 
%
Net investment gains (losses) pretax
 
(12.5
)
 
(3.4
)
 
4.1

 
N.M.
 
N.M.
Tax on net investment gains (losses)
 
(2.4
)
 
(1.7
)
 
1.8

 
41.2
%
 
N.M.
Net investment gains (losses) after tax
 
(10.1
)
 
(1.7
)
 
2.3

 
N.M.
 
N.M.
Net income (loss)
 
(27.9
)
 
(14.4
)
 
(9.1
)
 
-93.8
%
 
-58.2
%
Core earnings (loss)*
 
(17.8
)
 
(11.3
)
 
(11.4
)
 
-57.5
%
 
0.9
%
___________________
N.M. - Not meaningful.

For 2018, core earnings* decreased compared to 2017, driven by $4.0 million, after tax, of transaction costs to acquire BCG and NTA. For 2017, core earnings was comparable to 2016.


59




Investment Results
($ in millions)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018-2017
 
2017-2016
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change %
 
Change %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total net investment income
 
$
376.5

 
$
373.6

 
$
361.2

 
0.8
 %
 
3.4
%
Pretax net investment gains (losses)
 
(12.5
)
 
(3.4
)
 
4.1

 
N.M.
 
N.M.
Pretax net unrealized investment gains on securities
 
141.4

 
440.3

 
312.2

 
-67.9
 %
 
41.0
%
___________________
N.M. - Not meaningful.

For 2018, net investment income was comparable to 2017 as increased prepayment activity and returns on alternative investments offset the reduction in yields from a movement up in quality of the portfolio. For 2017, net investment income increased $12.4 million compared to 2016, reflecting growth in asset balances and an increase in prepayment activity. While annuity asset balances in the Retirement segment continue to grow, annual investment yields continue to be impacted by the low interest rate environment of recent years.
 
For 2018, pretax net unrealized investment gains on securities were down $298.9 million compared to 2017, reflecting U.S. Treasury rates that rose 18 basis points and wider credit spreads across most asset classes. For 2017, pretax net unrealized investment gains on securities increased $128.1 million compared to 2016 as credit spreads were tighter across most asset classes in 2017 and U.S. Treasury rates were mostly flat.


60




Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Portfolios
 
The table below presents the Company's fixed maturity and equity securities portfolios by major asset class, including the ten largest sectors of the Company's corporate bond holdings (based on fair value).
 
 
December 31, 2018
($ in millions)
 
Number of
Issuers
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost or
Cost
 
Pretax Net
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banking & Finance
 
122

 
$
624.5

 
$
625.1

 
$
(0.6
)
Insurance
 
59

 
250.5

 
240.8

 
9.7

Real Estate
 
41

 
170.2

 
170.5

 
(0.3
)
Energy (1)
 
57

 
156.8

 
154.9

 
1.9

Technology
 
33

 
136.9

 
138.6

 
(1.7
)
HealthCare, Pharmacy
 
43

 
125.6

 
124.5

 
1.1

Utilities
 
39

 
106.3

 
97.6

 
8.7

Transportation
 
35

 
94.2

 
93.0

 
1.2

Telecommunications
 
21

 
51.9

 
48.7

 
3.2

Broadcasting & Media
 
14

 
51.4

 
49.5

 
1.9

All other corporates (2)
 
162

 
311.2

 
311.0

 
0.2

Total corporate bonds
 
626

 
2,079.5

 
2,054.2

 
25.3

Mortgage-backed securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government and federally sponsored agencies
 
235

 
450.1

 
434.7

 
15.4

Commercial (3)
 
153

 
663.7

 
676.2

 
(12.5
)
Other
 
31

 
85.3

 
85.5

 
(0.2
)
Municipal bonds (4)
 
499

 
2,004.0

 
1,884.3

 
119.7

Government bonds
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S.
 
43

 
833.5

 
835.1

 
(1.6
)
Foreign
 
14

 
84.9

 
83.3

 
1.6

Collateralized loan obligations (5)
 
132

 
692.4

 
702.0

 
(9.6
)
Asset-backed securities
 
111

 
621.9

 
618.6

 
3.3

Total fixed maturity securities
 
1,844

 
$
7,515.3

 
$
7,373.9

 
$
141.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Non-redeemable preferred stocks
 
12

 
$
54.7

 
 
 
 
Common stocks
 
93

 
37.2

 
 
 
 
Closed-end fund
 
1

 
19.8

 
 
 
 
Total equity securities
 
106

 
$
111.7

 


 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
1,950

 
$
7,627.0

 


 


 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
At December 31, 2018, the fair value amount included $8.5 million which were non-investment grade.
(2) 
The All Other Corporates category contains 19 additional industry classifications. Gaming, food and beverage, natural gas, metal and mining and retail represented $180.0 million of fair value at December 31, 2018, with the remaining 14 classifications each representing less than $27.0 million.
(3) 
At December 31, 2018, 100% were investment grade, with an overall credit rating of AA, and the positions were well diversified by property type, geography and sponsor.
(4) 
Holdings are geographically diversified, 44.9% are tax-exempt and 77.7% are revenue bonds tied to essential services, such as mass transit, water and sewer. The overall credit quality of the municipal bond portfolio was AA- at December 31, 2018.
(5) 
Based on fair value, 97.3% of the collateralized loan obligation securities were rated investment grade by Standard & Poor's Global Inc. (S&P), Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's) and/or Fitch Ratings, Inc. (Fitch) at December 31, 2018.

61




At December 31, 2018, the Company's diversified fixed maturity securities portfolio consisted of 3,020 investment positions, issued by 1,844 entities, and totaled approximately $7.5 billion in fair value. This portfolio was 97.3% investment grade, based on fair value, with an average quality rating of A+. The Company's investment guidelines generally limit single corporate issuer concentrations to 0.5% of invested assets for AA or AAA rated securities, 0.35% of invested assets for A or BBB rated securities, and 0.2% of invested assets for non-investment grade securities.

The following table presents the composition and fair value of the Company's fixed maturity and equity securities portfolios by rating category. At December 31, 2018, 96.6% of these combined portfolios were investment grade, based on fair value, with an overall average quality rating of A+. The Company has classified the entire fixed maturity securities portfolio as available for sale, which is carried at fair value.

Rating of Fixed Maturity Securities and Equity Securities (1) 
($ in millions)
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
Percent
of Total
Fair
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost or Cost
Fixed maturity securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

AAA
 
9.1
%
 
$
683.7

 
$
682.4

AA (2)
 
44.5

 
3,342.2

 
3,278.5

A
 
22.4

 
1,686.2

 
1,621.5

BBB
 
21.2

 
1,596.0

 
1,583.1

BB
 
1.8

 
138.9

 
141.1

B
 
0.4

 
27.3

 
28.0

CCC or lower
 
0.1

 
0.4

 
0.4

Not rated (3)
 
0.5

 
40.6

 
38.9

Total fixed maturity securities
 
100.0
%
 
$
7,515.3

 
$
7,373.9

Equity securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

AAA
 

 

 
 
AA
 

 

 
 
A
 

 

 
 
BBB
 
49.0
%
 
$
54.7

 
 
BB
 

 

 
 
B
 

 

 
 
CCC or lower
 

 

 
 
Not rated
 
51.0

 
57.0

 
 
Total equity securities
 
100.0
%
 
$
111.7

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 

 
$
7,627.0

 


 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
Ratings are as assigned primarily by S&P when available, with remaining ratings as assigned on an equivalent basis by Moody's or Fitch. Ratings for publicly traded securities are determined when the securities are acquired and are updated monthly to reflect any changes in ratings.
(2) 
At December 31, 2018, the AA rated fair value amount included $833.5 million of U.S. Government and federally sponsored agency securities and $697.4 million of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities issued by U.S. Government and federally sponsored agencies.
(3) 
This category primarily represents private placement and municipal securities not rated by either S&P, Moody's or Fitch.


62




At December 31, 2018, the fixed maturity securities portfolio had $107.7 million of pretax gross unrealized investment losses on $3,386.9 million of fair value related to 1,411 positions. Of the investment positions with gross unrealized investment losses, there was one security trading below 80.0% of the carrying value at December 31, 2018.
 
The Company views the unrealized investment losses of all of the securities at December 31, 2018 as temporary. Future changes in circumstances related to these and other securities could require subsequent recognition of OTTI.

Liquidity and Financial Resources
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
At December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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 maturity securities, is presented in Item 7, Results of Operations by Segment for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2018, Item 1, Investments and in Item 8, Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in 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, pay dividends to shareholders and repurchase shares of HMEC's common stock. Long-term liquidity requirements, beyond one year, are principally for the payment of future insurance and annuity policy claims and benefits, as well as retirement of long-term debt. The following table summarizes the Company's consolidated cash flows activity for the periods indicated.
($ in millions)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018-2017
 
2017-2016
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change %
 
Change %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
200.9

 
$
256.6

 
$
211.4

 
-21.7
%
 
21.4
%
Net cash used in investing activities
 
186.5

 
228.7

 
325.4

 
-18.5
%
 
-29.7
%
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
(10.1
)
 
(37.0
)
 
115.1

 
72.7
%
 
-132.1
%
Net increase (decrease) in cash
 
$
4.3

 
(9.1
)
 
1.2

 
N.M.
 
N.M.
Cash at beginning of period
 
7.6

 
16.7

 
15.5

 
-54.5
%
 
7.7
%
Cash at end of period
 
$
11.9

 
$
7.6

 
$
16.7

 
56.6
%
 
-54.5
%
___________________
N.M. - Not meaningful.

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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 2018, net cash provided by operating activities decreased $55.7 million compared to 2017, primarily due to increases in Policyholder benefits paid related to catastrophe claims and Policy acquisition and other operating expenses paid, partially offset by Premiums collected and Investment income collected.
 
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 into other investments with different interest rates, maturities or credit characteristics. Accordingly, the Company has classified the entire fixed maturity securities portfolio as available for sale.
 
Financing Activities

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

Horace Mann Life Insurance Company (HMLIC), one of the Company's subsidiaries, operates under funding agreements with FHLB. In November 2018, HMLIC received an additional $50.0 million from FHLB under a funding agreement and receipt of those funds has been reported in Annuity Contracts: Variable, Fixed and FHLB Funding Agreements, Deposits. Advances to HMLIC from FHLB under funding agreements totaled $625.0 million as of December 31, 2018. For the year ended December 31, 2018, cash inflows from annuity contract deposits, excluding the FHLB transaction, decreased $14.0 million, or 3.1%, compared to 2017. Cash outflows from annuity contract benefits, withdrawals and net transfers to Separate Account (variable annuity) assets increased $61.9 million, or 15.1%, compared to 2017.

In 2017, Horace Mann Insurance Company (HMIC) became a member of FHLB, which provides HMIC with access to collateralized borrowings and other FHLB products. In the fourth quarter of 2017, HMIC received $50.0 million in executed borrowings and receipt of those funds has been reported in FHLB borrowings. Proceeds from the FHLB borrowings were invested in high quality floating rate assets with the primary objective of generating incremental investment income with an emphasis on minimizing interest rate risk and preserving capital. For the year ended 2017, financing activities included a cash outflow of $77.9 million attributable to fixed account withdrawals due to the transfer of all the Company’s 401(k) assets to a third-party provider. Exclusive of this transaction, the Company’s annuity business produced net positive cash flows in 2017 and 2016.


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Contractual Obligations
 
The following table shows the Company's contractual obligations, as well as the projected timing of payments.
($ in millions)
 
Payments Due By Period as of December 31, 2018
 
 
Total
 
Less Than
1 Year
(2019)
 
1 - 3 Years
(2020 and
2021)
 
3 - 5 Years
(2022 and
2023)
 
More Than
5 Years
(2024 and
beyond)
Fixed annuities and fixed option
of variable annuities (1)
 
$
7,118.7

 
$
309.7

 
$
630.6

 
$
643.6

 
$
5,534.8

Supplemental contracts (1)(2)
 
1,098.1

 
284.8

 
57.3

 
227.9

 
528.1

Life insurance policies (1)
 
2,630.8

 
99.5

 
203.2

 
203.2

 
2,124.9

Property and Casualty claims and claim
adjustment expenses (1)
 
277.5

 
159.3

 
108.1

 
9.6

 
0.5

Long-term debt obligations,
FHLB borrowings due October
and December 2022 (3)
 
55.2

 
1.4

 
2.7

 
51.1

 

Long-term debt obligations
Senior Notes due December 1, 2025 (4)
 
328.8

 
11.3

 
22.5

 
22.5

 
272.5

Operating lease obligations (5)
 
7.2

 
2.6

 
2.9

 
1.7

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
11,516.3

 
$
868.6

 
$
1,027.3

 
$
1,159.6

 
$
8,460.8

 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
This information represents estimates of both the amounts to be paid to policyholders and the timing of such payments and is net of anticipated reinsurance recoveries.
(2) 
Includes $625.0 million obligation to FHLB plus interest.
(3) 
Includes $50.0 million obligation to FHLB plus interest.
(4) 
Includes principal and interest.
(5) 
The Company has entered into various operating lease agreements, primarily for real estate (claims and marketing offices in a few states) as well as for computer equipment and copier machines.

Estimated Future Policy Benefit and Claim Payments - Retirement and Life
 
This discussion addresses the following contractual obligations disclosed above: fixed annuities and fixed option of variable annuities, supplemental contracts and life insurance policies. 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, including the effect of discounting, and consequently in many cases differ significantly from the summation of undiscounted cash flows.
 
For the majority of the Company's Retirement 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 GAAP. 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.
 

65




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, 2018. Separate Account (variable annuity) 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 Item 8, Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in 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
 
This discussion addresses claims and claim adjustment expenses as disclosed above. 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. Both the total liability and the estimated payments are based on actuarial projection techniques, at a given reporting 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 above 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.

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 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. If necessary, HMEC also has other potential sources of liquidity that could provide for additional funding to meet corporate obligations or pay shareholder dividends, which include a revolving line of credit, as well as issuances of various securities. 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. The aggregate amount of dividends that may be paid in 2019 from all of HMEC's insurance subsidiaries without prior regulatory approval is $90.7 million. Management anticipates that the Company's sources of capital will continue to generate sufficient capital to meet the needs for business growth, debt interest payments, shareholder dividends and its share repurchase program. Additional information is contained in Item 8, Note 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.


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The total capital of the Company was $1,588.3 million at December 31, 2018, including $297.7 million of long-term debt. Total debt represented 20% of total capital excluding net unrealized investment gains on securities (18.7% including net unrealized investment gains on securities) at December 31, 2018, which was below the Company's long-term target of 25%.
 
Shareholders' equity was $1,290.6 million at December 31, 2018, including net unrealized investment gains on securities in the Company's investment portfolio of $96.9 million after taxes and the related impact of DAC associated with investment contracts and life insurance products with account values. The market value of the Company's common stock and the market value per share were $1,534.3 million and $37.45, respectively, at December 31, 2018. Book value per share was $31.50 at December 31, 2018 ($29.13 excluding net unrealized investment gains on securities).

Additional information regarding net unrealized investment gains on securities in the Company's investment portfolio at December 31, 2018 is included in Item 7, Results of Operations by Segment for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2018 and Item 8, Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.
 
Total shareholder dividends were $46.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. In March, May, September and December 2018, the Board announced regular quarterly dividends of $0.285 per share. Compared to the full year per share dividends paid in 2017 of $1.10, the total 2018 dividends paid per share of $1.14 represented an increase of 3.6%.
 
In December 2011, the Board authorized a share repurchase program allowing repurchases of up to $50.0 million (2011 Plan). In September 2015, the Board authorized an additional share repurchase program allowing repurchases of up to $50.0 million (2015 Plan) to begin following the completion of the 2011 Plan. Both share repurchase programs authorize the repurchase of HMEC's common shares in open market or privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, depending on market conditions. The share repurchase programs do not have expiration dates and may be limited or terminated at any time without notice. Utilization of the remaining authorization under the 2011 program was completed in January 2016. During 2018, the Company repurchased 129,112 shares of its common stock, or 0.3%, of the outstanding shares on December 31, 2017, at an aggregate cost of $5.1 million, or an average price of $39.41 per share, under the 2015 Plan. In total and through December 31, 2018, 2,977,162 shares were repurchased under the 2011 and 2015 Plans at an average price of $25.96 per share. The repurchase of shares was funded through use of cash. As of December 31, 2018, $22.8 million remained authorized for future share repurchases under the 2015 Plan authorization.
 

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The following table summarizes the Company's debt obligations.
 
($ in millions)
 
Effective
Interest
Rates
 
Final
Maturity
 
December 31,
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
Short-term debt
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Bank Credit Facility
 
Variable
 
2023
 
$

 
$

Long-term debt (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.50% Senior Notes, Aggregate principal amount of
$250,000 less unaccrued discount of $488 and
$547 and unamortized debt issuance costs
of $1,772 and $1,984
 
4.50%
 
2025
 
247.7

 
247.5

Federal Home Loan Bank borrowing
 
2.70%
 
2022
 
50.0

 
50.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
$
297.7

 
$
297.5

___________________
(1)    The Company designates debt obligations as "long-term" based on maturity date at issuance.

In November 2015, the Company issued $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes, which will mature on December 1, 2025, at a discount resulting in an effective yield of 4.53%. Interest on the Senior Notes due 2025 is payable semi-annually. Detailed information regarding the redemption terms of the Senior Notes due 2025 is contained in Item 8, Note 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report. The Senior Notes due 2025 are traded in the open market (HMN 4.50).
 
In 2017, HMIC became a member of FHLB, which provides HMIC with access to collateralized borrowings and other FHLB products. As membership requires the ownership of membership stock, in June 2017, HMIC purchased common stock to meet the membership requirement. Any borrowing from the FHLB requires the purchase of FHLB activity-based common stock in an amount equal to 4.5% of the borrowing, or a lower percentage - such as 2.0% based on the Reduced Capitalization Advance Program. In 2017, HMIC purchased common stock to meet the activity-based requirement. For FHLB borrowings, the Board has authorized a maximum amount equal to the greater of 10% of admitted assets or 20% of surplus of the consolidated property and casualty companies. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company received $50.0 million in executed borrowings for HMIC. For the total $50.0 million received, $25.0 million matures on October 5, 2022 and $25.0 million matures on December 2, 2022. Interest on the borrowings accrues at an annual weighted average rate of 2.70% as of December 31, 2018. HMIC's FHLB borrowings of $50.0 million are included in Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of December 31, 2018, the Company had no balance outstanding under its Bank Credit Facility. Effective June 27, 2018, the Bank Credit Facility was amended and restated to extend the commitment termination date to June 27, 2023 from the previous termination date of July 30, 2019. The interest rate spread relative to Eurodollar base rates and the financial covenants within the agreement were not changed. Interest accrues at varying spreads relative to prime or Eurodollar base rates and is payable monthly or quarterly depending on the applicable base rate. The unused portion of the Bank Credit Facility is subject to a variable commitment fee, which was 0.15% on an annual basis at December 31, 2018.
 
To provide additional capital management flexibility, the Company filed a "universal shelf" registration on Form S-3 with the SEC on March 13, 2018. The registration statement, which registered the offer and sale by the Company from time to time of an indeterminate amount of various securities, which may include debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, delayed delivery contracts and/or units that include any of these securities, was automatically effective on March 13, 2018. Unless withdrawn by the Company earlier, this registration statement will remain effective through

68




March 13, 2021. No securities associated with the registration statement have been issued as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

On March 13, 2018, the Company filed a "shelf" registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC which became effective on May 2, 2018. Under this registration statement, the Company may from time to time offer and issue up to 5,000,000 shares of its common stock in connection with future acquisitions of other businesses, assets or securities.  Unless withdrawn by the Company, this registration statement will remain effective indefinitely. No securities associated with the registration statement have been issued as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Financial Ratings

HMEC's principal insurance subsidiaries are rated by S&P, Moody's, A.M. Best and Fitch. These rating agencies have also assigned ratings to the Company's long-term debt securities. The ratings that are assigned by these agencies, which are subject to change, can impact, among other things, the Company's access to sources of capital, cost of capital and competitive position. These ratings are not a recommendation to buy or hold any of the Company's securities.

In October 2018, Moody’s upgraded Horace Mann’s debt rating on the Senior Notes to Baa2 and their Property and Casualty and Life insurance financial strength ratings to A2, each with a positive outlook, from Baa3 and A3, respectively, at year-end 2017.

Assigned ratings were reviewed by all of the rating agencies in December 2018 in conjunction with the announcement of the Company’s plans to acquire NTA. In conjunction with that review, A.M. Best and S&P maintained the ratings that were in place at December 31, 2017. Moody’s affirmed its ratings as upgraded in October, but placed the ratings on negative watch. Fitch placed both its debt and insurance financial strength ratings on "rating watch negative".

 
February 15, 2019
 
Insurance Financial
Strength Ratings (Outlook)
 
Debt Ratings (Outlook)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
S&P
 
A
 
(stable)
 
BBB
 
(stable)
 
Moody's
 
A2
 
(negative)
 
Baa2
 
(negative)
 
A.M. Best
 
A
 
(stable)
 
bbb
 
(stable)
 
Fitch
 
A
 
(rating watch negative)
 
BBB
 
(rating watch negative)

Reinsurance Programs

Information regarding the reinsurance program for the Company's Property and Casualty segment is located in Item 1, Reporting Segments of this report.

Information regarding the reinsurance program for the Company's Life segment is located in Item 1, Reporting Segments of this report.


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Pending Accounting Standards
 
There are several pending accounting standards that the Company has not implemented because the implementation date has not yet occurred. For a discussion of these pending standards, see Item 8, Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report. The effect of implementing certain accounting standards on the Company's financial results and financial condition is often based in part on market conditions at the time of implementation of the standard and other factors that the Company is unable to determine prior to implementation. For this reason, the Company is sometimes unable to estimate the effect of certain pending accounting standards until the relevant authoritative body finalizes these standards or until the Company implements them.

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 investment contracts and life insurance products with account values, 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.

ITEM 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market 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. Also, see Item 7, Results of Operations by Segment for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2018 of this report regarding net investment gains (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. Also, see Item 7, Results of Operations by Segment for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2018 of this report regarding 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.


70




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. As of the time of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, derivatives are only used to manage the interest crediting rate risk within the FIA and IUL products. At December 31, 2018, approximately 10.8% of the fixed maturity securities portfolio represented investments supporting the Property and Casualty operations and approximately 89.2% supported Retirement and Life business. For discussions regarding the Company's investments see Item 7, Results of Operations by Segment for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2018 of this report regarding net investment gains (losses) and Item 1, Investments of this report.

The Company's Retirement 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 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 maintain crediting rates at levels necessary to avoid narrowing of spreads under certain market conditions. Also, see Item 7, Results of Operations by Segment for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2018 of this report regarding 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 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 rate sensitive life liabilities with its short duration non-interest rate sensitive Property and Casualty liabilities. Overall, at December 31, 2018, the duration of the fixed maturity securities portfolio was estimated to be approximately 5.9 years and the duration of the Company's insurance liabilities and debt was estimated to be approximately 6.8 years.

Retirement and Life operations participate in the cash flow testing procedures imposed by statutory insurance regulations, the purpose of which is to ensure 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. Based on the most recent study, assuming an immediate decrease of 100 basis points in interest rates, the fair value of the Company's assets and liabilities would both increase, the net of which would result in a decrease in shareholders' equity of approximately $41.8 million after tax, or 3.2%. A 100 basis point increase in interest rates would decrease the fair value of both assets and liabilities, the net of which would result in a decrease in shareholders' equity of approximately $30.6 million after tax, or 2.4%. 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 attempt to mitigate such hypothetical losses in fair value of shareholders' equity.

71




Interest rates continue to be at historically low levels. If interest rates remain low over an extended period of time, management recognizes it could pressure investment income by having to invest insurance cash flows and reinvest the cash flows from the investment portfolio in lower yielding securities. Moreover, issuers of securities in the Company's investment portfolio may prepay or redeem fixed maturity securities, as well as asset-backed and commercial and mortgage-backed securities, with greater frequency to borrow at lower market rates. As a general guideline, management estimates that pretax net income in 2019 and 2020 would decrease by approximately $2.8 million (by segment: Retirement $1.8 million, Life $0.5 million and Property and Casualty $0.5 million) and $7.9 million (by segment: Retirement $5.3 million, Life $1.5 million and Property and Casualty $1.1 million), respectively, for each 100 basis point decline in reinvestment rates, before assuming any reduction in annuity crediting rates on in-force contracts. In addition, declining interest rates also could negatively impact the amortization of DAC, as well as the recoverability of goodwill, due to the impacts on the estimated fair value of the Company's operating segments.

The Company has been and continues to be proactive in its investment strategies, product designs and crediting rate strategies to mitigate the risk of unfavorable consequences in this type of interest rate environment without venturing into asset classes or individual securities that would be inconsistent with the Company's conservative investment guidelines. Lowering interest crediting rates on annuity contracts can help offset decreases in investment margins on some products. The Company's ability to lower interest crediting rates could be limited by competition, regulatory approval or contractual guarantees of minimum rates and may not match the timing or magnitude of changes in investment yields.

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.

72




ITEM 8.    Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Horace Mann Educators Corporation:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Horace Mann Educators Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedules I to IV and VI (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 1, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for the change in fair value of equity investments effective January 1, 2018 due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1989.

Chicago, Illinois
March 1, 2019


73




HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, 2018 and 2017
($ in thousands, except share data) 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
ASSETS
Investments
 
 

 
 

Fixed maturity securities, available for sale, at fair value
(amortized cost 2018, $7,373,911; 2017, $7,302,950)
 
$
7,515,318

 
$
7,724,075

Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value
(cost 2017, $116,320)
 
111,750

 
135,466

Limited partnership interests
 
328,516

 
247,266

Short-term and other investments
 
295,093

 
245,541

Total investments
 
8,250,677

 
8,352,348

Cash
 
11,906

 
7,627

Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
298,742

 
257,826

Goodwill
 
47,396

 
47,396

Other assets
 
422,047

 
381,182

Separate Account (variable annuity) assets
 
2,001,128

 
2,151,961

Total assets
 
$
11,031,896

 
$
11,198,340

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Policy liabilities
 
 

 
 

Investment contract and life policy reserves
 
$
5,711,193

 
$
5,573,735

Unpaid claims and claim expenses
 
396,714

 
347,749

Unearned premiums
 
276,225

 
260,539

Total policy liabilities
 
6,384,132

 
6,182,023

Other policyholder funds
 
767,988

 
724,261

Other liabilities
 
290,358

 
341,053

Long-term debt
 
297,740

 
297,469

Separate Account (variable annuity) liabilities
 
2,001,128

 
2,151,961

Total liabilities
 
9,741,346

 
9,696,767

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, 2018, 65,820,369; 2017, 65,439,245
 
66

 
65

Additional paid-in capital
 
475,109

 
464,246

Retained earnings
 
1,216,582

 
1,231,177

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

Net unrealized investment gains on securities
 
96,941

 
300,177

Net funded status of benefit plans
 
(12,185
)
 
(13,217
)
Treasury stock, at cost, 2018, 24,850,484 shares;
2017, 24,721,372 shares
 
(485,963
)
 
(480,875
)
Total shareholders' equity
 
1,290,550

 
1,501,573

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
11,031,896

 
$
11,198,340






See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

74




HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
($ in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues
 
 

 
 

 
 

Insurance premiums and contract charges earned
 
$
817,333

 
$
794,703

 
$
759,146

Net investment income
 
376,507

 
373,630

 
361,186

Net investment gains (losses)
 
(12,543
)
 
(3,406
)
 
4,123

Other income
 
10,302

 
6,623

 
4,455

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
 
1,191,599

 
1,171,550

 
1,128,910

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits, losses and expenses
 
 

 
 

 
 

Benefits, claims and settlement expenses
 
637,560

 
582,306

 
541,004

Interest credited
 
206,199

 
198,635

 
192,022

DAC amortization expense
 
109,889

 
102,185

 
96,732

Operating expenses
 
205,413

 
187,789

 
173,112

Interest expense
 
13,001

 
11,948

 
11,808

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total benefits, losses and expenses
 
1,172,062

 
1,082,863

 
1,014,678

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
 
19,537

 
88,687

 
114,232

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
1,194

 
(80,772
)
 
30,467

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
18,343

 
$
169,459

 
$
83,765

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share
 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
 
$
0.44

 
$
4.10

 
$
2.04

Diluted
 
$
0.44

 
$
4.08

 
$
2.02

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of shares and equivalent shares
 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
 
41,570,492

 
41,364,546

 
41,158,349

Diluted
 
41,894,232

 
41,564,979

 
41,475,516

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment gains (losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities
 
$
(1,530
)
 
$
(12,620
)
 
$
(11,401
)
Portion of losses recognized in other
comprehensive income (loss)
 

 

 
(290
)
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses
on securities recognized in earnings
 
(1,530
)
 
(12,620
)
 
(11,111
)
Sales and other, net
 
3,491

 
7,756

 
16,286

Change in fair value - equity securities
 
(18,323
)
 

 

Change in fair value and gains realized
on settlements - derivative instruments
 
3,819

 
1,458

 
(1,052
)
Total
 
$
(12,543
)
 
$
(3,406
)
 
$
4,123







See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

75




HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
($ in thousands)
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
18,343

 
$
169,459

 
$
83,765

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Change in net unrealized investment gains
(losses) on securities
 
(188,195
)
 
74,405

 
571

Change in net funded status of benefit plans
 
1,032

 
734

 
(23
)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 
(15,041
)
 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(202,204
)
 
75,139

 
548

Total
 
$
(183,861
)
 
$
244,598

 
$
84,313





































See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


76




HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
($ in thousands, except per share data) 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Common stock, $0.001 par value
 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning balance
 
$
65

 
$
65

 
$
65

Options exercised, 2018, 145,438 shares; 2017, 208,306 shares;
2016, 142,203 shares
 

 

 

Conversion of common stock units, 2018, 30,368 shares;
2017, 15,981 shares; 2016, 15,629 shares
 

 

 

Conversion of restricted common stock units, 2018, 212,382
shares; 2017, 313,292 shares; 2016, 222,297 shares
 
1

 

 

Ending balance
 
66

 
65

 
65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional paid-in capital
 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning balance
 
464,246

 
453,479

 
442,648

Options exercised and conversion of common
stock units and restricted common stock units
 
3,008

 
2,962

 
2,696

Share-based compensation expense
 
7,855

 
7,805

 
8,135

Ending balance
 
475,109

 
464,246

 
453,479

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retained earnings
 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning balance
 
1,231,177

 
1,155,732

 
1,116,277

Net income
 
18,343

 
169,459

 
83,765

Cash dividends, 2018, $1.14 per share;
2017, $1.10 per share; 2016, $1.06 per share
 
(47,979
)
 
(46,114
)
 
(44,310
)
Reclassification of deferred taxes
 

 
(47,900
)
 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 
15,041

 

 

Ending balance
 
1,216,582

 
1,231,177

 
1,155,732

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

 
 

 
 

Beginning balance
 
286,960

 
163,921

 
163,373

Change in net unrealized investment gains on securities
 
(188,195
)
 
74,405

 
571

Change in net funded status of benefit plans
 
1,032

 
734

 
(23
)
Reclassification of deferred taxes
 

 
47,900

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 
(15,041
)
 

 

Ending balance
 
84,756

 
286,960

 
163,921

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Treasury stock, at cost
 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning balance, 2018, 24,721,372 shares;
2017, 24,672,932 shares; 2016, 23,971,522 shares
 
(480,875
)
 
(479,215
)
 
(457,702
)
Acquisition of shares, 2018, 129,112 shares;
2017, 48,440 shares; 2016, 701,410 shares
 
(5,088
)
 
(1,660
)
 
(21,513
)
Ending balance, 2018, 24,850,484 shares;
2017, 24,721,372 shares; 2016, 24,672,932 shares
 
(485,963
)
 
(480,875
)
 
(479,215
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity at end of period
 
$
1,290,550

 
$
1,501,573

 
$
1,293,982





See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

77




HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
($ in thousands)
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Cash flows - operating activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Premiums collected
 
$
760,367

 
$
739,503

 
$
710,646

Policyholder benefits paid
 
(590,479
)
 
(528,501
)
 
(511,017
)
Policy acquisition and other operating expenses paid
 
(305,000
)
 
(283,351
)
 
(277,076
)
Income taxes paid
 
(8,679
)
 
(16,259
)
 
(27,847
)
Investment income collected
 
373,568

 
363,283

 
344,778

Interest expense paid
 
(12,532
)
 
(11,555
)
 
(11,754
)
Other
 
(16,357
)
 
(6,534
)
 
(16,297
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
200,888

 
256,586

 
211,433

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows - investing activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturity securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchases
 
(1,428,889
)
 
(1,569,220
)
 
(1,566,047
)
Sales
 
625,527

 
500,760

 
429,251

Maturities, paydowns, calls and redemptions
 
737,535

 
927,665

 
799,653

Equity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases
 
(13,430
)
 
(32,312
)
 
(60,135
)
Sales and repayments
 
25,498

 
53,100

 
21,210

Limited partnership interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases
 
(93,545
)
 
(103,200
)
 
(70,177
)
Sales
 
16,997

 
20,234

 
12,418

Change in short-term and other investments, net
 
(56,192
)
 
(25,691
)
 
108,467

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(186,499
)
 
(228,664
)
 
(325,360
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows - financing activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Dividends paid to shareholders
 
(46,689
)
 
(46,114
)
 
(44,310
)
FHLB borrowings
 

 
50,000

 

Acquisition of treasury stock
 
(5,088
)
 
(1,660
)
 
(21,513
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 
3,627

 
4,190

 
3,329

Withholding tax payments on RSUs tendered
 
(3,165
)
 
(3,245
)
 
(4,015
)
Annuity contracts: variable, fixed and
FHLB funding agreements
 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits
 
489,097

 
453,146

 
520,211

Benefits, withdrawals and net transfers to
Separate Account (variable annuity) assets
 
(473,003
)
 
(411,061
)
 
(349,915
)
Transfer of Company 401(k) to a third-party provider
 

 
(77,898
)
 

Life policy accounts
 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits
 
8,149

 
4,883

 
4,018

Withdrawals and surrenders
 
(4,910
)
 
(4,458
)
 
(3,965
)
Change in book overdrafts
 
21,872

 
(4,748
)
 
11,248

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
(10,110
)
 
(36,965
)
 
115,088

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash
 
4,279

 
(9,043
)
 
1,161

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash at beginning of period
 
7,627

 
16,670

 
15,509

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash at end of period
 
$
11,906

 
$
7,627

 
$
16,670

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

78




HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
($ 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP) and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 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 Company has reclassified the presentation of certain prior period information to conform to the current year's presentation.
 
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 intercompany service agreements for management, administrative, utilization of personnel, financial, investment advisory, underwriting, claims adjusting, agency and data processing services. Under these agreements, costs have been allocated among the companies in conformity with GAAP. 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. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
The subsidiaries of HMEC market and underwrite personal lines of property and casualty insurance products (primarily personal lines automobile and property insurance), retirement products (primarily tax-qualified annuities) and life insurance, primarily to K-12 teachers, administrators and other employees of public schools and their families. HMEC'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.
 
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date these consolidated financial statements were issued. There were no subsequent events requiring adjustment to the consolidated financial statements or disclosure except as described in Note 15.
 
Investments
 
The Company invests predominantly 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. An adjustment for net unrealized investment gains (losses) on all securities available for sale and carried at fair value, is recognized as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) within shareholders' equity, net of applicable deferred taxes and the related impact on deferred policy acquisition costs (DAC) associated with annuity contracts and life insurance

79


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

products with account values that would have occurred if the securities had been sold at their aggregate fair value and the proceeds reinvested at current yields.

Beginning January 1, 2018, equity securities are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized as Net investment gains (losses). This category includes nonredeemable preferred stocks and common stocks.

Limited partnership interests include investments in private equity funds, real estate funds and other funds. All investments in limited partnership interests are accounted for in accordance with the equity method of accounting.

Short-term and other investments are comprised of short-term fixed maturity securities, generally carried at cost which approximates fair value; derivative instruments (all call options), carried at fair value; policy loans, carried at unpaid principal balances; mortgage loans, carried at unpaid principal balances; and restricted Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) membership and activity stocks, carried at redemption value which approximates fair value.
 
The Company invests in fixed maturity securities and alternative investment funds that could qualify as variable interest entities, including corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. Such securities have been reviewed and determined not to be subject to consolidation as the Company is not the primary beneficiary of these securities because it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities' economic performance.
 
Investment 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 disposal (recorded on a trade date basis) or impairment of securities are determined based upon specific identification of securities. The Company evaluates all investments in its portfolio for other-than-temporary declines in fair value as described in the following section.
 
Other-than-temporary Impairment
 
The Company's methodology of assessing other-than-temporary impairments (OTTI) for fixed maturity securities is based on security-specific facts and circumstances as of the reporting date. Based on these facts, if (1) the Company has the intent to sell the security, (2) it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of the amortized cost basis, or (3) management does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, an OTTI is considered to have occurred. Additionally, if events become known that call into question whether the security issuer has the ability to honor its contractual commitments, such security holding will be evaluated to determine whether or not such security has suffered an other-than-temporary decline in fair value.
 
The Company has a policy and process to evaluate fixed maturity securities (at the cusip/issuer level) on a quarterly basis to assess whether there has been OTTI. 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 the amortized cost basis (3) the Company's intent to sell a security or whether it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of the amortized cost basis, (4) the market leadership position of the issuer, (5) the debt ratings of the issuer, and

80


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

(6) the cash flows and liquidity of the issuer or the underlying cash flows for asset-backed securities, are all considered in the impairment assessment. When OTTI is deemed to have occurred, the investment is written-down to fair value at the trade lot level and the credit-related loss portion is recognized as a net investment loss during the period. The amount of total OTTI related to non-credit factors for fixed maturity securities is recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI), net of applicable taxes, in which the Company has the intent to sell the security or if it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of the amortized cost basis.
 
With respect to fixed maturity securities involving securitized financial assets — primarily asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities in the Company's portfolio — the securitized financial asset securities' underlying collateral cash flows are stress tested to determine if there has been any adverse change in the expected future cash flows.
 
A decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis is not assumed to be other-than-temporary for fixed maturity securities with unrealized losses due to spread widening, market illiquidity or changes in interest rates where there exists a reasonable expectation based on the Company's consideration of all objective information available that the Company will recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security and the Company does not have the intent to sell the security before maturity or a market recovery is realized and it is more likely than not the Company will not be required to sell the security. OTTI loss will be recognized based upon all relevant facts and circumstances for each investment, as appropriate.
 
Additional considerations for certain types of securities include the following:
 
Corporate Fixed Maturity Securities
 
Judgments regarding whether a corporate fixed maturity security is other-than-temporarily impaired include analyzing the issuer's financial condition and whether there has been a decline in the issuer's ability to service the specific security. The analysis of the security issuer is based on asset coverage, cash flow multiples or other industry standards. Several factors assessed include, but are not limited to, credit quality ratings, cash flow sustainability, liquidity, financial strength, industry and market position. Sources of information include, but are not limited to, management projections, independent consultants, external analysts' research, peer analysis and the Company's internal analysis.
 
If the Company has concerns regarding the viability of the issuer or its ability to service the specific security after this assessment, a cash flow analysis is prepared to determine if the present value of future cash flows has declined below the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity security. This analysis to determine an estimate of ultimate recovery value is combined with the estimated timing to recovery and any other applicable cash flows that are expected. If a cash flow analysis estimate is not feasible, then the market's view of cash flows implied by the period end fair value, market discount rates and effective yield are the primary factors used to estimate an ultimate recovery value.
 
Mortgage-Backed Securities Not Issued By the U.S. Government or Federally Sponsored Agencies
 
The Company uses an estimate of future cash flows expected to be collected to evaluate its mortgage-backed securities for OTTI. The determination of cash flow estimates is inherently subjective and methodologies may vary depending on facts and circumstances specific to the security. All reasonably available information relevant to the collectability of the security, including past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable assumptions and forecasts, are considered when developing the estimate

81


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

of future cash flows expected to be collected. Information includes, but is not limited to, debt-servicing, missed refinancing opportunities and geography.

Loan level characteristics such as issuer, FICO score, payment terms, level of documentation, property or residency type, and economic outlook are also utilized in financial models, along with historical performance, to estimate or measure the loan's propensity to default. Additionally, financial models take into account loan age, lease rollovers, rent volatilities, vacancy rates and exposure to refinancing as additional drivers of default. For transactions where loan level data is not available, financial models use a proxy that is based on the collateral characteristics. Loss severity is a function of multiple factors including, but not limited to, the unpaid balance, interest rate, mortgage insurance ratios, assessed property value at origination, change in property valuation and loan-to-value ratio at origination. Prepayment speeds, both actual and estimated, cost of capital rates and debt service ratios are also considered. The cash flows generated by the collateral securing these securities are then estimated with these default, loss severity and prepayment assumptions. These collateral cash flows are then utilized, along with consideration for the issuer's position in the overall structure, to estimate the future cash flows associated with the residential or commercial mortgage-backed security held by the Company.
 
Municipal Bonds
 
The Company's municipal bond portfolio consists primarily of special revenue bonds, which present unique considerations in evaluating OTTI, but also includes general obligation bonds. The Company evaluates special revenue bonds for OTTI based on guarantees associated with the repayment from revenues generated by the specified revenue-generating activity associated with the purpose of the bonds. Judgments regarding whether a municipal bond is other-than-temporarily impaired include analyzing the issuer's financial condition and whether there has been a decline in the overall financial condition of the issuer or its ability to service the specific security. Security credit ratings are reviewed with emphasis on the economy, finances, debt and management of the municipal issuer. Certain securities may be guaranteed by the mono-line credit insurers or other forms of guarantee.
 
While not relied upon in the initial security purchase decision, insurance benefits are considered in the assessments for OTTI, including the credit-worthiness of the guarantor. Municipalities possess unique powers, along with a special legal standing and protections, that enable them to act quickly to restore budgetary balance and fiscal integrity. These powers include the sovereign power to tax, access to one-time revenue sources, capacity to issue or restructure debt, and ability to shift spending to other authorities. State governments often provide secondary support to local governments in times of financial stress and the federal government has provided assistance to state governments during recessions.
 
If the Company has concerns regarding the viability of the municipal issuer or its ability to service the specific security after this analysis, a cash flow analysis is prepared to determine a present value and whether it has declined below the amortized cost basis of the security. If a cash flow analysis is not feasible, then the market's view of the period end fair value, market discount rates and effective yield are the primary factors used to estimate the present value.

Credit Losses
 
The Company estimates the amount of the credit loss component of a fixed maturity security impairment as the difference between amortized cost basis and the present value of the expected future cash flows of the security. The present value is determined using the best estimate of cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit to the security at the date of purchase or the current yield to accrete an

82


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

asset-backed or floating rate security. The methodology and assumptions for establishing the best estimate of cash flows vary depending on the type of security. Corporate fixed maturity security and municipal bond cash flow estimates are derived from scenario-based outcomes of expected restructurings or the disposition of assets using specific facts and other circumstances, including timing, security interests and loss severity and when not reasonably estimable, such securities are impaired to fair value as management's best estimate of the present value of future cash flows. The cash flow estimates for mortgage-backed and other structured securities are based on security specific facts and circumstances that may include collateral characteristics, expectations of delinquency and default rates, loss severity and prepayment speeds, and structural support, including subordination and guarantees.
 
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
 
The Company's DAC by reporting segment was as follows: 
($ in thousands)
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
Retirement (annuity)
 
$
209,231

 
$
174,661

Life
 
59,478

 
53,974

Property and Casualty
 
30,033

 
29,191

Total
 
$
298,742

 
$
257,826


 
DAC consists of commissions, policy issuance and other costs which are incremental and directly related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal business, which are deferred and amortized on a basis consistent with the type of insurance coverage. For all investment (annuity) contracts, DAC is amortized over 20 years in proportion to estimated gross profits. DAC is amortized in proportion to estimated gross profits over 20 years for certain life insurance products with account values and over 30 years for indexed universal life (IUL) contracts. For other individual life contracts, DAC is amortized in proportion to anticipated premiums over the terms of the insurance policies (10, 15, 20, 30 years). For property and casualty policies, DAC is amortized over the terms of the insurance policies (6 or 12 months).
 
The Company periodically reviews the assumptions and estimates used in DAC and also periodically reviews its estimations of gross profits, a process sometimes referred to as "unlocking". 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 net investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity and equity securities. For the variable deposit portion of Retirement, the Company amortizes DAC utilizing a future financial market performance assumption of a 8% 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 long-term assumption. The Company's practice with regard to future financial market performance assumes that long-term appreciation in the financial markets is not changed by short-term market fluctuations, but is only changed when sustained deviations are experienced. The Company monitors these fluctuations and only changes the assumption when long-term expectations change.

The most significant assumptions that are involved in the estimation of life insurance gross profits include interest rates expected to be received on investments, business persistency, and mortality.  Conversions from term to permanent insurance cause an immediate write down of the associated DAC.  The impact on amortization due to assumption changes has an immaterial impact on the results of operations.


83


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

In the event actual experience differs significantly from assumptions or assumptions are significantly revised, the Company may be required to recognize a material charge or credit to current period amortization expense for the period in which the adjustment is made. The Company recognized the following adjustments to amortization expense as a result of evaluating actual experience and prospective assumptions, the impact of unlocking: 
 ($ in thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Increase (decrease) to DAC amortization expense:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Retirement
 
$
3,948

 
$
1,081

 
$
(313
)
Life
 
283

 
(200
)
 
(394
)
Total
 
$
4,231

 
$
881

 
$
(707
)

 
DAC for investment contracts and life insurance products with account values are adjusted for the impact on estimated future gross profits as if net unrealized investment gains (losses) on securities had been realized at the reporting date. This adjustment reduced DAC by $17,862 thousand and $57,995 thousand at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The after tax impact of this adjustment is included in AOCI (net unrealized investment gains (losses) on securities) within shareholders' equity.
 
DAC is reviewed for recoverability from future income, including net investment income, and costs which are deemed unrecoverable are expensed in the period in which the determination is made. No such costs were deemed unrecoverable during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
 
Goodwill
 
When the Company was acquired in 1989, intangible assets were recognized as goodwill in the application of purchase accounting. In addition, goodwill was recognized in 1994 related to the purchase of Horace Mann Property & Casualty Insurance Company.
 
Goodwill represents the excess of the amounts paid to acquire a business over the fair value of its net assets at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment or a business unit one level below an 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: 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Retirement
 
$
28,025

Life
 
9,911

Property and Casualty
 
9,460

Total
 
$
47,396


 

84


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

The goodwill impairment test, as defined in GAAP, allows an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the entity follows a two-step process. In the first step, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the impairment test is performed for purposes of confirming and 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. Any amount of goodwill determined to be impaired will be recognized as an expense in the period in which the impairment determination is made.
 
The Company completed its annual goodwill assessment for the individual reporting units as of October 1, 2018 and did not utilize the option to perform an initial assessment of qualitative factors. The first step of the Company's analysis indicated that fair value exceeded the carrying amount for all reporting units. The process of evaluating goodwill for impairment required management to make multiple judgments and assumptions to determine the fair value of each 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 each reporting unit. Fair value estimates were based primarily on an in-depth analysis of historical experience, projected future cash flows and relevant discount rates, which considered market participant inputs and the relative risk associated with the projected cash flows. Other assumptions included levels of economic capital, future business growth, earnings projections and assets under management for each reporting unit. Estimates of fair value are subject to assumptions that are sensitive to change and represent the Company's reasonable expectation regarding future developments. The Company also considered other valuation techniques such as peer company price-to-earnings and price-to-book multiples. 

As part of the Company's October 1, 2018 goodwill analysis, the Company compared the fair value of the aggregated reporting units to the market capitalization of the Company. The difference between the aggregated fair value of the reporting units and the market capitalization of the Company was attributed to several factors, most notably market sentiment, trading volume and transaction premium. The amount of the transaction premium was determined to be reasonable based on insurance industry and Company-specific facts and circumstances. There were no other events or material changes in circumstances during 2018 that indicated that a material change in the fair value of the Company's reporting units had occurred.
 
During each year from 2016 through 2018, the Company completed the required annual testing; no impairment charges were necessary as a result of such assessments. The assessment of goodwill recoverability requires significant judgment and is subject to inherent uncertainty. The use of different assumptions, within a reasonable range, could cause the fair value to be below the carrying amount. Subsequent goodwill assessments could result in impairment, particularly for any reporting unit with at-risk goodwill, due to the impact of a volatile financial market on earnings, discount rate assumptions, liquidity and market capitalization.
 

85


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

Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation, which is calculated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated life for real estate is identified by specific property and ranges from 20 to 45 years. The estimated useful lives of leasehold improvements and other property and equipment, including capitalized software, generally range from 3 to 10 years. The following amounts are included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: 
($ in thousands)
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment
 
$
142,243

 
$
133,803

Less: accumulated depreciation
 
101,267

 
94,862

Total
 
$
40,976

 
$
38,941


 
Separate Account (Variable Annuity) Assets and Liabilities
 
Separate Account assets represent variable annuity contractholder funds invested in various mutual funds. Separate Account assets are recorded at fair value primarily based on market quotations of the underlying securities. Separate Account liabilities are equal to the estimated fair value of Separate Account assets. The investment income, gains and losses of these accounts accrue directly to the contractholders and are not included in the results of operations of the Company. The activity of the Separate Accounts is not reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations except for (1) contract charges earned, (2) the activity related to contract guarantees, which are benefits on existing variable annuity contracts, and (3) the impact of financial market performance on DAC amortization expense. 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.

Investment Contract and Life Policy Reserves
 
This table summarizes the Company's investment contract and life policy reserves.
($ in thousands)
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
Investment contract reserves
 
$
4,555,856

 
$
4,452,972

Life policy reserves
 
1,155,337

 
1,120,763

Total
 
$
5,711,193

 
$
5,573,735

 

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 including assumptions as to investment yields, mortality, persistency, expenses and other assumptions based on the Company's experience, including a provision for adverse deviation. These assumptions are established at the time the policy is issued and are intended to estimate the experience for the period the policy benefits are payable. If experience is less favorable than the assumptions, additional liabilities may be established, resulting in recognition of a loss for that period. At December 31, 2018, reserve investment yield assumptions ranged from 3.5% to 8.0%.
 

86


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

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.
 
A guaranteed minimum death benefit (GMDB) generally provides an additional benefit if the contractholder dies and the variable annuity contract value is less than a contractually defined amount. The Company has estimated and recorded a GMDB reserve on variable annuity contracts in accordance with GAAP. 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 financial markets. The Company has a relatively low exposure to GMDB risk as shown below.
($ in thousands)
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
GMDB reserve
 
$
258

 
$
152

Aggregate in-the-money death benefits under the GMDB provision
 
48,083

 
28,345

Variable annuity contract value distribution based on GMDB feature:
 
 
 
 
No guarantee
 
30
%
 
29
%
Return of premium guarantee
 
65
%
 
65
%
Guarantee of premium roll-up at an annual rate of 3% or 5%
 
5
%
 
6
%
Total
 
100
%
 
100
%

 
Reserves for Fixed Indexed Annuities and Indexed Universal Life Policies
 
The Company offers fixed indexed annuity (FIA) products with interest crediting strategies linked to the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). The Company purchases call options on the applicable indices as an investment to provide the income needed to fund the annual index credits on the indexed products. These products are deferred fixed annuities with a guaranteed minimum interest rate plus a contingent return based on equity market performance and are considered hybrid financial instruments under GAAP.

 The Company elected to not use hedge accounting for derivative transactions related to the FIA products. As a result, the Company accounts for the purchased call options and the embedded derivative related to the provision of a contingent return at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized as Net investment gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and included in Other policyholder funds in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The host contract is accounted for as a debt instrument in accordance with GAAP and is included in Investment contract and life policy reserves in the Consolidated Balance Sheets with any discount to the minimum account value being accreted using the effective yield method. In the Consolidated Statements of Operations, accreted interest for FIA products and benefit claims on these products incurred during the reporting period are included in Benefits, claims and settlement expenses.
 

87


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

The Company offers indexed universal life (IUL) products as part of its product portfolio with interest crediting strategies linked to the S&P 500 Index and the DJIA as well as a fixed option. The Company purchases call options monthly to economically hedge the potential liabilities arising in IUL accounts. The Company elected to not use hedge accounting for derivative transactions related to the IUL products. As a result, the Company records the purchased call options and the embedded derivative related to the provision of a contingent return at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in Net investment gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. IUL policies with a balance in one or more indexed accounts are considered to have an embedded derivative. The benefit reserve for the host contract is measured using the retrospective deposit method, which for Horace Mann's IUL product is equal to the account balance. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract, carried at fair value, and included in Investment contract and life policy reserves in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
See Note 3 for more information regarding the determination of fair value for the FIA and IUL embedded derivatives and purchased call options.
 
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 (IBNR) 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 losses related to claims for toxic waste cleanup, other environmental remediation or asbestos-related illnesses other than claims under property insurance policies for environmentally related items such as mold.
 
Other Policyholder Funds
 
Other policyholder funds includes supplementary contracts without life contingencies and dividend accumulations, as well as balances outstanding under funding agreements with FHLB and embedded derivatives related to FIA products. Except for embedded derivatives, each of these components is carried at cost. Embedded derivatives are carried at fair value. Amounts received and repaid under FHLB funding agreements are classified as financing activities in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows combined with annuity contract deposits and disbursements, respectively.
 

88


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

FHLB Funding Agreements

One of the Company's subsidiaries, Horace Mann Life Insurance Company (HMLIC), is a member of FHLB, which provides HMLIC with access to collateralized borrowings and other FHLB products. Any borrowing from FHLB requires the purchase of FHLB activity-based common stock in an amount equal to 4.5% of the borrowing, or a lower percentage — such as 2.0% based on the Reduced Capitalization Advance Program. For FHLB advances and funding agreements combined, HMEC's Board of Directors (Board) has authorized a maximum amount equal to 10% of HMLIC's admitted assets using prescribed statutory accounting principles. On November 11, 2018, the Company received an additional $50,000 thousand under a funding agreement for HMLIC. For the total $625,000 thousand received, $250,000 thousand matures on September 13, 2019, $125,000 thousand matures on December 15, 2023, $200,000 thousand matures on January 16, 2026 and the remaining $50,000 thousand matures on November 15, 2023. Interest on the funding agreements accrues at an annual weighted average rate of 2.47% as of December 31, 2018. HMLIC's FHLB funding agreements of $625,000 thousand are included in Other policyholder funds in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
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 life insurance contracts with account values 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. Contract deposits to investment contracts and life insurance contracts with account values represent funds deposited by policyholders and are not included in the Company's premiums or contract charges earned.
 
Share-Based Compensation
 
The Company grants stock options and both service-based and performance-based restricted common stock units (RSUs) to executive officers, other employees and Directors in an effort to attract and retain individuals while also aligning compensation with the interests of the Company's shareholders. Additional information regarding the Company's share-based compensation plans is contained in Note 9.
 
Stock options are accounted for under the fair value method of accounting using a Black-Scholes valuation model to measure stock option expense at the date of grant. The fair value of RSUs is measured at the market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant, with the exception of market-based performance awards, for which the Company uses a Monte Carlo simulation model to determine fair value for purposes of measuring RSU expense. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized $1,217 thousand, $1,347 thousand, and $1,207 thousand, respectively, of stock option expense as a result of the vesting of stock options during the respective periods. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized $6,638 thousand, $6,459 thousand and $6,929 thousand, respectively, in RSU expense as a result of the performance and/or vesting of RSUs during the respective periods.
 

89


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

In 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company granted stock options as quantified in the table below, which also provides the weighted average grant date fair value for stock options granted in each year. The fair value of stock options granted was estimated on the respective dates of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the weighted average assumptions shown in the following table. 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of stock options granted
 
223,208

 
222,828

 
307,176

Weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted
 
$
7.16

 
$
6.57

 
$
5.01

Weighted average assumptions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk-free interest rate
 
2.6
%
 
2.0
%
 
1.3
%
Expected dividend yield
 
2.6
%
 
2.5
%
 
3.2
%
Expected life, in years
 
4.8

 
4.9

 
4.9

Expected volatility (based on historical volatility)
 
21.5
%
 
21.4
%
 
25.6
%


The weighted average fair value of nonvested stock options outstanding on December 31, 2018 was $6.65. Total unrecognized compensation expense relating to the nonvested stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2018 was approximately $2,348 thousand. This amount will be recognized as expense over the remainder of the vesting period, which is scheduled to be 2019 through 2022. Expense is reflected on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for the entire award. Forfeitures of unvested amounts due to terminations and/or early retirements are recognized as a reduction to the related expenses.
 
Total unrecognized compensation expense relating to RSUs outstanding as of December 31, 2018 was approximately $5,747 thousand. This amount will be recognized as expense over the remainder of the performance and/or vesting period, which is scheduled to be 2019 through 2021. Expense is reflected on a straight-line basis from the date of grant through the end of the performance and/or vesting period for the entire award. Forfeitures of unvested amounts due to terminations are recognized as a reduction to the related expenses.
 
Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset and 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, 2018, 2017 and 2016 included 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 net unrealized investment gains (losses) on securities as well as the net funded status of benefit plans with the changes for each period included in the respective components of AOCI within shareholders' equity.


90


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 plus the weighted average number of fully vested RSUs and common stock units (CSUs) payable as shares of HMEC common stock. 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 Company's common stock equivalents relate to outstanding common stock options, deferred compensation CSUs and incentive compensation RSUs, which are described in Note 9.
 
The computations of net income per share on both basic and diluted bases, including reconciliations of the numerators and denominators, were as follows: 
($ in thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Basic:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income for the period
 
$
18,343

 
$
169,459

 
$
83,765

Weighted average number of common shares
during the period (in thousands)
 
41,570

 
41,365

 
41,158

Net income per share - basic
 
$
0.44

 
$
4.10

 
$
2.04

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income for the period
 
$
18,343

 
$
169,459

 
$
83,765

Weighted average number of common shares
during the period (in thousands)
 
41,570

 
41,365

 
41,158

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

 
 

 
 

Stock options
 
100

 
112

 
100

CSUs related to deferred compensation for employees
 
25

 
25

 
52

RSUs related to incentive compensation
 
199

 
63

 
166

Total common and common equivalent shares adjusted
to calculate diluted earnings per share (in thousands)
 
41,894

 
41,565

 
41,476

Net income per share - diluted
 
$
0.44

 
$
4.08

 
$
2.02


 
Options to purchase 410,644 shares of common stock at $41.95 to $44.75 per share were granted in 2017 and 2018 but were not included in the computation of 2018 diluted earnings per share because of their anti-dilutive effect. These options, which expire in 2027 and 2028, were still outstanding at December 31, 2018.


91


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

Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other 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 after tax change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) on securities and the after tax change in net funded status of benefit plans for the periods as shown in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity. AOCI represents the accumulated change in shareholders' equity from these transactions and other events and circumstances from non-shareholder sources as shown in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In the Consolidated Balance Sheets, the Company recognizes the net funded status of benefit plans as a component of AOCI, net of tax.
 
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
The components of comprehensive income (loss) were as follows: 
($ in thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
18,343

 
$
169,459

 
$
83,765

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) on securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) on securities arising
during the period
 
(275,094
)
 
105,475

 
6,144

Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains (losses)
included in income before income tax
 
(16,363
)
 
(4,863
)
 
5,176

Total, before tax
 
(258,731
)
 
110,338

 
968

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
(55,495
)
 
35,933

 
397

Total, net of tax
 
(203,236
)
 
74,405

 
571

Change in net funded status of benefit plans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Before tax
 
1,294

 
1,461

 
(37
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
262

 
727

 
(14
)
Total, net of tax
 
1,032

 
734

 
(23
)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
(183,861
)
 
$
244,598

 
$
84,313


 

92


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

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
The following table reconciles the components of AOCI for the periods indicated.
($ in thousands)
 
Net Unrealized
Investment Gains (Losses) on
Securities (1)(2)
 
Net Funded
Status of
Benefit Plans (1)
 
Total (1)(3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance, January 1, 2018
 
$
300,177

 
$
(13,217
)
 
$
286,960

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
(201,122
)
 
1,032

 
(200,090
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
 
12,927

 

 
12,927

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (4)
 
(15,041
)
 

 
(15,041
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(203,236
)
 
1,032

 
(202,204
)
Ending balance, December 31, 2018
 
$
96,941

 
$
(12,185
)
 
$
84,756

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance, January 1, 2017
 
$
175,738

 
$
(11,817
)
 
$
163,921

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
71,244

 
734

 
71,978

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
 
3,161

 

 
3,161

Reclassification of deferred taxes (3)
 
50,034

 
(2,134
)
 
47,900

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
124,439

 
(1,400
)
 
123,039

Ending balance, December 31, 2017
 
$
300,177

 
$
(13,217
)
 
$
286,960

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance, January 1, 2016
 
$
175,167

 
$
(11,794
)
 
$
163,373

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
3,935

 
(23
)
 
3,912

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
 
(3,364
)
 

 
(3,364
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
571

 
(23
)
 
548

Ending balance, December 31, 2016
 
$
175,738

 
$
(11,817
)
 
$
163,921

___________________
(1) 
All amounts are net of tax.
(2) 
The pretax amounts reclassified from AOCI, $(16,363) thousand, $(4,863) thousand and $5,176 thousand, are included in net investment gains (losses) and the related tax expenses, $(3,436) thousand, $(1,702) thousand and $1,812 thousand, are included in income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(3) 
For the period ended December 31, 2017, deferred taxes attributable to net unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity and equity securities and Defined benefit plans were re-measured as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act). ASC 740, Income Taxes, requires that the income tax effect from the deferred tax re-measurement be reflected in the Company’s income tax expense, even if the deferred taxes being re-measured were originally established through AOCI. The mismatch between deferred taxes established in AOCI at 35% and re-measuring these same deferred taxes at 21% through income tax expense results in stranded deferred taxes in AOCI. On February 14, 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued accounting guidance that permits recognition of a reclassification adjustment between AOCI and Retained earnings for stranded deferred tax amounts related to the reduced corporate tax rate enacted under the Tax Act. As permitted under its provisions, the Company early adopted the accounting guidance effective for the quarterly period that ended December 31, 2017 and has elected to reclassify the stranded deferred tax amounts. The impact from early adoption resulted in an increase to AOCI and a reduction to Retained earnings of approximately $47,900 thousand; representing the stranded deferred tax liabilities of $50,034 thousand and $(2,134) thousand for net unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity and equity securities and Defined benefit plans, respectively.
(4) 
The Company adopted guidance on January 1, 2018 that resulted in reclassifying $15,041 thousand of after tax net unrealized gains on equity securities from AOCI to Retained earnings.

Comparative information for elements that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period is located in Note 2.


93


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

Statements of Cash Flows
 
For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, cash constitutes cash on deposit at banks.
 
Adopted Accounting Standards
Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance, with an effective date that was deferred to January 1, 2018, to provide a single comprehensive model in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The guidance applies to all contracts with customers; however, certain insurance contracts are specifically excluded from this updated guidance. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective transition method. The guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or disclosures.

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities
In January 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance to improve certain aspects of the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. Among other things, the guidance revises the accounting related to the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach that resulted in reclassifying $15,041 thousand of after tax net unrealized gains on equity securities from AOCI to Retained earnings. The Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations were impacted as changes in fair value of equity securities are now being reported in Net investment gains (losses) instead of reported in other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI).
Statement of Cash Flows -- Classification
In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance to reduce diversity in practice in the statement of cash flows between operating, investing and financing activities related to the classification of cash receipts and cash payments for eight specific issues. The FASB acknowledged that current GAAP either is unclear or does not include specific guidance on these eight cash flow classification issues: (1) debt prepayment or extinguishment costs; (2) settlement of zero-coupon bonds (pertains to issuers); (3) contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; (4) proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims (pertains to claimants); (5) proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies; (6) distributions received from equity method investees; (7) beneficial interests in securitization transactions (pertains to transferors) and (8) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2018 using a retrospective approach which had no impact to the prior year amounts reported in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

94


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

Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
On February 14, 2018, the FASB issued accounting guidance that permits recognition of a reclassification adjustment between AOCI and Retained earnings for stranded tax amounts related to the reduced corporate tax rate enacted under the Tax Act. As permitted under its provisions, the Company early adopted the accounting guidance effective for the quarterly period that ended December 31, 2017 and elected to reclassify the stranded tax amounts. The impact from early adoption resulted in an increase to AOCI and a reduction to Retained earnings of approximately $47,900 thousand; representing the stranded deferred tax liabilities of $50,034 thousand and $(2,134) thousand for Net unrealized investment gains (losses) on securities and Net funded status of benefit plans, respectively.
Pending Accounting Standards

Accounting for Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued accounting and disclosure guidance to improve financial reporting and comparability among organizations about leasing transactions. Under the new guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by those leases. Consistent with current accounting guidance, the recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or an operating lease. However, while current guidance requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet, the new guidance will require both operating and capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. This new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2019 using the optional transition method which allowed the Company to recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption (i.e., comparative periods presented in the consolidated financial statements will continue to be in conformity with legacy GAAP then in effect for those periods) and resulted in recognition of additional operating liabilities of approximately $14,500 thousand, with corresponding right of use assets of the same amount based on the present value of the expected remaining lease payments under the new guidance.
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance to improve financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments, including reinsurance receivables, held by companies. The new guidance replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology and requires an organization to measure and recognize all current expected credit losses (CECL) for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Companies will need to utilize forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Companies will continue to use judgment to determine which loss estimation method is appropriate for their circumstances. Any credit losses related to available for sale debt securities will be recorded through an allowance for credit losses with this allowance having a limit equal to the amount by which fair value is below amortized cost. The guidance also requires enhanced qualitative and quantitative disclosures to provide additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. For public business entities, the guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those years, using a modified-retrospective approach. Early application is permitted for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Management is evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the results of operations and financial position of the Company.

95


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

Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment
 
In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. All other goodwill impairment guidance will remain largely unchanged. Entities will continue to have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. The same one-step impairment test will be applied to goodwill at all reporting units, even those with zero or negative carrying amounts. Entities will be required to disclose the amount of goodwill for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. Public business entities should adopt the guidance prospectively for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application is permitted. Management believes the adoption of this accounting guidance will not have a material effect on the results of operations and financial position of the Company.

Accounting for Long-Duration Insurance Contracts

In August 2018, the FASB issued accounting and disclosure guidance that contains targeted changes to the accounting for long-duration insurance contracts. Under the new guidance, the cash flow assumptions used to measure the liability for future policy benefits for traditional insurance contracts will be required to be updated at least annually with changes recognized as a benefit expense (i.e., assumptions will no longer be locked-in). Insurance entities will be required to use a standard discount rate to measure the liabilities that will be equivalent to the yield from a high-quality bond. The new guidance also changes the amortization of DAC to be on a constant-level basis over the expected term of the related contracts with no interest accruing on the DAC balance. The new guidance also introduces a new category of contract features associated with deposit type contracts referred to as market risk benefits (MRBs). Contract features meeting the definition of a MRB will be measured at fair value. New disclosures will be required for long-duration insurance contracts in order to provide better transparency into the exposure of insurance entities and the drivers of their results. For public business entities, the guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those years. With regards to the liability for future policy benefits and DAC, the guidance applies to contracts in force as of the beginning of the earliest period presented and may be applied retrospectively. With regards to MRBs, the guidance is to be applied retrospectively at the beginning of the earliest period presented. Early adoption is permitted. Management is evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the results of operations and financial position of the Company.


96


NOTE 2 - Investments

    Net Investment Income
 
The components of net investment income for the following periods were: 
($ in thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
$
353,303

 
$
354,290

 
$
342,773

Equity securities
 
6,017

 
6,411

 
4,703

Limited partnership interests
 
15,406

 
12,555

 
13,609

Short-term and other investments
 
11,981

 
10,214

 
9,668

Total investment income
 
386,707

 
383,470

 
370,753

Investment expenses
 
(10,200
)
 
(9,840
)
 
(9,567
)
Net investment income
 
$
376,507

 
$
373,630

 
$
361,186


 
Net Investment Gains (Losses)
 
Net investment gains (losses) for the following periods were:
($ in thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
$
(5,713
)
 
$
(8,867
)
 
$
5,784

Equity securities
 
(10,649
)
 
4,003

 
(608
)
Short-term investments and other
 
3,819

 
1,458

 
(1,053
)
Net investment gains (losses)
 
$
(12,543
)
 
$
(3,406
)
 
$
4,123


 
The Company, from time to time, sells invested assets subsequent to the reporting date that were considered temporarily impaired at the reporting date. Such sales are due to issuer specific events occurring subsequent to the reporting 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.
 

97


NOTE 2 - Investments-(Continued)


Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
 
The Company's investment portfolio is comprised primarily of fixed maturity securities and also includes equity securities. The amortized cost or cost, net unrealized investment gains (losses), fair values and OTTI included in AOCI of all fixed maturity and equity securities in the portfolio were as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost/Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
OTTI in
AOCI
December 31, 2018 (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and federally
sponsored agency obligations (2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
 
$
778,038

 
$
22,724

 
$
13,321

 
$
787,441

 
$

Other, including U.S. Treasury securities
 
835,096

 
16,127

 
17,681

 
833,542

 

Municipal bonds
 
1,884,313

 
133,150

 
13,494

 
2,003,969

 

Foreign government bonds
 
83,343

 
2,321

 
760

 
84,904

 

Corporate bonds
 
2,054,105

 
64,296

 
38,891

 
2,079,510

 

Other mortgage-backed securities
 
1,739,016

 
10,467

 
23,531

 
1,725,952

 

Totals
 
$
7,373,911

 
$
249,085

 
$
107,678

 
$
7,515,318

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and federally
sponsored agency obligations (2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
 
$
669,297

 
$
30,460

 
$
3,032

 
$
696,725

 
$

Other, including U.S. Treasury securities
 
714,613

 
26,311

 
5,516

 
735,408

 

Municipal bonds
 
1,711,581

 
184,107

 
2,435

 
1,893,253

 

Foreign government bonds
 
96,780

 
5,958

 

 
102,738

 

Corporate bonds
 
2,409,426

 
173,862

 
4,334

 
2,578,954

 

Other mortgage-backed securities
 
1,701,253

 
22,935

 
7,191

 
1,716,997

 

Totals
 
$
7,302,950

 
$
443,633

 
$
22,508

 
$
7,724,075

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities (3)
 
$
116,320

 
$
19,425

 
$
279

 
$
135,466

 
$

____________________
(1) 
Effective January 1, 2018, with the adoption of new accounting guidance for recognition and measurement of financial instruments, available for sale equity securities were reclassified to equity securities at fair value and are excluded from the table above as of December 31, 2018.
(2) 
Fair value includes securities issued by Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) of $441,308 thousand and $361,955 thousand; Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) of $417,308 thousand and $400,001 thousand; and Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) of $96,466 thousand and $104,168 thousand as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(3) 
Includes nonredeemable (perpetual) preferred stocks, common stocks and closed-end funds.


98


NOTE 2 - Investments-(Continued)


The following table presents the fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity and equity securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company views the decrease in fair value of all of the securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2018 — which was driven largely by changes in interest rates, spread widening, financial market illiquidity and/or market volatility from the date of acquisition — as temporary. For fixed maturity securities, management does not have the intent to sell the securities and it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the securities before the anticipated recovery of their amortized cost bases, and management expects to recover the entire amortized cost bases of the fixed maturity securities. Therefore, no impairment of these securities was recognized at December 31, 2018.
($ in thousands)
 
12 months or less
 
More than 12 months
 
Total
 
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
December 31, 2018 (1)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturity securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government and federally
sponsored agency obligations:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Mortgage-backed securities
 
$
193,447

 
$
5,026

 
$
157,295

 
$
8,295

 
$
350,742

 
$
13,321

Other
 
263,497

 
6,746

 
246,213

 
10,935

 
509,710

 
17,681

Municipal bonds
 
291,869

 
7,603

 
95,297

 
5,891

 
387,166

 
13,494

Foreign government bonds
 
16,250

 
760

 

 

 
16,250

 
760

Corporate bonds
 
818,519

 
27,429

 
99,171

 
11,462

 
917,690

 
38,891

Other mortgage-backed securities
 
913,858

 
16,076

 
291,442

 
7,455

 
1,205,300

 
23,531

Total
 
2,497,440

 
63,640

 
889,418

 
44,038

 
3,386,858

 
107,678

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of positions with a
gross unrealized loss
 
1,052

 
 

 
359

 
 

 
1,411

 
 

Fair value as a percentage of total fixed
maturities and equity securities fair value
 
32.7
%
 
 

 
11.7
%
 
 

 
44.4
%
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturity securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government and federally
sponsored agency obligations:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Mortgage-backed securities
 
$
134,032

 
$
1,053

 
$
40,606

 
$
1,979

 
$
174,638

 
$
3,032

Other
 
168,634

 
1,849

 
122,753

 
3,667

 
291,387

 
5,516

Municipal bonds
 
29,437

 
100

 
79,140

 
2,335

 
108,577

 
2,435

Foreign government bonds
 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds
 
115,113

 
2,701

 
36,081

 
1,633

 
151,194

 
4,334

Other mortgage-backed securities
 
457,166

 
2,791

 
168,972

 
4,400

 
626,138

 
7,191

Total fixed maturity securities
 
904,382

 
8,494

 
447,552

 
14,014

 
1,351,934

 
22,508

Equity securities (2)
 
6,027

 
249

 
1,277

 
30

 
7,304

 
279

Combined totals
 
$
910,409

 
$
8,743

 
$
448,829

 
$
14,044

 
$
1,359,238

 
$
22,787

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of positions with a
gross unrealized loss
 
354

 
 

 
158

 
 

 
512

 
 

Fair value as a percentage of total fixed
maturities and equity securities fair value
 
11.6
%
 
 

 
5.7
%
 
 

 
17.3
%
 
 

____________________
(1) 
Effective January 1, 2018, with the adoption of new accounting guidance for recognition and measurement of financial instruments, available for sale equity securities were reclassified to equity securities at fair value and are excluded from the table above as of December 31, 2018.
(2) 
Includes nonredeemable (perpetual) preferred stocks, common stocks and closed-end funds.

99


NOTE 2 - Investments-(Continued)


Fixed maturity securities with an investment grade rating represented 95.5% of the gross unrealized losses as of December 31, 2018. With respect to fixed maturity securities involving securitized financial assets, the underlying collateral cash flows were stress tested to determine there was no adverse change in the present value of cash flows below the amortized cost basis.

Limited Partnership Interests

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the carrying value of equity method limited partnerships totaled $328,516 thousand and $247,266 thousand, respectively. Principal factors influencing carrying value appreciation or decline include operating performance, comparable public company earnings multiples, capitalization rates and the economic environment. The Company recognizes an impairment loss for equity method limited partnerships when evidence demonstrates that the loss is other than temporary. Evidence of a loss in value that is other than temporary may include the absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment or the inability of the investee to sustain a level of earnings that would justify the carrying amount of the investment.
 
Credit Losses
 
The following table summarizes the cumulative amounts related to the Company's credit loss component of OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities held as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 that the Company did not intend to sell as of those dates, and it was not more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell the securities before the anticipated recovery of the amortized cost bases, for which the non-credit portions of OTTI losses were recognized in OCI:
($ in thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Cumulative credit loss (1)
 
 

 
 

Beginning of period
 
$
3,825

 
$
13,703

New credit losses
 

 

Increases to previously recognized credit losses
 
246

 
1,995

Losses related to securities sold or paid down during the period
 
(2,542
)
 
(11,873
)
End of period
 
$
1,529

 
$
3,825

____________________
(1) 
The cumulative credit loss amounts exclude OTTI losses on securities held as of the periods indicated that the Company intended to sell or it was more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell the security before the recovery of the amortized cost basis.


100


NOTE 2 - Investments-(Continued)


Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities
 
The following table presents the distribution of the Company's fixed maturity securities portfolio by estimated expected maturity. 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. For structured securities, including mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities, estimated expected maturities consider broker-dealer survey prepayment assumptions and are verified for consistency with the interest rate and economic environments. 
($ in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Percent of
Total Fair
Value
Estimated expected maturity:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Due in 1 year or less
 
$
358,797

 
$
363,049

 
4.8
%
Due after 1 year through 5 years
 
1,690,400

 
1,713,593

 
22.8
%
Due after 5 years through 10 years
 
2,453,572

 
2,465,337

 
32.8
%
Due after 10 years through 20 years
 
1,931,599

 
1,991,726

 
26.5
%
Due after 20 years
 
939,543

 
981,613

 
13.1
%
Total
 
$
7,373,911

 
$
7,515,318

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average option-adjusted duration, in years
 
5.9

 
 

 
 


 
Sales of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities

Proceeds received from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, each determined using the specific identification method, and gross gains and gross losses realized as a result of those sales for each year were:
($ in thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Fixed maturity securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Proceeds received
 
$
625,527

 
$
500,760

 
$
429,251

Gross gains realized
 
10,536

 
13,570

 
15,915

Gross losses realized
 
(14,932
)
 
(11,842
)
 
(4,163
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds received
 
$
25,498

 
$
50,113

 
$
21,210

Gross gains realized
 
8,592

 
7,753

 
2,869

Gross losses realized
 
(917
)
 
(1,972
)
 
(935
)

 

101


NOTE 2 - Investments-(Continued)


Net Investment Gains (Losses)

The following table reconciles the net investment gains (losses) by transaction type:
($ in thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment write-downs
 
$

 
$
(1,778
)
 
$
(6,268
)
Change in intent write-downs
 
(1,530
)
 
(10,842
)
 
(4,843
)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings
 
(1,530
)
 
(12,620
)
 
(11,111
)
Sales and other, net
 
3,491

 
7,756

 
16,286

Change in fair value - equity securities (1)
 
(18,323
)
 

 

Change in fair value and gains (losses) realized
on settlements - derivative instruments
 
3,819

 
1,458

 
(1,052
)
Net investment gains (losses)
 
$
(12,543
)
 
$
(3,406
)
 
$
4,123

____________________
(1) 
Effective January 1, 2018, with the adoption of new accounting guidance for recognition and measurement of financial instruments, equity securities are reported at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in Net investment gains (losses) and are no longer included in impairment write-downs or change in intent write-downs.

Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) on Securities
 
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) on securities are computed as the difference between fair value and amortized cost for fixed maturity securities or cost for equity securities. The following table reconciles the net unrealized investment gains (losses) on securities, net of tax, included in AOCI, before the impact on DAC: 
($ in thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) on securities, net of tax
 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning of period
 
$
286,176

 
$
202,941

 
$
201,363

Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) on securities
 
(172,350
)
 
80,073

 
4,943

Reclassification of net investment (gains)
losses on securities to net income
 
12,927

 
3,162

 
(3,365
)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (1)
 
(15,041
)
 

 

End of period
 
$
111,712

 
$
286,176

 
$
202,941


________________
(1) 
Effective January 1, 2018, with the adoption of new accounting guidance for recognition and measurement of financial instruments, available for sale equity securities were reclassified to equity securities at fair value and the related net unrealized gains were reclassified from AOCI to Retained earnings.

Investment in Entities Exceeding 10% of Shareholders' Equity
 
At December 31, 2018 and 2017, 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. 


102


NOTE 2 - Investments-(Continued)


Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities
 
The Company's derivative instruments (call options) are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements. Collateral support agreements associated with each master netting arrangement provide that the Company will receive or pledge cash collateral in the event minimum thresholds have been reached.
 
The following table presents the instruments that were subject to a master netting arrangement for the Company.
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
 
Net Amounts
of Assets/
Liabilities
Presented
in the
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
Gross
Amounts
 
Consolidated
Balance
Sheets
 
Consolidated
Balance
Sheets
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Cash
Collateral
Received
 
Net
Amount
December 31, 2018
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Asset derivatives
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Free-standing derivatives
 
$
2,647

 
$

 
$
2,647

 
$

 
$
1,868

 
$
779

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Free-standing derivatives
 
15,550

 

 
15,550

 

 
15,584

 
(34
)

 
Deposits
 
At December 31, 2018 and 2017, fixed maturity securities with a fair value of $17,695 thousand and $17,985 thousand, respectively, were on deposit with governmental agencies as required by law in various states in which the insurance subsidiaries of HMEC conduct business. In addition, at December 31, 2018 and 2017, fixed maturity securities with a fair value of $740,016 thousand and $686,790 thousand, respectively, were on deposit with FHLB as collateral for amounts subject to funding agreements, advances and borrowings which were equal to $675,000 thousand and $625,000 thousand at the respective dates. The deposited securities are included in Fixed maturity securities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

103


NOTE 3 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company is required under GAAP to disclose estimated fair values for certain financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities. Fair values of the Company's insurance contracts other than annuity contracts (which are investment contracts) are not required to be disclosed. However, the estimated 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.
 
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 knowledgeable, unrelated and willing market participants on the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The Company categorizes its financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities into a three-level hierarchy based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique. The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are:
 
Level 1
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities include fixed maturity 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 fixed maturity securities (1) with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments or (2) values based on discounted cash flows with observable inputs. This category generally includes certain U.S. Government and agency mortgage-backed securities, non-agency structured securities, corporate fixed maturity securities, preferred stocks, derivative instruments and embedded derivatives.
 
 
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, certain discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation and for which the significant inputs are unobservable. This category generally includes certain private debt and equity investments, as well as embedded derivatives.
 
When the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the 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 into or out of each of the three levels are reported as having occurred at the end of the reporting period in which the transfers were determined.
 

104


NOTE 3 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments-(Continued)


The following discussion describes the valuation methodologies used for financial assets and financial liabilities 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 expected 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 investment holdings. Care is exercised in deriving conclusions about the Company's business, its value or financial position based on the fair value information of financial assets and liabilities presented below.

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about the financial asset or financial liability, including estimates of both the timing and amount of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of the issuer. In some cases, 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 or financial liability. 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 or financial liability. 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

The Company utilizes its investment managers and its custodian bank to obtain fair value prices from independent third-party valuation service providers, broker-dealer quotes, and model prices. Each month, the Company obtains fair value prices from its investment managers and custodian bank, each of which use a variety of independent, nationally recognized pricing sources to determine market valuations for fixed maturity securities. Differences in prices between the sources that the Company considers significant are researched and the Company utilizes the price that it considers most representative of an exit price. Typical inputs used by these pricing sources include, but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yield curves, benchmarking of like securities, rating designations, sector groupings, issuer spreads, bids, offers, and/or estimated cash flows and prepayment speeds. 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.

When the pricing sources cannot provide fair value determinations, the investment managers and custodian bank obtain non-binding price quotes from broker-dealers. And for those securities where the investment manager cannot obtain broker-dealer quotes, they will model the security, generally using anticipated cash flows of the underlying collateral. Broker-dealers' valuation methodologies as well as investment managers’ modeling methodologies are sometimes matrix-based, using indicative evaluation measures and adjustments for specific security characteristics and market sentiment. The market inputs utilized in the evaluation measures and adjustments include: benchmark yield curves, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, ratings and corresponding issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data including anticipated cash flows, and industry and economic events. The extent of the use of each market input depends on the market sector and the market conditions. Depending on the security, the priority of the use of inputs may change or some market inputs may not be relevant. For some securities, additional inputs may be necessary.

The Company analyzes price and 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 fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs. Based on this evaluation and investment class analysis, each security is classified into Level 1, 2, or 3. The

105


NOTE 3 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments-(Continued)


Company gains assurance that its fixed maturity securities portfolio is appropriately valued through the execution of various processes and controls designed to ensure the overall reasonableness and consistent application of valuation methodologies, including inputs and assumptions, and compliance with accounting standards. The Company’s processes and controls are designed to ensure (1) the valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistently applied, (2) the inputs and assumptions are reasonable and consistent with the objective of determining fair value, and (3) the fair values are accurately recorded. For example, on a continuing basis, the Company assesses the reasonableness of individual fair values that have stale security prices or that exceed certain thresholds as compared to previous fair values received from valuation service providers. The Company performs procedures to understand and assess the methodologies, processes and controls of valuation service providers. In addition, the Company may validate the reasonableness of fair values by comparing information obtained from valuation service providers or broker-dealers to other third party valuation sources for selected securities.

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 92.3% and 90.7% of the portfolio, based on fair value, was priced through pricing services or index priced as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The remainder of the portfolio was priced by broker-dealers or pricing models. When non-binding broker-dealer quotes can be corroborated by comparison to other vendor quotes, pricing models or analyses, the securities are generally classified as Level 2, otherwise they are classified as Level 3. There were no significant changes to the valuation process during 2018.
 
When a public quotation is not available, equity securities are valued by using non-binding broker-dealer quotes or through the use of pricing models or analyses that are based on market information regarding interest rates, credit spreads and liquidity. The underlying source data for calculating the matrix of credit spreads relative to the U.S. Treasury curve are nationally recognized indices. In addition, credit rating (or credit quality equivalent information) of securities is also factored into a pricing matrix. 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. There were no significant changes to the valuation process in 2018. At December 31, 2018, all of the publicly traded equity securities were priced from observable market quotations. Fair values of equity securities have been determined by the Company from observable market quotations, when available.
 
Policy loans and mortgage loans as well as certain alternative investments which are accounted for using the equity method of accounting are excluded from the fair value hierarchy.
 
In summary, the following investments are carried at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities, as described above.
Equity securities, as described above.
Short-term fixed maturity securities — Because of the nature of these assets, carrying amounts generally approximate fair values.
Derivative instruments, all call options — Fair values are based on the amount of cash expected to be received to settle each derivative instrument on the reporting date. These amounts are obtained from each of the counterparties using industry accepted valuation models and observable inputs. Significant inputs include contractual terms, underlying index prices, market volatilities, interest rates and dividend yields.
FHLB membership and activity stocks — Fair value is based on redemption value, which is equal to par value.

106


NOTE 3 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments-(Continued)


Financial Instruments Measured and Carried at Fair Value
 
The following table presents the Company's fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis. At December 31, 2018, Level 3 investments comprised approximately 3.0% of the Company's total investment portfolio at fair value.
($ in thousands)
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Fair Value Measurements at
Reporting Date Using
 
 
Amount
 
Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
December 31, 2018
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Financial Assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Investments
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturity securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government and federally
sponsored agency obligations:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Mortgage-backed securities
 
$
787,441

 
$
787,441

 
$

 
$
784,224

 
$
3,217

Other, including U.S. Treasury securities
 
833,542

 
833,542

 
13,291

 
820,251

 

Municipal bonds
 
2,003,969

 
2,003,969

 

 
1,956,438

 
47,531

Foreign government bonds
 
84,904

 
84,904

 

 
84,904

 

Corporate bonds
 
2,079,510

 
2,079,510

 
12,281

 
1,986,487

 
80,742

Other mortgage-backed securities
 
1,725,952

 
1,725,952

 

 
1,608,958

 
116,994

Total fixed maturity securities
 
7,515,318

 
7,515,318

 
25,572

 
7,241,262

 
248,484

Equity securities
 
111,750

 
111,750

 
64,330

 
47,415

 
5

Short-term investments
 
122,222

 
122,222

 
117,296

 
4,926

 

Other investments
 
16,147

 
16,147

 

 
16,147

 

Totals
 
$
7,765,437

 
$
7,765,437

 
$
207,198

 
$
7,309,750

 
$
248,489

Financial Liabilities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Investment contract and life policy reserves,
embedded derivatives
 
$
248

 
$
248

 
$

 
$
248

 
$

Other policyholder funds, embedded derivatives
 
$
78,700

 
$
78,700

 
$

 
$

 
$
78,700

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and federally
sponsored agency obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
 
$
696,725

 
$
696,725

 
$

 
$
693,375

 
$
3,350

Other, including U.S. Treasury securities
 
735,408

 
735,408

 
13,393

 
722,015

 

Municipal bonds
 
1,893,253

 
1,893,253

 

 
1,843,925

 
49,328

Foreign government bonds
 
102,738

 
102,738

 

 
102,738

 

Corporate bonds
 
2,578,954

 
2,578,954

 
14,345

 
2,491,630

 
72,979

Other mortgage-backed securities
 
1,716,997

 
1,716,997

 

 
1,612,403

 
104,594

Total fixed maturity securities
 
7,724,075

 
7,724,075

 
27,738

 
7,466,086

 
230,251

Equity securities
 
135,466

 
135,466

 
82,208

 
53,252

 
6

Short-term investments
 
62,593

 
62,593

 
62,593

 

 

Other investments
 
28,050

 
28,050

 

 
28,050

 

Totals
 
$
7,950,184

 
$
7,950,184

 
$
172,539

 
$
7,547,388

 
$
230,257

Financial Liabilities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Investment contract and life policy reserves,
embedded derivatives
 
$
594

 
$
594

 
$

 
$
594

 
$

Other policyholder funds, embedded derivatives
 
$
80,733

 
$
80,733

 
$

 
$

 
$
80,733


 

107


NOTE 3 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments-(Continued)


The Company did not have any transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during 2018. The Company transferred one equity security between Levels 2 and 1 during 2017. The following tables present reconciliations for the periods indicated for all Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
($ in thousands)
 
Financial Assets
 
Financial
Liabilities(1)
 
 
Municipal
Bonds
 
Corporate
 Bonds
 
Other
Mortgage-
Backed
Securities (2)
 
Total
Fixed
Maturity
Securities
 
Equity
Securities
 
Short-term
Investments
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance, January 1, 2018
 
$
49,328

 
$
72,979

 
$
107,944

 
$
230,251

 
$
6

 
$

 
$
230,257

 
$
80,733

Transfers into Level 3 (3)
 

 
40,488

 
50,771

 
91,259

 

 

 
91,259

 

Transfers out of Level 3 (3)
 

 
(11,279
)
 
(5,200
)
 
(16,479
)
 

 

 
(16,479
)
 

Total gains or losses
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net investment gains (losses)
included in net  income
related to financial assets
 

 
(487
)
 

 
(487
)
 
3

 

 
(484
)
 

Net realized (gains) losses
included in net income
related to financial liabilities
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(7,518
)
Net unrealized investment gains
(losses) included in OCI
 
(1,195
)
 
(2,840
)
 
(5,570
)
 
(9,605
)
 

 

 
(9,605
)
 

Purchases
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuances
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
11,183

Sales
 

 
(6,135
)
 
(187
)
 
(6,322
)
 
(4
)
 

 
(6,326
)
 

Settlements
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paydowns, maturities and distributions
 
(602
)
 
(11,984
)
 
(27,547
)
 
(40,133
)
 

 

 
(40,133
)
 
(5,698
)
Ending balance, December 31, 2018
 
$
47,531

 
$
80,742

 
$
120,211

 
$
248,484

 
$
5

 
$

 
$
248,489

 
$
78,700

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance, January 1, 2017
 
$
46,497

 
$
60,191

 
$
104,659

 
$
211,347

 
$
6

 
$
751

 
$
212,104

 
$
59,393

Transfers into Level 3 (3)
 
5,214

 
38,483

 
43,091

 
86,788

 

 

 
86,788

 

Transfers out of Level 3 (3)
 
(5,557
)
 
(16,252
)
 
(6,542
)
 
(28,351
)
 

 
(751
)
 
(29,102
)
 

Total gains or losses
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Net investment gains (losses)
included in net  income
related to financial assets
 

 
(1
)
 
(1,832
)
 
(1,833
)
 

 

 
(1,833
)
 

Net realized (gains) losses
included in net income
related to financial liabilities
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
12,942

Net unrealized investment gains
(losses) included in OCI
 
3,977

 
661

 
2,075

 
6,713

 

 

 
6,713

 

Purchases
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuances
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
12,605

Sales
 

 
(1,999
)
 
(9,179
)
 
(11,178
)
 

 

 
(11,178
)
 

Settlements
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paydowns, maturities and distributions
 
(803
)
 
(8,104
)
 
(24,328
)
 
(33,235
)
 

 

 
(33,235
)
 
(4,207
)
Ending balance, December 31, 2017
 
$
49,328

 
$
72,979

 
$
107,944

 
$
230,251

 
$
6

 
$

 
$
230,257

 
$
80,733

____________________
(1) 
Represents embedded derivatives, all related to the Company's FIA products, reported in Other policyholder funds in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2) 
Includes U.S. Government and federally sponsored agency obligations for mortgage-backed securities and other mortgage-backed securities.
(3) 
Transfers into and out of Level 3 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were attributable to changes in the availability of observable market information for individual fixed maturity securities and short-term investments. The Company's policy is to recognize transfers into and transfers out of the levels as having occurred at the end of the reporting period in which the transfers were determined.

At December 31, 2018, the Company realized a loss of $484 thousand on Level 3 securities. At December 31, 2017 the Company impaired Level 3 securities for a $1,833 thousand realized loss. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, a realized gain of $7,518 thousand and a realized loss of $12,942 thousand, respectively, were included in earnings that were attributable to the changes in the fair value of Level 3 liabilities (embedded derivatives) still held.

108


NOTE 3 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments-(Continued)


The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement for financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 are subject to the control processes as previously described in this Note. Generally, valuation techniques for fixed maturity securities include spread pricing, matrix pricing and discounted cash flow methodologies; include inputs such as quoted prices for identical or similar securities that are less liquid; and are based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified as Level 2. The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement for equity securities classified as Level 3 use similar valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs as those used for fixed maturity securities.
 
The sensitivity of the estimated fair values to changes in the significant unobservable inputs for fixed maturity and equity securities included in Level 3 generally relates to interest rate spreads, illiquidity premiums and default rates. Significant spread widening in isolation will adversely impact the overall valuation, while significant spread tightening will lead to substantial valuation increases. Significant increases (decreases) in illiquidity premiums in isolation will result in substantially lower (higher) valuations. Significant increases (decreases) in expected default rates in isolation will result in substantially lower (higher) valuations.
 
Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value; Disclosure Required
 
The Company has various other financial assets and financial liabilities used in the normal course of business that are not carried at fair value, but for which fair value disclosure is required. The following table presents the carrying value, fair value and fair value hierarchy of these financial assets and financial liabilities.
($ in thousands)
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Fair Value Measurements at
Reporting Date Using
 
 
Amount
 
Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
December 31, 2018
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Financial Assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Investments
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Other investments
 
$
156,725

 
$
161,449

 
$

 
$

 
$
161,449

Financial Liabilities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Investment contract and life policy reserves,
fixed annuity contracts
 
4,555,849

 
4,478,338

 

 

 
4,478,338

Investment contract and life policy reserves,
account values on life contracts
 
87,229

 
90,402

 

 

 
90,402

Other policyholder funds
 
689,287

 
689,287

 

 
626,325

 
62,962

Long-term debt
 
297,740

 
291,938

 

 
291,938

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Financial Assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Investments
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Other investments
 
$
154,898

 
$
159,575

 
$

 
$

 
$
159,575

Financial Liabilities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Investment contract and life policy reserves,
fixed annuity contracts
 
4,452,972

 
4,366,334

 

 

 
4,366,334

Investment contract and life policy reserves,
account values on life contracts
 
82,911

 
88,620

 

 

 
88,620

Other policyholder funds
 
643,528

 
643,528

 

 
575,622

 
67,906

Long-term debt
 
297,469

 
311,315

 

 
311,315

 




109


NOTE 3 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments-(Continued)


Other Investments

Other investments includes policy loans and mortgage loans. For policy loans, fair value is based on estimates using discounted cash flow analysis and current interest rates being offered for new loans. For mortgage loans, fair value is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and similar remaining maturities.

Investment Contract and Life Policy Reserves
 
The fair values of fixed annuity contract liabilities and policyholder account balances on 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). The Company carries these financial liabilities at cost.
 
Also, included in investment contract and life policy reserves are embedded derivatives related to the Company's IUL products. These embedded derivatives are carried at fair value with fair value equal to the fair value of the current call options purchased to hedge the liability.

Other Policyholder Funds
 
Other policyholder funds are liabilities related to supplementary contracts without life contingencies and dividend accumulations, as well as balances outstanding under funding agreements with the FHLB and embedded derivatives related to the FIA products. Except for embedded derivatives, each of these components is carried at cost, which management believes is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the relatively short duration of these items, based on the Company's past experience.
 
The fair value of the embedded derivatives related to FIA products is estimated at each reporting date by (1) projecting policy contract values and minimum guaranteed contract values over the expected lives of the contracts and (2) discounting the excess of the projected contract value amounts at the applicable risk free interest rates adjusted for the Company's nonperformance risk related to those liabilities. The projections of policy contract values are based on the Company's best estimate assumptions for future contract growth and decrements. The assumptions for future contract growth include the expected index credits which are derived from the fair values of the underlying call options purchased to fund such index credits and the expected costs of annual call options that will be purchased in the future to fund index credits beyond the next contract anniversary. Projections of minimum guaranteed contract values include the same best estimate assumptions for contract decrements used to project policy contract values.
 
Long-term Debt
 
The Company carries long-term debt at amortized cost. The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on unadjusted quoted market prices of the Company's securities or unadjusted market prices based on similar publicly traded issues when trading activity for the Company's securities is not sufficient to provide a market price.


110


NOTE 4 - Derivative Instruments


The Company offers FIA products, which are deferred fixed annuities that guarantee the return of principal to the contractholder and credit interest based on a percentage of the gain in a specified market index. The Company also offers IUL products which credit interest based on a percentage of the gain in a specified market index. When deposits are received for FIA and IUL contracts, a portion is used to purchase derivatives consisting of call options on the applicable market indices to fund the index credits due to FIA and IUL policyholders. For the Company, substantially all such call options are one-year options purchased to match the funding requirements of the underlying contracts. The call options are carried at fair value with changes in fair value included in Net investment gains (losses), a component of revenues, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
The change in fair value of derivatives includes the gains or losses recognized at the expiration of the option term or early termination and the changes in fair value for open positions. Call options are not purchased to fund the index liabilities which may arise after the next deposit anniversary date. On the respective anniversary dates of the indexed deposits, the index used to compute the annual index credit is reset and new one-year call options are purchased to fund the next annual index credit. The cost of these purchases is managed through the terms of the FIA and IUL contracts, which permit changes to index return caps, participation rates and/or asset fees, subject to guaranteed minimums on each contract's anniversary date. By adjusting the index return caps, participation rates or asset fees, crediting rates generally can be managed except in cases where the contractual features would prevent further modifications.
 
The future annual index credits on FIA are accounted for as a "series of embedded derivatives" over the expected life of the applicable contract with a corresponding reserve recognized. For IUL, the embedded derivative represents a single year liability for the index return.
 
The Company carries all derivative instruments at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company elected to not use hedge accounting for derivative transactions related to the FIA and IUL products. As a result, the Company recognizes the purchased call options and the embedded derivatives related to the provision of a contingent return at fair value, with changes in the fair value of the derivatives recognized immediately as Net investment gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair values of derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in FIA and IUL contracts are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Assets
 
 

 
 

Derivative instruments, included in Short-term and other investments
 
$
2,647

 
$
15,550

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 

 
 

Fixed indexed annuities - embedded derivatives,
included in Other policyholder funds
 
78,700

 
80,733

Indexed universal life - embedded derivatives,
included in Investment contract and life policy reserves
 
248

 
594


 

111


NOTE 4 - Derivative Instruments-(Continued)

In general, the change in the fair value of the embedded derivatives related to FIA will not correspond to the change in fair value of the purchased call options because the purchased call options are one-year options while the options valued in the embedded derivatives represent the rights of the policyholder to receive index credits over the entire period the FIA contracts are expected to be in force, which typically exceeds 10 years. The changes in fair value of derivatives included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Change in fair value of derivatives (1):
 
 

 
 

 
 

Revenues
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net investment gains (losses)
 
$
(4,112
)
 
$
14,867

 
$
4,024

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment gains (losses)
 
7,931

 
(13,410
)
 
(5,076
)
____________________
(1) 
Includes gains or losses recognized at the expiration of the option term or early termination and the changes in fair value for open options.

The Company's strategy attempts to mitigate potential risk of loss under these agreements through a regular monitoring process, which evaluates the program's effectiveness. The Company is exposed to risk of loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties and, accordingly, option contracts are purchased from multiple counterparties, which are evaluated for creditworthiness prior to purchase of the contracts. All of these options have been purchased from nationally recognized financial institutions with a Standard & Poor's Global Inc. (S&P)/Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's) long-term credit rating of "BBB+/A1" or higher at the time of purchase and the maximum credit exposure to any single counterparty is subject to concentration limits. The Company also obtains credit support agreements that allow it to request the counterparty to provide cash collateral when the fair value of the exposure to the counterparty exceeds specified amounts.
 
The notional amount and fair value of call options by counterparty and each counterparty's long-term credit ratings were as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Credit Rating
 
Notional
 
Fair
 
Notional
 
Fair
Counterparty
 
S&P
 
Moody's
 
Amount
 
Value
 
Amount
 
Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank of America, N.A.
 
A+
 
Aa3
 
$
144,500

 
$
870

 
$
85,100

 
$
6,320

Barclays Bank PLC
 
A
 
A2
 
28,500

 
247

 
48,900

 
1,828

Citigroup Inc.
 
BBB+
 
 
 

 

 

 

Credit Suisse International
 
A
 
A1
 
16,100

 
55

 
21,100

 
1,444

Societe Generale
 
A
 
 
 
89,100

 
1,475

 
91,700

 
5,958

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
$
278,200

 
$
2,647

 
$
246,800

 
$
15,550


As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company held $1,868 thousand and $15,584 thousand, respectively, of cash received from counterparties for derivative collateral, which is included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. This derivative collateral limits the Company's maximum amount of economic loss due to credit risk that would be incurred if parties to the call options failed completely to perform according to the terms of the contracts to $250 thousand per counterparty.


112


NOTE 5 - Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses


The following table is a summary reconciliation of the beginning and ending Property and Casualty unpaid claims and claim expense reserves for the periods indicated. The table presents reserves on both gross and net (after reinsurance) bases. The total net Property and Casualty insurance claims and claim expense incurred amounts are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The end of the year gross reserve (before reinsurance) balances and the reinsurance recoverable balances are reflected on a gross basis in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
($ in thousands)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Property and Casualty segment
 
 

 
 

 
 

Gross reserves, beginning of year (1)
 
$
319,182

 
$
307,757

 
$
301,569

Less:  reinsurance recoverables
 
57,409

 
61,199

 
50,332

Net reserves, beginning of year (2)
 
261,773

 
246,558

 
251,237

Incurred claims and claim expenses:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Claims occurring in the current year
 
547,959

 
498,989

 
471,099

Decrease in estimated reserves for claims occurring in prior years (3)
 
(300
)
 
(2,700
)
 
(7,000
)
Total claims and claim expenses incurred (4)
 
547,659

 
496,289

 
464,099

Claims and claim expense payments for claims occurring during:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Current year
 
369,194

 
333,385

 
323,025

Prior years
 
162,783

 
147,689

 
145,753

Total claims and claim expense payments
 
531,977

 
481,074

 
468,778

Net reserves, end of year (2)
 
277,455

 
261,773

 
246,558

Plus:  reinsurance recoverables
 
89,725

 
57,409

 
61,199

Gross reserves, end of year (1)
 
$
367,180

 
$
319,182

 
$
307,757

____________________
(1) 
Unpaid claims and claim expenses as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets also include reserves for Life and Retirement of $29,534 thousand, $28,567 thousand and $22,131 thousand as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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 2018, 2017 and 2016.
(4) 
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations also include amounts for Life and Retirement of $89,901 thousand, $86,017 thousand, and $76,905 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, in addition to Property and Casualty amounts.

Underwriting results for Property and Casualty 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, which 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), IBNR claims 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, public attitudes and medical costs.
 

113


NOTE 5 - Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses-(Continued)


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 estimate of the reserve (which is equal to the actuarial point estimate) as of each reporting date, for each line of business and its coverages for reported losses and for IBNR losses and as a result believes no other estimate is better than the recognized amount. Due to uncertainties involved, the ultimate cost of losses may vary materially from recognized 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 third-party claim 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, given the relatively large proportion (approximately 80.0% as of December 31, 2018) of the Company's reserves that are in the longer-tail automobile liability coverages, regulatory and court actions, changes in economic conditions and trends, and medical costs could be expected to impact this product line more extensively than others.
 
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 re-estimates. 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 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 claims occurred. For estimating short-tail coverage reserves (e.g., homeowners and automobile physical damage), which comprise approximately 20.0% of the Company's total loss reserves as of December 31, 2018, 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 (primarily related to automobile liability), which comprise approximately 80.0% of the Company's total loss reserves as of December 31, 2018, the primary actuarial technique utilized is the development of reported loss dollars due to the relatively long claim settlement period.
 

114


NOTE 5 - Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses-(Continued)


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 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 re-estimate.
 
Reserves are re-estimated 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 recognized in the period in which development factor changes result in reserve re-estimates. 

Claim count estimates are also established for claims as they occur for each line of business based on estimates of the ultimate claim counts. (These counts are derived by counting the number of claimants by insurance coverage.) The primary actuarial techniques (development of paid claim counts and development of reported claim counts) used to estimate ultimate claim counts are applied to actual paid claim counts and reported claim counts (paid claims plus individual unpaid claims set by claim adjusters) for an accident year to create an estimate of how claims are likely to develop over time. An accident year refers to classifying claims based on the year in which the claim occurred. The ultimate claim count generally gives equal consideration to the results of the two actuarial techniques described.
 
Occasionally, unusual aberrations in claim reporting patterns or claims payment patterns may occur. In these instances, analyses of alternate development factor selections are performed to evaluate the effect of these factors and judgment is applied to make appropriate development factor assumptions needed to develop a best estimate of ultimate claims.
 
See tables on the following pages of Note 5 for details of the average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age, also referred to as a history of claims duration and tables illustrating the incurred and paid claims development information by accident year on a net basis for the lines of Homeowners, Auto Liability, and Auto Physical Damage, which represents 99.0% of the Company's incurred losses for 2018.
 
Numerous actuarial estimates of the types described above are prepared each quarter to monitor losses for each line of business, including the line's individual coverages; 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 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, including the line's individual coverages, is determined by management and is recognized for each accident year, then the required reserves for each component are summed to create the reserve balances carried on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

115


NOTE 5 - Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses-(Continued)


Based on the Company's products and coverages, historical experience, and 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 6.0% of reserves, which equates to plus or minus approximately $13.0 thousand of net income as of December 31, 2018. 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 $300 thousand in 2018, $2,700 thousand in 2017 and $7,000 thousand in 2016. In 2018, the favorable development was predominantly the result of favorable severity trends in property for accident years 2016 and prior. In 2017, the favorable development was predominantly the result of favorable severity trends in property for accident years 2015 and prior. In 2016, the favorable development was predominantly the result of favorable severity trends in property for accident years 2014 and prior.
 
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 31st of each year. The result of the independent actuarial study at December 31, 2018 was consistent with management's analysis and selected estimates and did not result in any adjustments to the Company's Property and Casualty reserves recognized.
 
At the time each of the reserve analyses was performed, the Company believed that each estimate was based upon sound methodology and such methodologies were 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 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.
 
Below is the average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age, also referred to as a history of claims duration:
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance
Years
 
1

 
2

 
3

 
4

 
5

 
6

 
7

 
8

 
9

 
10

Homeowners
 
78.5
%
 
17.3
%
 
2.4
%
 
0.9
%
 
0.7
%
 
0.2
%
 

 

 

 

Auto liability
 
40.9
%
 
35.1
%
 
13.7
%
 
6.1
%
 
2.7
%
 
1.1
%
 
0.3
%
 
0.1
%
 

 

Auto physical damage
 
95.6
%
 
4.4
%
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

116


NOTE 5 - Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses-(Continued)


The following tables illustrate the incurred and paid claims development by accident year on a net basis for the lines of homeowners, auto liability and auto physical damage. Conditions and trends that have affected the development of these reserves in the past will not necessarily reoccur in the future. It may not be appropriate to use this cumulative history in the projection of future performance.

The information about incurred and paid claims development for the years ended December 31, 2009 to 2017 is presented as unaudited supplementary information.
($ in thousands)
Homeowners
 
 
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
As of December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total of Incurred-
But-Not-Reported
Liabilities Plus
Expected Development
on Reported Claims
 
Cumulative
Number of
Reported Claims
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accident
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
 
 
 
Year
 
2009
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2009
 
$
113,274

 
$
112,280

 
$
112,970

 
$
113,096

 
$
113,357

 
$
113,230

 
$
113,216

 
$
112,900

 
$
112,958

 
$
113,168

 
$

 
21,810

2010
 
 

 
140,994

 
136,907

 
133,358

 
133,235

 
133,216

 
133,136

 
132,859

 
132,905

 
132,627

 

 
25,149

2011
 
 

 
 

 
150,141

 
150,334

 
150,791

 
148,860

 
148,755

 
148,414

 
148,370

 
148,079

 

 
29,530

2012
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
108,754

 
109,156

 
109,360

 
106,486

 
106,308

 
106,348

 
106,000

 

 
21,578

2013
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
105,584

 
107,489

 
103,982

 
102,407

 
102,345

 
101,769

 
88

 
19,221

2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
111,647

 
113,505

 
109,059

 
106,844

 
106,554

 
257

 
20,083

2015
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
111,706

 
115,134

 
114,404

 
114,053

 
362

 
18,706

2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
115,931

 
118,604

 
117,009

 
724

 
19,830

2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
126,285

 
129,818

 
759

 
19,741

2018
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
166,793

 
27,697

 
19,515

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Total
 
$
1,235,870

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
Homeowners
 
 
 
 
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
Accident
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year
 
2009
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2009
 
$
81,570

 
$
104,407

 
$
108,217

 
$
110,324

 
$
112,554

 
$
112,720

 
$
112,827

 
$
112,848

 
$
112,851

 
$
112,858

 
 
 
 
2010
 
 

 
98,190

 
124,326

 
129,790

 
132,246

 
132,523

 
132,604

 
132,599

 
132,602

 
132,602

 
 
 
 
2011
 
 

 
 

 
123,046

 
142,846

 
145,852

 
146,908

 
147,451

 
148,026

 
148,014

 
148,069

 
 
 
 
2012
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
84,260

 
101,566

 
104,203

 
105,156

 
105,561

 
105,909

 
105,993

 
 
 
 
2013
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
76,890

 
96,599

 
99,361

 
100,968

 
101,527

 
101,677

 
 
 
 
2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
83,314

 
103,030

 
105,704

 
106,081

 
106,258

 
 
 
 
2015
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
90,704

 
109,303

 
111,882

 
113,321

 
 
 
 
2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
95,772

 
113,186

 
115,053

 
 
 
 
2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
106,800

 
128,518

 
 
 
 
2018
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
130,548

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Total
 
1,194,897

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Outstanding prior to 2009
 
66

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Prior years paid
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
 
$
41,039

 
 
 
 
 

117


NOTE 5 - Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses-(Continued)


($ in thousands)
Auto Liability
 
 
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
As of December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total of Incurred-
But-Not-Reported
Liabilities Plus
Expected Development
on Reported Claims
 
Cumulative
Number of
Reported Claims
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accident
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
 
 
 
Year
 
2009
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2009
 
$
159,934

 
$
158,703

 
$
153,662

 
$
157,941

 
$
151,418

 
$
150,919

 
$
150,568

 
$
149,822

 
$
149,888

 
$
149,807

 
$
(64
)
 
49,230

2010
 
 

 
157,712

 
160,058

 
156,369

 
154,222

 
152,483

 
151,653

 
149,818

 
149,425

 
149,542

 
3

 
48,942

2011
 
 

 
 

 
150,803

 
146,713

 
145,735

 
143,133

 
142,488

 
139,840

 
138,891

 
138,949

 
210

 
45,976

2012
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
156,448

 
153,815

 
150,336

 
149,346

 
147,594

 
145,847

 
145,620

 
305

 
45,984

2013
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
153,860

 
152,858

 
150,720

 
150,657

 
148,111

 
147,993

 
748

 
47,368

2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
155,105

 
157,249

 
158,470

 
159,937

 
159,794

 
1,887

 
49,380

2015
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
165,517

 
172,553

 
177,021

 
178,325

 
2,441

 
50,596

2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
180,380

 
184,440

 
184,567

 
5,637

 
51,934

2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
187,983

 
188,756

 
19,007

 
48,587

2018
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
200,314

 
71,139

 
43,522

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Total
 
$
1,643,667

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
Auto Liability
 
 
 
 
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
Accident
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year
 
2009
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2009
 
$
60,011

 
$
110,921

 
$
133,568

 
$
142,524

 
$
146,383

 
$
148,783

 
$
149,608

 
$
149,801

 
$
149,855

 
$
149,871

 
 
 
 
2010
 
 

 
63,416

 
118,345

 
137,012

 
144,255

 
147,337

 
148,751

 
149,247

 
149,364

 
149,439

 
 
 
 
2011
 
 

 
 

 
61,070

 
108,837

 
126,812

 
133,931

 
136,906

 
138,151

 
138,358

 
138,689

 
 
 
 
2012
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
61,279

 
109,574

 
127,185

 
138,641

 
142,916

 
144,622

 
145,121

 
 
 
 
2013
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
62,224

 
108,856

 
131,214

 
139,954

 
145,291

 
146,770

 
 
 
 
2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
61,329

 
117,468

 
139,463

 
149,059

 
155,758

 
 
 
 
2015
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
70,836

 
134,473

 
157,980

 
170,088

 
 
 
 
2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
73,073

 
140,901

 
166,815

 
 
 
 
2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
70,682

 
139,531

 
 
 
 
2018
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
77,528

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Total
 
1,439,610

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Outstanding prior to 2009
 
183

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Prior years paid
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
 
$
204,240

 
 
 
 
 

118


NOTE 5 - Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses-(Continued)


($ in thousands)
Auto Physical Damage
 
 
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
As of December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total of Incurred-
But-Not-Reported
Liabilities Plus
Expected Development
on Reported Claims
 
Cumulative
Number of
Reported Claims
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accident
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
 
 
 
Year
 
2009
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2009
 
$
84,539

 
$
83,515

 
$
83,202

 
$
82,635

 
$
82,000

 
$
81,986

 
$
81,972

 
$
81,963

 
$
81,972

 
$
81,941

 
$

 
77,449

2010
 
 

 
84,112

 
83,420

 
83,103

 
83,046

 
83,052

 
83,050

 
83,036

 
83,028

 
83,018

 
2

 
81,581

2011
 
 

 
 

 
86,205

 
85,507

 
86,023

 
85,120

 
85,143

 
85,116

 
85,108

 
85,102

 
8

 
80,803

2012
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
83,770

 
82,337

 
83,402

 
83,431

 
83,354

 
83,342

 
83,334

 
8

 
78,163

2013
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
91,448

 
88,856

 
88,672

 
88,627

 
88,455

 
88,525

 
54

 
80,919

2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
95,572

 
95,634

 
95,422

 
95,239

 
95,232

 
(21
)
 
87,899

2015
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
99,291

 
97,994

 
97,624

 
97,455

 
(188
)
 
87,491

2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
112,430

 
109,515

 
109,348

 
(207
)
 
93,200

2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
115,483

 
111,798

 
924

 
91,160

2018
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
109,040

 
(6,859
)
 
91,070

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Total
 
$
944,793

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
Auto Physical Damage
 
 
 
 
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
Accident
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
Unaudited
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year
 
2009
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2009
 
$
78,456

 
$
82,117

 
$
82,039

 
$
82,015

 
$
82,000

 
$
81,985

 
$
81,973

 
$
81,963

 
$
81,955

 
$
81,941

 
 
 
 
2010
 
 

 
79,329

 
83,120

 
83,103

 
83,087

 
83,067

 
83,051

 
83,036

 
83,028

 
83,015

 
 
 
 
2011
 
 

 
 
 
83,227

 
85,254

 
85,181

 
85,148

 
85,127

 
85,116

 
85,108

 
85,095

 
 
 
 
2012
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
80,519

 
83,418

 
83,372

 
83,355

 
83,347

 
83,342

 
83,326

 
 
 
 
2013
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
85,110

 
88,688

 
88,580

 
88,532

 
88,484

 
88,471

 
 
 
 
2014
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
88,939

 
95,444

 
95,266

 
95,256

 
95,258

 
 
 
 
2015
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
92,138

 
97,850

 
97,685

 
97,638

 
 
 
 
2016
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
106,459

 
109,686

 
109,536

 
 
 
 
2017
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
105,156

 
110,817

 
 
 
 
2018
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
103,559

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Total
 
938,656

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Outstanding prior to 2009
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Prior years paid
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
 
$
6,137

 
 
 
 

 


119


NOTE 5 - Property and Casualty Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses-(Continued)


The reconciliation of the net incurred and paid claims development tables to the liability for claims and claim adjustment expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
Property and Casualty segment
 
 

Net reserves
 
 

Homeowners
 
$
41,039

Auto liability
 
204,240

Auto physical damage
 
6,137

Other short duration lines
 
3,556

Total net reserves for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expense,
net of reinsurance
 
254,972

 
 
 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims
 
 

Homeowners
 
26,646

Auto liability
 
55,971

Other short duration lines
 
7,108

Total reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims
 
89,725

 
 
 

Insurance lines other than short duration (1)
 
29,534

Unallocated claims adjustment expenses
 
22,483

Total other than short duration and unallocated claims adjustment expenses
 
52,017

 
 
 

Gross reserves, end of year (1)
 
$
396,714

____________________
(1) 
 This line includes Retirement and Life reserves as included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

NOTE 6 - Reinsurance and Catastrophes
 
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 events and to permit recovery of a portion of direct losses; however, such a transfer does not relieve the originating insurance company of primary 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, hail, severe winter weather, wildfires and earthquakes, 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 catastrophe losses incurred of approximately $107,345 thousand, $61,814 thousand and $60,043 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. For 2018, catastrophe losses were impacted by a number of storm and wildfire events throughout the year.

120


NOTE 6 - Reinsurance and Catastrophes-(Continued)

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:
($ in thousands)
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Reinsurance recoverables on reserves and unpaid claims
 
 

 
 

Property and Casualty
 
 
 
 

Reinsurance companies
 
$
33,754

 
$
6,696

State insurance facilities
 
55,971

 
50,713

Life and health
 
9,785

 
11,037

Total
 
$
99,510

 
$
68,446


 
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, IBNR claims 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:
($ in thousands)
 
Gross
Amount
 
Ceded to
Other
Companies
 
Assumed
from Other
Companies
 
Net
Amount
Year Ended December 31, 2018
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Premiums written and contract deposits (1)
 
$
1,255,557

 
$
28,773

 
$
8,259

 
$
1,235,043

Premiums and contract charges earned
 
841,147

 
28,837

 
5,023

 
817,333

Benefits, claims and settlement expenses
 
769,664

 
136,601

 
4,497

 
637,560

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Premiums written and contract deposits (1)
 
1,244,500

 
21,989

 
4,606

 
1,227,117

Premiums and contract charges earned
 
812,099

 
22,036

 
4,640

 
794,703

Benefits, claims and settlement expenses
 
588,621

 
10,472

 
4,157

 
582,306

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Premiums written and contract deposits (1)
 
1,280,903

 
22,728

 
4,324

 
1,262,499

Premiums and contract charges earned
 
777,651

 
22,826

 
4,321

 
759,146

Benefits, claims and settlement expenses
 
562,385

 
25,739

 
4,358

 
541,004


____________________
(1) 
This measure is not based on accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (non-GAAP). An explanation of this non-GAAP measure is contained in the Glossary of Selected Terms included as an exhibit in the Company's reports filed with the SEC.

There were no losses from uncollectible reinsurance recoverables in the three years ended December 31, 2018. Past due reinsurance recoverables as of December 31, 2018 were not material.
 
The Company maintains catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance coverage. For 2018, the Company's catastrophe excess of loss coverage consisted of one contract in addition to a minimal amount of coverage by the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF). The catastrophe excess of loss contract provided 95% coverage for catastrophe losses above a retention of $25,000 thousand per occurrence up to $175,000 thousand per occurrence. This contract consisted of three layers, each of which provided for one mandatory reinstatement. The layers were $25,000 thousand excess of $25,000 thousand, $40,000 thousand excess of $50,000 thousand and $85,000 thousand excess of $90,000 thousand.

121


NOTE 6 - Reinsurance and Catastrophes-(Continued)

For liability coverages, in 2018, the Company reinsured each loss above a retention of $1,000 thousand with coverage up to $5,000 thousand on a per occurrence basis and $20,000 thousand in a clash event. (A clash cover is a reinsurance casualty excess contract requiring two or more casualty coverages or policies issued by the Company to be involved in the same loss occurrence for coverage to apply.) For property coverages, in 2018, the Company reinsured each loss above a retention of $1,000 thousand up to $5,000 thousand on a per risk basis, including catastrophe losses. Also, the Company could submit to the reinsurers two per risk losses from the same occurrence for a total of $8,000 thousand of property recovery in any one event.
 
The maximum individual life insurance risk retained by the Company is $300 thousand on any individual life, while either $100 thousand or $125 thousand 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. For 2018, the Company reinsured 100% of the catastrophe risk in excess of $1,000 thousand up to $35,000 thousand per occurrence, with one reinstatement. The Company's life catastrophe risk reinsurance program covers acts of terrorism and includes nuclear, biological and chemical explosions but excludes other acts of war.
 
NOTE 7 - Debt
 
Indebtedness and scheduled maturities consisted of the following:
 
($ in thousands)
 
Effective
Interest
Rates
 
Final
Maturity
 
December 31,
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
Short-term debt
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Bank Credit Facility
 
Variable
 
2023
 
$

 
$

Long-term debt (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.50% Senior Notes, Aggregate principal amount of
$250,000 less unaccrued discount of $488 and
$547 and unamortized debt issuance costs
of $1,772 and $1,984
 
4.50%
 
2025
 
247,740

 
247,469

Federal Home Loan Bank borrowing
 
2.70%
 
2022
 
50,000

 
50,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
$
297,740

 
$
297,469

____________________
(1) 
The Company designates debt obligations as "long-term" based on maturity date at issuance.

Credit Agreement with Financial Institutions (Bank Credit Facility)
 
In 2018, HMEC's Bank Credit Agreement (the Bank Credit Facility) was amended and restated to extend the commitment termination date to June 27, 2023 from the previous termination date of July 30, 2019. The interest rate spread relative to Eurodollar base rates and the financial covenants within the agreement were not changed. The Bank Credit Facility is by and between HMEC, certain financial institutions named therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and provides for unsecured borrowings of up to $150,000 thousand. Interest accrues at varying spreads relative to prime or Eurodollar base rates and is payable monthly or quarterly depending on the applicable base rate. The unused portion of the Bank Credit Facility is subject to a variable commitment fee, which was 0.15% on an annual basis at December 31, 2018.


122


NOTE 7 - Debt-(Continued)

4.50% Senior Notes due 2025 (Senior Notes due 2025)

On November 23, 2015, the Company issued $250,000 thousand aggregate principal amount of 4.50% senior notes, which will mature on December 1, 2025, issued at a discount of 0.265% resulting in an effective yield of 4.533%. Interest on the Senior Notes due 2025 is payable semi-annually at a rate of 4.50%. The Senior Notes due 2025 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 35 basis points, plus, in either of the above cases, accrued interest to the date of redemption.

Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings

In 2017, HMIC became a member of the FHLB, which provides HMIC with access to collateralized borrowings and other FHLB products. As membership requires the ownership of membership stock, in June 2017, HMIC purchased common stock to meet the membership requirement. Any borrowing from the FHLB requires the purchase of FHLB activity-based common stock in an amount equal to 4.5% of the borrowing, or a lower percentage - such as 2.0% based on the Reduced Capitalization Advance Program. In the fourth quarter of 2017, HMIC purchased common stock to meet the activity-based requirement. For FHLB borrowings, the Board has authorized a maximum amount equal to the greater of 10% of admitted assets or 20% of surplus of the consolidated property and casualty companies. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company received $50,000 thousand in executed borrowings for HMIC. Of the total $50,000 thousand received, $25,000 thousand matures on October 5, 2022 and $25,000 thousand matures on December 2, 2022. Interest on the borrowings accrues at an annual weighted average rate of 2.70% as of December 31, 2018. HMIC's FHLB borrowings of $50,000 thousand are included in Long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Covenants

The Company is in compliance with all of the financial covenants contained in the Senior Notes due 2025 indenture and the Bank Credit Facility agreement, consisting primarily of relationships of (1) debt to capital, (2) net worth, as defined in the financial covenants, (3) insurance subsidiaries' risk-based capital and (4) securities subject to funding agreements and repurchase agreements.

Note 8 - Income Taxes

As the result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act) enacted December 2017, the Company had recorded provisional amounts for the taxes associated with its partnership investments and the changes in discounting unpaid loss reserves based on information available at December 31, 2017. As a result of the guidance issued in 2018, the Company has determined there is no change in its estimates related to partnership investments. Updated estimates of the transition liability related to loss reserve discounting were less than the provisional amounts by approximately $1.1 million. Updated estimates of the transition liability related to life insurance reserves decreased the liability by approximately $6.8 million. The adjustments to the Company’s provisional amounts for the year ended December 31, 2018 did not impact the effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2018, there are no provisional amounts related to the impact of the Tax Act that remain in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.


123


NOTE 8 - Income Taxes-(Continued)

The income tax assets and liabilities included in Other assets and Other liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Income tax (asset) liability
 
 

 
 

Current
 
$
(20,793
)
 
$
(16,266
)
Deferred
 
103,686

 
157,775

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for all future tax consequences attributable to "temporary differences" between the financial statement carrying value 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 gave rise to the deferred tax balances were as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Deferred tax assets
 
 

 
 

Unearned premium reserve reduction
 
$
12,112

 
$
11,472

Compensation accruals
 
6,866

 
8,359

Impaired securities
 
1,295

 
2,240

Other comprehensive income - net funded status of benefit plans
 
3,254

 
3,526

Discounting of unpaid claims and claim expense tax reserves
 
2,772

 
3,889

Postretirement benefits other than pensions
 
302

 
321

Charitable contributions carryforwards
 
89

 
62

Net operating loss carryforwards
 
10,969

 
148

Total gross deferred tax assets
 
37,659

 
30,017

Deferred tax liabilities
 
 

 
 

Other comprehensive income - net unrealized gains on securities
 
32,897

 
95,583

Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
60,330

 
52,438

Life insurance future policy benefit reserve
 
9,304

 
102

Life insurance future policy benefit reserve (transitional rule)
 
14,910

 
23,869

Discounting of unpaid claims and claim expense tax reserves
(transitional rule)
 
1,203

 
2,513

Investment related adjustments
 
17,531

 
8,661

Intangibles
 
2,557

 
2,557

Other, net
 
2,613

 
2,069

Total gross deferred tax liabilities
 
141,345

 
187,792

Net deferred tax liability
 
$
103,686

 
$
157,775



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, 2018 and 2017.


124


NOTE 8 - Income Taxes-(Continued)

At December 31, 2018, the Company had available the following carryforwards or credits.
($ in thousands)
 
Pretax Amount
 
Expiration Years
 
 
 
 
 
Operating loss carryforwards
 
$
52,232

 
2037 - 2038
Charitable contributions carryforwards
 
424

 
2021 - 2023


The components of the provision for income tax expense were as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current
 
$
4,152

 
$
3,813

 
$
26,359

Deferred
 
(2,958
)
 
(84,585
)
 
4,108

Total income tax expense (benefit)
 
$
1,194

 
$
(80,772
)
 
$
30,467


 
Income tax expense for the following periods differed from the expected tax computed by applying the federal corporate tax rate of 21% for 2018 and 35% for 2017 and 2016 to income before income taxes as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expected federal tax on income
 
$
4,103

 
$
31,041

 
$
39,981

Add (deduct) tax effects of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-exempt interest
 
(3,726
)
 
(5,335
)
 
(5,789
)
Dividend received deduction
 
(412
)
 
(4,810
)
 
(5,751
)
Tax Act DTL re-measurement
 

 
(98,988
)
 

Employee share-based compensation
 
(1,134
)
 
(3,258
)
 
127

Compensation deduction limitation
 
1,754

 
326

 

Prior year adjustments
 
300

 
(293
)
 
91

Other, net
 
309

 
545

 
1,808

Income tax expense (benefit) provided on income
 
$
1,194

 
$
(80,772
)
 
$
30,467


 
The Company's federal income tax returns for years prior to 2014 are no longer subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
 
The Company recognizes 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 applies a more likely than not recognition threshold for all tax uncertainties.
 
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.


125


NOTE 8 - Income Taxes-(Continued)

HMEC and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. The federal income tax sharing agreements between HMEC and its subsidiaries, as approved by the Board, provide that tax on income is charged to each subsidiary as if it were filing a separate tax return with the limitation that each subsidiary will receive the benefit of any losses or tax credits to the extent utilized in the consolidated tax return. Intercompany balances are settled quarterly with a final settlement after filing the consolidated federal income tax return with the IRS.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, is as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of the beginning of the year
 
$
1,790

 
$
1,594

 
$
1,039

Increases related to prior year tax positions
 

 
101

 
348

Decreases related to prior year tax positions
 
(152
)
 

 

Increases related to current year tax positions
 
96

 
422

 
283

Settlements
 

 

 

Lapse of statute
 

 
(327
)
 
(76
)
Balance as of the end of the year
 
$
1,734

 
$
1,790

 
$
1,594


 
The Company's effective tax rate would be affected to the extent there were unrecognized tax benefits that could be recognized. There are no positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefit will significantly change within the next 12 months.

The Company classifies all tax related interest and penalties as income tax expense.
 
Interest and penalties were both immaterial in each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

NOTE 9 - Shareholders' Equity and Common Stock Equivalents
 
Share Repurchase Programs and Treasury Shares Held (Common Stock)

In December 2011, the Board authorized a share repurchase program allowing repurchases of up to $50,000 thousand (the 2011 Plan). In September 2015, the Board authorized an additional share repurchase program allowing repurchases of up to $50,000 thousand (the 2015 Plan) to begin following the completion of the 2011 Plan. Both share repurchase programs authorize the repurchase of HMEC's common shares in open market or privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, depending on market conditions. The share repurchase programs do not have expiration dates and may be limited or terminated at any time without notice.

During 2016, the Company repurchased 701,410 shares of its common stock, or 1.7% of the shares outstanding as of December 31, 2015, at an aggregate cost of $21,513 thousand, or an average price of $30.67 per share, under the 2011 and the 2015 Plans. Utilization of the remaining authorization under the 2011 program was completed in January 2016. During 2017, the Company repurchased 48,440 shares of its common stock, or 0.1% of the shares outstanding as of December 31, 2016, at an aggregate cost of $1,660 thousand, or an average price of $34.28 per share, under the 2015 Plan. During 2018, the Company repurchased 129,112 shares of its common stock, or 0.3% of the shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017, at an aggregate cost of $5,088 thousand, or an average price of $39.41 per share, under the 2015

126


NOTE 9 - Shareholders' Equity and Common Stock Equivalents-(Continued)

Plans. In total and through December 31, 2018, 2,977,162 shares were repurchased under the 2011 and 2015 Plans at an average price of $25.96 per share. The repurchase of shares was financed through use of cash. As of December 31, 2018, $22,766 thousand remained authorized for future share repurchases under the 2015 Plan authorization.

At December 31, 2018, the Company held 24,850 thousand shares in treasury.
 
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 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, 2018 and 2017.
 
2010 Comprehensive Executive Compensation Plan
 
In 2010, the shareholders of HMEC approved the 2010 Comprehensive Executive Compensation Plan (the Comprehensive Plan). The purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to aid the Company in attracting, retaining, motivating and rewarding employees and non-employee Directors; to provide for equitable and competitive compensation opportunities, including deferral opportunities; to encourage long-term service; to recognize individual contributions and reward achievement of Company goals; and to promote the creation of long-term value for the Company's shareholders by closely aligning the interests of plan participants with those of shareholders. The Comprehensive Plan authorizes share-based and cash-based incentives for plan participants. In 2012, the shareholders of HMEC approved the implementation of a fungible share pool under which grants of full value shares will count against the share limit as two and one half shares for every share subject to a full value award. In 2015, the shareholders of HMEC approved an amendment and restatement of the Comprehensive Plan which included an increase of 3.25 million in the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the Comprehensive Plan. As of December 31, 2018, approximately 1,826 thousand shares were available for grant under the Comprehensive Plan. Shares of common stock issued under the Comprehensive Plan may be either authorized and unissued shares of HMEC or shares that have been reacquired by HMEC; however, new shares have been issued historically.
 
As further described in the paragraphs below, CSUs, stock options and RSUs under the Comprehensive Plan were as follows:
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CSUs related to deferred compensation for Directors
 
32,288

 
61,677

 
74,058

CSUs related to deferred compensation for employees
 
24,498

 
24,903

 
51,502

Stock options
 
774,821

 
719,015

 
747,032

RSUs related to incentive compensation
 
1,008,249

 
1,149,679

 
1,419,268

Total
 
1,839,856

 
1,955,274

 
2,291,860


  

127


NOTE 9 - Shareholders' Equity and Common Stock Equivalents-(Continued)

Director Common Stock Units
 
Deferred compensation of Directors is in the form of CSUs, which represent an equal number of common shares to be issued in the future. The outstanding units of Directors serving on the Board 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 CSUs.

Employee Common Stock Units
 
Deferred compensation of employees is in the form of CSUs, which represent an equal number of common shares to be issued in the future. Distributions of employee deferred compensation are allowed to be either in common shares or cash. Through December 31, 2018, all distributions 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 CSUs.
 
Stock Options
 
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 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.
 
Changes in outstanding options were as follows:
 
 
Weighted Average
Option Price
per Share
 
Range of
Option Prices
per Share
 
Options
 
 
 
 
Outstanding
 
Vested and
Exercisable
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
$32.80
 
$17.01-$41.95
 
719,015

 
258,321

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Granted
 
$43.04
 
$42.95-$44.75
 
223,208

 

Vested
 
$31.42
 
$17.32-$41.95
 

 
158,233

Exercised
 
$27.07
 
$17.01-$41.95
 
(145,438
)
 
(145,438
)
Forfeited
 
$39.07
 
$31.01-$42.95
 
(21,964
)
 

Expired
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
$36.65
 
$17.32-$44.75
 
774,821

 
271,116




128


NOTE 9 - Shareholders' Equity and Common Stock Equivalents-(Continued)

Option information segregated by ranges of exercise prices was as follows:
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
Total Outstanding Options
 
Vested and Exercisable Options
 
 
Range of
Option Prices
per Share
 
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Option Price
per Share
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Term
 
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Option Price
per Share
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Term
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$17.01-$22.69
 
36,524

 
$19.77
 
0.82
 
36,524

 
$19.77
 
0.82 years
 
 
$28.88-$33.41
 
320,897

 
$31.01
 
6.68
 
183,685

 
$30.85
 
6.40 years
 
 
$38.05-$41.95
 
199,452

 
$41.82
 
8.19
 
50,907

 
$41.82
 
8.19 years
 
 
$41.95-$44.75
 
217,948

 
$43.05
 
9.19
 

 
 
0 years
Total
 

 
774,821

 
$36.65
 
7.50
 
271,116

 
$31.42
 
5.98 years


The weighted average exercise prices of vested and exercisable options as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $27.12 and $22.73, respectively.

As of December 31, 2018, based on a closing stock price of $37.45 per share, the aggregate intrinsic (in-the-money) values of vested options and all options outstanding were $1,857 thousand and $2,713 thousand, respectively.

Restricted Common Stock Units
 
RSUs may be granted to executive officers, other employees and Directors and represent an equal number of common shares to be issued in the future. The RSUs vest in installments based on service or attainment of performance criteria generally beginning in the first year from the date of grant and generally become fully vested 1 to 5 years from the date of grant. The outstanding units accrue dividends at the same rate as dividends paid to HMEC's shareholders. These dividends are reinvested into additional RSUs.
 
Changes in outstanding RSUs were as follows:
 
 
Total Outstanding Units
 
Vested Units
 
 
Units
 
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Unit
 
Units
 
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Unit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
1,149,679

 
$32.05
 
558,139

 
$19.80
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Granted (1)
 
188,675

 
$42.21
 

 
Vested
 

 
 
144,290

 
$31.58
Forfeited
 
(44,855
)
 
$38.08
 

 
Distributed (2)
 
(285,250
)
 
$25.15
 
(285,250
)
 
$25.15
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
1,008,249

 
$35.64
 
417,179

 
$20.22
____________________
(1) 
Includes dividends reinvested into additional RSUs.
(2) 
Includes distributed units which were utilized to satisfy withholding taxes due on the distribution.

129


NOTE 10 - Statutory Information and 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:
($ in thousands)
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
Statutory capital and surplus of insurance subsidiaries
 
$
903,564

 
$
944,139

Increase (decrease) due to:
 
 
 
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
298,742

 
257,826

Difference in policyholder reserves
 
142,601

 
111,188

Goodwill
 
47,396

 
47,396

Investment fair value adjustments on fixed maturity securities
 
142,512

 
415,775

Difference in investment reserves
 
105,430

 
111,225

Federal income tax liability
 
(115,667
)
 
(162,634
)
Net funded status of benefit plans
 
(15,495
)
 
(16,789
)
Non-admitted assets and other, net
 
20,412

 
28,870

Shareholders' equity of parent company and
non-insurance subsidiaries
 
8,795

 
12,046

Parent company short-term and long-term debt
 
(247,740
)
 
(247,469
)
Shareholders' equity as reported herein
 
$
1,290,550

 
$
1,501,573

 
($ in thousands)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statutory net income of insurance subsidiaries
 
$
45,977

 
$
82,587

 
$
74,574

Net loss of non-insurance companies
 
(9,755
)
 
(4,496
)
 
(5,135
)
Interest expense
 
(11,892
)
 
(11,836
)
 
(11,808
)
Tax benefit of interest expense and other
parent company current tax adjustments
 
121

 
5,654

 
5,637

Combined net income
 
24,451

 
71,909

 
63,268

Increase (decrease) due to:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
1,015

 
9,385

 
19,442

Policyholder benefits
 
26,318

 
30,609

 
14,919

Federal income tax (expense) benefit
 
3,020

 
84,198

 
(5,312
)
Investment reserves
 
(31,529
)
 
(20,966
)
 
(1,320
)
Other adjustments, net
 
(4,932
)
 
(5,676
)
 
(7,232
)
Net income as reported herein
 
$
18,343

 
$
169,459

 
$
83,765


 
HMEC has principal insurance subsidiaries domiciled in Illinois and Texas. The statutory financial statements of these subsidiaries are prepared in accordance with accounting principles prescribed or permitted by the Illinois 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.

130


NOTE 10 - Statutory Information and Restrictions-(Continued)

The NAIC has 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. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the minimum statutory-basis capital and surplus required to be maintained by HMEC's insurance subsidiaries was $108,470 thousand and $101,463 thousand, respectively. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, statutory capital and surplus of each of the Company's insurance subsidiaries was above required levels. The restricted net assets of HMEC's insurance subsidiaries were $17,695 thousand and $17,985 thousand as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The minimum statutory basis capital and surplus amount at each date is the total estimated authorized control level risk-based capital for all of HMEC's insurance subsidiaries combined. Authorized control level risk-based capital represents the minimum level of statutory basis capital and surplus necessary before the insurance commissioner in the respective state of domicile is authorized to take whatever regulatory actions considered necessary to protect the best interests of the policyholders and creditors of the insurer. The amount of restricted net assets represents the combined fair value of securities on deposit with governmental agencies for the insurance subsidiaries as required by law in various states in which the insurance subsidiaries of HMEC conduct business.
 
HMEC relies largely on dividends from its insurance subsidiaries to meet its obligations for payment of principal and interest on debt, dividends to shareholders and parent company operating expenses, including tax payments pursuant to tax sharing agreements. Payments for share repurchase programs also have this dependency. HMEC'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. As a result, HMEC may not be able to receive dividends from such subsidiaries at times and in amounts necessary to pay desired dividends to shareholders. The aggregate amount of dividends that may be paid in 2019 from all of HMEC's insurance subsidiaries without prior regulatory approval is $90,700 thousand.
 
As disclosed in the reconciliation of the statutory capital and surplus of insurance subsidiaries to the consolidated GAAP shareholders' equity, the insurance subsidiaries have statutory capital and surplus of $903,564 thousand as of December 31, 2018, which is subject to regulatory restrictions.
 
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, 2018, the Company had no financial reinsurance agreements in effect.

NOTE 11 - Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company sponsors two qualified and three non-qualified retirement plans. Substantially all employees participate in the 401(k) plan. Both the qualified defined benefit plan and the two non-qualified supplemental defined benefit plans have been frozen since 2002. All participants in the frozen plans are 100% vested in their accrued benefit and all non-qualified supplemental defined benefit plan participants are receiving payments. Certain employees participate in a non-qualified defined contribution plan.
 
Qualified Plans
 
All employees participate in the 401(k) plan and receive a 100% vested 3% "safe harbor" company contribution based on employees' eligible earnings. The Company matches each dollar of employee contributions up to a 5% maximum — in addition to maintaining the automatic 3% "safe harbor" contribution. The matching company contribution vests after 5 years of service. The 401(k) plan is fully funded.
 

131


NOTE 11 - Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits-(Continued)

In 2002, participants ceased accruing benefits for earnings and years of service in the frozen defined benefit plan. A substantial number of those participants are former employees of the Company who are not eligible to receive an immediate annuity benefit until age 65 and/or are not eligible for a lump sum distribution. In August of 2016, the Company announced a cash-out election "window" ending in September 2016 for all vested terminated participants. During this window, 52 former employees elected to receive a total of approximately $1,400 thousand in lump sum distributions.
 
The Company's policy for the frozen defined benefit plan is to contribute to the plan amounts which are actuarially determined to provide sufficient funding to meet future benefit payments as defined by federal laws and regulations.
 
For the two qualified plans, all assets are held in their respective plan trusts.
 
Non-qualified Plans
 
The non-qualified plans were established for specific employees whose otherwise eligible earnings exceeded the statutory limits under the qualified plans. Benefit accruals under the non-qualified supplemental defined benefit plans were frozen in 2002 and all participants are currently in payment status. Both the non-qualified frozen supplemental defined benefit plans and the non-qualified contribution plan are unfunded plans with the Company's contributions made at the time payments are made to participants.

Total Expense and Contribution Plans' Information
 
Total expense recorded for the non-qualified defined contribution, 401(k), defined benefit and supplemental retirement plans was $8,851 thousand, $9,114 thousand and $8,527 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 
Contributions to employees' accounts under the 401(k) plan and the non-qualified defined contribution plan, as well as total assets of the plans, were as follows: 
($ in thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
401(k) plan
 
 

 
 

 
 

Contributions to employees' accounts
 
$
7,655

 
$
7,637

 
$
6,918

Total assets at the end of the year
 
167,767

 
180,514

 
177,352

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-qualified defined contribution plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contributions to employees' accounts
 
70

 
84

 
72

Total assets at the end of the year
 

 

 


 

132


NOTE 11 - Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits-(Continued)

Defined Benefit Plan and Supplemental Retirement Plans
 
The following tables summarize the funded status of the defined benefit and supplemental retirement pension plans as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 (the measurement dates) 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:
($ in thousands)
 
Defined Benefit Plan
 
Supplemental
Defined Benefit Plans
 
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Change in benefit obligation:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Projected benefit obligation
at beginning of year
 
$
28,432

 
$
29,407

 
$
31,233

 
$
16,832

 
$
16,847

 
$
17,004

Service cost
 
650

 
650

 
650

 

 

 

Interest cost
 
947

 
1,091

 
1,244

 
566

 
631

 
687

Plan amendments
 

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarial loss (gain)
 
(2,208
)
 
(721
)
 
(220
)
 
(789
)
 
805

 
488

Benefits paid
 
(2,746
)
 
(1,995
)
 
(3,500
)
 
(1,205
)
 
(1,451
)
 
(1,332
)
Settlements
 

 

 

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation at end of year
 
$
25,075

 
$
28,432

 
$
29,407

 
$
15,404

 
$
16,832

 
$
16,847

Change in plan assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fair value of plan assets
at beginning of year
 
$
25,843

 
$
25,446

 
$
27,667

 
$

 
$

 
$

Actual return on plan assets
 
(640
)
 
2,909

 
1,766

 

 

 

Employer contributions
 

 

 

 
1,205

 
1,451

 
1,332

Benefits paid
 
(2,746
)
 
(1,995
)
 
(3,500
)
 
(1,205
)
 
(1,451
)
 
(1,332
)
Expenses paid
 
(367
)
 
(517
)
 
(487
)
 

 

 

Settlements
 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year
 
$
22,090

 
$
25,843

 
$
25,446

 
$

 
$

 
$

Funded status
 
$
(2,985
)
 
$
(2,589
)
 
$
(3,961
)
 
$
(15,404
)
 
$
(16,832
)
 
$
(16,847
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid (accrued) benefit expense
 
$
7,425

 
$
8,016

 
$
8,653

 
$
(10,320
)
 
$
(10,648
)
 
$
(11,210
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total amount recognized in Consolidated
Balance Sheets, all in Other liabilities
 
$
(2,985
)
 
$
(2,589
)
 
$
(3,961
)
 
$
(15,404
)
 
$
(16,832
)
 
$
(16,847
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts recognized in accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Prior service cost
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Net actuarial loss
 
10,410

 
10,605

 
12,613

 
5,084

 
6,184

 
5,637

Total amount recognized in AOCI
 
$
10,410

 
$
10,605

 
$
12,613

 
$
5,084

 
$
6,184

 
$
5,637

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Information for pension plans with an
accumulated benefit obligation greater
than plan assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Projected benefit obligation
 
$
25,075

 
$
28,432

 
$
29,407

 
$
15,404

 
$
16,832

 
$
16,847

Accumulated benefit obligation
 
25,075

 
28,432

 
29,407

 
15,404

 
16,832

 
16,847

Fair value of plan assets
 
22,090

 
25,843

 
25,446

 

 

 

 


133


NOTE 11 - Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits-(Continued)

The change in the Company's AOCI for the defined benefit plans for the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily attributable to lower than expected asset returns and updates to mortality assumptions and an increase in the discount rate. The change in the Company's AOCI for the defined benefit plans for the year ended December 31, 2017 was primarily attributable to better than expected asset returns and updates to mortality assumptions partially offset by a decrease in the discount rate. The change in the Company's AOCI for the defined benefit plans for the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily attributable to a decrease in the discount rate, partially offset by the performance of plan assets.
($ in thousands)
 
Defined Benefit Plan
 
Supplemental
Defined Benefit Plans
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Components of net periodic pension
(income) expense:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Service cost:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Benefit accrual
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Other expenses
 
650

 
650

 
650

 

 

 

Interest cost
 
947

 
1,091

 
1,244

 
566

 
631

 
687

Expected return on plan assets
 
(1,377
)
 
(1,493
)
 
(1,675
)
 

 

 

Settlement loss
 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service cost
 

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarial loss
 
371

 
389

 
393

 
310

 
258

 
233

Net periodic pension expense
 
$
591

 
$
637

 
$
612

 
$
876

 
$
889

 
$
920

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in plan assets and benefit
obligations included in other
comprehensive income (loss):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Prior service cost
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Net actuarial loss (gain)
 
177

 
(1,619
)
 
175

 
(789
)
 
805

 
488

Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service cost
 

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarial loss
 
(371
)
 
(389
)
 
(393
)
 
(310
)
 
(258
)
 
(233
)
Total recognized in other
comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
(194
)
 
$
(2,008
)
 
$
(218
)
 
$
(1,099
)
 
$
547

 
$
255

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average assumptions used to
determine expense:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Discount rate
 
3.50
%
 
3.90
%
 
4.20
%
 
3.50
%
 
3.90
%
 
4.20
%
Expected return on plan assets
 
5.90
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.50
%
 
*

 
*

 
*

Annual rate of salary increase
 
*

 
*

 
*

 
*

 
*

 
*

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average assumptions
used to determine benefit obligations
as of December 31:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Discount rate
 
4.20
%
 
3.50
%
 
3.90
%
 
4.20
%
 
3.50
%
 
3.90
%
Expected return on plan assets
 
5.90
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.50
%
 
*

 
*

 
*

Annual rate of salary increase
 
*

 
*

 
*

 
*

 
*

 
*

____________________ 
*       Not applicable.
 

134


NOTE 11 - Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits-(Continued)

The discount rates at December 31, 2018 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 Mercer Above Mean Yield Curve.
 
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.
 
The Company has an investment policy for the defined benefit pension plan that aligns the assets within the plan's trust to an approximate allocation of 50% equity and 50% fixed income funds. 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.
 
Fair values of the equity security funds and fixed income funds have been determined from public quotations. The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets, excluding cash held.
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at
Reporting Date Using
 
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
December 31, 2018
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Asset category
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Equity security funds (1)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

United States
 
$
8,198

 
$

 
$
8,198

 
$

International
 
2,089

 

 
2,089

 

Fixed income funds
 
11,003

 

 
11,003

 

Short-term investment funds
 
800

 
800

 

 

Total
 
$
22,090

 
$
800

 
$
21,290

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Asset category
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Equity security funds (1)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

United States
 
$
10,517

 
$

 
$
10,517

 
$

International
 
2,573

 

 
2,573

 

Fixed income funds
 
12,165

 

 
12,165

 

Short-term investments funds
 
588

 
588

 

 

Total
 
$
25,843

 
$
588

 
$
25,255

 
$

____________________ 
(1) 
None of the trust fund assets for the defined benefit pension plan have been invested in shares of HMEC's common stock.

There were no Level 3 assets held during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
 
In 2019, the Company expects amortization of net losses of $310 thousand and $256 thousand for the defined benefit plan and the supplemental retirement plans, respectively, and expects no amortization of prior service cost for the supplemental retirement plans to be included in net periodic pension expense.
 

135


NOTE 11 - Retirement Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits-(Continued)

Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions
 
As of December 31, 2006, upon discontinuation of retiree medical benefits, Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) were established for eligible participants and totaled $7,310 thousand. As of December 31, 2018, the balance of the previously established HRAs was $1,438 thousand. Funding of HRAs was $88 thousand, $133 thousand and $218 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

2019 Contributions
 
In 2019, there is no minimum funding requirement for the Company's defined benefit plan. The following table discloses that minimum funding requirement and the expected full year contributions for the Company's plans.
($ in thousands)
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
 
Defined
Benefit Plan
 
Supplemental
Defined Benefit Plans
 
 
 
 
 
Minimum funding requirement for 2018
 
$

 
N/A

Expected contributions (approximations) for the year ended
December 31, 2019 as of the time of this Form 10-K (1)
 

 
$
1,307

____________________ 
N/A - Not applicable.
(1)       HMEC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

The Company's defined benefit plan may be 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 each of the plans below. Therefore, actual results could vary from the estimates shown. Estimated future benefit payments as of December 31, 2018 were as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
2022
 
2023
 
2024-2028
Pension plans
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Defined benefit plan
 
$
2,668

 
$
2,482

 
$
2,225

 
$
2,346

 
$
1,971

 
$
8,700

Supplemental retirement plans
 
1,307

 
1,292

 
1,275

 
1,255

 
1,232

 
5,701



NOTE 12 - 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. For instance, 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.
 
At the time of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company does not have pending litigation from which there is a reasonable possibility of material loss.
 

136


NOTE 12 - Contingencies and Commitments - (Continued)

Assessments for Insolvencies of Unaffiliated Insurance Companies
 
The Company is 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 (claims and marketing offices in a few states) as well as for computer equipment and copier machines. Rental expenses were $2,794 thousand, $2,870 thousand and $2,546 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Future minimum lease payments under leases expiring subsequent to December 31, 2018 are as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
As of December 31, 2018
 
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
2022
 
2023
 
2024-
2028
 
2029 and
beyond
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Minimum operating lease payments
 
$
2,580

 
$
1,725

 
$
1,200

 
$
1,177

 
$
483

 
$

 
$



Investment Commitments

From time to time, the Company has outstanding commitments to purchase investments and/or commitments to lend funds under bridge loans. Unfunded commitments to purchase investments were $145,445 thousand and $106,381 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 

NOTE 13 - 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: 
($ in thousands)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
18,343

 
$
169,459

 
$
83,765

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net investment (gains) losses
 
12,543

 
3,406

 
(4,123
)
Increase in accrued investment income
 
4,449

 
(3,404
)
 
(2,208
)
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses
 
(1,088
)
 
(2,240
)
 
4,378

Depreciation and amortization
 
7,357

 
6,615

 
6,896

Increase in insurance liabilities
 
197,472

 
154,061

 
176,315

Increase in premium receivables
 
(10,026
)
 
(12,917
)
 
(11,496
)
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs
 
(783
)
 
(7,967
)
 
(15,859
)
(Increase) decrease in reinsurance recoverables
 
(21,317
)
 
11

 
(481
)
    Increase (decrease) in income tax liabilities
 
5,971

 
(21,291
)
 
(1,293
)
Other
 
(12,033
)
 
(29,147
)
 
(24,461
)
Total adjustments
 
182,545

 
87,127

 
127,668

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
200,888

 
$
256,586

 
$
211,433


 

137


NOTE 14 - 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, primarily personal lines automobile and property insurance products; Retirement, primarily tax-qualified fixed and variable annuities; and Life, life insurance. The Company does not allocate the impact of corporate-level transactions to these operating 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 corporate debt service, net investment gains (losses) and certain public company expenses, such items also have included corporate debt retirement costs, when applicable.
 
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 operating and agency costs from Corporate and Other to Property and Casualty, Retirement and Life, on a direct cost basis.
 
Summarized financial information for these segments is as follows: 
($ in thousands)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Insurance premiums and contract charges earned
 
 

 
 

 
 

Property and Casualty
 
$
665,734

 
$
648,263

 
$
620,514

Retirement
 
31,269

 
28,003

 
24,937

Life
 
120,330

 
118,437

 
113,695

Total
 
$
817,333

 
$
794,703

 
$
759,146

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
 

 
 

 
 

Property and Casualty
 
$
40,104

 
$
36,178

 
$
38,998

Retirement
 
262,634

 
261,994

 
249,410

Life
 
74,399

 
76,195

 
73,567

Corporate and Other
 
142

 
78

 
66

Intersegment eliminations
 
(772
)
 
(815
)
 
(855
)
Total
 
$
376,507

 
$
373,630

 
$
361,186

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
 

 
 

 
 

Property and Casualty
 
$
(14,243
)
 
$
17,790

 
$
25,644

Retirement
 
41,736

 
88,473

 
50,674

Life
 
18,754

 
77,595

 
16,559

Corporate and Other
 
(27,904
)
 
(14,399
)
 
(9,112
)
Total
 
$
18,343

 
$
169,459

 
$
83,765


($ in thousands)
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and Casualty
 
$
1,236,362

 
$
1,217,394

 
$
1,110,958

    Retirement
 
7,866,969

 
8,063,912

 
7,449,777

Life
 
1,821,351

 
1,815,732

 
1,912,771

    Corporate and Other
 
149,014

 
143,784

 
140,104

Intersegment eliminations
 
(41,800
)
 
(42,482
)
 
(36,786
)
Total
 
$
11,031,896

 
$
11,198,340

 
$
10,576,824

 

138


NOTE 14 - Segment Information

Additional significant financial information for these segments is as follows:
($ in thousands)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
DAC amortization expense
 
 

 
 

 
 

Property and Casualty
 
$
79,073

 
$
76,967

 
$
74,950

Retirement
 
23,186

 
17,759

 
14,635

Life
 
7,630

 
7,459

 
7,147

Total
 
$
109,889

 
$
102,185

 
$
96,732

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
 

 
 

 
 

Property and Casualty
 
$
(6,622
)
 
$
(3,279
)
 
$
4,627

Retirement
 
10,000

 
(19,498
)
 
20,334

Life
 
4,979

 
(51,876
)
 
9,775

Corporate and Other
 
(7,163
)
 
(6,119
)
 
(4,269
)
Total
 
$
1,194

 
$
(80,772
)
 
$
30,467



NOTE 15 - Acquisitions

On October 30, 2018, the Company and Benefit Consultants Group, Inc. (BCG) entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement under which the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of BCG for $25 million.  The acquisition was approved by the Company’s Board and closed on January 2, 2019.

On December 10, 2018, the Company and NTA Life Enterprises, LLC and Ellard Enterprises, Inc. (collectively, NTA) holding companies and their supplemental insurance subsidiaries entered into a Purchase Agreement under which the Company will acquire all of the equity interests in NTA for $405 million. The acquisition has been approved by the Company’s Board and is expected to close in mid-2019, pending regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.



139


Note 16 - Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Data

Selected quarterly financial data is presented below.
($ in thousands, except per share data)
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
June 30,
 
March 31,
2018
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Insurance premiums written and contract deposits (1)
 
$
311,216

 
$
338,097

 
$
301,722

 
$
284,008

Total revenues
 
278,535

 
311,318

 
306,257

 
295,489

Net income (loss)
 
(20,257
)
 
12,528

 
5,917

 
20,155

Per share information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(0.49
)
 
$
0.30

 
$
0.14

 
$
0.49

Shares of common stock - weighted average (2)
 
41,596

 
41,683

 
41,600

 
41,497

Diluted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(0.49
)
 
$
0.30

 
$
0.14

 
$
0.48

Shares of common stock and equivalent shares -
weighted average (2)
 
41,911

 
41,850

 
41,735

 
41,653

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Insurance premiums written and contract deposits (1)
 
$
300,416

 
$
318,355

 
$
311,614

 
$
296,732

Total revenues
 
302,993

 
289,817

 
291,436

 
287,304

Net income
 
125,329

 
26,551

 
2,261

 
15,318

Per share information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (3)
 
$
3.03

 
$
0.64

 
$
0.05

 
$
0.37

Shares of common stock - weighted average (2)
 
41,419

 
41,433

 
41,368

 
41,135

Diluted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (3)
 
$
3.00

 
$
0.64

 
$
0.05

 
$
0.37

Shares of common stock and equivalent shares -
weighted average (2)
 
41,718

 
41,575

 
41,493

 
41,342

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Insurance premiums written and contract deposits (1)
 
$
315,917

 
$
351,534

 
$
311,879

 
$
283,169

Total revenues
 
282,873

 
291,176

 
283,558

 
271,303

Net income
 
19,823

 
26,923

 
11,866

 
25,153

Per share information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
0.48

 
$
0.66

 
$
0.29

 
$
0.61

Shares of common stock - weighted average (2)
 
41,093

 
41,092

 
41,082

 
41,297

Diluted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
0.48

 
$
0.65

 
$
0.29

 
$
0.61

Shares of common stock and equivalent shares -
weighted average (2)
 
41,482

 
41,347

 
41,314

 
41,492

____________________
(1) 
This measure is not based on accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (non-GAAP). An explanation of this measure is contained in the Glossary of Selected Terms included as an exhibit in the Company's reports filed with the SEC.
(2) 
Rounded to thousands.
(3) 
For the three months ended December 31, 2017, net income per basic share of $3.03 and net income per diluted share of $3.00 benefited $2.39 and $2.37, respectively, from the Tax Act.


140




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

None.

ITEM 9A.    Controls and Procedures

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 (Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2018. 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, 2018, the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In addition, there were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2018 that has materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

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:

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

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

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.

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.

Management of Horace Mann conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, using the criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

141




Based on this evaluation, management, including our CEO and our CFO, determined that, as of December 31, 2018, the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting.

KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, which has audited and reported on the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued its report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting which follows this report.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Horace Mann Educators Corporation:

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Horace Mann Educators Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedules I to IV and VI (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated March 1, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible 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. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. 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 audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

142




Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
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.
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.

/s/ KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
March 1, 2019

ITEM 9B.    Other Information
 
None.

PART III

ITEM 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
The information required by Items 401, 405, 406, 407(c)(3), 407(d)(4) and 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference to the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2019 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 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 website, www.horacemann.com, under Investors — Corporate Overview — Governance Documents. In addition, amendments to the code of ethics and any grant of a waiver from a provision of the code of ethics requiring disclosure under applicable SEC rules will be disclosed at the same location as the code of ethics on the Company's website.


143




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 2019 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 2019 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 2019 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 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

PART IV

ITEM 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(1)    The following consolidated financial statements of the Company are contained in Part II, Item 8, of this report, Page 74 to Page 140
 
 
(a)(2)    Financial statement schedules
 
 
Schedule I - Summary of Investments Other than Investments in Related Parties Page 145
 
 
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant, Page 146 to Page 149
 
 
Schedules III and VI Combined - Supplementary Insurance Information and Supplemental Information Concerning Property and Casualty Insurance Operations, Page 150
 
 
Schedule IV - Reinsurance, Page 151


144


SCHEDULE I


HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
 
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS-OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
December 31, 2018
 
($ in thousands)
Type of Investments
 
Cost (1)
 
Fair
Value
 
Amount
Shown in
Balance
Sheet
Fixed maturity securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government and federally sponsored agency obligations
 
$
1,269,767

 
$
1,283,622

 
$
1,283,622

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 
1,884,313

 
2,003,969

 
2,003,969

Foreign government bonds
 
83,343

 
84,904

 
84,904

Public utilities
 
80,355

 
88,296

 
88,296

All other corporate bonds
 
1,956,111

 
1,973,314

 
1,973,314

Asset-backed securities
 
1,320,680

 
1,314,352

 
1,314,352

Residential mortgage-backed securities (non-agency)
 
85,484

 
85,253

 
85,253

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
676,218

 
663,707

 
663,707

Redeemable preferred stocks
 
17,640

 
17,901

 
17,901

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total fixed maturity securities
 
7,373,911

 
7,515,318

 
7,515,318

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
 
25,452

 
25,452

 
25,452

Banking & finance and insurance companies
 
9,960

 
9,960

 
9,960

Public utilities
 
1,828

 
1,828

 
1,828

Non-redeemable preferred stocks
 
54,672

 
54,672

 
54,672

Closed-end fund
 
19,838

 
19,838

 
19,838

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total equity securities
 
111,750

 
111,750

 
111,750

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Limited partnership interests
 
328,516

 
XXX
 
328,516

Short-term investments
 
122,222

 
XXX
 
122,222

Policy loans
 
153,994

 
XXX
 
153,994

Derivative instruments
 
7,820

 
$
2,647

 
2,647

Mortgage loans
 
2,730

 
XXX
 
2,730

Other
 
13,500

 
XXX
 
13,500

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investments
 
$
8,114,443

 
XXX
 
$
8,250,677

____________________ 
(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.


145


SCHEDULE II

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
(Parent Company Only)
 
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
 
BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, 2018 and 2017
($ in thousands, except share data)
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Investments and cash
 
$
5,255

 
$
6,464

Investment in subsidiaries
 
1,473,538

 
1,685,390

Other assets
 
66,138

 
66,445

 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
1,544,931

 
$
1,758,299

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
 
$
247,740

 
$
247,469

Other liabilities
 
6,641

 
9,257

 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities
 
254,381

 
256,726

 
 
 
 
 
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, 2018, 65,820,369; 2017, 65,439,245
 
66

 
65

Additional paid-in capital
 
475,109

 
464,246

Retained earnings
 
1,216,582

 
1,231,177

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

 
 

Net unrealized investment gains on securities
 
96,941

 
300,177

Net funded status of benefit plans
 
(12,185
)
 
(13,217
)
Treasury stock, at cost, 2018, 24,850,484 shares;
2017, 24,721,372 shares
 
(485,963
)
 
(480,875
)
 
 
 
 
 
Total shareholders' equity
 
1,290,550

 
1,501,573

 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
1,544,931

 
$
1,758,299

 









See accompanying Note to Condensed Financial Statements.
See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

146


SCHEDULE II

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
(Parent Company Only)
 
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net investment income
 
$
100

 
$
34

 
$
20

Realized investment gains
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
 
100

 
34

 
20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
11,892

 
11,835

 
11,808

Other
 
10,898

 
5,101

 
5,631

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total expenses
 
22,790

 
16,936

 
17,439

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss before income tax benefit and equity in net earnings of subsidiaries
 
(22,690
)
 
(16,902
)
 
(17,419
)
Income tax benefit
 
(4,723
)
 
(6,667
)
 
(6,076
)
Loss before equity in net earnings of subsidiaries
 
(17,967
)
 
(10,235
)
 
(11,343
)
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries
 
36,310

 
179,694

 
95,108

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
18,343

 
$
169,459

 
$
83,765

 





















See accompanying Note to Condensed Financial Statements.
See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

147


SCHEDULE II

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
(Parent Company Only)
 
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Cash flows - operating activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest expense paid
 
$
(11,892
)
 
$
(11,503
)
 
$
(11,754
)
Income taxes recovered (paid)
 
(216
)
 
(373
)
 
8,914

Cash dividends received from subsidiaries
 
61,000

 
56,900

 
59,600

Other, net, including settlement of payables to subsidiaries
 
1,214

 
4,201

 
581

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
50,106

 
49,225

 
57,341

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows - investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in investments
 
1,621

 
(2,338
)
 
9,161

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
1,621

 
(2,338
)
 
9,161

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows - financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends paid to shareholders
 
(46,689
)
 
(46,114
)
 
(44,310
)
Acquisition of treasury stock
 
(5,088
)
 
(1,660
)
 
(21,513
)
Exercise of stock options
 
3,627

 
4,190

 
3,329

Withholding tax payments on RSUs tendered
 
(3,165
)
 
(3,245
)
 
(4,015
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(51,315
)
 
(46,829
)
 
(66,509
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash
 
412

 
58

 
(7
)
Cash at beginning of period
 
126

 
68

 
75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash at end of period
 
$
538

 
$
126

 
$
68

 














See accompanying Note to Condensed Financial Statements.
See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

148


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.
 

149


SCHEDULE III & VI (COMBINED)


HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
 
SCHEDULE III: SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
SCHEDULE VI: SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS
 
($ in thousands) 
Column identification for
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule III:         A
 
B
 
C
 
 
 
D
 
E
 
F
 
G
 
H
 
 
 
I
 
J
 
 
 
K
Schedule VI:         A
 
B
 
C
 
D
 
E
 
 
 
F
 
G
 
 
 
H
 
I
 
 
 
J
 
K
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred
policy acquisition
costs
 
Future policy
benefits, claims and claim 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 claim
adjustment expenses
incurred related to
 
Amortization
of deferred
policy
acquisition
costs
 
Other
operating
expenses
 
Paid claims and claim adjustment expenses
 
Premiums written
Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current
year
 
Prior
years
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2018
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Property and Casualty
 
$
30,033

 
$
367,180

 
$
0

 
$
274,351

 
$

 
$
665,734

 
$
40,104

 
$
547,659

 
$
547,959

 
$
(300
)
 
$
79,073

 
$
101,834

 
$
531,977

 
$
681,583

Retirement
 
209,232

 
4,573,170

 
xxx

 
704

 
764,607

 
31,269

 
262,634

 
168,732

 
xxx

 
xxx

 
23,186

 
57,269

 
xxx

 
xxx

Life
 
59,477

 
1,167,557

 
xxx

 
1,170

 
3,381

 
120,330

 
74,399

 
127,368

 
xxx

 
xxx

 
7,630

 
36,314

 
xxx

 
xxx

Other, including
consolidating eliminations
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
xxx

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
(630
)
 
N/A

 
xxx

 
xxx

 
N/A

 
22,997

 
xxx

 
xxx

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
298,742

 
$
6,107,907

 
xxx

 
$
276,225

 
$
767,988

 
$
817,333

 
$
376,507

 
$
843,759

 
xxx

 
xxx

 
$
109,889

 
$
218,414

 
xxx

 
xxx

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Property and Casualty
 
$
29,191

 
$
319,182

 
$
0

 
$
258,502

 
$

 
$
648,263

 
$
36,178

 
$
496,289

 
$
498,989

 
$
(2,700
)
 
$
76,967

 
$
96,488

 
$
481,074

 
$
662,760

Retirement
 
174,661

 
4,466,039

 
xxx

 
705

 
720,926

 
28,003

 
261,994

 
159,385

 
xxx

 
xxx

 
17,759

 
49,733

 
xxx

 
xxx

Life
 
53,974

 
1,136,263

 
xxx

 
1,332

 
3,335

 
118,437

 
76,195

 
125,267

 
xxx

 
xxx

 
7,459

 
36,550

 
xxx

 
xxx

Other, including
consolidating eliminations
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
xxx

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
(737
)
 
N/A

 
xxx

 
xxx

 
N/A

 
16,966

 
xxx

 
xxx

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
257,826

 
$
5,921,484

 
xxx

 
$
260,539

 
$
724,261

 
$
794,703

 
$
373,630

 
$
780,941

 
xxx

 
xxx

 
$
102,185

 
$
199,737

 
xxx

 
xxx

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Property and Casualty
 
$
27,604

 
$
307,757

 
$
0

 
$
244,005

 
$

 
$
620,514

 
$
38,997

 
$
464,098

 
$
471,098

 
$
(7,000
)
 
$
74,950

 
$
90,802

 
$
468,778

 
$
634,319

Retirement
 
188,117

 
4,372,062

 
xxx

 
671

 
705,603

 
24,937

 
249,410

 
151,185

 
xxx

 
xxx

 
14,635

 
40,289

 
xxx

 
xxx

Life
 
51,859

 
1,098,038

 
xxx

 
1,598

 
3,347

 
113,695

 
73,567

 
117,743

 
xxx

 
xxx

 
7,147

 
36,806

 
xxx

 
xxx

Other, including
consolidating eliminations
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
xxx

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
(788
)
 
N/A

 
xxx

 
xxx

 
N/A

 
17,023

 
xxx

 
xxx

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
267,580

 
$
5,777,857

 
xxx

 
$
246,274

 
$
708,950

 
$
759,146

 
$
361,186

 
$
733,026

 
xxx

 
xxx

 
$
96,732

 
$
184,920

 
xxx

 
xxx

____________________
N/A - Not applicable.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.


150


SCHEDULE IV

HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION
 
REINSURANCE
 
($ 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
Amount
 
Percentage
of Amount
Assumed to Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2018
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Life insurance in force
 
$
18,277,691

 
$
4,505,208

 
$

 
$
13,772,483

 

Premiums
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and Casualty
 
$
682,478

 
$
21,767

 
$
5,023

 
$
665,734

 
0.8
%
Retirement
 
31,269

 

 

 
31,269

 

Life
 
127,400

 
7,070

 

 
120,330

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total premiums
 
$
841,147

 
$
28,837

 
$
5,023

 
$
817,333

 
0.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Life insurance in force
 
$
17,564,270

 
$
4,295,412

 
$

 
$
13,268,858

 

Premiums
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Property and Casualty
 
$
658,960

 
$
15,337

 
$
4,640

 
$
648,263

 
0.7
%
Retirement
 
28,003

 

 

 
28,003

 

Life
 
125,136

 
6,699

 

 
118,437

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total premiums
 
$
812,099

 
$
22,036

 
$
4,640

 
$
794,703

 
0.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Life insurance in force
 
$
17,025,125

 
$
4,065,449

 
$

 
$
12,959,676

 

Premiums
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Property and Casualty
 
$
632,372

 
$
16,179

 
$
4,321

 
$
620,514

 
0.7
%
Retirement
 
24,937

 

 

 
24,937

 

Life
 
120,342

 
6,647

 

 
113,695

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total premiums
 
$
777,651

 
$
22,826

 
$
4,321

 
$
759,146

 
0.6
%
____________________ 
Note:    Premiums above include insurance premiums earned and contract charges earned.
 










See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.


151




(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
 
 
 
 
3.2
 
 
 
 
(4)    Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures:
 
 
 
4.1
 
 
 
 
4.1(a)
 
 
 
 
4.2
 
 
 
 
(10)    Material contracts:
 
 
 
10.1
 
 
 
 
10.1(a)
 
 
 
 
10.1(b)
 
 
 
 

152




10.1(c)
 
 
 
 
10.2*
 
 
 
 
10.2(a)*
 
 
 
 
10.2(b)*
 
 
 
 
10.2(c)*
 
 
 
 
10.2(d)*
 
 
 
 
10.2(e)*
 
 
 
 
10.3*
 
 
 
 
10.3(a)*
 

 
 
 
10.3(b)*
 

 
 
 

153




10.3(c)*
 

 
 
 
10.3(d)*
 

 
 
 
10.3(e)*
 

 
 
 
10.3(f)*
 
 
 
 
10.3(g)*
 
 
 
 
10.4*
 
 
 
 
10.5*
 
 
 
 
10.6*
 

 
 
 
10.7*
 

 
 
 
10.8*
 

 
 
 
10.9*
 


154




10.9(a)*
 

 
 
 
10.10*
 

 
 
 
10.10(a)*
 

 
 
 
10.11*
 
 
 
 
10.11(a)*
 
 
 
 
10.11(b)*
 

 
 
 
10.12
 
 
 
 
10.13
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(21)    Subsidiaries of HMEC.
 
 
 
(23)    Consent of KPMG LLP.
 
(31)    Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002:
 
31.1
 
 
31.2
 
 
(32)    Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002:
 
32.1
 
 
 
 
32.2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

155




 
 
 
(99)    Additional exhibits:
 
 
 
99.1
 
 
 
 
(101)    Interactive Data File:
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

ITEM 16.    Form 10-K Summary

On October 30, 2018, the Company and Benefit Consultants Group, Inc. (BCG) entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement under which the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of BCG for $25 million. The acquisition was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and closed on January 2, 2019.

On December 10, 2018, the Company and NTA Life Enterprises, LLC and Ellard Enterprises, Inc. (collectively, NTA) holding companies and their supplemental insurance subsidiaries entered into a Purchase Agreement under which the Company will acquire all of the equity interests in NTA for $405 million.  The acquisition has been approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and is expected to close in mid-2019, pending regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.



156




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/ Marita Zuraitis
 
Marita Zuraitis
 
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/ Marita Zuraitis
 
    /s/ H. Wade Reece
Marita Zuraitis
 
H. Wade Reece, Chairman of the Board of Directors
President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director
 
 
 
 
    /s/ Daniel A. Domenech
 
 
Daniel A. Domenech, Director
 
 
 
 
 
    /s/ Stephen J. Hasenmiller
Principal Financial Officer:
 
Stephen J. Hasenmiller, Director
 
 
 
    /s/ Bret A. Conklin
 
    /s/ Ronald J. Helow
Bret A. Conklin
 
Ronald J. Helow, Director
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
    /s/ Perry G. Hines
 
 
Perry G. Hines, Director
 
 
 
 
 
    /s/ Beverley J. McClure
Principal Accounting Officer:
 
Beverley J. McClure, Director
 
 
 
    /s/ Kimberly A. Johnson
 
    /s/ Robert Stricker
Kimberly A. Johnson
 
Robert Stricker, Director
Vice President and Controller
 
 
 
 
    /s/ Steven O. Swyers
 
 
Steven O. Swyers, Director
 
 
 
Dated: March 1, 2019
 



157
Execution Version STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT AMONG HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION, AND ROBERT PAGLIONE, PAGLIONE FAMILY IRREVOCABLE TRUST F/B/O ADAM PAGLIONE, PAGLIONE FAMILY IRREVOCABLE TRUST F/B/O LISA AND JORGE ARROYO, BEAU ADAMS AND BENEFIT CONSULTANTS GROUP, INC. DATED AS OF OCTOBER 30, 2018 40733748.21


 
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS ...................................................................................................1 Section 1.1 Definitions..........................................................................................................1 ARTICLE II PURCHASE AND SALE ................................................................................15 Section 2.1 Purchase and Sale; Purchase Price ...................................................................15 Section 2.2 Closing .............................................................................................................16 Section 2.3 Closing Deliveries ............................................................................................16 Section 2.4 Closing Payment ..............................................................................................18 Section 2.5 Accounts Receivable and Post-Closing Adjustment........................................18 Section 2.6 Earn-Out Payments ..........................................................................................21 ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS ...............23 Section 3.1 Company Organization and Corporate History ...............................................23 Section 3.2 Capital Structure ..............................................................................................24 Section 3.3 Authority and Enforceability ...........................................................................25 Section 3.4 Consents and Approvals; No Conflict .............................................................26 Section 3.5 Financial Information; Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities ............................27 Section 3.6 Real Property Interest ......................................................................................28 Section 3.7 Plan Sponsors and Plans ..................................................................................29 Section 3.8 Material Contracts ............................................................................................29 Section 3.9 Employee Benefits; Employees .......................................................................30 Section 3.10 Taxes ................................................................................................................33 Section 3.11 Compliance with Law; Permits ........................................................................35 Section 3.12 Litigation ..........................................................................................................37 Section 3.13 Intellectual Property .........................................................................................37 Section 3.14 Producers..........................................................................................................39 Section 3.15 Broker-Dealer and Investment Adviser ...........................................................39 Section 3.16 Recordkeeping Services ...................................................................................41 Section 3.17 Bank Accounts; Affiliate Transactions ............................................................41 Section 3.18 Absence of Change ..........................................................................................42 Section 3.19 Insurance ..........................................................................................................42 Section 3.20 Privacy and Data Security ................................................................................42 Section 3.21 Environmental Matters.....................................................................................42 Section 3.22 Brokers .............................................................................................................43 ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER ...........................43 Section 4.1 Incorporation and Authority of Buyer .............................................................43 Section 4.2 No Conflict.......................................................................................................43 Section 4.3 Consents and Approvals ..................................................................................44 Section 4.4 Securities Law Matters ....................................................................................44 Section 4.5 Independent Investigation ................................................................................44 Section 4.6 Non-Reliance ...................................................................................................44 Section 4.7 Brokers .............................................................................................................44 -i- 40733748.21


 
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Page ARTICLE V COVENANTS .................................................................................................44 Section 5.1 Conduct of Business ........................................................................................44 Section 5.2 Access to Information ......................................................................................46 Section 5.3 Approvals and Consents ..................................................................................47 Section 5.4 Announcement .................................................................................................48 Section 5.5 Confidentiality .................................................................................................48 Section 5.6 D&O Liabilities ...............................................................................................49 Section 5.7 Releases by Sellers ...........................................................................................49 Section 5.8 Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation ................................................................49 Section 5.9 Exclusivity .......................................................................................................50 Section 5.10 Indebtedness; Affiliate Transactions; Accounts Receivable ............................51 Section 5.11 Further Assurances...........................................................................................51 Section 5.12 Notification of Certain Matters ........................................................................51 Section 5.13 One-Day Notes.................................................................................................52 Section 5.14 Private Letter Ruling ........................................................................................52 ARTICLE VI EMPLOYEE MATTERS.................................................................................52 Section 6.1 Employee Matters ............................................................................................52 ARTICLE VII CONDITIONS PRECEDENT .........................................................................55 Section 7.1 Conditions to Each Party’s Obligations ...........................................................55 Section 7.2 Conditions to Obligations of Buyer .................................................................56 Section 7.3 Conditions to Obligations of the Sellers ..........................................................57 ARTICLE VIII TAX MATTERS ..............................................................................................57 Section 8.1 Agreements Regarding Tax Matters ................................................................57 Section 8.2 Section 338(h)(10) Election .............................................................................60 Section 8.3 Tax Sharing Agreements..................................................................................61 Section 8.4 Tax Treatment of Indemnity Payments ............................................................61 ARTICLE IX SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS .................................................................................................61 Section 9.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties ....................................................61 Section 9.2 Survival of Covenants ......................................................................................62 Section 9.3 Survival Period.................................................................................................62 ARTICLE X INDEMNIFICATION......................................................................................62 Section 10.1 Obligation to Indemnify ...................................................................................62 Section 10.2 Indemnification Procedures; Certain Limitations ............................................64 Section 10.3 Exclusive Remedies .........................................................................................67 ARTICLE XI TERMINATION ..............................................................................................67 Section 11.1 Termination ......................................................................................................67 Section 11.2 Effect of Termination .......................................................................................68 -ii- 40733748.21


 
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Page ARTICLE XII GENERAL PROVISIONS ..............................................................................68 Section 12.1 Fees and Expenses ...........................................................................................68 Section 12.2 Notices .............................................................................................................68 Section 12.3 Interpretation ....................................................................................................69 Section 12.4 Entire Agreement; Third-Party Beneficiaries ..................................................70 Section 12.5 Governing Law ................................................................................................70 Section 12.6 Assignment ......................................................................................................70 Section 12.7 Dispute Resolution; Enforcement ....................................................................70 Section 12.8 Severability; Amendment and Waiver .............................................................71 Section 12.9 Specific Performance .......................................................................................72 Section 12.10 Certain Acknowledgments; Informed Decision to Sell ...................................72 Section 12.11 Counterparts .....................................................................................................73 Section 12.12 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL ............................................................................73 Exhibits Exhibit A Certificates of Trust Exhibit B Indebtedness Payoff Amount Exhibit C Non-Compete and Non-Disclosure Agreements Exhibit D Spousal Consent Exhibit E Form of Release Exhibit F Working Capital Exhibit G Earn-Out Calculation Exhibit H Independent Accountants Seller Disclosure Schedule Buyer Disclosure Schedule -iii- 40733748.21


 
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT This STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of October 30, 2018 (this “Agreement”), is made by and among HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Buyer”), ROBERT PAGLIONE, an individual resident of the State of New Jersey (the “Class A Shareholder”), THE PAGLIONE FAMILY IRREVOCABLE TRUST F/B/O ADAM PAGLIONE, an irrevocable trust established under the laws of the State of New Jersey (the “Adam Paglione Trust”), THE PAGLIONE FAMILY IRREVOCABLE TRUST F/B/O LISA AND JORGE ARROYO, an irrevocable trust established under the laws of the State of New Jersey (the “Lisa Arroyo Trust” and together with the Adam Paglione Trust, the “Trusts”), BEAU CHRISTIAN ADAMS, an individual resident of the State of New Jersey (“Adams” and together with the Class A Shareholder and the Trusts, the “Sellers” and each individually, a “Seller”), and BENEFIT CONSULTANTS GROUP, INC., a Pennsylvania corporation (the “Company”). Buyer, the Company (prior to the Effective Time) and the Sellers shall be referred to herein from time to time collectively as the “parties” and individually as a “party.” RECITALS WHEREAS, the Sellers collectively own all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company; WHEREAS, the Company owns all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of BCG Securities, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation (“BCGS”); WHEREAS, the Company and BCGS engage in the business of providing retirement planning, consulting, actuarial designing and recordkeeping services with respect to non-qualified and qualified plans, investment advisory and brokerage services, and other related services; and WHEREAS, the Sellers desire to sell to Buyer, and Buyer desires to acquire from Sellers, all of the outstanding capital stock of the Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein; NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, conditions and agreements set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows: ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS Section 1.1 Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below: “Acceptable PLR” means a private letter ruling from the IRS reasonably satisfactory to Buyer that the Company will be treated as continuing to be an S corporation within the meaning of Sections 1361 and 1362 of the Code on and after December 31, 2017. 40733748.21


 
“Accounts Receivable” means all notes and accounts receivable of the Company Business, determined in accordance with Applicable Accounting Principles. “Action” means any claim, action, suit, litigation, arbitration, investigation, subpoena, examination or other proceeding by or before any Governmental Authority or arbitral body. “Acquisition Proposal” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.9. “Adam Paglione Trust” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof. “Adams” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof. “Additional Holdback” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.14. “Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person that, at the time of determination, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such first person. “Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof. “Allocation Schedule” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2(c). “Applicable Accounting Principles” means GAAP applied on a consistent basis. “Assets” means the Leased Real Property, machines, furniture, computer hardware, Intellectual Property, Computer Software, Technology, Contracts, office furnishings and other tangible personal property which are owned or used in the Company Business. Assets shall not include the art work at the Leased Real Property set forth in Section 1.1 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, which art work shall be retained and owned by Seller, Robert Paglione. “Base Consideration” means an amount equal to $25 million. “BCGS” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereof. “BCGS Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a). “BCGS Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(b). “Benefit Plans” means each “employee pension benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), “employee welfare benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA), “employee plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, and each stock option or other equity based, employment or other contract for personal services, bonus, incentive or deferred compensation, welfare, life, medical, or dental benefits, retention, change-in-control, restrictive covenant, Tax gross-up, severance, paid leave, vacation, fringe, or other benefit, compensation plan, program, policy, arrangement or agreement, whether or not subject to ERISA and whether or not written, (a) that is sponsored, maintained, or contributed to by the Company or any of its Affiliates, (b) with respect to which the Company or any of its Affiliates otherwise has any obligation or liability -2- 40733748.21


 
(whether direct or contingent), or (c) that otherwise provides benefits to any current or former employee, officer, director or independent contractor of the Company or any of its Affiliates. “Books and Records” means the originals or copies of all books and records, data and information, customer lists, disclosure and other documents and filings required under all applicable Laws, administrative records, marketing information, customer information, personnel records, sales records, financial records, Tax records, compliance records and email data of the Company, BCGS and Company Business, including, without limitation, any database, magnetic or optical media or any other form of recorded, computer generated or stored information or process (including emails) and the Company’s and BCGS’s organizational, ownership and corporate records. “Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, a U.S. federal holiday or a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is closed. “Buyer” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof. “Buyer 401(k) Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(c). “Buyer Disclosure Schedule” means the Buyer Disclosure Schedule delivered by Buyer to the Sellers concurrently with the execution of this Agreement. “Buyer Fundamental Representations” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1. “Buyer Indemnitees” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1(a). “Buyer Material Adverse Effect” means a material impairment of the ability of Buyer to perform its obligations under the Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby. “Buyer’s Allocation” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2(c). “Cause” means, with respect to any Person, the occurrence of any of the following: (i) such Person’s indictment of, commission of or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any felony or any crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or under the laws of any other jurisdiction; (ii) such Person’s commission of, or participation in, a fraud or act of dishonesty against Buyer or any Affiliate of Buyer or any client of Buyer or any of its Affiliates or such Person’s commission of an act or omission that could bring the business of the Buyer and its Affiliates into material disrepute or cause such entities significant embarrassment; (iii) such Person’s material violation of any material policy, contract or agreement between the Person and Buyer or any of its Affiliates (other than this Agreement); (iv) any act or omission by such Person involving malfeasance or gross negligence in the performance of the Person’s duties and responsibilities to the detriment of Buyer or any of its Affiliates; (v) such Person’s habitual use of illegal drugs or alcohol during the performance of his duties for the Buyer or its Affiliates; (vi) such Person’s violation of the applicable rules or regulations of any governmental or self-regulatory authority that causes material harm to Buyer or any of its Affiliates; or (vii) such Person’s disqualification or bar by any governmental or self-regulatory authority from serving in the capacity required by his or her job description or such Person’s loss -3- 40733748.21


 
of any governmental or self-regulatory license that is reasonably necessary for such Person to perform his or her duties or responsibilities, in each case as an employee of Buyer or any of its Affiliates. The determination as to whether Cause has occurred shall be made by Buyer, in its sole discretion. “Certificates of Trust” means, collectively, the Certificate of Trust relating to the Adam Paglione Trust and the Certificate of Trust relating to the Lisa Arroyo Trust, in each case attached hereto as Exhibit A. “Change of Control” means, with respect to any Person, (i) any event or series of events by which any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), directly or indirectly, of shares of the capital stock of such Person representing more than 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding capital stock of such Person, or (ii) any transaction involving a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of such Person to an independent third party. “Class A Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a). “Class A Shareholder” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof. “Class B Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a). “Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2. “Closing Consideration” means the Base Consideration plus the Working Capital Adjustment less the Indebtedness Payoff Amount less the Company Transaction Expenses. “Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2. “Closing Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(b). “COBRA” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(f). “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as well as any guidance issued thereunder. “Company” has the meaning set forth in the recitals. “Company 401(k) Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(c). “Company Business” means the business of the Company and BCGS, including but not limited to providing retirement planning, consulting, actuarial designing and recordkeeping services with respect to non-qualified and qualified plans, investment advisory and brokerage services, and any ancillary services. -4- 40733748.21


 
“Company Material Adverse Effect” means any fact, circumstance, condition, event, development, occurrence, change or effect that (a) has, or could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the business, sales, prospects assets, liabilities, operations, or financial condition or results of operations of the Company, BCGS or the Company Business, (b) has caused, or could reasonably be expected to cause, individually or in the aggregate, material damage or harm to the commercial reputation of the Company, BCGS or the Company Business, including association with any misleading sales practices, or (c) causes, or reasonably could be expected to cause, individually or in the aggregate, a material impairment of the ability of the Seller Parties to perform their obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that no effect, change, event, occurrence or development (an “Event”) (by itself or when aggregated with any other Event) resulting from, arising out or relating to, any of the following shall be deemed to give rise to a Company Material Adverse Effect with respect to clause (a) hereof, or be taken into account when determining whether a “Company Material Adverse Effect” under clause (a) or (b) hereof, has occurred or may, would or could occur: (i) any Event (including any loss of employees, any disruption in supplier, distributor, partner or similar relationships) to the extent resulting from or arising out of the public announcement of this Agreement, (ii) any action taken by Seller Parties that is consented to by Buyer in writing and (iii) to the extent that such Event does not disproportionately affect Sellers, the Company, BCGS or the Company Business relative to other participants in the industries or geographic locations in which Sellers, the Company, or BCGS participate: (A) any Event resulting from or arising out of general economic or political conditions or changes in such conditions (including acts of terrorism or war), (B) changes in GAAP or applicable Law after the date of this Agreement and (C) changes resulting from natural or man-made disaster, a declaration of a national emergency, war, or the occurrence of any military attack. “Company Real Property Leases” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(b). “Company Shares” means, collectively, the shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of the Company. “Computer Software” means currently used versions, releases, modifications, updates, upgrades, enhancements thereto of computer software applications, programs, middleware, firmware, materials and tapes used in the administration of the Company Business, as well as any legacy versions thereof necessary to meet customer needs, including documentation, object code, executables and available source code, in each case owned or used by the Company or any of its Affiliates. “Company Transaction Expenses” means, in each case solely to the extent not paid immediately prior to the Closing Date, and whether or not invoiced, (i) the fees and expenses payable by the Company to MacElree Harvey, Ltd. and any other attorneys engaged by the Company in connection with this Agreement and the transactions and other agreements contemplated by this Agreement, and (ii) the fees and expenses payable by the Company to outside accountants or other advisors, in each case incurred on or before the Closing Date in connection with this Agreement and the transactions and other agreements contemplated by this Agreement. “Confidentiality Agreement” means that certain Non-Disclosure Agreement dated February 28, 2018 by and between the Company and Horace Mann Services Corporation. -5- 40733748.21


 
“Continued Employee” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a). “Continuing Membership Application” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b). “Contract” means any contract, agreement, Permit, note, lease, license, instrument or other legally binding obligation. “Control,” “Controlled” or “Controlling” means, as to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. The terms “Controlled by” and “under common Control with” shall have correlative meanings. “Customer” means any Plan Sponsor or individual recipient of individual wealth advisory or other services by the Company or BCGS in connection with the Company Business. “D&O Indemnified Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.6. “Disputed Item” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(c). “Earn-Out Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(b). “Earn-Out End Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(a). “Earn-Out Start Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(a). “Effective Time” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2. “Eligibility Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(d). “Employee” means each natural person who is a common law employee of the Company or BCGS, each of which (including any Employee on leave and any employee on long-term disability) is listed on Section 3.9(g) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule. “Environmental Laws” means all applicable Law governing Environmental Matters. “Environmental Matters” means any matters arising out of or relating to health and safety, or pollution or protection of the environment or workplace, including, without limitation, any of the foregoing relating to the use, generation, transport, treatment, storage, or disposal of any material defined as a “hazardous substance” or “hazardous waste” under any Environmental Law. “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, as well as any guidance issued thereunder. “ERISA Affiliate” means any Person (whether incorporated or unincorporated) that together with the Company would be deemed a “single employer” within the meaning of Section 414 of the Code. “Estimated Closing Consideration” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a). -6- 40733748.21


 
“Estimated Working Capital Adjustment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a). “Example Calculation” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a). “Existing Employment Agreement” means each employment agreement or other agreement for personal services between the Company or BCGS, on one hand, and an Employee, on the other hand. For the avoidance of doubt, each such agreement (including any terminated agreement for which the Company or BCGS has any liability) is listed on Section 3.9(h) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule. “Final Adjustment Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(f)(ii). “Final Working Capital Adjustment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(b). “Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a). “FINRA” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. “First Holdback Release Amount” means $2.5 million. “First Holdback Release Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2(i). “Fund” means any registered investment company, bank commingled fund or other unregistered pooled investment entity or separate account in which any Participant or Plan Sponsor invests as part of any investment menu or other program offered by the Company or BCGS with respect to the Company Business. “Fund Agreement” means any Contract to which Company or BCGS is a party with any Fund, an Affiliate of a Fund, or an agent of a Fund (including any Fund Manager) that is related to the Company Business and calls for the payment to or on behalf of the Company or BCGS in excess of $5,000 per annum, including, but not limited to, all agreements that are styled as “participation agreements” and any corresponding ancillary documents, and all Contracts providing for the use of Funds as investment options and payment of distribution service fees, administrative service fees, shareholder service fees or other payments relating to the offering of such Funds as investment options. “Fund Managers” means the advisors to the Funds. “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. “Governmental Approval” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4. “Governmental Authority” means any domestic or foreign governmental, legislative, judicial, administrative or regulatory authority, agency, self-regulatory organization (including FINRA), commission, body, court or entity. “Governmental Order” means any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any Governmental Authority. -7- 40733748.21


 
“Holdback Amount” means $5,000,000. “Holdback Release Date” means the First Holdback Release Date or Second Holdback Release Date, as applicable. “Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person, any obligations of such Person or its Subsidiaries whether evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments or otherwise that relate to (a) borrowed money or any obligation to repay amounts, (b) any deferred purchase price of goods or services, (c) any letter of credit, (d) any capital lease, lease-purchase arrangement or similar agreement, (e) any undertaking by such Person or its Subsidiaries on which others rely in extending credit or conditional sales agreements, or (f) any undertaking in the nature of guarantees of the obligations described in clauses (a) through (e) above of any other Person, in each case including any accrued and unpaid interest or penalty thereon. “Indebtedness Payoff Amount” means the aggregate amounts required to extinguish the Indebtedness set forth on Exhibit B hereto. “Indemnification Cap” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1(a). “Indemnification Deductible” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1(a). “Indemnification Retention Amount” means the aggregate amount of all claims for indemnification set forth in any demand for indemnification made by a Buyer Indemnitee pursuant to and in compliance with Article VII or Article X as applicable (whether disputed or undisputed) on or prior to the applicable Holdback Release Date that are outstanding and unpaid as of such Holdback Release Date. “Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2(a). “Indemnifying Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2(a). “Indemnity Claim” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2(a). “Independent Accountant” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(d). “Individual Registered Representative Agreement” means each agreement among the Company, BCGS and a Registered Person pursuant to which such Registered Person is appointed as a “registered representative” of BCGS and/or serves as an investment adviser representative of BCGS. “Intellectual Property” means any and all of the following: (a) Trademarks; (b) copyrightable works and works of authorship, including moral rights, copyright, registrations and applications for registration thereof, and all rights therein provided by applicable Law; (c) Trade Secrets and confidential know-how; (d) patents, patent applications and statutory invention registrations, including reissues, divisions, continuations, continuations-in-part, renewals, extensions and reexaminations thereof, all patents that may issue on such applications, and all rights therein provided by applicable Law; and (e) other intellectual property and related proprietary rights, interests and protections. -8- 40733748.21


 
“Interest Rate” means the greater of (a) a rate of interest per annum equal to the rate of interest quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Money Rates Section as the “Prime Rate” as in effect from time to time, or (b) the applicable federal short-term rate as defined in section 1274(d) of the Code. “Investment Advisers Act” means the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder. “IRS” means the Internal Revenue Service. “Knowledge” means, with respect to Seller Parties, the actual knowledge after due inquiry of the individuals listed in Section 1.1(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule. “Law” means any federal, state, local or foreign law, statute or ordinance, common law or any rule, regulation, standard, judgment, order, writ, injunction, ruling, decree, arbitration award, agency requirement, license or permit of any Governmental Authority. “Leased Real Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(b). “Licensed Intellectual Property and Technology” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.13(c). “Lien” means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, security interest, encumbrance, claim, lien or charge of any kind. “Lisa Arroyo Trust” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof. “Losses” means any and all liabilities, claims, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) and damages, reasonably foreseeable lost profits and any claim properly paid to a third party in connection with a Third Party Claim, provided, that Losses shall exclude punitive, consequential, special, and indirect damages (including any damages based on any type of multiple). “Material Contract” means any (i) Services Agreement, (ii) Plan Sponsor Recordkeeping Agreement, (iii) Fund Agreement, (iv) Revenue Agreement, (v) Significant Producer Agreement, (vi) any Contract evidencing Indebtedness of the Company or BCGS, (vii) any other Contract with any Customer, and (viii) any other Contract to which the Company or BCGS is a party or by which its assets are bound that (a) calls for the payment by or on behalf of the Company or BCGS in excess of $10,000 per annum, or the delivery of goods or services with a fair market value in excess of $10,000 per annum, during the remaining term thereof, (b) establishes a joint venture or similar arrangement, (c) involves an acquisition or disposition of any material portion of the Company Business or pursuant to which there is continuing indemnification obligations of the Company or BCGS, (d) contains covenants restricting the ability of the Company or BCGS to compete in any line of business or geographical area or to do business with any Person or solicit the employment of any Person or (e) constitutes any real property interest. “MSRB” means the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board. -9- 40733748.21


 
“Non-Compete and Nondisclosure Agreements” means the Non-Compete and Nondisclosure Agreements between Buyer, on one hand, and each of the Principals, on the other hand, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit C. “OFAC” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.11(e). “One-Day Notes” means the One-Day Notes to be delivered by Buyer to the Sellers at Closing in a form mutually acceptable to Buyer and Sellers. “Ordinary Course of Business” means, with respect to any Person, the ordinary course of business of such Person consistent with past practice. “Organizational Documents” means (a) the articles or certificate of incorporation and bylaws of a corporation; and (b) any charter, trust documents, or similar document adopted or filed in connection with the creation, formation, or organization of a Person, and (c) any amendment to any of the foregoing. “Outside Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1(b). “Owned Intellectual Property” means the Intellectual Property relating to the Company Business owned by the Company or any of its Affiliates. “Participant” means an employee who meets the eligibility requirements to participate in a plan that is included in the Company Business with the applicable Plan Sponsor. “Permits” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.11(b). “Permitted Liens” means all imperfections of title or Liens (a) that arise out of Taxes imposed that are not due and payable as of the Closing Date or are being contested in appropriate proceedings, (b) of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen and other similar Persons or other similar Liens imposed by Law incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business for sums not yet delinquent or being contested in good faith, or (c) that relate to deposits made in the Ordinary Course of Business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security, other than, in each case, such imperfections or Liens that would individually or in the aggregate with other Permitted Liens, interfere with the use of the asset or assets to which such Liens relates in the Ordinary Course of Business or materially detract from the value of such asset or assets. “Person” means any natural person, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity. “Personal Information” means (i) any “nonpublic personal information” as such term is defined under Title V of the U.S. Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, 15 U.S.C. § 6801 et seq., and the rules and regulations issued thereunder, (ii) any “individually identifiable health information” or “protected health information” as such terms are used under Health Insurance Portability and Accessibility Act of 1996 and the rules and regulations issued thereunder, (iii) any information that can specifically identify an individual, such as name, signature, address, social security number, telephone number or other unique identifier, together with any other information that -10- 40733748.21


 
relates to an individual who has been so identified in any format whether written, electronic or otherwise, or (iv) information that can be used to authenticate an individual (including, without limitation, passwords or PINs, biometric data, unique identification numbers, answer to security questions, or other personal identifiers) in each case in any format whether written, electronic or otherwise. “Phantom Stock Plan” means the Phantom Stock and Stock Appreciations Rights Plan, by and between the Company and Stephen E. Sokolic, dated April 12, 2004 and terminated as to future benefits as of December 28, 2006, as amended from time to time. “Plan” means any non-qualified deferred compensation plans, qualified defined contribution or defined benefit plans or other arrangements or programs sponsored or maintained by a Plan Sponsor with respect to which the Company or any of its Affiliates provides any retirement plan program services as part of the Company Business. “Plan Sponsor” means an employer or other entity that sponsors or maintains non-qualified deferred compensation plans, qualified defined contribution or defined benefit plans or other arrangements or programs with respect to which the Company or any of its Affiliates provides services as part of the Company Business. “Plan Sponsor Recordkeeping Agreements” means any Contract pursuant to which the Company or any of its Affiliates provides Recordkeeping Services to a Plan Sponsor and which has resulted in the annual payments to the Company or any of its Affiliates in excess of $5,000 per annum. “Post-Closing Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(b). “Post-Closing Tax Period” means any Tax period that begins after the Closing Date and the portion of any Straddle Period that begins after the Closing Date. “Pre-Closing Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a). “Pre-Closing Tax Period” means any Tax period that ends on or before the Closing Date and the portion of any Straddle Period ending at the end of the Closing Date. “Principals” means Robert Paglione, Adam Paglione, Jorge Arroyo and Beau Adams. “Pro Rata Share” means for each Seller, the number of Company Shares owned by such Seller over the total number of Company Shares. “Producer” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14(a). “Purchase Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b). “Quarterly Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a). “Recordkeeping Services” means, administrative maintenance of plans and plan- participant accounts, processing of plan transactions, transfer and clearing services related to plan- -11- 40733748.21


 
level trades, check preparation, provision of Tax reporting information, plan consulting, participant distribution education services and related services. “Recovery Amounts” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2(d). “Registered Intellectual Property” means all Owned Intellectual Property that is registered, filed or issued under the authority of any Governmental Authority (or, in the case of an internet domain name, with an internet domain name registrar), or for which an application to register has been filed with any Governmental Authority. “Registered Person” means each Employee and independent contractor of the Company or any of its Affiliates who is (a) required to be licensed as a registered representative with certain states and FINRA, and/or (b) required to be licensed or registered as an investment adviser representative where such licensing or registration is required by a state, in order to perform his or her responsibilities for or on behalf of the Company or any of its Affiliates in connection with the Company Business. “Related Person” means (a) with respect to a particular individual: (i) each other member of such individual’s Family; and (ii) any Person that is directly or indirectly Controlled by such individual or one or more members of such individual’s Family, and (b) with respect to a specified Person other than an individual, any other Person that directly or indirectly Controls, is directly or indirectly Controlled by, or is directly or indirectly under common Control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, the “Family” of an individual includes (A) the individual, (B) the individual’s spouse, (C) the individual’s children (including adoptive relationships); and (D) all familial relations living in the individual’s household. In the case of a trust, any trustee or co-trustee shall be deemed to control the relevant trust. “Representatives” as to any Person, means such Person’s directors, officers, partners (other than limited partners), managers, employees, Affiliates, representatives (including financial advisors, attorneys and accountants) or agents. “Resolution Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(d). “Restricted Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a). “Revenue Agreement” means any Contract to which the Company or BCGS or one of their agents is a party, which calls for the payment in excess of $5,000 per annum, directly or indirectly, to the Company or BCGS. “Salary Continuation Agreement” means that certain Salary Continuation Agreement between the Company and Robert Paglione, dated January 1, 2008, as amended from time to time. “SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. “Second Holdback Release Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2(i). “Section 338(h)(10) Election” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2(a). -12- 40733748.21


 
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder. “Selected Court” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.7(b). “Seller Delivered Documents” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4. “Seller Disclosure Schedule” means the Seller Disclosure Schedule delivered by the Company to Buyer concurrently with the execution of this Agreement. “Seller Fundamental Representations” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1. “Seller Indemnitees” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1(b). “Seller Parties” means Sellers and, prior to the Effective Time, the Company. “Sellers” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof. “Services Agreement” means any Contract to which the Company or BCGS is a party pursuant to which services are provided by any Person in connection with the Company Business such as the provision of system, infrastructure, application, custodial, trust or brokerage, clearing or settlement services (other than Plan Sponsor Recordkeeping Agreements, other Contracts with Customers, or Fund Agreements) and which calls for the payments by or on behalf of the Company or BCGS to such Person in excess of $5,000 per annum. “Significant Producer” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14(c). “Significant Producer Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14(c). “Spousal Consents” means the consent of the spouse of each of the Class A Shareholder and Adams, in substantially the form set forth as Exhibit D. “Straddle Period” means any Tax year or period beginning on or before the Closing Date and ending after the Closing Date. “Subsidiary” of any Person means another Person of which more than 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock or other voting interests or Controlling equity interest in the case of a Person that is not a corporation is owned at the time of determination directly or indirectly by such first Person. “Substantially Converted” means conversion of 90% or more of the Buyer’s “retirement advantage” plans (which does not include remitter services or data sharing) from the Buyer’s platform to the Company’s platform such that Buyer clients are able to access their client account information from the website maintained by the Company; provided that a plan shall be deemed converted to the Company’s platform if (i) the plan has not been converted due to delay by the custodian (Matrix/MG Trust) or the recordkeeping platform (FIS Relius), provided that Sellers shall have used best efforts to cause such conversion, or (ii) the plan has been converted and is subsequently “de-converted” by the Buyer. -13- 40733748.21


 
“Survival Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.3. “Target Net Working Capital” means $800,000. “Tax Closing Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.10(g). “Tax Ruling” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.10(g). “Tax” means any federal, state, county, local, or foreign tax (including income taxes and Transfer Taxes), charge, fee, levy, impost, duty, or other assessment, including income, gross receipts, excise, employment, sales, use, transfer, recording, license, payroll, franchise, severance, documentary, stamp, occupation, windfall profits, environmental, highway use, commercial rent, customs duty, capital stock, paid-up capital, profits, withholding, social security, single business, unemployment, disability, real property, personal property, registration, ad valorem, value added, alternative or add-on minimum, estimated, or other tax or taxing fee of any kind whatsoever, imposed or required to be withheld by any Taxing Authority, including any estimated payments relating thereto, any interest, penalties, and additions imposed thereon or with respect thereto, whether disputed or not, and including liability for taxes of another Person under Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 or similar provision of state, local or foreign law, or as a transferee or successor, by contract or otherwise. “Tax Adjustment” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2(b). “Tax Return” means any return, declaration or report relating to Taxes due, any information return with respect to Taxes, or other similar report, statement, declaration or document required to be filed under applicable Law in respect of Taxes, any amendment to any of the foregoing, any claim for refund of Taxes paid, and any attachments, amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing. “Taxing Authority” means the IRS and any other domestic or foreign Governmental Authority responsible for the administration and/or collection of any Tax. “Technology” means hardware, information technology equipment and systems, third- party software, data and databases, and associated documentation, in each case relating to the Company Business as currently conducted and owned by or licensed by the Company. “Texas Application” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b). “Third Party Claim” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2(b). “Trademarks” mean trademarks, trade names, service marks, trade dress, logos, internet domain names, any and all common law rights thereto, and registrations and applications for registration thereof (including intent-to-use applications), all rights therein provided by applicable Law, and all reissues, extensions and renewals of any of the foregoing. “Trade Secrets” means information that derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known and not being readily ascertainable to other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use and that is the subject of reasonable efforts by the -14- 40733748.21


 
Company, Buyer or their respective Affiliates to maintain its secrecy or confidentiality and has value as a result of such secrecy or confidentiality. Trade Secrets may include either technical or non-technical data, including, without limitation, information concerning the Customers (including Customer information, identities, profiles, preferences and contacts), vendors, suppliers, products, pricing or pricing strategies, personnel assignments and policies, the legal or financial affairs, or the management of, in each case, the Company or Buyer or their respective Affiliates. “Transaction Documents” means, without duplication, this Agreement and all documents to be executed or delivered pursuant to this Agreement and any other agreements, instruments, and documents required to be delivered at the Closing. “Transfer Taxes” means any sales, use, transfer, stamp, or similar Taxes imposed with respect to the sale of the Company Shares pursuant to this Agreement. “Treasury Regulations” means the regulations prescribed under the Code. “Trusts” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof. “Unresolved Items” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(d). “WARN Act” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(h). “Wire Transfer” means a payment in immediately available funds by wire transfer in lawful money of the United States of America to such account or accounts as shall have been designated by notice to the paying party. “Working Capital” means an amount determined in accordance with the Example Calculation set forth on Exhibit F. “Working Capital Adjustment” means an amount (which may be a negative) equal to the Working Capital as of the Effective Time less the Target Net Working Capital. ARTICLE II PURCHASE AND SALE Section 2.1 Purchase and Sale; Purchase Price. (a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing, the Sellers shall sell all of the Company Shares to Buyer free and clear of all Liens, and Buyer shall purchase all of the Company Shares from the Sellers. (b) The “Purchase Price” for the Company Shares shall be (i) the Base Consideration, plus (ii) the Working Capital Adjustment; plus -15- 40733748.21


 
(iii) any Earn-Out Payment as calculated and payable in accordance with Section 2.6 hereof. Section 2.2 Closing. Unless this Agreement shall have been terminated pursuant to Section 11.1 and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of each of the conditions set forth in Article VII in accordance with this Agreement, the closing of the purchase and sale of the Company Shares and the consummation of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”) shall take place at the offices of Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP, 700 Sixth Street, NW, Washington, DC, at 10:00 am (Central Time) on the Business Day that is three (3) Business Days following the date that all of the conditions set forth in Article VII are satisfied or waived (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions at the Closing) in accordance with this Agreement unless another date, time or place is agreed to by the parties hereto. The actual date and time of the Closing are referred to herein as the “Closing Date.” The effective time of Closing shall, for all purposes, be 12:00 am (Central Time) on the Closing Date (the “Effective Time”). Section 2.3 Closing Deliveries. (a) At the Closing the Sellers shall deliver to Buyer: (i) certificates representing the Company Shares, endorsed in blank for transfer or accompanied by duly executed blank stock powers with all appropriate stock transfer tax stamps affixed, together with such other instruments as shall reasonably be required by Buyer to vest fully in Buyer all right, title and interest in and to the Company Shares free and clear of any Liens; (ii) duly executed counterparts of each Non-Compete and Nondisclosure Agreement; (iii) the Spousal Consents; (iv) payoff letters evidencing the settlement of Indebtedness of the Company and the discharge and release of any Liens related thereto as contemplated by Section 5.10; (v) a letter from the landlord of the Leased Real Property in a form reasonably satisfactory to Buyer consenting (or not objecting) to the change in control of the Company; (vi) duly executed resignations, together with releases of the Company and BCGS in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit E, reasonably satisfactory to Buyer from each of the officers and directors of the Company and BCGS identified by Buyer, effective as of the Closing from their positions as officers and directors; (vii) a certificate dated the Closing Date and executed by Sellers stating that the conditions set forth in Section 7.2(a) and 7.2(b) have been satisfied; -16- 40733748.21


 
(viii) a certificate dated the Closing Date and executed by the trustee of each Trust stating that the condition set forth in Section 7.2(c) has been satisfied; (ix) evidence of the termination of each Existing Employment Agreement reasonably satisfactory to Buyer; (x) evidence of the termination of (A) all Contracts set forth in Section 3.17(b)(ii) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule and the settlement of all amounts due thereunder, (B) if the Closing Date occurs in 2019, all Benefit Plans and other Contracts set forth in Section 3.9(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, and (C) the Company 401(k) Plan in accordance with Section 6.1(c), in each case reasonably satisfactory to Buyer; (xi) Certificate of the Secretary of the Company and BCGS dated as of the Closing Date (A) certifying, as complete and accurate as of the Closing Date, attached copies of the Company’s and BCGS’s Organizational Documents, each amended as of such date, and (B) certifying and attaching all resolutions adopted by the Company’s and BCGS’s board of directors authorizing the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and by the Company and BCGS (if applicable) of the other Seller Delivered Documents and the consummation of all transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and certifying that such resolutions are in full force and effect and are all of the resolutions adopted in connection with such transactions; (xii) Good Standing Certificate for the Company and BCGS from the Pennsylvania Secretary of State; (xiii) an IRS Form 8023, with attached schedules as required, containing all information required by the IRS with respect to each S Corporation Shareholder (as defined in the Treasury Regulations) of the Company, and signed by each Seller in accordance with the IRS instructions to such Form; and (xiv) evidence of termination of the Salary Continuation Agreement and Phantom Stock Plan, in each case reasonably satisfactory to Buyer. (b) Deliveries at Closing by Buyer. At the Closing, Buyer will pay or deliver to the Sellers the following: (i) each Seller’s Pro Rata Share of the Closing Payment in accordance with Section 2.4(b) hereof; (ii) a certificate dated the Closing Date and executed by an officer of Buyer stating that the conditions set forth in Section 7.3(a) and 7.3(b) have been satisfied; (iii) Certificate of the Secretary of the Buyer dated as of the Closing Date certifying and attaching all resolutions adopted by the Buyer’s board of directors authorizing the execution, delivery and performance by the Buyer of this -17- 40733748.21


 
Agreement and by the Buyer of the other Transaction Documents to which Buyer is a party and the consummation of all transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and certifying that such resolutions are in full force and effect and are all of the resolutions adopted in connection with such transactions; and (iv) Good Standing Certificate for the Buyer from the Delaware Secretary of State. (c) Each party shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the other party such other documents as may be reasonably necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Section 2.4 Closing Payment. (a) Not later than three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the Sellers shall deliver to Buyer a statement (the “Pre-Closing Statement”) consisting of (i) an estimated pro forma consolidated balance sheet of the Company and BCGS as of the Effective Time prepared in accordance with the remaining provisions of this Section 2.4, together with (ii) a calculation of the estimated Working Capital Adjustment as of the Effective Time derived from such pro forma consolidated balance sheet, with the Indebtedness Payoff Amount and Company Transaction Expenses estimated as of the Effective Time (the “Estimated Working Capital Adjustment”), and (iii) an estimate of the Closing Consideration (the “Estimated Closing Consideration”). All items set forth in the Pre-Closing Statement shall be (A) based upon the Books and Records and prepared in good faith, (B) based on the same format as the balance sheets contained in the Financial Statements as of year-end 2017 with respect to the consolidated balance sheet and the Example Calculation with respect to the Estimated Working Capital Adjustment, (C) prepared consistent with the Applicable Accounting Principles and with respect to the Estimated Working Capital Adjustment also consistent with the notes set forth in the Example Calculation, and (D) accompanied with work papers and supporting documentation and a written certification from the Chief Financial Officer of the Company certifying that the Pre-Closing Statement and calculation therein comply with the requirements of this Section 2.4(a). (b) At the Closing, Buyer shall pay to each Seller One-Day Notes in an amount equal to such Seller’s Pro Rata Share of the result of (i) the Estimated Closing Consideration, minus (ii) the Holdback Amount minus (iii) an amount to be held back pursuant to Section 5.14. The aggregate amount required to be paid at the Closing pursuant to the One-Day Notes under clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of this Section is referred to as the “Closing Payment”. Section 2.5 Accounts Receivable and Post-Closing Adjustment. (a) Following the Closing, Sellers shall be entitled to, as an adjustment in the Purchase Price, receive from the Company one hundred percent (100%) of (i) the Accounts Receivable existing and aged two hundred forty (240) days or less as of the Closing Date that are received by Company after the Closing Date and were not included in the calculation of Working Capital Adjustment, and (ii) any other Accounts Receivable existing as of the Closing Date that were not included in the calculation of Working Capital Adjustment and that are received by the Company after the Closing Date but on or prior to December 31, 2019. All Accounts Receivable -18- 40733748.21


 
existing as of the Closing Date and not reflected in the calculation of Working Capital Adjustment shall be identified as such in Section 3.5(d) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule as updated by Seller as of the fifth (5th) Business Day prior to the Closing Date. From and after the Closing Date, Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to collect the Accounts Receivable balances aged two hundred forty (240) days or less and will remit such funds, net of the Company’s collection expense, to Seller. (b) As promptly as practicable, but no later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the Closing Date, Buyer shall prepare and deliver to Sellers a statement (the “Post-Closing Statement”) consisting of (i) a pro forma consolidated balance sheet of the Company and BCGS as of the Effective Time, (ii) a calculation of the Working Capital Adjustment as of the Effective Time derived from such pro forma consolidated balance sheet, including the Indebtedness Payoff Amount and Company Transaction Expenses as of the Effective Time (the “Final Working Capital Adjustment”), and (iii) a calculation of the Closing Consideration. The Post-Closing Statement shall be (A) based upon the Books and Records and prepared in good faith, (B) based on the same format as the consolidated balance sheets contained in the Financial Statements as of year-end 2017 with respect to the consolidated balance sheet and the Example Calculation with respect to the Working Capital Adjustment, (C) prepared consistent with the Applicable Accounting Principles and with respect to the Working Capital Adjustment also consistent with the Example Calculation and the notes therein, and (D) accompanied with work papers and supporting documentation and a written certification from a responsible financial officer of Buyer certifying that the Post-Closing Statement complies with the requirements of this Section 2.5(b). (c) If Sellers disagree with the Post-Closing Statement on the basis that it contains manifest mathematical errors or was not prepared in accordance with Section 2.5(b), Sellers may, within thirty (30) days after its receipt of the Post-Closing Statement, deliver a notice to Buyer disagreeing with the Post-Closing Statement and specifying in reasonable detail each item that the Sellers dispute on such basis (a “Disputed Item”), the amount in dispute for each such Disputed Item and the reasons supporting Sellers’ positions. If the Sellers do not deliver a notice of any Disputed Items within such thirty (30) day period, the Post-Closing Statement as delivered by Buyer shall be final, conclusive and binding on the Buyer and Sellers. (d) If a notice of disagreement shall be delivered in accordance with Section 2.5(c), Buyer and Sellers shall, during the fifteen (15) days following such delivery (the “Resolution Period”), negotiate in good faith to reach agreement on the Disputed Items. If, during such period, Buyer and Sellers are unable to reach such agreement, they shall promptly thereafter engage, and submit the unresolved Disputed Items (the “Unresolved Items”) to any of the independent registered public accounting firms listed on Exhibit H, or, if none of such firms is engaged, the parties will engage an independent registered public accounting firm that is selected by Sellers (and not engaged or used by Seller or Buyer within the past five years) and reasonably acceptable to Buyer (the “Independent Accountant”), which shall promptly review this Agreement and the Unresolved Items; provided, that if Buyer and Sellers are not able to agree on the accounting firm to serve as the Independent Accountant within ten (10) days after the end of the Resolution Period, Buyer and Sellers shall request the American Arbitration Association to appoint as the Independent Accountant an independent registered public accounting firm that has not had a material relationship with Buyer, Sellers or any of their respective Affiliates (including the Company) within the preceding two years, and such appointment shall be final, binding and -19- 40733748.21


 
conclusive on Buyer and Sellers. Buyer and Sellers shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Independent Accountant to issue its written determination with respect to the Unresolved Items within thirty (30) days after the Unresolved Items are submitted for review. Each party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to furnish to the Independent Accountant such work papers, books, records and documents and other information pertaining to the Unresolved Items as the Independent Accountant may request. The Independent Accountant shall (i) make a determination with respect to the Unresolved Items in a manner consistent with the principles set forth in this Section 2.5, and in no event shall the Independent Accountant’s determination of the value of any Unresolved Items be for an amount that is outside the range of Buyer’s and Sellers’ disagreement on such Unresolved Items. The final determination with respect to all Unresolved Items shall be set forth in a written statement by the Independent Accountant delivered to Buyer and Sellers and shall be final, conclusive and binding on Buyer and Sellers. The fees, expenses and costs of the Independent Accountant incurred in rendering any determination pursuant to this Section 2.5 shall be borne by the Sellers, on the one hand, and Buyer, on the other hand, in inverse proportion as they may prevail, in the aggregate, on all Unresolved Items resolved by the Independent Accountant, based on the dollar amount of such Unresolved Items, which proportionate allocations shall also be determined by the Independent Accountant at the time the determination of the Independent Accountant is rendered on the Unresolved Items. (e) In connection with the preparation or review of the Pre-Closing Statement and the Post-Closing Statement, each of Buyer and Sellers shall provide (or cause their respective Affiliates, including the Company, to provide) the other with reasonable access to records, documentation and employees as reasonably requested to the extent related to such preparation or review. (f) Within five (5) days after the final determination of the Post-Closing Statement: (i) If the Final Working Capital Adjustment as finally determined pursuant to Sections 2.5(b) or (c) above is greater than the Estimated Working Capital Adjustment, Buyer shall owe Sellers such excess. If the Final Working Capital Adjustment as finally determined pursuant to Sections 2.5(c) or (d) above is less than the Estimated Working Capital Adjustment, Sellers shall owe Buyer the amount of such deficit. (ii) The net amount (if any) pursuant to Section 2.5(f)(i) owed by Buyer to the Sellers, on the one hand, or by the Sellers to Buyer, on the other hand, in each case plus interest accrued at the Interest Rate from and including the Closing Date but excluding the date of payment, is referred to as the “Final Adjustment Amount”; it being understood and agreed that if the net effect pursuant to this Section 2.5(f)(ii) is an increase in the Closing Payment, then within three (3) Business Days following the final determination of the Final Adjustment Amount Buyer shall pay by bank certified check or Wire Transfer to each Seller an amount in cash equal to such Seller’s Pro Rata Share of the Final Adjustment Amount, and if the net effect pursuant to this Section 2.5(f)(ii) is a decrease in the Closing Payment, then Buyer shall claim the amount of such Final Adjustment Amount due to it from the Holdback Amount. -20- 40733748.21


 
(iii) If the Final Adjustment Amount is payable to Buyer but is greater than the Holdback Amount, then Buyer shall be entitled to (a) retain the entirety of the Holdback Amount, and (b) if Sellers do not pay the amount by which the Final Adjustment Amount exceeds the Holdback Amount within three (3) Business Days, be entitled to pursue an indemnity claim against the Sellers under Section 10.1(a)(v) for the amount by which the Final Adjustment Amount exceeds the Holdback Amount. The Final Adjustment Amount shall be treated as an adjustment to the Purchase Price for Tax purposes. Section 2.6 Earn-Out Payments. (a) Subject to the terms of this Section 2.6, Sellers shall be eligible to receive an earn-out payment described in Section 2.6(b) if (i) the Company and BCGS achieve the revenue target set forth below and (ii) Sellers shall have used their best efforts to Substantially Convert Buyer’s “Retirement Advantage” platform to the platform of the Company within twelve months of the Closing Date and have Substantially Converted such platform on or prior to the Earn-Out End Date. Any such earn-out payment shall be calculated on the Earn-Out End Date (as hereinafter defined) and payable in accordance with this Section 2.6. For purposes of this Section 2.6, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below: “Benchmark Date” means September 30, 2018. “Benchmark Revenue” means $8,655,662, representing the net revenue of the Company and BCGS, calculated in accordance with Exhibit G, for the twelve-month period ending on the Benchmark Date. “Earn-Out End Date” means the third (3rd) anniversary of the Earn-Out Start Date. “Earn-Out Start Date” means the first day of the first month following the Closing Date. “Total Net Revenue” means the net revenue of the Company and BCGS for the twelve- month period ending on the Earn-Out End Date, calculated in accordance with Exhibit G. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) Total Net Revenue shall include net revenue of business acquired on account of acquisitions, mergers, stock purchases, or asset purchases that occur after the Closing Date and prior to the Earn-Out End Date to the extent made by the Company or BCGS, as mutually agreed by the parties hereto, and (ii) Total Net Revenue shall exclude the revenue generated from the business converted from the Buyer’s “Retirement Advantage” platform to the platform of the Company. (b) If the condition in Section 2.6(a)(ii) is satisfied, Buyer shall give the Sellers written notice of Buyer’s calculation of the following amount (the “Earn-Out Payment”) within ninety (90) days following the Earn-Out End Date: (i) if the Total Net Revenue exceeds the Benchmark Revenue by fifteen percent (15%) or more but less than nineteen percent (19%), the respective Seller’s Pro Rata Share of $1,250,000.00; -21- 40733748.21


 
(ii) if the Total Net Revenue exceeds the Benchmark Revenue by nineteen percent (19%) or more but less than twenty-four percent (24%), the respective Seller’s Pro Rata Share of $2,500,000.00; (iii) if the Total Net Revenue exceeds the Benchmark Revenue by twenty-four percent (24%) or more, the respective Seller’s Pro Rata Share of $5,000,000.00; and (iv) if the Total Net Revenue does not exceed the Benchmark Revenue or exceeds the Benchmark Revenue by less than fifteen (15%), zero. The Earn-Out Payment, if any, will be payable to each Seller in accordance with the respective Seller’s Pro Rata Share and will be paid by Buyer to each Seller by certified bank checks or Wire Transfer no later than the third (3rd) Business Day following the notice delivered by Buyer pursuant to this Section 2.6(b). For the avoidance of doubt, (i) the parties hereto acknowledge that the Earn- Out Payment, if any, is based on service fees the Company and its Subsidiaries generate and is not in any way commission payments, (ii) each Seller’s right to receive their Pro Rata Share of the Earn-Out Payment, if any, shall not be conditioned on (or measured with respect to), if applicable, their continued employment with or services to the Company or its Affiliates and shall be treated as additional Purchase Price for federal and state income tax purposes, and (iii) no Earn-Out Payment shall be payable by Buyer if the Buyer’s “Retirement Advantage” platform has not been Substantially Converted to the platform of the Company on or prior to the first anniversary date of the Closing. (c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if any indemnification obligation is owing from Sellers to Buyer under Article VIII or Section 10.1 as of the date of any Earn-Out Payment and the Holdback Amount has been exhausted such amount shall be deducted from the Earn-Out Payment payable by Buyer to the Sellers ratably in accordance with the Sellers’ Pro Rata Share up to the Earn-Out Payment allocable to each such Seller. (d) Buyer shall provide its documentation in support of its calculation of the Earn-Out Payment to the Sellers at the time of its notice to the Sellers of its calculation delivered under Section 2.6(b), and the Sellers shall have thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of such Earn-Out Payment or such notice, as the case may be, to deliver written notice of its objections to the calculation of the Earn-Out Payment, specifying in reasonable detail the basis for the objections. If Sellers do not timely object, Buyer’s calculation of the Earn-Out Payment shall be binding and conclusive. If the Sellers object on a timely basis, the calculation of the Earn-Out Payment shall not be binding and conclusive, and Buyer and the Sellers shall negotiate in good faith to resolve the Sellers’ objections. If Buyer and Sellers resolve such objections, the amount they agree upon shall be final and binding, but if the objections cannot be resolved by such negotiation within thirty (30) days after Buyer’s receipt of the Sellers’ objections, Buyer and Sellers shall cause the calculation of the Earn-Out Payment, and all documents related thereto, to be submitted to the Independent Accountant and the procedures, timelines and expense allocations set forth in Section 2.5 with respect to the resolution of the Purchase Price as of the Closing Date shall be followed to obtain final resolution of such Earn-Out Payment. -22- 40733748.21


 
(e) Any increase in the Earn-Out Payment to be paid to Sellers determined pursuant to Section 2.6(d) shall be made within three (3) Business Days after such payment has been finally determined by certified bank checks or Wire Transfer from Buyer to each Seller based on their Pro Rata Share. (f) From and after the Closing until the Earn-Out End Date, (i) Buyer shall and shall cause any Affiliates of Buyer to, operate the Company Business in a commercially reasonable manner, and (ii) Buyer shall not (A) cease offering products and services related solely to retirement plans that are qualified under Section 401(a), (B) sell or transfer to any third-party not affiliated with Buyer the Company, BCGS or the Company Business, (C) reduce the budget of the Company Business below fifty percent (50%) of the budget of the Company Business as of the Closing Date, or (D) take any action or inaction in bad faith with the intention of decreasing the amount of any Earn-Out Payment or impairing Buyer’s ability to make any Earn-Out Payment; provided that, except as set forth in the foregoing clause (ii), the provisions of this Section 2.6(f) shall not (x) require Buyer or any Affiliate of Buyer (including the Company and BCGS) to continue any line of business or service conducted or offered by the Company or BCGS as of any date or (y) limit Buyer or any Affiliate of Buyer (including the Company and BCGS) from modifying or changing any aspect of the Company Business. (g) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event there is a Change of Control with respect to the Buyer prior to the Earn-Out End Date, the Earn-Out Payment shall immediately vest at the rate and for the amount set forth in Section 2.6(b)(iii) and, subject to Section 2.6(c), will be payable to each Seller in accordance with the respective Seller’s Pro Rata Share, by certified bank checks or Wire Transfer no later than the tenth business day following the event described in this Section 2.6(g). ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS The Seller Parties hereby jointly and severally represent and warrant to Buyer as follows: Section 3.1 Company Organization and Corporate History. (a) Organization. Each of the Company and BCGS is a corporation duly incorporated, organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Each of the Company and BCGS (i) has the corporate power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, and (ii) is duly licensed or qualified to do business and in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary and is not subject to any cost, restriction or penalty for failing to qualify (except where the failure to be so licensed, qualified, or in good standing under this clause (ii) would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect). (b) Organizational Documents. Section 3.1 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete copy of each of the Company’s, BCGS’s and each Trust’s -23- 40733748.21


 
Organizational Documents as amended and/or restated and in effect. No change has been made to such Organizational Documents since December 31, 2015. (c) Subsidiaries and Other Ownership Interests. The Company has no Subsidiaries or Affiliates other than its wholly-owned Subsidiary BCGS. Other than BCGS, no part of the Company Business is through or otherwise involving a Subsidiary or an Affiliate. Section 3.1(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule lists each business or Person that Company or BCGS has owned or operated within the last five (5) years (whether as a Subsidiary, through a joint venture or otherwise). Section 3.1(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule also lists: (i) all capital stock or other direct or indirect ownership interests of Company or BCGS in any Person; and (ii) all loans, advances or similar arrangements by Company or BCGS to any other Person (except for trade terms extended to Customers in the Ordinary Course of Business). (d) Acquisition or Sale of any Business. Section 3.1(d) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule lists each acquisition or sale (however effected) by Company or BCGS of any entity, business or of a related group of assets and/or liabilities within the last five (5) years. Copies of all agreements and closing documents relating to each such acquisition or sale have been provided to Buyer. Section 3.1(d) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule lists each such acquired entity, business or related group of assets that has been merged into, or otherwise combined with or transferred to, Company, BCGS or a predecessor thereof. Section 3.2 Capital Structure. (a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 100,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. The common stock is divided into two classes, voting and nonvoting common stock. There are 100 authorized shares of Class A voting common stock, of which twenty (20) shares are issued and outstanding and (such issued and outstanding stock, the “Class A Common Stock”), and 99,900 authorized shares of Class B nonvoting common stock, of which 49,980 shares are issued and outstanding (such issued and outstanding stock, the “Class B Common Stock”), and are owned of record and beneficially by the Sellers in the respective amounts and percentages of ownership set forth in Section 3.2(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, free and clear of all Liens and other restrictions except as set forth in Section 3.2(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule. The Sellers are the only record owners of capital stock of the Company and own all right, title and interest in and to such Company Shares. Section 3.2(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule lists all issuances and redemptions of Company’s capital stock since December 31, 2011. All issuances, transfers and redemptions of the capital stock of the Company and the Company’s predecessors in interest, were in full compliance with all applicable Law. (b) The authorized capital stock of BCGS consists of 200,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.25 per share, of which 18,000 shares are issued and outstanding (such issued and outstanding stock, the “BCGS Shares”), all of which are owned of record and beneficially by the Company, free and clear of all Liens and other restrictions. Since 2000, no Person other than the Company has ever owned any BCGS Shares or other equity interests in BCGS. (c) Except as set forth in Section 3.2(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, none of Company’s or BCGS’s capital stock is held in its treasury. All Company Shares and BCGS -24- 40733748.21


 
Shares are legally and validly issued, fully-paid and nonassessable, without violation of any preemptive or dissenters’ or similar rights (and no preemptive or other subscription rights have ever existed with respect to Company’s and BCGS’s capital stock) and in full compliance with federal and state securities laws and other applicable Law. Each of the Company and BCGS has complied with the terms of its capital stock. Except as set forth in Section 3.2(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, there are no options, warrants, subscriptions, puts, calls or other rights, commitments, undertakings or understandings to acquire, dispose of or restrict the transfer of, any of Company’s or BCGS’s capital stock or other securities of any kind or class or rights, obligations or undertakings convertible into Company securities or BCGS securities of any kind or class; nor are there any stock option phantom stock, stock appreciation rights, or similar plans or programs relating to the Company’s or BCGS’s capital stock, or any convertible securities or other rights, agreements or commitments of any character relating to or obligating the Company or BCGS to issue or sell any share of capital stock or any other interest in the Company or BCGS. Each item listed on Section 3.2(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule shall be terminated or otherwise cease to be in effect as of no later than immediately prior to the Closing. Neither the Company nor BCGS is subject to any obligation to purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its capital stock or securities (or any options or rights or obligations described in the preceding sentence) upon the occurrence of a specified event (and assuming that specified time periods have passed and appropriate notices have been given) or otherwise. (d) There are no voting trusts or other voting or similar agreements or understandings to which the Company or any Seller is a party with respect to the voting of the Company Shares. There are no bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of the Company having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote) on any matters on which holders of the Company Shares may vote. Except for this Agreement and restrictions imposed by applicable Law, there are no voting trusts, stockholder agreements, proxies or other rights or agreements in effect with respect to the voting, transfer or dividend rights of the Company Shares. (e) Sellers’ transfer of the Company Shares to Buyer pursuant to this Agreement will pass to Buyer all right, title and interest to and in the Company Shares free of any Lien or restriction and all other adverse claims whatsoever except, following the Closing, restrictions as exist under applicable Laws relating to securities. Section 3.3 Authority and Enforceability. (a) Each Seller Party has the power and authority to execute, deliver and perform each of the Seller Delivered Documents without the consent or action of any other person. The execution, delivery and performance of the Seller Delivered Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of each such Seller Party in compliance with governing or applicable agreements, instruments, documents and applicable Law. (b) Each trustee of each Seller that is a Trust is the duly appointed and acting trustee of the Trust for which he or she is acting as trustee, which is identified next to such Seller’s name in Section 3.3(a)(ii) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, and is currently the only trustee of such Trust. Sellers have previously delivered to Buyer a true and complete copy of each agreement that establishes such Trust, which documents have not been amended since the date of such -25- 40733748.21


 
delivery. Each Trust is validly existing under the laws of the state whose law the terms of the instrument creating such Trust invoke as governing such Trust, which is shown next to the name of such Trust on Schedule 3.3(a)(ii). The trustee of each Trust has the capacity, power and authority on behalf of such Trust to enter into this Agreement and the other Seller Delivered Documents to be executed and delivered by such trustee pursuant to this Agreement in such trustee’s fiduciary capacity on behalf of such Trust, to perform such trustee’s obligations hereunder and thereunder on behalf of such Trust, and to sell to Buyer such Trust’s Company Shares for the consideration provided in Section 2.1 as adjusted in accordance with this Agreement in each case without the consent or action of any other person. Since the creation of each Trust, no steps have been taken to liquidate, dissolve, or otherwise adversely affect the organization, existence or operation of such Trust. The execution, delivery and performance of the Seller Delivered Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the trustee of each Trust in compliance with governing or applicable agreements, instruments, documents, duties and applicable Law. On or prior to the date hereof, the trustee of each Trust has delivered to Buyer an executed copy of the applicable Certificate of Trust, and the representations made in the Certificates of Trust are hereby incorporated by reference. (c) This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered by each Seller Party, and (assuming the valid authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer) is the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Seller Party, enforceable in accordance with its terms, and each of the other Seller Delivered Documents to which a Seller is or will be a party has been duly and validly authorized by such Seller and will be duly and validly executed and delivered by such Seller and, upon execution and delivery by such Seller, will be (assuming the valid authorization, execution and delivery by the other party or parties thereto) the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Seller, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject in each case to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and general equitable principles (whether considered in a Proceeding in equity or at law). Neither any act or omission of any Seller Party or any predecessor in interest, nor execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement, has resulted in, or will result in, any person having any claim or cause of action whatsoever involving ownership of the Company or any of its assets. Section 3.4 Consents and Approvals; No Conflict. Except for the items set forth on Section 3.4 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the execution and delivery by the Seller Parties of this Agreement and of each other agreement, instrument and document to be executed and delivered by the Sellers pursuant to this Agreement (this Agreement and such other agreements, instruments and documents being referred to collectively as the “Seller Delivered Documents”) do not, and the consummation by the Sellers of the transactions contemplated by the Seller Delivered Documents will not, require any consent, approval, license, permit, order, qualification, authorization of, or registration or other action by, or any filing with or notification to, any Governmental Authority (each, a “Governmental Approval”) to be obtained or made by any Seller Party or BCGS (except such consents, approvals, licenses, permits, orders, qualifications, authorizations of, or registrations or other actions or filings which, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect). The execution and delivery by the Seller Parties of, and the consummation by the Seller Parties of the transactions contemplated by the Seller Delivered Documents do not and will not (a) violate or conflict with the Organizational Documents of the Company or BCGS or any Seller, (b) provided that all -26- 40733748.21


 
consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions described in Section 3.4 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule have been obtained or taken, conflict with or violate in any material respect any Law or other Governmental Order applicable to the Company or BCGS or by which any of the Company’s or BCGS’s properties or assets are bound or subject, (c) in the case of the Trusts, violate or conflict with the trustee’s fiduciary duties or (d) result in any material breach of, or constitute a material default (or event that, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, or give to any Person any rights of termination, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on any of the assets or properties of the Company or BCGS pursuant to any Material Contract to which the Company or BCGS is a party of or by which the Company’s or BCGS’s properties or assets are bound. Section 3.5 Financial Information; Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. (a) The Sellers have previously delivered or made available to Buyer true, accurate and complete copies of (i) BCGS’s audited financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2017 (the “BCGS Financial Statements”), (ii) consolidated and consolidating balance sheets and statements of operations, cash flows and changes in stockholder’s equity of the Company and BCGS, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016, and with the related compilation reports of the Company’s independent accountant, (iii) the unaudited consolidated and internally prepared balance sheet and statements of operations, cash flows and changes in stockholder’s equity of the Company and BCGS as of December 31, 2017 and for the nine (9) months ended September 30, 2018 (the “Quarterly Financial Statements” and, together with the statements described in clauses (i) and (ii) above, collectively the “Financial Statements”), and (iv) an example of the Company’s calculation of Working Capital as of May 31, 2018 (the “Example Calculation”). The Quarterly Financial Statements are subject to normal and recurring year-end adjustments (which will not be material individually or in the aggregate) and the absence of notes. (b) The Financial Statements and items therein: (i) have been prepared and are in accordance with the Books and Records and with respect to the statements set forth in Section 3.5(a)(ii), accounts and entries therein relating to BCGS have been prepared and are in accordance with the BCGS Financial Statements; and (ii) except as set forth in Section 3.5(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule (A) have been prepared in accordance with Applicable Accounting Principles on a consistent basis throughout the periods covered by such statements and (B) fairly present in all material respects the Company’s consolidated or BCGS’s (as applicable) financial condition and results of Company’s consolidated or BCGS’s (as applicable) operations, cash flows and changes in shareholder’s equity as of their respective dates or for the periods thereof; provided that the Quarterly Financial Statements are subject to normal recurring year-end adjustments (which will not be material individually or in the aggregate) and the absence of notes. The Example Calculation is based on the Books and Records and has been prepared in accordance with Applicable Accounting Principles and consistent with the notes contained therein. Neither the Company nor any Seller has received any complaint, allegation, assertion or claim of any material inadequacy in the Company’s internal accounting controls or the accuracy of the Financial Statements and, to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, there is no basis for any such complaint, allegation, assertion or claim. -27- 40733748.21


 
(c) Neither the Company nor BCGS has any liability of any nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent, changing, known, unknown, determinable, indeterminable, liquidated, unliquidated or otherwise and whether due or to become due and, thus, whether or not such would be considered a liability for generally accepted accounting principles), except (i) as and to the extent expressly reflected or specifically reserved against in the Financial Statements (which reserves are adequate) or, pursuant to the Applicable Accounting Principles, where such liabilities are not required to be reserved against or reflected in the Financial Statements or notes thereto, (ii) as set forth in Section 3.5(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, or (iii) for trade payables and similar ordinary and necessary liabilities (none of which is a liability or obligation for breach of contract, warranty, tort or infringement and excluding liabilities arising from the borrowing of money or secured indebtedness or negligent or unlawful actions of Company or BCGS or their respective officers, directors, shareholders, agents, employees or Affiliates) arising in the Ordinary Course of Business since September 30, 2018. Neither the Company nor BCGS has any Indebtedness other than the Indebtedness set forth on Exhibit B. (d) Section 3.5(d) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth an accurate and complete breakdown and aging of all Accounts Receivables of the Company and BCGS as of September 30, 2018. All of the Accounts Receivable are valid accounts receivable which arose in bona fide sales or services transactions in the Ordinary Course of Business. Except as set forth in Section 3.5(d) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the Accounts Receivable are collectible in full within 90 days after their respective billing dates subject to the reserve for doubtful accounts set forth on the Quarterly Financial Statements. (e) The Company and BCGS have devised and maintained systems of internal accounting controls with respect to the Company Business sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that (i) all transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization, (ii) all transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of Financial Statements in conformity with the Applicable Accounting Principles and to maintain proper accountability for items, (iii) access to its property and assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization and (iv) recorded accountability for items is compared with actual levels at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. (f) Each of the Company and BCGS has good and valid title to, or a valid leasehold interest in, all of its Assets (other than “off-the-shelf” or software that is available generally through retail distribution networks or is subject to “shrink-wrap” or “click wrap” license agreements or retail software). All such Assets (including leasehold interests) are free and clear of all Liens except for Permitted Liens and except as set forth on Section 3.5(f) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule. Except as set forth in Section 3.5(f) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the Assets and Permits are sufficient for the continued conduct of the Company Business after the Closing in substantially the same manner as conducted prior to the Closing. Section 3.6 Real Property Interest. (a) Neither the Company nor BCGS owns any real property. Neither the Company nor BCGS is a party to any agreement or option to purchase any real property or interest -28- 40733748.21


 
therein. Neither the Company nor BCGS has any liability arising out of the prior ownership of real property by it or its predecessors in interest. (b) Section 3.6(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of all real property leases to which the Company or BCGS is a party (whether as a (sub)lessor, (sub)lessee, guarantor or otherwise) (the “Company Real Property Leases”; all real property in which the Company or BCGS holds a leasehold interest, whether as lessee or sublessee, the “Leased Real Property”) and the street address with respect to the Company Real Property Leases. Except for the Company Real Property Leases identified in Section 3.6(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the Company and BCGS do not own any interest (fee, leasehold or otherwise) in any real property. Except as set forth in Section 3.6(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the Company and BCGS enjoy peaceful and undisturbed possession of the Leased Real Property. (c) Except as set forth in Section 3.6(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the Company or BCGS owns a valid leasehold interest in the Leased Real Property, which is free and clear of any Liens. (d) Each Company Real Property Lease is in full force and effect and enforceable by the Company or BCGS, in accordance with its terms. Since December 31, 2015, neither the Company nor BCGS has received any written notice of default with respect to any Company Real Property Lease, and since December 31, 2015, no event has occurred and no condition exists that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default by the Company or BCGS or, to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, any other part thereto, under any of the Company Real Property Leases. Neither any Seller Party nor BCGS has assigned or placed any Lien upon any Leased Real Property. Section 3.7 Plan Sponsors and Plans. (a) Except as set forth in Section 3.7(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, since December 31, 2017, (i) none of the Plan Sponsors set forth on Section 3.7(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule has terminated, or notified Company, BCGS or any Seller in writing of an intention not to renew or to terminate, all or a material portion of the services related to the Company Business, and (ii) to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, none of the Plan Sponsors set forth on Section 3.7(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule has otherwise indicated that any Plans are or will be subject to any requests for proposals. (b) Section 3.7(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of each Plan as of June 30, 2018 that is part of the Company Business and indicates for each Plan (i) the plan type (non-qualified deferred compensation plans within the meaning of Section 409A(d)(1) of the Code, qualified defined contribution or defined benefit plans, including whether such plan qualifies under Section 401(a), 401(k), 403(b) or 457(b) of the Code, or other arrangements or programs), (ii) whether such Plan is, as of the date hereof, to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, subject to an outstanding request for proposal, (iii) the number of Participants in such Plan as of such date, and (iv) the Plan Sponsor to the extent applicable and the revenues generated by each such Plan Sponsor for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. Section 3.8 Material Contracts. -29- 40733748.21


 
(a) Section 3.8(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of each of the Material Contracts. Each Material Contract is a legal, valid, binding and in all material respects enforceable obligation of Company or BCGS, and, to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, of each other party to such Material Contract. Except as set forth in Section 3.8(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor BCGS nor, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, any other party thereto is in material breach or violation of, or in material default under, any Material Contract and each such Material Contract is in full force and effect in all material respects, and, to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, there does not exist under any Material Contract any event or condition that, after notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a material violation, breach or event of default thereunder. Sellers have made available to Buyer a true and correct copy of each Material Contract. The Material Contracts include a true, accurate and complete list of all Contracts evidencing Indebtedness of the Company or BCGS. (b) Except as set forth in Section 3.8(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor BCGS has received from any other party to a Material Contract any notice in writing of termination or intention to terminate such Material Contact or any notice in writing of intention to otherwise reduce amounts payable to Company or BCGS. (c) There are no fees paid to Company or BCGS that are a condition of or inducement for inclusion of any Fund as an investment option for Plan Sponsors to make available to Participants. Section 3.8(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule contains a true and correct list of all Funds as of the date hereof. Section 3.9 Employee Benefits; Employees. (a) Section 3.9(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of each Benefit Plan. The Company has delivered or made available to Buyer complete and correct copies of all Benefit Plans, including any amendments thereto and the current summary plan description thereof, all summaries of material modifications, and any other summary of the Benefit Plans, along with, in each case and to the extent applicable, (i) true and complete descriptions of the material terms of any unwritten Benefit Plans; (ii) true and complete copies of any employee handbooks or similar documents describing such Benefit Plans; (iii) insurance policies related to the Benefit Plans; (iv) all non-routine communications received from or sent to the IRS, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or the U.S. Department of Labor (including a written description of any such oral communication) with respect to such Benefit Plan; (iv) true and complete copies of each Form 5500 filed for such Benefit Plan (including all attachments, audit reports and schedules), actuarial reports, summaries of material modifications, summary annual reports, and any other required employer notices (including governmental filings and descriptions of changes to Benefit Plans) relating to the Benefit Plans, in each case, for the last three (3) plan years, as applicable; (v) true and complete copies of the most recent IRS determination letter or opinion letter; and (vi) a schedule of awards or benefits provided for under each Benefit Plan. (b) Except as set forth in Section 3.9(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, all Benefit Plans have been maintained and operated in all material respects in accordance with their terms, ERISA, the Code and other applicable Laws. The Company and each ERISA Affiliate have satisfied all of their material obligations under or with respect to each Benefit Plan under applicable -30- 40733748.21


 
Law and the terms of such Benefit Plan. The Company and each ERISA Affiliate have timely made all contributions, premiums and other payments required to be made with respect to such Benefit Plan on or before their due dates and, if not yet due, such items have been properly reflected or accrued on the Company’s financial statements to the extent required. No circumstances exist that would result in a liability to the Company (whether direct or indirect) under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any defined benefit pension plan that is or has been sponsored, maintained, or contributed to by the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates. None of the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates has (or has ever had) any liability with respect to any (i) “multiemployer plan,” as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA, (ii) “multiple employer plan,” as described in Section 413(c) of the Code, (iii) “multiple employer welfare arrangement,” as defined in Section 3(40) of ERISA, (iv) “voluntary employees’ beneficiary association,” as defined in Section 501(c)(9) of the Code, or (v) a Benefit Plan covered by Title IV of ERISA. Each Benefit Plan that is a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” within the meaning of Section 409A(d)(1) of the Code and that is subject to Section 409A of the Code is set forth in Section 3.9(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule and, except as set forth in Section 3.9(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, has been operated in compliance in all respects with Section 409A of the Code and the final regulations and other applicable guidance issued thereunder. The Company has not paid and will not pay in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement compensation to any current or former employee or independent contractor of the Company pursuant to a Benefit Plan in a manner that would reasonably be expected to cause compensation paid under such plan to become subject to the Tax imposed by Section 409A(a)(1)(B) or 409A(b)(5) of the Code. (c) Each Benefit Plan that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code, and each amendment thereto, is the subject of a favorable determination letter (or opinion letter, if applicable) from the IRS as to its qualification under the Code, and, to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, no circumstances exist that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the validity of an Benefit Plan’s tax-qualification. All amendments and actions required to bring each Benefit Plan into material conformity with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other Law have been made or taken, except to the extent such amendments or actions are not required by Law to be made or taken until after the Closing Date. (d) Neither the execution of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will (either alone or together with any other event) entitle any Employee and/or Seller to severance, retention, change of control or other similar pay or benefits under, or accelerate the time of payment or trigger any payment or funding (through a grantor trust or otherwise) of compensation or benefits under, or increase the amount payable or trigger any other material obligation pursuant to, any Benefit Plan. Neither the Company nor BCGS has made any payment which constitutes an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Code §280(G), and no payment by the Company or BCGS required to be made under any written or oral agreement will, if made, constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Code §280(G). Neither the execution of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will (either alone or together with any other event) result in any payment that could constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code. (e) Except as set forth in Section 3.9(e) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor BCGS has any obligations for post-termination welfare or retirement benefits other than coverage mandated by applicable Law. Neither the Company nor BCGS -31- 40733748.21


 
thereof has any obligation or commitment to adopt or approve any plan, arrangement or other scheme that will become a Benefit Plan, or, except where required by Law, any amendment to any Benefit Plan. No proposal or commitment has been communicated to any Continuing Employee regarding the introduction, increase or improvement of any Benefit Plan. Neither the Company nor BCGS has made any loan or advance, or provided any other form of financial assistance to any Employee or Seller that is still outstanding as of the Closing. Neither the Company nor BCGS has any defined benefit plan. (f) Except for accruals disclosed on the latest balance sheet, the Company and BCGS do not have any liabilities (i) for any bonus payments to any employee, manager, director, officer or independent contractor (or any former employee, manager, director, officer or independent contractor), (ii) for any workers’ compensation benefits which have or, to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, may become payable as a result of events prior to Closing, (iii) for any matching or other employer contributions to any 401(k) plan, (iv) to any employee, director or independent contractor (or any former employee, director or independent contractor) related to compensation or for benefits accrued prior to Closing under any Benefit Plan (including with respect to any accrued but unused or unpaid vacation, sick time or other paid time off), or (v) to any employee, manager, director, officer or independent contractor arising out of any acts or omissions by the Sellers or the Company or BCGS prior to the Closing. (g) Section 3.9(g) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule lists each Employee as of the date of this Agreement and as updated no later than five (5) days before the Closing Date, and for each such Employee, (i) the individual’s title or position (including whether full or part time and whether hourly, salaried, or commissioned), (ii) the individual’s job location, (iii) the individual’s date of hire, (iv) the individual’s current base salary or hourly wages and base salary or hourly wages for the last three (3) completed fiscal years, and (v) for the last three (3) completed fiscal years, the individual’s annual incentive and bonus compensation paid and the target incentive compensation for the current year (with each form of incentive compensation separately listed and including any commissions). Section 3.9(g) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule also lists all individuals providing services to the Company or otherwise with respect to the Company Business of more than five (5) hours per month as consultants or other independent contractors. (h) Section 3.9(h) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule lists each written (i) employment agreement and offer letter with any Employee; (ii) personal service contracts for individuals who perform services for the Company or BCGS in the capacity of an independent contractor; and (iii) non-compete, non-solicit, confidentiality or proprietary rights agreements with current or former Employees or independent contractors of the Company or BCGS, which with respect to clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) are currently in effect, and true and complete copies of all such agreements referred to in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above (and any amendments thereto) have been furnished or made available to Buyer, and, with respect to the type of agreements set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) above, neither the Company nor BCGS is a party to any such oral agreements which cannot be terminated at will by the Company or BCGS without penalty or any continuing obligations thereunder. Except as set forth on Section 3.9(h) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, no Employee or independent contractor of the Company or BCGS is a party to, or is otherwise bound by, any agreement or arrangement, including any confidentiality, noncompetition, or proprietary rights agreement, between such Employee or independent contractor, as the case may be, and any other Person, in each case, that (x) limits the -32- 40733748.21


 
Employee’s or independent contractor’s ability to perform such Employee’s or independent contractor’s duties to the Company or BCGS, or (y) has a negative material effect on the Company or BCGS. (i) Neither the Company nor BCGS is party to any labor or collective bargaining agreements. There has never been any union organizing activity or similar activity affecting the Company, BCGS, or any Employees. The Company and BCGS have complied, in all material respects, with all Laws related to employment and labor, including those related to equal employment opportunity, worker classification, affirmative action, nondiscrimination, immigration, wages, hours, benefits, collective bargaining, the payment of social security and similar Taxes, occupational safety and health, and plant closings, the Fair Labor Standards Act and the WARN Act. The Company and BCGS have not failed to pay any current or former employees for any wages (including overtime), salaries, commissions, bonuses, benefits or other direct compensation for any services performed by them or amounts required to be reimbursed to such individuals. Neither the Company nor BCGS has received any notice that it is not in or has not been in compliance with any Laws relating to the employment of labor, including any Laws relating to wages, hours, collective bargaining, worker classification, affirmative action, the WARN Act, the payment of social security and similar taxes, equal employment opportunity, employment discrimination and employment, occupational or workplace safety or that the Company is liable for any arrears of wages or any taxes or penalties for failure to comply with any of the foregoing. The Company and BCGS have, for all purposes (including coverage and benefits under Benefit Plans, overtime and payroll tax purposes) correctly classified those individuals performing services as common law employees, leased employees, independent contractors or agents of the Company or BCGS. Any and all notices to, or filings or registrations with, any labor organizations, works council or any similar person, required to be made by the Company or BCGS in connection with the execution of this Agreement have been timely made. (j) There are no pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, threatened material claims against the Company or BCGS under any Law related to employee benefits (including relating to the Benefit Plans, other than routine claims for benefits), employment or labor. There are no charges with respect to or relating to the Company, BCGS or the Employees pending before any applicable Governmental Authority responsible for the prevention of unlawful employment practices, and neither the Company nor BCGS has received notice from any Governmental Authority responsible for the enforcement of labor or employment Laws of an intention to conduct an investigation of the Company or BCGS, and no such investigation is in process. (k) The Company, BCGS and each Employee is in material compliance with all applicable visa and work permit requirements, and no visa or work permit held by an Employee will expire within six (6) months. Section 3.10 Taxes. Except as set forth on Section 3.10 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule: (a) The Seller Parties have made or will make available prior to the Closing to Buyer correct and complete copies of all federal and state income, state, franchise and excise, state sales and use, personal property, federal and state payroll (including unemployment), escheat and -33- 40733748.21


 
unclaimed property (if required for any Tax Return), and material local business Tax Returns filed with respect to the Company and BCGS (together with all examination reports and statements of deficiencies assessed against or agreed to by the Company or BCGS) with respect to any taxable period ending on or after December 31, 2013. All such Tax Returns since December 31, 2015, have been delivered to Buyer. (b) (i) Each of the Company and BCGS has properly and timely filed all Tax Returns required to be filed by it, all of which are correct and complete in all material respects and were prepared in compliance with all applicable Laws; (ii) each of the Company and BCGS has paid all Taxes required to be paid by it (whether or not shown on a Tax Return); (iii) no audit of the Company or BCGS by any Governmental Authority has been conducted, is currently pending or, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, is threatened, and no notice of any proposed audit, or of any Tax deficiency or adjustment, has been received by the Company or BCGS; (iv) there are no agreements or waivers currently in effect that provide for an extension of time for the assessment of any Tax against the Company or BCGS; (v) the Financial Statements fully accrue all actual and contingent liabilities for Taxes with respect to all periods through the dates thereof in accordance with Applicable Accounting Principles; (vi) since the date of the Quarterly Financial Statements, neither the Company nor BCGS has incurred any liabilities for Taxes except in the Ordinary Course of Business; (vii) no Action is pending or has been threatened, and no claim has been asserted against or with respect to the Company or BCGS in respect of any Tax; and (viii) no claim has been made by a Governmental Authority in a jurisdiction where a Tax Return is not filed by or on behalf of the Company or BCGS that the Company or BCGS is subject to Tax in that jurisdiction. (c) Neither the Company nor BCGS has participated in any transaction that could give rise to a disclosure obligation as a “reportable transaction” under Section 6111 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder or any similar provision under other similar applicable Laws. (d) Neither the Company nor BCGS is, nor has it ever been, a United States real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code during the applicable period specified in Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code. No Seller Party is a “foreign person” as such term is defined in Section 1445 of the Code. (e) Neither the Company nor BCGS has ever been either the “distributing corporation” (within the meaning of Section 355(a)(1) of the Code) or the “controlled corporation” (within the meaning of Section 355(a)(1) of the Code) in a distribution that is described, or purported to be described, in Section 355 of the Code. Within the last five years, neither the Company nor BCGS has been a party to a “reorganization” as that term is defined in Section 368 of the Code. (f) Each of the Company and BCGS has materially complied with the provisions of the Code relating to the withholding and payment of Taxes, including, without limitation, the withholding and reporting requirements under Code sections 1441 through 1464, 3401 through 3406, and 6041 through 6049, as well as similar provisions under any other applicable Laws, and has, within the time and in the manner prescribed by Law, withheld from employee wages and paid over to the proper Governmental Authority all amounts required. Each -34- 40733748.21


 
of the Company and BCGS has appropriately classified all service providers as either employees or independent contractors for all Tax purposes. Each of the Company and BCGS (i) has collected and remitted all applicable sales and/or use Taxes to the appropriate Governmental Authority or (ii) has obtained, in good faith, any applicable sales and/or use Tax exemption certificates. (g) Neither Company nor BCGS has received any Tax Ruling or entered into a Tax Closing Agreement with any Governmental Authority that would have a continuing effect after the Closing Date. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term “Tax Ruling” shall mean written rulings of a Governmental Authority relating to Taxes, and the term “Tax Closing Agreement” shall mean a written and legally binding agreement with a Governmental Authority relating to Taxes. (h) Except as set forth in Section 3.10(h) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the Company has been a validly electing S corporation within the meaning of Sections 1361 and 1362 of the Code at all times since 2003, and it will be a valid S corporation at all times up to the Effective Time. The Company will not be liable for any Tax under Code Section 1374 in connection with the deemed sale of the Company’s assets (including the assets of any qualified subchapter S subsidiary) caused by the Section 338(h)(10) Election (as hereinafter defined). The Sellers have not filed (and will not file) any income tax return, election or other document that is inconsistent with the Company’s classification as an “S” Corporation for applicable Tax purposes and the beneficiaries of Lisa Arroyo Trust have filed joint federal income tax returns for all years since 2008. The Company has not in the past five years (i) acquired assets from a C corporation in a transaction in which the Company’s Tax basis for the acquired assets was determined, in whole or in part, by reference to the Tax basis of the acquired assets (or any other property) in the hands of the transferor, or (ii) except for BCGS, acquired the stock of any corporation that is a qualified subchapter S subsidiary. (i) Except as set forth in Section 3.10(h) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, BCGS has been a qualified subchapter S subsidiary within the meaning of Section 1361(b)(3)(B) of the Code at all times during its existence. (j) Except as set forth in Section 3.10(j) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, all Sellers that are organized as trusts qualify either as a qualified subchapter S trust within that meaning of Section 1361(d) of the Code or an electing small business trust within the meaning of Section 1361(e) of the Code. (k) The Salary Continuation Agreement does not cause the Company to not confer identical rights to its shareholders with respect to distribution and liquidation proceeds within the meaning of Treas. Reg. § 1.1361-1(1). Section 3.11 Compliance with Law; Permits. (a) Except as otherwise qualified in this Agreement, the Company and BCGS have, since December 31, 2015, been in compliance, in all material respects, with all applicable Laws, including Laws related to privacy, Permits and Governmental Orders applicable to it or its assets, properties or Company Business. Neither the Company nor BCGS is a party to, or bound by, any Governmental Order that is material to the Company Business. Neither the Company nor -35- 40733748.21


 
BCGS has at any time since December 31, 2015 (i) received any written notice from any Governmental Authority regarding any actual or alleged material violation of, or failure to comply with any applicable Law or (ii) to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, been placed under investigation with respect to any material violation of applicable Law. The Company and BCGS has made available to the Buyer true and correct copies of all reports or other written correspondence between the Company or BCGS and any Governmental Authority or any Person acting on behalf of a Governmental Authority since December 31, 2015 relating to any unclaimed property or escheat matters and the Company and BCGS has complied with all unclaimed property or escheat obligations. Neither the Company nor BCGS underwrites insurance policies, collects premiums or settles any insurance claims. (b) The Company and BCGS hold all material governmental qualifications, registrations, filings, licenses, permits, approvals or authorizations necessary to conduct the Company Business and to own or use its assets and properties associated with the Company Business, as the Company Business, assets and properties are conducted, owned and used by the Company and BCGS (collectively, the “Permits”). All material Permits are valid and in full force and effect. Neither the Company nor BCGS is the subject of any pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, threatened Action seeking the revocation, suspension, termination, modification or impairment of any material Permit. There is no Governmental Order that would be binding on the Company or BCGS following the Closing that prohibits or restricts the payment of shareholder dividends or other shareholder distributions by the Company or BCGS. The Company and BCGS hold all applicable insurance licenses they are required to hold to conduct the Company Business, including third party administrator, insurance agency or producer licenses, under any applicable state Law. (c) Except as qualified herein, to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, each of the Company and BCGS and their Affiliates, and to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, the Producers, are and have been in connection with the Company Business, in material compliance in with applicable Laws regulating the marketing and sale of securities, life insurance policies and annuity contracts, regulating advertisements, requiring mandatory disclosure of information relating to the securities, policy information, requiring employment of standards to determine if the purchase of a policy or contract is suitable for an applicant, prohibiting the use of unfair methods of competition and deceptive acts or practices and regulating replacement transactions. For purposes of this Section 3.11(c), (i) “advertisement” means any material designed to create public interest in life insurance policies and annuity contracts or in an insurer, or in an insurance producer, or to induce the public to purchase, increase, modify, reinstate, borrow on, surrender, replace or retain such a policy or contract, and (ii) “replacement transaction” means a transaction in which a new life insurance policy or annuity contract is to be purchased by a prospective insured and the proposing producer knows or should know that one or more existing life insurance policies or annuity contracts will lapse, or will be forfeited, surrendered, reduced in value or pledged as collateral. (d) The Company and BCGS are in material compliance with applicable anti- money laundering Laws. The Company and BCGS have established and maintain an anti-money laundering program, which includes written internal policies, procedures and controls, including a means for monitoring and identifying suspicious activity, the designation of an anti-money laundering compliance officer, an ongoing employee training program, an independent audit -36- 40733748.21


 
function to test such programs annually, and any additional requirements set forth in the rules of any self-regulatory organization (including FINRA) of which the Company or BCGS is a member. (e) Neither the Company nor BCGS has, directly or indirectly, (i) made political contributions or expenditures except in accordance with applicable Law, or (ii) offered or provided any unlawful remuneration, entertainment or gifts to any Person, including any official of any Governmental Authority. No Customer of BCGS is listed on any published list of blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of Treasury (“OFAC”). The Company and BCGS have taken commercially reasonable steps to ensure that no Customer in any account is listed on any published list of blocked persons maintained by OFAC. Section 3.12 Litigation. Except as set forth in Section 3.12 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, there are no Actions pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, threatened in writing, against the Company or BCGS or relating to any Company Business or any Seller in its capacity as a shareholder of the Company. There are no orders outstanding to which the Company or BCGS or any of their respective properties, rights or assets is subject. Section 3.13 Intellectual Property. (a) Except as set forth in Section 3.13(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, each of the Company and BCGS owns all right, title and interest in, or has enforceable rights or licenses to use, free and clear of all Liens, the Intellectual Property, the Computer Software and the Technology used in the Company Business as currently conducted. (b) Section 3.13(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and correct listing of (i) all Computer Software (other than “off-the-shelf” or software that is available generally through retail distribution networks or is subject to “shrink-wrap” or “click wrap” license agreements or retail software), (ii) all material common law Trademarks that are used in the conduct of the Company Business, and (iii) all Registered Intellectual Property used in the conduct of the Company Business. Except as set forth in Section 3.13(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, all Registered Intellectual Property is not canceled, expired or abandoned, all maintenance or other fees have been paid and all filings required to maintain such rights have been made. (c) Section 3.13(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and correct listing of all material Intellectual Property and Technology used in the conduct of the Company Business that are owned by a third party and licensed to Company or BCGS (excluding any software that is available generally through retail distribution networks or is subject to “shrink- wrap” or “click wrap” license agreements) (“Licensed Intellectual Property and Technology”). Correct and complete copies of all licenses or other agreements relating to the Licensed Intellectual Property and Technology have heretofore been delivered by Sellers to Buyer. Except as set forth on Section 3.13(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the Company and BCGS are in material compliance with the terms of the license or purchase agreements governing any Licensed Intellectual Property and Technology, including any obligation to pay any license fees or royalties for use of the Licensed Intellectual Property and Technology. Except as set forth on Section 3.13(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, none of the rights in the Licensed Intellectual Property and Technology granted to the Company or BCGS will become abandoned and no third-party licensor will be entitled to terminate or revoke any such right or increase fees or liabilities to the -37- 40733748.21


 
Company or BCGS as a direct result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement except where such abandonment, termination, or revocation would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth in Section 3.13(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedules, the Company and BCGS are in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the license or purchase agreements governing any Computer Software owned by a third party and licensed to the Company or BCGS. Section 3.13(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and correct list of all Owned Intellectual Property, Computer Software or Technology used in the conduct of the Company Business that is owned by Company or BCGS that has been licensed to a third party, and correct and complete copies of all licenses or other agreements relating to such Owned Intellectual Property, Computer Software or Technology have heretofore been delivered by Sellers to Buyer. (d) Except as set forth in Section 3.13(d) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor BCGS has received any written notice of any infringement or misappropriation of the rights of any third party that has not been resolved with respect to any Intellectual Property, Computer Software or Technology. No use by the Company or BCGS of any Intellectual Property, Computer Software or Technology infringes or misappropriates any Intellectual Property or technology right of any third party in any material respect related to the conduct of the Company Business. To the Knowledge of Seller Parties, no Person is infringing or misappropriating any material Owned Intellectual Property or Computer Software. (e) All Persons who have materially contributed to the creation, invention or development of the Owned Intellectual Property and Computer Software (other than “off-the- shelf” or software that is available generally through retail distribution networks or is subject to “shrink-wrap” or “click wrap” license agreements or retail software) have assigned to Company or BCGS all of their rights therein to the extent such rights have not been vested in Company or BCGS by operation of applicable Law. (f) The Company and BCGS have used commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the confidentiality and secrecy of the Trade Secrets and material proprietary information relating to the Company Business. Except as set forth in Section 3.13(f) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, all employees, consultants and contractors who have been given access to such Trade Secrets or material proprietary information for the performance of their duties for the Company or BCGS have signed agreements (or are subject to an enforceable duty of confidentiality) that adequately protect the interests of the Company and BCGS in such Trade Secrets or other material proprietary information used in the Company Business. (g) The Technology owned by the Company or BCGS (i) has been reasonably maintained, (ii) has been operated in material compliance with all applicable manufacturer specifications, and (iii) is in good working condition to perform all material information technology operations necessary for the conduct of the Company Business. The Company has taken or has caused to be taken commercially reasonable steps to provide for the backup and recovery of the data critical to the conduct of the Company Business as currently conducted. Since December 31, 2015, neither the Company nor BCGS has experienced an unplanned interruption of operation of the Technology or Computer Software that had a material impact on the Company Business or any Plan. Except as set forth in Section 3.13(g) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the Computer Software (other than “off-the-shelf” or software that is available generally through retail -38- 40733748.21


 
distribution networks or is subject to “shrink-wrap” or “click wrap” license agreements or retail software) is not, in whole or in part, subject to the provisions of any open source license agreement. Section 3.14 Producers. (a) Section 3.14(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of the brokers, broker-dealers, producers, third party administrators or intermediaries or other Persons who are regularly engaged to market or sell the services offered by the Company Business, other than employees of Company or BCGS (each Person who undertakes such activities, a “Producer”), and their compensation, including commissions, for the twelve-month period ending September 30, 2018. Except as disclosed in Section 3.14(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, (i) neither the Company nor BCGS have any compensation plans or programs for the payment of compensation to Producers other than commissions and volume-based bonus arrangements, and (ii) since December 31, 2017, no Producer has provided written notice to the Company or BCGS of his or her intention to cease association with the Company. (b) Except as set forth in Section 3.14(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, all times since January 1, 2013, (i) each Producer at the time such Producer marketed, wrote, sold, produced, administered or managed any portion of the Company Business, was duly licensed and appointed (if necessary for the type of business marketed, written, sold, produced, administered or managed by such Producer) as required by applicable Law; (ii) all compensation (including any commission, commission expense, allowance or other fees payable or remittable) paid to each such Producer was paid in accordance with applicable Law; (iii) no such Producer has violated (or with or without notice or lapse of time or both would have violated) any term or provision of any agency or other contract with the Company or BCS or policy thereof or any applicable Law or Governmental Order applicable to any aspect (including, but not limited to, the marketing, writing, sale, production, administration or management) of the Company Business; and (iv) no such Producer has been enjoined, indicted, convicted or made the subject of any consent decree or judgment on account of any violation of applicable Law in connection with such Producer’s actions in his, her or its capacity as Producer for the Company or BCGS or is the subject of any enforcement or disciplinary proceeding alleging any such violation. Neither the Company nor BCGS has made any loan to any Producer. (c) Section 3.14(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and correct list of the top twenty-five (25) Producers by commissions paid by the Company and BCGS for the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2017 (each, a “Significant Producer”). Sellers have made available true, accurate and complete copies of (i) any agreements in force on the date hereof between the Company or BCGS, on one hand, and any Significant Producer, on the other hand, and (ii) any selling agreement between the Company or BCGS, on one hand, and any independent broker-dealer or registered investment advisor, on the other hand (items (i) and (ii), collectively, “Significant Producer Agreements”). Section 3.15 Broker-Dealer and Investment Adviser. (a) BCGS is duly registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC and the MSRB, a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, admitted to membership in FINRA, and duly registered, licensed or qualified as a broker-dealer in each jurisdiction where the conduct of -39- 40733748.21


 
the Company Business requires such registration, licensing or qualification. BCGS is in compliance in all material respects with the state securities laws governing the operations of broker-dealers in each state in which it operates and applicable FINRA and MSRB requirements. BCGS is duly registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act. BCGS is duly registered, licensed or qualified as an investment adviser in each state or any other jurisdiction where the conduct of the Company Business requires such registration, licensing or qualification, and BCGS is in good standing under the rules and regulations thereof. BCGS is in compliance in all material respects with federal and state securities Laws. (b) Section 3.15(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedules contains a true, complete and correct list of all Registered Persons, along with the following information with respect to each Registered Person: (i) the Registered Person’s employment status with the Company or BCGS, (ii) the date of the Registered Person’s Individual Registered Representative Agreement, (iii) the jurisdiction(s) in which the Registered Person is registered as a “registered representative;” and (iv) the jurisdiction(s) in which the Registered Person is registered as an investment adviser representative. Each of the Registered Persons is, and has been since such Registered Person became associated with BCGS, duly registered as a “registered representative” with FINRA and in all applicable states, duly licensed or registered as an investment adviser representative in all applicable states, and is in material compliance with the applicable Laws having jurisdiction over each such Registered Person, and such registrations are and have been in full force and effect. The Company has delivered or made available to Buyer true, correct and complete copies of each Individual Registered Representative Agreement, and each Individual Registered Representative Agreement is in full force and effect and is valid, binding and enforceable upon the Company, BCGS and the Registered Person that is a party thereto and will continue to be following Closing, and none of the Company, BCGS nor the Registered Person that is a party thereto is in material default under, and no event has occurred which, with the passage of time or giving of notice or both, would result in the Company, BCGS or the Registered Person that is a party thereto being in material default under, any of the terms of each Individual Registered Representative Agreement. (c) Except as set forth in Section 3.15(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, none of the Company, BCGS, or any of their respective officers, managers, directors, Employees, or, solely with respect to services relating to the Company Business, independent contractors are or have been (i) the subject of any investigations or disciplinary proceedings or orders of the SEC, FINRA or any other Governmental Authority arising under applicable Law and no such disciplinary proceeding or order is pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, threatened, nor is any basis known to the Sellers for any such action by any Governmental Authority; (ii) permanently enjoined by the order, judgment or decree of any court or other Governmental Authority from engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with any activity; (iii) convicted of any crime or subject to any disqualification which would be the basis for any denial, suspension, revocation or limitation of any necessary registration (including, with respect to the Registered Person’s status as a “registered representative” or investment adviser representative), or for any limitation on its activities, in connection with the Company Business; and (iv) subject to or involved in any orders, disqualifications, penalties or special restrictions relating to or affecting its services related to the Company Business. (d) Neither BCGS nor any of the Persons associated with BCGS, as enumerated under Section 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act, are subject to any of the disqualifying -40- 40733748.21


 
events listed in Section 506(d) of Regulation D under the Securities Act, and, to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, there is no inquiry, investigation, proceeding or action pending against any such Person that would reasonably be expected to result in any such disqualifying event. Section 3.16 Recordkeeping Services. With respect to any aspect of the Company Business involving Recordkeeping Services provided to or with respect to employee benefit plans by the Company and BCGS: (a) All such Recordkeeping Services are in material compliance with applicable Law and the terms of the applicable Material Contracts and all systems and procedures used in the delivery of such services are designed to comply with applicable Law and the terms of the applicable Material Contracts. (b) All such products and services relate solely to retirement plans that are qualified under Section 401(a), 401(k), 403(b) or 457 of the Code, funeral trusts, nonqualified deferred compensation plans, and related arrangements. (c) All fees, service charges or other compensation, including the retention of float and disclosures required under Sections 404(a)(5) and 408(b)(2) of ERISA, relating to the Company Business have been adequately and timely disclosed to Plan Sponsors and are imposed, assessed, levied or charged only pursuant to a written agreement between the Company and the Plan Sponsor or other responsible Person. (d) The systems and procedures utilized by the Company and BCGS in administering the Company Business are reasonably designed to prevent nonexempt prohibited transactions within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA or a failure to comply with Section 409A of the Code. (e) Except as set forth in Section 3.16(e) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor BCGS agrees under the terms of any Contracts related to the Company Business to the status of, or responsibility as, a “fiduciary” (as such term is defined under Section 3(21)(A) of ERISA or any parallel provision of the Code or applicable state Laws) with respect to any Plan. Section 3.17 Bank Accounts; Affiliate Transactions. (a) Sellers have previously made available to Buyer a true, accurate and complete list of the bank names, locations and account numbers of all bank and safe deposit box accounts of the Company or BCGS or used in connection with the Company Business, including any custodial accounts for securities owned by the Company, BCGS or used in connection with the Company Business, and the names of all persons authorized to draw thereon or to have access thereto. (b) Except as set forth in Section 3.17(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, (i) no Seller Party, trustee of a Seller, officer, director or employee of the Company or BCGS, nor any Related Person to any of the foregoing, nor any entity in which any such Person owns any equity interest, is a party to any Contract, commitment or transaction with the Company or BCGS or has any material interest in any property used by the Company or BCGS; and (ii) all transactions -41- 40733748.21


 
between either the Company or BCGS on the one hand and any Related Person on the other hand are conducted at fair market values and on commercially reasonable terms. Section 3.18 Absence of Change. Except as set forth in Section 3.18 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, since January 1, 2018, (i) the Company and BCGS have conducted the Company Business in the Ordinary Course of Business, and (ii) there has not been any fact, circumstance, condition, event or change having, or that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, since September 30, 2018, neither the Company nor BCGS has taken any action or failed to take any action that would have resulted in a breach of Section 5.1, had such section been in effect since September 30, 2018. Section 3.19 Insurance. Sellers have made available to Buyer a true and complete list of all insurance policies covering the assets, business, equipment, properties, operations, Employees, consultants, directors, officers and managers of the Company, BCGS and the Company Business, together with a description of the coverage and the annual premium for the immediately prior year. There is no claim by the Company or BCGS currently pending under any of such policies as to which coverage has been questioned, denied or disputed by the insurers of such policies. Each such insurance policy is in full force and effect, all premiums payable under all such policies have been timely paid, and the Company and BCGS are otherwise in material compliance with the terms of such policies. To the Knowledge of Seller Parties, since the time any such policies were last issued or renewed, there has not been any threatened termination of, material premium increase with respect to, or alteration of coverage under, any such policies. Section 3.20 Privacy and Data Security. (i) The Company and BCGS have in place (A) administrative, technical and physical safeguards designed to protect against the destruction, loss, or alteration of Personal Information, (B) appropriate security measures designed to protect Personal Information, and (C) privacy policies and procedures, all of which safeguards, measures and policies and procedures described in (A) – (C) above meet or exceed the requirements of all applicable Laws; (ii) the Company and BCGS have complied with all applicable Laws pertaining to privacy and personal information security in all material respects and with all applicable contractual privacy obligations and their respective internal privacy policies and guidelines relating to the collection, storage, use and transfer of Personal Information; (iii) to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, the Company and BCGS are not, and during the preceding three (3) years, have not been, under investigation or audit, by any private party or Governmental Authority, arising out of an actual or alleged privacy or information security incident nor has any private party or Governmental Authority alleged any breach of contract or non-compliance with Laws related to a privacy or information security matter; and (iv) since December 31, 2015, there has been (x) to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, no unauthorized access, use, destruction, modification, disclosure or transfer of any Personal Information in the possession, custody or Control of the Company or BCGS, or a contractor or agent acting on behalf of the Company or BCGS, and (y) no claim in writing from any affected individual nor any request or inspection from any Governmental Authority that may give rise or has given rise to any liability under applicable Law in relation to data protection, data security or privacy. Section 3.21 Environmental Matters. -42- 40733748.21


 
(a) The Company and BCGS are in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws, except for such noncompliance that has not had, and would not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have, a Company Material Adverse Effect. (b) Neither the Company nor BCGS has received written notice of any Actions during the last five (5) years alleging any violation of, or liability under, any Environmental Law, except for such Actions that have not had, and would not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have, a Company Material Adverse Effect. Section 3.22 Brokers. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other Person is entitled to any broker’s, finder’s, financial advisor’s or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of any Seller Party. ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER Buyer represents and warrants to Sellers as follows: Section 4.1 Incorporation and Authority of Buyer. Buyer is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. Buyer has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into, consummate the transactions contemplated by and carry out its obligations under this Agreement. The execution and delivery by Buyer of this Agreement and the consummation by Buyer of the transactions contemplated by hereby have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of Buyer. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Buyer and assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties hereto or thereto, this Agreement constitutes, the legal, valid and binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law). Section 4.2 No Conflict. Provided that all consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions described in Section 4.3 have been obtained or taken, the execution and delivery by Buyer of, and the consummation by Buyer and each applicable Affiliate of Buyer of the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement do not and will not (a) violate or conflict with the organizational documents of Buyer or the applicable Affiliate of Buyer, (b) subject to the receipt of the consents, approvals and authorizations described in Section 4.3, conflict with or violate in any material respect any Law or other Governmental Order applicable to Buyer or the applicable Affiliate of Buyer by which any of them or any of their respective properties or assets is bound or subject or (c) result in any material breach of, or constitute a material default (or event which, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, or give to any Person any rights of termination, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on any of the assets or properties of Buyer or any other applicable Affiliate of Buyer pursuant to, any Contract to which Buyer or such other Affiliate of Buyer is a party or by which any of them or any of their respective properties or assets is bound or subject. -43- 40733748.21


 
Section 4.3 Consents and Approvals. Except for the items set forth on Section 4.3 of the Buyer Disclosure Schedule, the execution and delivery by Buyer of this Agreement do not, and the consummation by Buyer or the applicable Affiliate of Buyer of the transactions contemplated by this Agreements will not, require any Governmental Approval to be obtained or made by Buyer or the applicable Affiliate of Buyer), except for any Governmental Approvals the failure of which to be obtained or made would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Buyer Material Adverse Effect. Section 4.4 Securities Law Matters. The Company Shares are being acquired by Buyer for its own account and without a view to the public distribution or sale of the Company Shares or any interest therein. Buyer understands and agrees that it may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise dispose of any of the Company Shares other than pursuant to a registered offering in compliance with, or in a transaction exempt from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state and foreign securities Laws. Section 4.5 Independent Investigation. Buyer has conducted its own independent investigation, review and analysis of the Company and BCGS, and acknowledges that it has been provided adequate access to the personnel, properties, assets, premises, books and records, and other documents and data of the Company and BCGS for such purpose. Buyer acknowledges and agrees that: (a) in making its decision to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Buyer has relied solely upon its own investigation and the express representations and warranties of Sellers set forth in Article III of this Agreement (including related portions of the Seller Disclosure Schedules) and the Transaction Documents; (b) neither Sellers, the Company, BCGS nor any other Person has made any representation or warranty as to Sellers, the Company, BCGS, the Company Business or this Agreement, except as expressly set forth in Article III of this Agreement (including the related portions of the Seller Disclosure Schedules) and the Transaction Documents, and (c) actual future results of the Company may differ from current expectations. Section 4.6 Non-Reliance. Buyer is not relying and has not relied on any representations or warranties whatsoever regarding the subject matter of this Agreement, express or implied, except for the representations and warranties of Sellers contained in this Agreement, the Seller Disclosure Schedules and the Transaction Documents. Section 4.7 Brokers. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other Person is entitled to any broker’s, finder’s, financial advisor’s or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Buyer or any of its Affiliates. ARTICLE V COVENANTS Section 5.1 Conduct of Business. During the period from the date of this Agreement until the Closing, except (a) as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, (b) for the matters set forth in Section 5.1 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, (c) as required by applicable Law or (d) as Buyer otherwise consents in advance in its discretion, the Sellers shall, and shall cause Company -44- 40733748.21


 
and BCGS to, (x) conduct the Company Business only in the Ordinary Course of Business, (y) use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve intact the business organizations and goodwill of the Company Business and maintain material relationships with Customers, Funds, Employees, suppliers, service providers and other third parties having business dealings with the Company Business and (z) not do any of the following: (a) declare, set aside or pay any non-cash dividends, or make any other non- cash distributions, in respect of the Company Shares or BCGS Shares; (b) repurchase, redeem, repay or otherwise acquire any outstanding Company Shares or BCGS Shares; (c) transfer, issue, sell or dispose of any Company Shares or BCGS Shares, or grant options, warrants, calls or other rights to purchase or otherwise encumber or acquire any capital stock or other interest in the Company or BCGS; (d) effect any recapitalization, reclassification, stock split or similar change in the capitalization of the Company or BCGS; (e) amend the Organizational Documents of the Company, BCGS or either Trust, adopt or enter into any plan of liquidation, dissolution, merger, reorganization or similar transaction of the Company or BCGS, or allow the Company or BCGS to acquire any other Person or substantially all of the assets of any other Person or enter into a new line of business; (f) make any change in the accounting, sales, marketing or administration policies, practices or principles of the Company or BCGS in effect on the date hereof (other than any change required by applicable Law or GAAP); (g) (x) purchase, sell, lease, exchange, transfer, encumber or otherwise dispose of or allow to lapse or acquire any property or assets of the Company, BCGS or the Company Business (including Permits and Intellectual Property rights) or (y) make any capital expenditure with respect to the Company or BCGS; (h) incur any Indebtedness, or allow the Company or BCGS to (x) assume, grant, guarantee or endorse, or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for, the obligations or Indebtedness of any Person, or (y) make any loans or advances or investments in capital; (i) except in the Ordinary Course of Business, enter into, amend, terminate, renew or extend any Material Contract; (j) (x) promise or grant any increase in the compensation or benefits of any Employee, except as required by Law or by any Benefit Plan or contract in existence on the date hereof, or (y) enter into, or amend in any respect, any employment contract (except in the Ordinary Course of Business), agreement for personal services or Benefit Plan; (k) hire, terminate or accept the resignation of any key officer or Employee, other than for cause; -45- 40733748.21


 
(l) modify the contingent obligations of the Company or BCGS by way of guaranty, endorsement, indemnity or waiver; (m) pay, settle or compromise any Action or threatened Action involving the Company, BCGS, or the Company Business; (n) acquire any real property or any direct or indirect interest in real property; (o) (u) make, amend, or revoke any election related to Taxes or take any Tax position that is inconsistent with past practice or that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the Company or BCGS, (v) settle or compromise any Tax liability or surrender any right to claim a Tax refund, offset, or other reduction in Tax liability, (w) enter into any closing agreement related to Taxes, (x) consent to any extension or waiver of the limitations period applicable to any Tax claim or assessment, (y) amend any Tax Returns or file any claims for Tax refunds, or (z) make a request for a written ruling of a Governmental Authority relating to Taxes; or (p) enter into any legally binding commitment with respect to any of the foregoing. From the date hereof through the Closing Date, no Seller shall sell, transfer or otherwise convey any Company Shares. Section 5.2 Access to Information. (a) From the date hereof until the Closing Date or earlier termination of this Agreement, Sellers and the Company will, and will cause BCGS to, provide Buyer and its Representatives with reasonable access during normal business hours to the operations of the Company and BCGS and management personnel, and such books and records pertaining to the Company, BCGS and the Company Business as Buyer may reasonably request in advance; provided, however, that Buyer agrees that (i) such access will give due regard to minimizing interference with the operations, activities and Employees, and (ii) such access and disclosure will not be provided if it would jeopardize any attorney-client or other privilege. Prior to the Closing, Buyer and its Representatives will contact and communicate with the Employees, suppliers and other business relations of the Company and BCGS in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby only with the prior written consent of the Company; provided, however, that the Company shall have the right to have a Representative present during any such contact in the event that it consents to such contact. From the date hereof until the Closing Date or earlier termination of this Agreement, subject to any applicable confidentiality requirement, Seller Parties shall and shall cause Company and BCGS to provide full access to Buyer and its Representatives of Seller Parties’ and BCGS’s communications with any Governmental Authority or Person with respect to any Action relating to the Company or BCGS and shall provide access for Buyer and its Representatives to directly communicate with such Governmental Authority or Person if permitted. (b) From the date hereof until the Closing, the Company shall deliver to Buyer reasonably promptly, and in any case within two (2) Business Days, following the preparation thereof, all quarterly and annual financial statements for the Company and BCGS, in each case together with the exhibits and schedules thereto. Such financial statements shall (A) be based on -46- 40733748.21


 
the Books and Records, (B) be prepared in accordance with Applicable Accounting Principles on a basis consistent with the preparation of the Financial Statements, and (C) present fairly, in all material respects, Company’s consolidated and/or BCGS’s (as applicable) financial condition as of their respective dates and the results of Company’s consolidated and/or BCGS’s (as applicable) operations for the periods then ended. Section 5.3 Approvals and Consents. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, Seller Parties shall and shall cause Company and BCGS to, use their respective reasonable best efforts (i) to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective, as soon as practicable after the date hereof, the transactions contemplated hereby and (ii) to obtain as promptly as practicable all necessary Permits, Governmental Orders or other consents, approvals or authorizations of Governmental Authorities or any third parties necessary in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; provided that the Sellers shall be responsible for the costs associated with obtaining any such approvals. In connection therewith, Seller Parties shall, and shall cause Company and BCGS to make all legally required filings as promptly as practicable in order to facilitate prompt consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, shall provide and shall cause to provide such information and communications to Governmental Authorities as such Governmental Authorities may request, and shall take and shall cause Company and BCGS to take all reasonable steps that are necessary, proper, or advisable to obtain such Governmental Approvals or third party consents. The Sellers shall provide to Buyer copies of all applications or other communications to Governmental Authorities in connection with this Agreement in advance of the filing or submission thereof; provided, in no event will any party be required to disclose to the other party any information to the extent prohibited by applicable Law. (b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing: the Seller Parties shall cause BCGS to prepare and file (i) with FINRA not more than ten (10) Business Days after the date hereof a substantially complete and accurate continuing membership application on Form CMA pursuant to NASD Rule 1017 with respect to BCGS (the “Continuing Membership Application”) in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and thereafter, upon FINRA’s request, promptly provide such additional information as may be requested by FINRA, and (ii) with the Texas Department of Insurance not more than ten (10) Business Days after the date hereof a Texas Form FIN-531 for approval or non-disapproval of the change of control of BCGS (the “Texas Application”). Seller Parties shall, and shall cause BCGS to, make available to Buyer and its Representatives all material documents to be filed with FINRA or the Texas Department of Insurance prior to submission, and provide Buyer with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on such documents prior to submission. The Buyer shall cooperate with the Seller Parties and BCGS in preparing the Continuing Membership Application and Texas Application, including by promptly making available additional information relating to its business, assets, properties or ownership as may be requested by FINRA or the Texas Department of Insurance, and taking such other actions reasonably requested by FINRA or the Texas Department of Insurance in connection with the Continuing Membership Application or Texas Application, as applicable. In the event FINRA approval of the Continuing Membership Application has not been obtained prior to Closing, Buyer and the Sellers shall continue to use their respective reasonable best efforts to obtain FINRA approval of the Continuing Membership -47- 40733748.21


 
Application by providing to FINRA on a timely basis such information and documents, and taking such other actions, as FINRA may request. Section 5.4 Announcement. The initial press release with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be a release mutually acceptable to the Buyer and Sellers. Thereafter, no party shall, and Sellers shall cause the Principals and Employees not to, make any public announcement or notice of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, Buyer may issue press releases required by applicable Law or applicable stock exchange rules without the Sellers’ consent. Prior to the Closing, Seller Parties shall not, and shall cause BCGS, the Principals, Employees and their respective Representatives to not, make any announcement or disclosure relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby to the Plan Sponsors or other Customers, Participants, agents or Employees of, or other Persons with significant business relationships with, the Company, BCGS or the Company Business without first obtaining the prior written approval of Buyer, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Section 5.5 Confidentiality. (a) Except as otherwise expressly required by Law, Sellers shall not, and shall cause the Principals not to: (i) disclose any Confidential Information (as defined below) to any Person whatsoever, other than to Buyer or its Affiliates or their respective Representatives, or (ii) sell or use for its own direct or indirect benefit or the benefit of any other Person (other than Buyer, its Affiliates or their respective Representatives) in any manner whatsoever, any Confidential Information. For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means the confidential or proprietary business information of the Buyer, the Company, BCGS, or the Company Business, whether or not marked as such, including any business plans, technology, plans, blueprints, drawings, models, designs, templates, processes, formulae, computer programs, customer lists, supplier lists, pricing data, financial data, Trade Secrets or other information identified or otherwise treated as confidential or proprietary business information; provided, however, that Confidential Information shall not include any information: (x) that is in the public domain through no fault of disclosure by any Seller, any Related Person thereof, or their respective Representatives, or (y) that is lawfully acquired by a Seller, any of its Related Person or their respective Representatives from and after the Closing from sources which are not prohibited from disclosing such information by a legal, contractual or fiduciary obligation. Each Seller acknowledges and agrees that the Confidential Information is owned by the Company, BCGS, Buyer and its Affiliates, is secret, is the subject of reasonable efforts by Buyer and its Affiliates, Company or BCGS, as applicable, to keep it secret, and has value because of its secrecy. Additionally, Confidential Information may be shared by any party only on a need-to-know basis with its officers, directors, Employees, Affiliates, third party service providers, auditors, attorneys, or consultants in connection with the dispute resolution process specified in this Agreement. If a Seller, its Related Person or their respective Representatives are compelled to disclose any information by judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of applicable Law, such Seller shall promptly notify Buyer in writing, shall disclose only that portion of such information which they are advised by counsel in writing is legally required to be disclosed, and shall, if requested, use reasonable best efforts to obtain an appropriate protective order or other reasonable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded such information. -48- 40733748.21


 
(b) Each Seller acknowledges and agrees that the restrictions contained herein are reasonable and necessary to protect Buyer’s legitimate business interest, constitute a material inducement for Buyer to enter into this Agreement, and, if violated, would cause Buyer irreparable harm for which monetary damages would not be an adequate remedy. Accordingly, each Seller agrees that if any portion of this Section 5.5 is breached, then Buyer may at its election in any court of competent jurisdiction, and in addition to any other remedy available to it, obtain specific performance of such provision or enjoin a Seller from engaging in the activities proscribed by this Section 5.5, in each case without any requirement to post a bond for such purpose. Notwithstanding anything set forth in this Agreement, Buyer is expressly permitted to disclose the existence of this Section 5.5 or any obligation set forth in this Section 5.5 to any Person with whom a Seller conducts business or proposes to conduct business in a manner that may violate this Section 5.5. Section 5.6 D&O Liabilities. From and after the Closing Date, Buyer shall not, and shall cause the Company and BCGS not to, take any steps that would reasonably be expected to affect adversely the rights of any individual who served as a director or officer of the Company or BCGS at any time prior to the Effective Time (each, a “D&O Indemnified Person”) to be indemnified, under applicable Law or the Organizational Documents of the Company or BCGS as they existed prior to the Effective Time, with respect to matters arising out of or pertaining to matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time and relating to the fact that the D&O Indemnified Person was a director or officer of the Company or BCGS, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Closing Date. Section 5.7 Releases by Sellers. If, but only if, the Closing occurs, then each Seller on behalf of himself individually and, as applicable, as trustee on behalf of each Trust, hereby forever, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably releases and discharges the Company, BCGS, Buyer, and Buyer’s Affiliates from all obligations and liabilities of either the Company or BCGS to the Seller, all agreements and understandings of either the Company or BCGS involving the Seller, and all rights, claims and causes of action (whether at law or in equity and whether or not currently known to exist) of the Seller against either the Company or BCGS that are a result of, involve or otherwise exist by reason of any act, omission, fact, circumstance or other matter, cause or thing whatsoever that arose, occurred or existed before the Closing, including without limitation any indemnification obligations to the Seller, and the right to advancement and reimbursement of expenses, pursuant to the organizational documents of the Company or BCGS; provided, however, that nothing in this Section waives, releases or restricts in any manner whatsoever a claim arising out of or related to this Agreement, including without limitation any of a Seller’s rights to indemnification hereunder or otherwise arising out of this Agreement. Section 5.8 Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation. (a) Each Seller agrees that, from the Closing Date until the date that is sixty (60) months thereafter (the “Restricted Period”), each such Seller shall refrain from, and shall cause such Seller’s Affiliates to refrain from directly or indirectly engaging in, offering or providing anywhere in the United States any Recordkeeping Services or Company Business of the types provided by the Company or BCGS as of the Closing Date, or soliciting for engagement in any such business, except in such Seller’s capacity, if any, as an employee of the Buyer or an Affiliate following the Closing; provided that if such Seller is an individual continuously employed by the Buyer, the Company or their respective Affiliates following the Closing, is in good standing -49- 40733748.21


 
and is thereafter terminated without Cause during the sixty (60) month period following the Closing Date, the “Restricted Period” for such individual for purposes of this Section 5.8(a) shall, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding sentence, be the shorter of (i) the Restricted Period as set forth above, or (ii) the period from the date of such termination until the date that is twelve (12) months thereafter. (b) Each Seller agrees that, during the Restricted Period, such Seller shall not sell or propose to sell to, or otherwise solicit, whether through an employee, a producer or otherwise, any Recordkeeping Services or other services constituting Company Business to any Plan Sponsor, except in connection with such Seller’s capacity, if any, as an employee of the Buyer or an Affiliate following the Closing. (c) Each Seller and Buyer acknowledge that the agreements contained in this Section 5.8 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and that without these agreements Buyer would not have entered into this Agreement. (d) Each Seller acknowledges and agrees that the character, duration and geographical scope of this Section 5.8 are reasonable in light of the circumstances as they exist on the date hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if nonetheless any provision (or any part thereof) contained in this Section 5.8 shall for any reason be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this Section 5.8, but this Section 5.8 shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision (or part thereof) had never been contained herein. It is the intention of the parties that if any of the restrictions or covenants contained herein is held to cover a geographic area or to be for a length of time that is not permitted by Law, or in any way construed to be too broad or to any extent invalid, such provision (or part thereof) shall not be construed to be null, void and of no effect, but to the extent such provision (or part thereof) would be valid, legal or enforceable under Law, a court of competent jurisdiction shall construe and interpret or reform this Section 5.8 to provide for a covenant having the maximum enforceable provisions as shall be valid, legal and enforceable under Law. Section 5.9 Exclusivity. From the date of this Agreement until the Closing or until this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article XI, no Seller Party, nor any Principal or BCGS or any of their respective Related Person or Representatives, shall directly or indirectly negotiate, solicit, initiate, enter into, encourage, participate in, or respond to any inquiries, discussions, or proposals from or with any other Person relating to an acquisition or possible acquisition of the Company, BCGS, or any portion of the Company Business or Assets, whether by sale or lease of Assets, joint venture, sale of outstanding equity interests, issuance of additional securities, merger, consolidation, recapitalization or other similar transaction (each, an “Acquisition Proposal”), or furnish or make available to any other Person any information or documents relating to the Company, BCGS, any Assets or the Company Business in contemplation of such an acquisition or possible acquisition. The Seller Parties shall, and shall cause the Company, BCGS, the Principals and their Related Persons and their respective Representatives to, immediately terminate any such inquiries, discussions, proposals or Contracts that exist as of the date hereof, if any. The Seller Parties shall promptly, and in any event within two (2) days after receipt, notify Buyer in writing of the receipt by any of them of any Acquisition Proposal or request for information related -50- 40733748.21


 
to an Acquisition Proposal, and shall disclose to Buyer the terms of any such Acquisition Proposal or request for information, as the case may be. Section 5.10 Indebtedness; Affiliate Transactions; Accounts Receivable. (a) The Seller Parties shall, and shall cause Company and BCGS to, take such actions as may be necessary to extinguish the Indebtedness set forth on Exhibit B prior to the Closing Date. (b) The Company and BCGS shall take such actions as may be necessary to terminate all Contracts set forth in Section 3.17(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule and cause all outstanding balances thereunder to be paid concurrently with the Closing Date such that there is no future liability thereunder of the Company or BCGS. (c) The Seller Parties shall take such actions as may be necessary to close all Company and BCGS corporate credit cards and payoff all Indebtedness thereunder and remove the Company and BCGS from any guaranty obligations with respect thereto. (d) Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Sellers and the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to bring Accounts Receivable balances current. Section 5.11 Further Assurances. Each of the parties hereto (i) shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, execute such documents and other papers and perform such further acts as may be reasonably required to carry out the provisions hereof and the transactions contemplated hereby, including without limitation developing and implementing an appropriate transition plan, and (ii) shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, refrain from taking any actions that could reasonably be expected to materially impair, delay or impede the Closing. Section 5.12 Notification of Certain Matters. Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, each party shall give prompt notice to the other parties at such time that such party becomes aware of the occurrence, or nonoccurrence, of any event which, if existing, occurring or known on the date hereof should have been so disclosed, or which is necessary to correct any information in the Seller Disclosure Schedule or the Buyer Disclosure Schedule which was or has been rendered inaccurate thereby, which notice will describe the relevant fact, matter, circumstance, occurrence, non-occurrence or event in reasonable detail; provided, however, that for purposes of determining the rights and obligations of the parties under this Agreement, any such supplemental disclosure by any party shall not be deemed to have been disclosed as of the date hereof, to constitute a part of, or an amendment or supplement to the Seller Disclosure Schedule or the Buyer Disclosure Schedule (as applicable), or to cure any breach or inaccuracy of a representation, warranty, covenant, condition or agreement as of the date hereof unless so agreed to in writing by the other party. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, if (i) the matter so disclosed is in respect of an event occurring or a matter arising after the date hereof and would result in Seller’s inability to satisfy the condition to Closing set forth in Section 7.2(a) (as expressly acknowledged by Seller in the notice to Buyer of such matter and in the certificate required to be delivered under Section 2.3(a)(vii)), and (ii) Buyer waives compliance with any failure to fulfill such condition and elects to close, then the Seller Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed to have -51- 40733748.21


 
been updated to include the matter so disclosed and Buyer shall not have any claim for indemnity hereunder with respect to such breach. Section 5.13 One-Day Notes. Each Seller acknowledges none of the Buyer, its Affiliates or their respective Representatives makes any representation, warranty or guaranty of any tax treatment or purported tax treatment arising from or attributable to the issuance of the One-Day Notes or the Purchase Price, and each Seller, on behalf of himself individually and, as applicable, as trustee on behalf of each Trust, hereby forever, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably disclaims all rights, claims and causes of action against the Company, BCGS, Buyer, any of its Affiliates, or any of their respective Representatives related to the tax treatment of the Purchase Price or One-Day Notes. Section 5.14 Private Letter Ruling. If (a) all conditions to Closing set forth in Article VII have been satisfied except for the condition set forth in Section 7.2(g), and (b) the parties mutually agree to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby despite the failure of Sellers to satisfy the condition set forth in Section 7.2(g), then (x) an additional $3 million (the “Additional Holdback”) will be held back from the Closing Payment in accordance with Section 2.4(b), and (y) if an Acceptable PLR is delivered to Buyer following the Closing Date, Buyer will, within five (5) Business Days of Buyer’s receipt thereof, pay to each Seller by certified bank checks or Wire Transfer such Seller’s Pro Rata Share of such Additional Holdback. For the avoidance of doubt, if Buyer holds back the Additional Holdback from the Closing Payment pursuant to this Section 5.14 and Sellers are unable to deliver an Acceptable PLR following the Closing Date, Buyer shall have no obligation to pay to Sellers the Additional Holdback at any time. ARTICLE VI EMPLOYEE MATTERS Section 6.1 Employee Matters. (a) Continued Employees. During the period commencing at the Closing and ending on the date which is twelve (12) months from the Closing (or if earlier, the date of the employee’s termination of employment with the Company), Buyer shall, and shall cause the Company to, provide each Company Employee who remains employed immediately after the Closing (“Continued Employee”) with: (i) base salary or hourly wages and paid vacation which are no less than the base salary or hourly wages provided by the Company immediately prior to the Closing; (ii) target bonus opportunities (excluding equity-based compensation), if any, which are no less than the target bonus opportunities (excluding equity-based compensation) provided by the Company immediately prior to the Closing; and (iii) retirement and welfare benefits that are no less favorable in the aggregate than those provided by the Company immediately prior to the Closing. The Buyer reserves the right to terminate any Continued Employees, provided that if any Continued Employees are terminated within twelve (12) months of the Closing, such terminated Continued Employees shall be offered severance benefits that are no less favorable than the practice, plan or policy in effect for such Continued Employee immediately prior to the Closing. Sellers shall cause each Continued Employee to provide to Buyer a completed Employment Eligibility Verification USCIS Form I-9, verifying the identity and employment authorization of the Continued Employee, prior to the Closing Date. -52- 40733748.21


 
(b) Employees on Leave. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, any Employee who is on long-term, short-term or other authorized leave as of the close of business on the Closing Date will continue to be covered by the leave plan in which he is then participating and will not be a Continued Employee unless and until he advises Company that he wants to return to full-time employment with Company within the six months immediately following the Closing. In making that decision, Buyer will, and will cause Company to, comply with applicable Law as to those employees of Company on leave or on layoff on the Closing Date, including re-employment. (c) Company 401(k) Plan. Effective no later than immediately before the Closing Date and contingent upon the Closing, the Company shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to terminate the Benefit Consultants Group 401(k) Plan (the “Company 401(k) Plan”) in accordance with applicable Law and to amend the Company 401(k) Plan to remove pre- requisites for eligible participants to receive and fully vest in all matching and non-elective employer contributions on the Closing Date, which contributions shall be in an amount consistent with past practice and as set forth on Section 6.3(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule. No later than the Closing Date, the Company will contribute to the Company 401(k) Plan all employer and employee contributions with respect to the period before the Closing as set forth on Section 6.1(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule. The Company will be responsible for all liabilities with respect to the Company 401(k) Plan whether arising before or after the Closing. Buyer will cause the Continued Employees who were participants in Company’s 401(k) plan in which the Continued Employees participate on the Closing Date to be automatically enrolled in a 401(k) plan sponsored by the Buyer or one of its Affiliates (the “Buyer 401(k) Plan”), which will occur as soon as administratively practical. Following the Closing, Buyer also agrees to provide each Continued Employee an opportunity to make a direct rollover to the Buyer 401(k) Plan of an eligible distribution from the Company 401(k) Plan that includes promissory notes reflecting such Continued Employee’s then outstanding participant loans under the Company 401(k) Plan. (d) Company Benefit Plans. (i) Except as otherwise provided herein or set forth in Section 6.1(c) and (e), if the Closing Date occurs in calendar year 2018, from and after the Closing Date through December 31, 2018, Buyer shall cause the Company to continue to cover the Continuing Employees under the Benefit Plans on substantially the same terms and conditions as in effect immediately prior to Closing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise provided in Section 6.1(c) and (e), Buyer shall cause the Company to terminate the Benefit Plans as of December 31, 2018, and the Continued Employees shall, effective as of January 1, 2019 (the “Eligibility Date”), to the extent otherwise permitted by the terms of the applicable plans, be immediately eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans, arrangements and programs maintained by Buyer and its Affiliates in which similarly situated employees of Buyer and its Affiliates are generally eligible to participate. (ii) If the Closing Date occurs in calendar year 2019, except as otherwise provided herein or set forth in Section 6.1(c) and (e), Seller shall cause the Company to continue to cover the Continuing Employees under the Benefit Plans through the Closing Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as -53- 40733748.21


 
otherwise provided in Section 6.1(c) and (e), upon written request of the Buyer, Seller shall cause the Company to terminate the Benefit Plans as of the Closing Date and the Continued Employees shall, effective as of the Closing Date (the “Eligibility Date”), to the extent otherwise permitted by the terms of the applicable plans, be immediately eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans, arrangements and programs maintained by Buyer and its Affiliates in which similarly situated employees of Buyer and its Affiliates are generally eligible to participate. (iii) With respect to severance and vacation benefits and any employee benefit plan maintained by Buyer or an Affiliate of Buyer for the benefit of any Continued Employee, effective as of the Eligibility Date, Buyer shall, or shall cause its Affiliate to, recognize all service with the Company of the Continued Employee, as if such service were with Buyer, for vesting, eligibility and severance and vacation accrual rate purposes (but not for any purposes under any defined benefit plan or eligibility under any retiree life or medical plan), provided, however, such service shall not be recognized to the extent that such recognition would result in a duplication of benefits. (iv) The Company shall cause the Phantom Stock Plan and Salary Continuation Agreement to be terminated effective as of no later than immediately prior to Closing. (e) Accrued Compensation. Prior to, or as soon as reasonably practicable following Closing, the Company will pay its employees or accrue on its financial statements all accrued compensation through the Closing Date, including wages, business expense, and other reimbursements and all severance payments for all of Company’s employees who are not Continued Employees, and, to the extent required by Law, obligations for accrued but unpaid vacation and other paid time off. (f) COBRA Coverage. Sellers will reimburse the Company or Buyer for all costs of any required continuation coverage pursuant to Code §4980B (“COBRA”) for the Company employees who are not Continued Employees and their “qualified beneficiaries” (as defined in Code §4980B(g)(1)) with respect to any “qualifying event” (as defined in Code §4980B(f)(3)) that occurred before the Closing Date. Buyers will provide, or cause the Company to provide, COBRA coverage for the Continued Employees and their qualified beneficiaries with respect to “qualifying events” occurring on or after the Closing Date. (g) Workers Compensation. The Sellers will reimburse Company or Buyer for all the cost of workers’ compensation claims, both medical and disability, for Company employees that relate to loss events occurring before the Closing Date. Buyer will be, or will cause Company to be, responsible for all workers’ compensation claims for Continued Employees that relate to loss events occurring on or after the Closing Date. (h) WARN Act. Neither the Sellers, on the one hand, nor Buyer, on the other, shall cause the Company or its Affiliates to take any actions that will cause liability for the other or require Buyer or Sellers to give notice or otherwise comply with the Workers Adjustment and -54- 40733748.21


 
Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law (the “WARN Act”). The parties hereto shall cooperate to effectuate this Section 6.1(h). (i) Confidentiality. From and after the date hereof, except as otherwise provided herein, the parties hereto will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Employees and Continuing Employees to execute and deliver an agreement pursuant to which such Employee (a) acknowledges that the Confidential Information of the Company and its Affiliates is owned by the Company or Buyer (as applicable), is secret, is the subject of reasonable efforts by the Company and Buyer (as applicable) to keep it secret, and has value because of its secrecy, (b) agrees to hold in trust and strictest confidence all such Confidential Information and to use all reasonable measures to protect such Confidential Information from disclosure, and to make no use of such Confidential Information, except in connection with his or her employment with the Company or its Affiliates, and (c) agrees not to compete with the business of the Buyer or its Affiliates (including the Company and BCGS) or solicit customers of the Buyer or its Affiliates (including the Company and BCGS). (j) No Third Party Beneficiaries. Each provision of this Section 6.1 is included for the sole benefit of Buyer and the Company. Without limiting the foregoing, this Section 6.1: (i) does not create or confer any express or implied third party beneficiary or other rights on any individual or any legal representative of any individual (including any current or former employee, any participant in any employee benefit plan, or any dependent or beneficiary of any of the foregoing, any alternative payee or dependent or beneficiary of any of the foregoing and further including collective bargaining agents or representatives); (ii) without limiting or being limited by the foregoing clause (i), does not create or confer any rights to any of the foregoing individuals or other persons described in clause (i) to either (A) continued employment with the Company or employment with Buyer or any Affiliate of either of them (and thus does not constitute or create an employment agreement) or (B) participation in any employee benefit plan, program, agreement or arrangement of the Company or Buyer or any Affiliate of either of them; and (iii) will not be construed either (A) to establish, amend, or modify any employee benefit plan or any other plan, program, agreement or arrangement of Company or Buyer or any Affiliate of either of them or (B) to alter or limit the ability of Buyer or the Company or any Affiliate of either of them to amend, modify or terminate any employee benefit plan or any other plan, program, agreement or arrangement of Buyer or the Company or any Affiliate of either of them. ARTICLE VII CONDITIONS PRECEDENT Section 7.1 Conditions to Each Party’s Obligations. The respective obligations of the parties hereto to consummate the Closing shall be subject to the satisfaction or waiver at or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions: (a) No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality. (i) There shall not be in effect any Governmental Order, injunction (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) or other legal restraint or prohibition issued by any Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction that has the effect of making the transactions contemplated by this Agreement illegal or otherwise prohibiting consummation thereof, and (ii) there shall not be any Law or Governmental Order -55- 40733748.21


 
enacted, entered, enforced or deemed applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby which makes the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby illegal. (b) FINRA Approval. Either (i) FINRA shall have delivered to BCGS its written approval of the Continuing Membership Application without any material conditions, restrictions or limitations, which approval shall be in full force and effect, or (ii) subject to Buyer’s express written consent, BCGS shall not have received any written notice of objection to the Closing, or the imposition of any interim restrictions under NASD Rule 1017(c)(1), from FINRA within forty-five (45) days after FINRA has deemed the Continuing Membership Application substantially complete (c) Texas Approval. Either (i) the parties shall have received the approval from the Texas Department of Insurance with respect to a change of control of BCGS, or (ii) the Texas Department of Insurance shall not have provided to BCGS or the Company any written notice of objection to the Closing within sixty (60) days after the Texas Department of Insurance’s confirmation of receipt of the completed Texas Application. Section 7.2 Conditions to Obligations of Buyer. The obligations of Buyer to consummate the Closing shall also be subject to the satisfaction or waiver at or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions: (a) Representations and Warranties. (i) The Seller Fundamental Representations shall be true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date in all respects, and (ii) the representations and warranties of the Seller Parties contained in this Agreement (other than the Seller Fundamental Representations), disregarding all qualifications and exceptions contained therein relating to materiality or Company Material Adverse Effect, shall be true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date (other than such representations and warranties that are made as of a specified date, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such date), except where the failure of any such representations and warranties to be so true and correct would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. (b) Covenants and Agreements. The Seller Parties shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants and agreements required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it or them on or prior to the Closing Date. (c) Certificates of Trust. The representations, warranties and certifications contained in the Certificates of Trust shall be true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date in all respects. (d) Closing Deliveries. Buyer shall have received each of the closing deliveries specified in Section 2.3(a). (e) Material Consents. The third party consents listed on Schedule 7.2(e) shall have been received by the parties. -56- 40733748.21


 
(f) No Company Material Adverse Effect; Resolution of Actions. No fact, circumstance, condition, event or change shall exist or have occurred or come to exist since the date of this Agreement that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Actions listed on Section 3.12 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule as of the date hereof shall have been resolved to the reasonable satisfaction of Buyer. (g) S Corporation Status. The Sellers shall have delivered to Buyer an Acceptable PLR. Section 7.3 Conditions to Obligations of the Sellers. The obligation of the Sellers to consummate the Closing shall also be subject to the satisfaction or waiver at or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions: (a) Representations and Warranties. (i) The Buyer Fundamental Representations shall be true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date in all respects, and (ii) the representations and warranties of Buyer contained in this Agreement (other than the Buyer Fundamental Representations), disregarding all qualifications or exceptions contained therein relating to materiality or Buyer Material Adverse Effect, shall be true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date (other than such representations and warranties that are made as of a specified date, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such date) except where the failure of any such representations and warranties to be so true and correct would not reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Buyer Material Adverse Effect. (b) Covenants and Agreements. Buyer shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants and agreements required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing Date. (c) Closing Deliveries. The Sellers shall have received each of the closing deliveries specified in Section 2.3(b). ARTICLE VIII TAX MATTERS Section 8.1 Agreements Regarding Tax Matters. (a) Liability for Taxes. The Sellers shall be responsible for and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Buyer Indemnitees from and against (i) all Taxes of the Company and BCGS attributable to any Pre-Closing Tax Period except to the extent of any accrued current liability for Taxes taken into account in the calculation of the Final Working Capital Adjustment, (ii) any liability for Taxes as a result of a company being a member of a consolidated, combined, unitary or similar group for state, local or Foreign law on or prior to the Closing, (iii) any liability for Taxes resulting from a breach or inaccuracy of the representations contained in Section 3.10 (for this purpose, the breach of any representation or warranty shall be determined without regard to any limitation as to Knowledge or materiality), (iv) any liability for Taxes resulting from the -57- 40733748.21


 
Company’s failure to make a valid election, or to maintain its status as an S corporation, (v) Sellers’ share of the Transfer Taxes under Section 8.1(g), (vi) any incremental Taxes imposed on the Company and BCGS in a Post-Closing Tax Period attributable to the Company being determined to be ineligible to make a Section 338(h)(10) Election, (vii) any liability for Taxes resulting from a breach or inaccuracy of the covenants contained in Section 5.10, and (viii) any liability resulting from the Company’s or BCGS’s failure to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code or resulting from any other matter identified in Section 3.9(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, including without limitation back Taxes, excise Taxes, Tax reporting, non-compliance with Section 409A of the Code and the termination and settlement of such programs (including any obligation to reimburse or “gross-up” any Person for interest or additional Tax under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code). (b) Returns for Pre-Closing Periods. Subject to the provisions of this Section 8.1, Sellers shall prepare or cause to be prepared all income Tax Returns for Company and BCGS for all Pre-Closing Tax Periods which are filed after the Closing Date, including the Company’s and BCGS’s federal and state income Tax Return for such Pre-Closing Tax Periods. All other Tax Returns to be filed after Closing will be prepared by the Company. Such income Tax Returns shall be prepared consistently with past practice of the Company and BCGS unless contrary to applicable Law. The Sellers shall include on the income Tax Returns for the Pre-Closing Tax Periods the income, deductions and credits of the Company and BCGS for all applicable Pre- Closing Tax Periods. The Sellers will submit all such income Tax Returns to Buyer for its review and comment at least thirty (30) days prior to the filing date and will discuss and consider in good faith any questions or comments of Buyer concerning such returns. Upon the resolution of any questions or comments to Buyer’s reasonable satisfaction, Buyer shall cause such income Tax Returns to be filed unless otherwise required by applicable Law. The Sellers shall pay all fees and expenses associated with preparing the income Tax Returns to be prepared by them under this Section and all other Tax Returns for the Pre-Closing Tax Periods the original due dates of which are on or prior to the Closing Date. (c) Returns for Straddle Periods. In the case of any Straddle Period, the portion of any such Taxes that are allocable to the Pre-Closing Tax Period shall: (i) in the case of income Taxes be determined on the basis of an interim closing of the books, and (ii) in the case of Taxes imposed on a periodic basis with respect to the assets of the Company or BCGS or otherwise measured by the level of any item deemed to be the amount of such Taxes for the entire period (or in the case of such Taxes determined on an arrears basis, the amount of such Taxes for the immediately preceding period), the amount of such Tax for the entire period shall be multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of calendar days in the period ending on the Closing Date and the denominator of which is the number of calendar days in the entire period. The portion of any such Taxes that is not allocable to the Pre-Closing Tax Period under this Section 8.1(c) shall be allocable to the Post-Closing Tax Period. (d) Tax Payments. The Sellers shall pay an amount equal to all Taxes due as shown on the Tax Returns for the Pre-Closing Tax Periods for the Company and BCGS to Buyer not less than five (5) Business Days before the relevant due date. (e) Audits. In the event Buyer receives notice of a claim by a Governmental Authority in respect of Taxes of either the Company or BCGS for any Pre-Closing Tax Period (a -58- 40733748.21


 
“Pre-Closing Tax Claim”), then Buyer shall give written notice to the Sellers of such claim. The Sellers shall have the right to defend any Pre-Closing Tax Claim for which the Sellers would have an indemnification obligation hereunder so long as (i) the Sellers give written notice to Buyer within fifteen (15) Business Days after Buyer has given written notice of the Pre-Closing Tax Claim, and (ii) the Sellers conduct the defense of the Pre-Closing Tax Claim actively and diligently. Buyer may retain separate co-counsel at its sole cost and expense and consult in the defense of the Pre-Closing Tax Claim. Buyer shall also be permitted to receive copies of any pleadings, correspondence with the Governmental Authority or court, and other documents filed with the Governmental Authority or court as Buyer may reasonably request related to the Pre- Closing Tax Claim and to attend any and all meetings, hearings and proceedings concerning such Pre-Closing Tax Claim. If the Sellers do not assume the defense of any Pre-Closing Tax Claim (including if the Sellers do not deliver the notice required by clause (i) of this Section), Buyer may continue to defend such Pre-Closing Tax Claim at Sellers’ cost. Buyer will not consent to a settlement of, or the entry of any judgment arising from, any such claim without the prior written consent of the Sellers (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). If the Sellers conduct the defense of a Pre-Closing Tax Claim, the Sellers will keep Buyer reasonably informed as to the status of such Pre-Closing Tax Claim, including all compromise or settlement offers. The Sellers shall consult with Buyer prior to the settlement of any such Pre-Closing Tax Claim and shall obtain the prior written consent of Buyer prior to the settlement of any such Pre- Closing Tax Claim (x) that would materially affect Buyer in any taxable period ending after the Closing Date or (y) relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, which consent may be given or withheld in Buyer’s sole discretion. (f) Assistance. After the Closing Date, Buyer and its Affiliates (including the Company and BCGS), on the one hand, and Sellers, on the other hand, shall provide each other with such assistance as may be reasonably requested in connection with the preparation of any Tax Return, any audit or other examination by any Taxing Authority, or any judicial or administrative proceeding relating to liability for Taxes of either the Company, BCGS, or any Employee Plan. The party requesting such assistance pursuant to this Section 8.1(f) shall reimburse the other for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in providing such assistance. (g) Transfer Taxes. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, all Transfer Taxes shall be borne 50% by the Buyer and 50% by the Sellers. The Buyer shall file or cause to be filed to the extent permitted by Law, all Tax Returns as may be required to comply with the provisions of such Laws relating to Transfer Taxes. The Sellers shall cooperate with the Buyer in connection with all such filings and shall file those Tax Returns that the Buyer is not permitted to file. (h) Amended Tax Returns. The Sellers shall not, and shall not cause or permit the Company or BCGS to, file or cause to be filed any amended Tax Return or claims for refund with respect to any Pre-Closing Tax Period without the prior written consent of the Buyer, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, nor shall Buyer file or cause or permit to be filed any amended Tax Return or claims for refund for the Company or BCGS for any Pre-Closing Tax Period, without the prior written consent of the Sellers, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. -59- 40733748.21


 
(i) Refunds. Any tax refund received by the Company or BCGS (or Buyer on either of their behalf) for a Pre-Closing Tax Period shall be for the account of the Sellers unless such refund was included in the Final Working Capital Adjustment. Buyer shall pay any such refund to the Sellers within five (5) Business Days after receipt thereof, net of any tax cost to Buyer attributable to the receipt of such refund (including interest). (j) Post-Closing Access to Records; Cooperation. Prior to the Closing, the Sellers will transfer to the Company custody and control of all records and all other data and information relating to Taxes of Company and BCGS pertaining to Pre-Closing Tax Periods and the Straddle Period. After the Closing, the Buyer will cause the Company to afford to the Sellers or to such Sellers’ Representatives reasonable access during normal business hours (on terms not unreasonably disruptive to the business, operations or employees of the Company) to the records and all other data and information relating to Taxes pertaining to Pre-Closing Tax Periods and the Straddle Period and to the Company’s employees, to the extent such access is reasonably necessary: (i) to prepare and complete any Tax Returns required to be made hereunder; (ii) to prosecute or defend on behalf of the Company and BCGS any proceedings controlled by Sellers; (iii) to comply with requests made by any Taxing Authority conducting an audit, investigation or inquiry relating to the Company’s and BCGS’s activities; and (iv) for any other purpose. After the Closing, (x) Buyer and Sellers agree to retain, or (in the case of Buyer) cause the Company to retain, all books and records with respect to Tax matters pertinent to the Company or BCGS relating to Pre-Closing Tax Periods and the Straddle Period until the expiration of the statute of limitations (and, to the extent notified by Sellers, any extensions thereof) of the respective Tax periods, and to abide by all record retention agreements entered into with any Governmental Authority; and (y) Buyer agrees to give the Sellers reasonable written notice prior to transferring, destroying or discarding any such books and records and, if the Sellers so requests, Buyer will allow Sellers to take possession of such books and records. Section 8.2 Section 338(h)(10) Election. (a) At the election of Buyer, Buyer and the Sellers shall make a joint election under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code and comparable provisions of state law with respect to the purchase and sale of the Company Shares (the “Section 338(h)(10) Election”) and shall timely file with the proper authorities executed copies of Internal Revenue Service Forms 8023 and 8883, and any similar state forms, with respect to the Company. If Buyer notifies Seller Parties that Buyer desires to make a Section 338(h)(10) Election, then Seller Parties and Buyer shall cooperate in preparing and filing IRS Form 8023 and other documentation required to effect the election for Federal and state Tax purposes. (b) In the event the Section 338(h)(10) Election is made, as a condition precedent thereto, Buyer shall pay to Sellers, in cash, the amount of additional consideration (if any) necessary for Sellers to be made whole such that the after-Tax net proceeds from the sale of the Company’s stock with the Section 338(h)(10) Election received by the Sellers are equal to the after-Tax net proceeds that Sellers would have received had the Section 338(h)(10) Election not been made, taking into account all appropriate state, federal and local Tax implications (the “Tax Adjustment”). The amount of the Tax Adjustment shall be paid to Sellers at least ten (10) days prior to the due date (without extensions) for Sellers to file their federal income tax returns for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date. Sellers shall provide Buyer with a schedule computing -60- 40733748.21


 
the amount of the Tax Adjustment within twenty (20) days after the parties have agreed to the allocation of the Purchase Price. (c) Sellers and Buyer agree to allocate the Purchase Price in accordance with this Section 8.2. If Buyer elects to make a Section 338(h)(10) Election, Sellers and Buyer agree to allocate the “Aggregate Deemed Sale Price” (as defined in Section 1.338-4 of the Treasury Regulations) among the assets of the Company in accordance with Section 1.338-6 of the Treasury Regulations. Within a reasonable time after the Closing Date (not to exceed ninety (90) days), Buyer shall prepare and deliver to Sellers a notice setting forth Buyer’s good faith calculation of the “Aggregate Deemed Sales Price” and the allocation (“Buyer’s Allocation”) among the assets owned by the Company immediately prior to Closing (the “Allocation Schedule”). If the Sellers agree with the Buyer’s Allocation, or if the Sellers fail to timely deliver an objection notice in accordance with this Section 8.2(c), the Buyer’s Allocation shall be final, conclusive and binding. If Sellers notify the Buyer in writing within thirty (30) days following receipt of the Allocation Schedule that Sellers object to one or more items reflected in the Allocation Schedule, Sellers and Buyer shall negotiate in good faith to resolve such dispute; provided, however, that if Sellers and Buyer are unable to resolve any dispute with respect to the Allocation Schedule within sixty (60) days following the date on which Sellers received the Allocation Schedule, such dispute shall be resolved by the Independent Accountant acting as an objective, neutral party in the same manner contemplated by Section 2.5(d). The final determination with respect to the Allocation Schedule shall be set forth in a written statement by the Independent Accountant delivered to Buyer and Sellers and shall be final, conclusive and binding on Buyer and Sellers. The fees and expenses of the Independent Accountant shall be borne equally by Sellers and Buyer. Buyer and Sellers shall cooperate with each other in connection with the matters contemplated by this Section 8.2(c), including by furnishing such books and records as may be reasonably requested by the other party or the Independent Accountant. Buyer and Seller Parties shall file all Tax Returns (including amended returns and claims for refund) and information reports in a manner consistent with the Allocation Schedule. Any adjustments to the Purchase Price under this Agreement shall be allocated in a manner consistent with the Allocation Schedule. Section 8.3 Tax Sharing Agreements. All Tax Sharing Agreements or similar obligations (arising under contract or otherwise) and all powers of attorney that relate to Taxes with respect to or involving the Company or BCGS will be terminated prior to the Closing and after the Closing neither the Company nor BCGS shall be bound thereby or have any liabilities thereunder. Section 8.4 Tax Treatment of Indemnity Payments. To the extent permitted by Law, the parties agree to treat any indemnity payment made under this Article VIII or Article X as an adjustment to the Purchase Price for all federal, state, local, or foreign tax purposes and the parties agree to file their Tax Returns accordingly. ARTICLE IX SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS Section 9.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties made by the Seller Parties or Buyer contained in this Agreement or any documentation -61- 40733748.21


 
or certification delivered in connection with this Agreement shall survive the Closing and shall terminate and expire at the close of business on the date that is thirty-six (36) months after the Closing Date; provided, that the representations and warranties contained in (x) Section 3.1 (Organization and Corporate History), Section 3.2 (Capital Structure), Section 3.3 (Authority and Enforceability), Section 3.10 (Taxes), and Section 3.22 (Brokers) (collectively, the “Seller Fundamental Representations”) and (y) Section 4.1 (Incorporation and Authority of Buyer), Section 4.4 (Securities Law Matters) and Section 4.7 (Brokers) (collectively, the “Buyer Fundamental Representations”) shall survive indefinitely or until the latest date permitted by applicable Law; provided, further, that the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.10 (Taxes) shall terminate thirty (30) days following the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations. Section 9.2 Survival of Covenants. The covenants or other agreements made by the Seller Parties or Buyer which by their terms contemplate full performance on or prior to the Closing Date shall survive the Closing and expire on the date that is twelve (12) months after the Closing Date. The covenants or other agreements made by the Sellers or Buyer which by their terms contemplate performance after the Closing Date shall survive the Closing for the period contemplated by their respective terms. Section 9.3 Survival Period. The period of time a covenant, agreement, representation or warranty survives the Closing pursuant to Sections 9.1 and 9.2 shall be the “Survival Period” with respect to such covenant, agreement, representation or warranty. The parties acknowledge that the time periods set forth in this Article IX for the assertion of claims under this Agreement are the result of arms-length negotiation among the parties and that the parties intend for such time periods to be enforced as agreed by the parties. ARTICLE X INDEMNIFICATION Section 10.1 Obligation to Indemnify. (a) Subject to the Survival Period and the limitations set forth in this Article X, the Company (only if the Closing is not consummated) and Sellers, jointly and severally, will indemnify and hold harmless each of Buyer, its Affiliates (including the Company on and after the Effective Time), and their respective officers, directors, partners, managers, employees, agents, advisers and Representatives and their respective successors and assigns (collectively, the “Buyer Indemnitees”) from and against all Losses (without duplication of recovery for the same Loss) to the extent arising from or related to: (i) any breach of the representations and warranties of the Seller Parties contained in this Agreement or the Seller Disclosure Schedule or certifications delivered in connection with this Agreement (other than the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.10 (Taxes) or constituting Seller Fundamental Representations), -62- 40733748.21


 
(ii) any breach of the representations and warranties of the Seller Parties constituting Seller Fundamental Representations or contained in Section 3.10 (Taxes), (iii) any breach of the covenants or agreements of the Seller Parties contained in this Agreement or any certificates or documents delivered in connection with this Agreement, (iv) any Action set forth or required to be set forth on Section 3.12 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule and any additional Action resulting from or relating to the issues or matters giving rise to such Actions set forth or required to be set forth on Section 3.12 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, (v) any Final Adjustment Amount owed to Buyer in excess of the Holdback Amount, (vi) Sellers’ share of any Transfer Tax under Section 8.1(g), (vii) any transfer of Company Shares prior to the date hereof, including the failure to notify or obtain approval of any Governmental Authority (including without limitation the filing of a Continuing Membership Application) in connection with such transfer, or (viii) without duplication, any indemnity obligation of the Sellers under Section 8.1(a). provided, however, that, except in the case of fraud, the Sellers shall not have any liability under Section 10.1(a)(i) unless the aggregate of all Losses for which the Sellers would, but for this proviso, be liable, exceeds on a cumulative basis an amount equal to $100,000 (the “Indemnification Deductible”), and then only to the extent of any such excess. In any event, except in the case of fraud by the Sellers, the maximum amount for which the Sellers shall be liable under Section 10.1(a)(i) shall not exceed $2,000,000 in the aggregate (the “Indemnification Cap”). (b) Subject to the Survival Period and the limitations set forth in this Article X, Buyer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Sellers, and their Affiliates and respective Representatives and each of their respective successors and assigns (collectively, the “Seller Indemnitees”) from and against all Losses (without duplication of recovery for the same Loss) to the extent arising from or related to: (i) any breach of the representations and warranties of Buyer contained in this Agreement or any documents or certifications delivered in connection with this Agreement (other than any representations and warranties constituting Buyer Fundamental Representations), (ii) any breach of the representations and warranties of Buyer constituting Buyer Fundamental Representations, -63- 40733748.21


 
(iii) any breach of any of the covenants and agreements of Buyer contained in this Agreement or any certificates or documents delivered in connection with this Agreement, or (iv) any Final Adjustment Amount owed to Sellers, (v) Buyer’s share of any Transfer Taxes under Section 8.1(g); provided, however, that, except in the case of fraud, Buyer shall not have any liability under Section 10.1(b)(i) unless the aggregate of all Losses for which Buyer would, but for this proviso, be liable, exceeds on a cumulative basis an amount equal to the Indemnification Deductible, and then only to the extent of any such excess. In any event, except in the case of fraud by Buyer, the maximum amount for which Buyer shall be liable in the aggregate under Section 10.1(b)(i) shall not exceed the Indemnification Cap. (c) For purposes of determining whether any representation or warranty has been breached and the amount of the Losses in respect of breach of any representation or warranty under Article VIII or this Article X, each representation and warranty contained in this Agreement (other than with respect to subclause (ii) of the first sentence of Section 3.18) shall be read without regard to any Company Material Adverse Effect, Buyer Material Adverse Effect or other materiality qualifications or references. Section 10.2 Indemnification Procedures; Certain Limitations. (a) In order for a Buyer Indemnitee or a Seller Indemnitee (the “Indemnified Party”) to be entitled to any indemnification provided for under this Agreement in respect of, arising out of or involving a claim or demand made by, or an action, proceeding or investigation instituted by, any Person (whether or not a party to this Agreement) (an “Indemnity Claim”), such Indemnified Party must notify the party obligated to indemnify such Indemnified Party (the “Indemnifying Party”) in writing, and in reasonable detail, of the Indemnity Claim promptly, and in any event within thirty (30) days after such Indemnified Party learns of the Indemnity Claim; provided, however, that failure to give such notification shall not affect the indemnification provided hereunder unless and to the extent the Indemnifying Party shall have been prejudiced as a result of such failure (except that the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any expenses incurred during the period in which the Indemnified Party failed to give such notice). Such written notice shall specify in detail the facts constituting the basis for, and the amount of, the claim asserted. Thereafter, the Indemnified Party shall promptly deliver to the Indemnifying Party copies of all notices and documents (including court papers) thereafter received by the Indemnified Party relating to the Indemnity Claim. (b) If an Indemnity Claim is made against an Indemnified Party by a party that is not a Buyer Indemnitee or Seller Indemnitee (a “Third Party Claim”), subject to this Section 10.2(b), the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to assume the defense and control of Third Party Claims. In the event the Indemnifying Party exercises such right to assume the defense and control of a Third Party Claim, the Indemnified Party shall have the right but not the obligation reasonably to participate in (but not control) the defense of Third Party Claims with its own counsel and at its own expense unless (i) the Indemnifying Party and Indemnified Party shall have mutually -64- 40733748.21


 
agreed in writing to the retention of the same counsel, (ii) the named parties to any such Third Party Claim (including any impleaded parties) include the Indemnifying Party and Indemnified Party and representation of both parties by the same counsel would, in the opinion of counsel to such Indemnified Party, be impermissible under the applicable code of professional responsibility due to actual or potential differing interests between the Indemnifying Party and Indemnified Party, including situations in which there are one or more legal defenses available to the Indemnified Party that are different from, or additional to, those available to the Indemnifying Party, or (iii) the Indemnifying Party fails to diligently pursue the Third Party Claim it has assumed, in which case the Indemnifying Party will bear such expense of the Indemnified Party. Any election by an Indemnifying Party to assume the defense of a Third Party Claim must be delivered by the Indemnifying Party to the Indemnified Party within thirty (30) Business Days after receipt of the Indemnified Party’s notice under Section 10.2(a), and failure on the part of the Indemnifying Party to send such notice within such thirty (30) Business Day period shall be deemed an election not to assume the defense of such Third Party Claim. If the Indemnifying Party elects to assume the defense of a Third Party Claim, then the Indemnified Party shall, and shall cause each of its Representatives and permitted assigns to, cooperate fully with the Indemnifying Party in the defense of any such Third Party Claim, which cooperation shall include designating a liaison counsel to whom the Indemnifying Party may direct notices and other communications, using commercially reasonable efforts to make witnesses available, and providing records and documents to the extent such witnesses, records and documents are relevant to the Third Party Claim. In the event that the Indemnifying Party does not assume the defense of a Third Party Claim within the thirty (30) Business Day period specified in this Section 10.2(b), the Indemnified Party may assume the defense and control of a Third Party Claim at the Indemnifying Party’s expense and may consent to a settlement of, or the entry of any judgment arising from, any Third Party Claim without the consent of the Indemnifying Party. The Indemnifying Party shall be authorized to consent to a settlement of, or the entry of any judgment arising from, any Third Party Claim as to which the Indemnifying Party has assumed the defense in accordance with the terms of this Section 10.2(b), without the consent of any Indemnified Party, but only to the extent that such settlement or entry of judgment: (i) provides solely for the payment of money that will be paid in full by the Indemnifying Party, and (ii) provides a complete release of, or dismissal with prejudice of claims against, any Indemnified Party potentially affected by such Third Party Claim from all matters that were asserted in connection with such claims. (c) The obligations to indemnify and hold harmless a party hereto in respect of a breach of representation, warranty or covenant will terminate on the applicable Survival Period termination date (as set forth in Section 9.1 or 9.2), unless, prior to such applicable termination date, an Indemnified Party has brought a claim for indemnification pursuant to Article VIII or Section 10.1 subject to the terms and conditions of this Article X by delivering a written notice (stating in reasonable detail the amount and nature of, and factual and legal basis for, any such claim for indemnification, and the provisions of this Agreement upon which such claim for indemnification is made) to the Indemnifying Party. If an Indemnified Party has made a proper claim for indemnification pursuant to Section 10.2 prior to such termination date, then such claim, if then unresolved, will not be extinguished by the passage of the deadlines set forth in Section 9.1 or Section 9.2. (d) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, Losses of an Indemnified Party shall be determined without duplication of recovery for the same -65- 40733748.21


 
Loss and shall be net of any insurance or amounts from other applicable sources of recovery actually recovered by the Indemnified Party with respect to such Loss, net of any actual costs, expenses or premiums incurred in connection with securing or obtaining such proceeds (such net amount, “Recovery Amounts”). Each applicable Indemnified Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to recover from insurance policies or other applicable sources of recovery the maximum portion of any Losses of such Indemnified Party. If the applicable Indemnified Party shall have used commercially reasonable efforts to recover any amounts recoverable under insurance policies or other applicable sources of recovery and shall not have recovered the applicable Losses, the applicable Indemnifying Party shall be liable for the amount by which such Losses exceeds the Recovery Amounts (subject to the limitations contained in this Article X). If the applicable Indemnified Party fails to use commercially reasonable efforts to recover any amounts recoverable under insurance policies or other applicable sources of recovery, the applicable Indemnifying Party shall not be required to indemnify the applicable Indemnified Party for that portion of any Losses that could reasonably be expected to have been included in a Recovery Amount had the applicable Indemnified Party used such commercially reasonable efforts. Any related unreimbursed cost of recovery shall be included in Losses. In addition, any indemnification obligation of an Indemnifying Party shall be subject to and calculated in accordance with the provisions of Section 8.4. (e) The Indemnified Party shall use, and shall cause each of its Affiliates to use, commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate any Losses upon and after becoming aware of any facts, matters, failures or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to result in any Losses that are indemnifiable hereunder. (f) In the event of indemnification payment pursuant to this Article X by or on behalf of any Indemnifying Party to any Indemnified Party, such Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to the rights of the Indemnified Party as against any third party in respect of the Loss to which the payment relates, provided, that until the Indemnified Party recovers full payment of its Loss, any and all claims of the Indemnifying Party against any such third party on account of said payment are hereby made expressly subordinated and subjected in right of payment to the Indemnified Party’s rights against such third party. Such Indemnified Party shall cooperate with such Indemnifying Party in a reasonable manner, and at the cost of such Indemnifying Party, in presenting any subrogated right, defense or claim. (g) In the event a claim or any action for indemnification under this Article X has been finally determined, the amount of such final determination shall be paid (i) if the Indemnified Party is a Buyer Indemnitee prior to the Closing Date, by the Seller Parties to the Indemnified Party on demand by Wire Transfer, (ii) if the Indemnified Party is a Buyer Indemnitee on or after the Closing Date, subject to Section 2.6(c), first by payment of such amounts from the Holdback Amount to the Indemnified Party, and if the Holdback Amount is insufficient to compensate Buyer Indemnitee for such amount, then by payment by Seller(s) to the Indemnified Party on demand by Wire Transfer, and (iii) if the Indemnified Party is a Seller Indemnitee, by Buyer to the Indemnified Party on demand by Wire Transfer. A claim or an action, and the liability for and amount of damages therefor, shall be deemed to be “finally determined” for purposes of this Article X when the parties to this Agreement have so determined by mutual agreement or, if disputed, when a final non-appealable Governmental Order has been entered into with respect to such claim or action. -66- 40733748.21


 
(h) The representations, warranties and covenants of the Seller Parties and the Buyer Indemnitees’ rights to indemnification with respect thereto, shall not be affected or deemed waived by reason of (and the Buyer Indemnitee shall be deemed to have relied upon the representations and warranties of the Sellers, as applicable, set forth herein notwithstanding) any investigation made by or on behalf of any of the Buyer Indemnitee (including any of their Representatives) or by reason of the fact that any of the Buyer Indemnitee or their Representatives knew or should have known that any such representation or warranty is, was or might be inaccurate, regardless of whether such investigation was made or such knowledge was obtained before or after the execution and delivery of this Agreement. (i) On the date that is eighteen (18) months from the Closing Date (the “First Holdback Release Date”), Buyer shall release to each Seller its respective Pro Rata Share of the amount equal to (a) the First Holdback Release Amount, minus (i) the amount, if any, of any payments from the Holdback Amount to Buyer Indemnitees contemplated by Section 10.2(g) prior to the First Holdback Release Date, minus (b) the Indemnification Retention Amount as of the First Holdback Release Date. On the date that is thirty-six (36) months from the Closing Date (the “Second Holdback Release Date”), Buyer shall release to each Seller its respective Pro Rata Share of the amount equal to (x) any remaining Holdback Amount, minus (y) the amount, if any, of any payments from the Holdback Amount to Buyer Indemnities contemplated by Section 10.2(g) prior to the Second Holdback Release Date, minus (z) the Indemnification Retention Amount as of the Second Holdback Release Date. Section 10.3 Exclusive Remedies. Each party acknowledges and agrees that, in the absence of fraud or willful or intentional misconduct on the part of a party and subject to Sections 2.6 and 12.9 and the rights and remedies under the Non-compete and Nondisclosure Agreements and the Certificates of Trust, following the Closing the indemnification provisions of Article VIII or this Article X shall be the sole and exclusive remedies of the parties for the breach or inaccuracy of any representation or warranty or breach of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement, and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained herein shall give rise to any right on the part of any party hereto to rescind this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby. ARTICLE XI TERMINATION Section 11.1 Termination. This Agreement and the transaction contemplated hereby may be terminated any time prior to the Closing only as follows: (a) by mutual written consent of Buyer and the Seller Parties; (b) by either Buyer or the Seller Parties if the Closing shall not have been consummated on or before June 1, 2019 (the “Outside Date”); provided, however, that the termination right under this Section 11.1(b) shall not be available to any party whose material breach of this Agreement has been the cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Closing to have been consummated on or before the Outside Date; -67- 40733748.21


 
(c) by either Buyer, on one hand, or the Seller Parties, on the other hand, if a Governmental Authority shall have issued a Governmental Order or taken any other action that is final and non-appealable and that restrains, enjoins or otherwise prohibits the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; (d) by Buyer, if Buyer is not in material breach of its obligations under this Agreement, and if there shall have been a material breach by any Seller Parties of any of their respective representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, which breach would result in the failure to satisfy one or more of the conditions set forth in Section 7.2(a) or Section 7.2(b) and such breach (if curable) has not been cured within (i) thirty (30) days after written notice thereof by Buyer to the Sellers or (ii) any shorter period of time that remains between the date such written notice is provided and the Outside Date; or (e) by the Seller Parties, if no Seller Party is in material breach of its obligations under this Agreement, and if there shall have been a material breach by Buyer of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, which breach would result in the failure to satisfy one or more of the conditions set forth in Section 7.3(a) or Section 7.3(b) and such breach (if curable) has not been cured within (i) thirty (30) days after written notice thereof by the Sellers to Buyer or (ii) any shorter period of time that remains between the date such written notice is provided and the Outside Date; Section 11.2 Effect of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated pursuant to Section 11.1 above, this Agreement will become null and void and of no further force and effect, except for (a) the provisions of Article I, Section 5.4, Section 5.5, Article X, Article XI and Article XII and (b) rights and obligations arising from any breach of this Agreement prior to such termination. ARTICLE XII GENERAL PROVISIONS Section 12.1 Fees and Expenses. Except for any reimbursement of fees or expenses that may be awarded as damages in any action, suit or proceeding arising out of this Agreement or any documents delivered in connection with this Agreement and except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each party hereto shall pay its own fees and expenses incident to preparing for, entering into and carrying out this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. Section 12.2 Notices. All notices, requests, demands, waivers and other communications required or permitted to be given or made under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) if (a) delivered personally, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) or (c) sent by email with receipt confirmed (followed by delivery of an original via overnight courier service), as follows (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice): (i) if to Buyer, to -68- 40733748.21


 
The Horace Mann Educators Corporation 1 Horace Mann Place Springfield, IL 62715 Attention: Donald M. Carley, SVP & General Counsel Email: Donald.Carley@horacemann.com with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP 700 Sixth Street, NW Suite 700 Washington, DC 20001 Attention: Ling Ling, Esq. Email: lingling@eversheds-sutherland.com (ii) if to the Sellers, to Benefit Consulting Group, Inc. 51 Haddonfield Road Suite 210 Cherry Hill Road, NJ 08002 Attention: Beau Adams Jorge Arroyo Adam Paglione with a copy to: MacElree Harvey, Ltd. 17 West Miner Street West Chester, PA 19382 Attention: Harry J. DiDonato, Esq. Email: HDiDonato@macelree.com Section 12.3 Interpretation. For purposes of this Agreement, the words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole (including any Exhibits, Annexes, Schedules and the disclosure schedules) and not to any particular provision of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. All references herein to Articles, Sections, Subsections, Paragraphs, Exhibits, Annexes and Schedules shall be deemed references to Articles and Sections and Subsections and Paragraphs of, and Exhibits, Annexes and Schedules to, this Agreement unless the context shall otherwise require. The table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and will not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they will be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation,” whether or not they are in fact followed by those words or words of like import. The word “or” shall not be exclusive. Whenever the singular is used herein, the same will include the plural, and whenever the plural is used herein, the same will include the singular, where appropriate. -69- 40733748.21


 
Whenever used in this Agreement, reference to a particular gender shall include the masculine, feminine and neutral genders. Where this Agreement states that a party “shall,” “will” or “must” perform in some manner or otherwise act or omit to act, it means that the party is legally obligated to do so in accordance with this Agreement. All Exhibits and the Seller Disclosure Schedule and the Buyer Disclosure Schedule annexed hereto or referred to herein are hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Agreement as if set forth in full herein. Any capitalized term used in any Exhibit, Schedule, Annex or section or subsection of the Seller Disclosure Schedule or the Buyer Disclosure Schedule but not otherwise defined therein will have the meaning given to such term in this Agreement. Any reference to “days” means calendar days unless Business Days are expressly specified. If any action under this Agreement is required to be done or taken on a day that is not a Business Day, then such action shall be required to be done or taken not on such day but on the first succeeding Business Day thereafter. “Writing,” “written” and comparable terms refer to printing, typing and other means of reproducing words (including electronic media) in a visible form. References from or through any date mean, unless otherwise specified, from and including or through and including, respectively. This Agreement is to be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the party drafting or causing any instrument to be drafted. Any reference herein to any applicable Law, Contract (including this Agreement) or document, or any section thereof, shall, unless otherwise expressly provided, be a reference to such applicable Law, Contract, document or section as amended, modified or supplemented (including any successor section) and in effect from time to time. References to “$” or “dollars” are references to United States dollars. Section 12.4 Entire Agreement; Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement and the documents and certificates delivered in connection with this Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersede all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, other than the Confidentiality Agreement to the extent not in conflict with this Agreement, between or on behalf of the Sellers and Buyer with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. Except as provided in Section 5.6 with respect to D&O Indemnified Persons, and Article X with respect to Buyer Indemnitees and Seller Indemnitees, this Agreement is for the sole benefit of the parties to this Agreement and their permitted successors and assigns, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement. Section 12.5 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Illinois, regardless of the Laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof. Section 12.6 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement shall be assigned, in whole or in part, by operation of law or otherwise by any of the parties without the prior written consent of the other parties, and any such assignment that is not consented to shall be null and void. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the parties and their respective successors and assigns. Section 12.7 Dispute Resolution; Enforcement. -70- 40733748.21


 
(a) In the event of any dispute arising under this Agreement, prior to the commencement of litigation, a senior officer of Buyer and the Seller Parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve the dispute consistent with the terms of this Agreement. If they are unable to resolve the dispute in this manner within a reasonable period of time, the parties may pursue judicial remedies with respect to such dispute. (b) The parties agree that any action arising directly or indirectly out of this Agreement shall be litigated (1) if such action is brought by any Seller against Buyer or its Affiliates, only in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois and (2) if such action is brought by Buyer, its successors or assigns or its Affiliates against any Seller, only in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the jurisdiction of the District Court specified above (the “Selected Court”) for purposes of enforcing this Agreement or determining any claim arising from or related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In any such action, suit or other proceeding, each party hereto irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to assert by way of motion, as a defense or otherwise any claim that it is not subject to the jurisdiction of the Selected Court, that such action, suit or other proceeding is not subject to the jurisdiction of the Selected Court, that such action, suit or other proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such action, suit or other proceeding is improper. The parties hereto agree that any process or other paper to be served in connection with any action or proceeding under this Agreement shall, if delivered, sent or mailed in accordance with Section 12.2, constitute good, proper and sufficient service thereof. Each party hereto also agrees that any final and unappealable judgment against a party hereto in connection with any action, suit or other proceeding shall be conclusive and binding on such party and that such award or judgment may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction, either within or outside of the United States. A certified or exemplified copy of such award or judgment shall be conclusive evidence of the fact and amount of such award or judgment. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary or any waivable provision of Law, in the event of litigation among the parties, any prejudgment interest applied shall be at the Interest Rate. Section 12.8 Severability; Amendment and Waiver. (a) Whenever possible, each provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable Law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is not affected in any manner adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any provision is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement be consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible. (b) This Agreement may be amended, and the terms hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument signed by each of the parties or, in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving compliance. -71- 40733748.21


 
(c) No delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any waiver on the part of any party of any right, power or privilege, nor any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege, preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other such right, power or privilege. Section 12.9 Specific Performance. The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that, without the necessity of posting bonds or other undertaking, the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in accordance with this Agreement, this being in addition to any other remedy to which such party is entitled at law or in equity. In the event that any action is brought in equity to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, no party hereto shall allege, and each party hereto hereby waives the defense or counterclaim, that there is an adequate remedy at law. Section 12.10 Certain Acknowledgments; Informed Decision to Sell. (a) Each Seller expressly acknowledges and agrees that (a) except as expressly set forth in Article IV, neither Buyer nor any of Buyer’s Affiliates nor any of their respective Representatives has made any representation or warranty or covenant or agreement whatsoever (whether oral or written or express or implied) to any Seller as to any of the matters that are the subject of this Agreement (including the Earn-Out Payments) and (b) no act or omission by Buyer is, or will be deemed to constitute, a representation or warranty by Buyer. (b) Without limiting the foregoing, each Seller acknowledges and agrees that neither Buyer nor any of its Representatives has made any representation or warranty or covenant or agreement whatsoever (whether oral or written or express or implied) to such Seller as to any aspect of Buyer’s operations, the achievement of any Total Net Revenue or other performance targets, or the payment of any amount of the Earn-Out Payments. EACH SELLER ALSO EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES (1) THAT EACH AND EVERY STATEMENT IN PRIOR DISCUSSIONS (IF ANY) AS TO THE EARN-OUT PAYMENTS (INCLUDING ANY AS TO THE PROBABILITY OF ACHIEVING THE METRICS SET FORTH IN SECTION 2.6(B), ANY ASPECT OF BUYER’S OPERATIONS OR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT OF THE EARN-OUT PAYMENTS) IS HEREBY WITHDRAWN AND (2) THAT THE SELLERS ARE NOT RELYING ON ANY SUCH STATEMENTS. Each Seller further acknowledges and agrees that it, he or she has, independently and without reliance upon Buyer or any of its Representatives and based on such documents and information as it, he or she has deemed appropriate has made his, her or its own appraisal of and investigation into the business, operations, property, prospects, financial and other conditions affecting any of Buyer’s operations, has it, his or her own assumptions about the future operations of Buyer’s business, the economies and markets in which Buyer operates, and any opportunities for improvement of any of Buyer’s operations, and has made its, his or her own decision to sell the Company Shares and otherwise perform its, his or her obligations in this Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement (including the Earn-Out Payments) and otherwise execute, deliver and perform this Agreement. -72- 40733748.21


 
(c) EACH SELLER FURTHER EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND AGREEMENTS IN THIS SECTION SHALL SURVIVE CLOSING. Section 12.11 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties to each such agreement in separate counterparts, each of which when executed will be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together will constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page by facsimile or other means of electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement. Section 12.12 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY THAT MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES AND, THEREFORE, EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY HERETO CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (A) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OR ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (B) EACH PARTY HERETO UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (C) EACH PARTY HERETO MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (D) EACH PARTY HERETO HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS OF THIS SECTION 12.12. ANY PARTY HERETO MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. [Remainder of this page intentionally left blank.] -73- 40733748.21


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the date first written above. HORACE MA ATORS CORPORAT By , Na e: M, ck 2tArati- LS T. e: c est +- i G g: 0 Signature Page to Stock Purchase Agreement


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the date first written above. ROBERT PAGLIONE PAGLIONE FAMILY TRUST F/B/O ADAM PAGLIONE By Name: Lisa Arroyo Title: Trustee for Paglione Family Trust F/B/O Adam Paglione PAGLIONE FAMILY TRUST F/B/O LISA AND JORGE ARROYO By Name: Adam Paglione Title: Trustee for Paglione Family Trust F/B/O Lisa and Jorge Arroyo BEAU ADAMS BENEFITS CONSULTAN S GROUP, INC. By Nam‘: Jorg' Arr yo Title: President Signature Page to Stock Purchase Agreement


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the date first written above. ROBERT PAGLIONE PAGLIONE FAMILY TRUST F/B/0 ADAM PAGLIONE By / ame: ✓ Title: PAGLIONE FAMILY TRUST F/B/0 LISA AND JORGE ARROYO By Name: Title: BEAU ADAMS BENEFITS CONSULTANTS GROUP, INC. By Name: Title: Signature Page to Stock Purchase Agreement


 
Exhibit A Certificates of Trust [Executed at signing] A-1 40733748.21


 
Exhibit B Indebtedness Payoff Amount As of September 30, 2018 FirsTrust Line of Credit Account #10172-504870 $ 497,678.25 FirsTrust Term Loan Acct 8026 279,268.56 FirsTrust Term Loan Acct 8027 242,288.80 FirsTrust Letter of credit Acct 0832 (Landlord holds letter -0- drawdowns) - Salary Continuation Agreement (Robert Paglione) 5,000,000.00 Phantom Stock Plan (Stephen Sokolic)1 629,816.50 Sokolic Release Consideration 40,000.00 Note Payable - Beau Adams 44,000.00 Note Payable - Jorge Arroyo 44,000.00 Note Payable - Adam Paglione 44,000.00 $ 6,821,052.61 1 As of October 30, 2018 B-1 40733748.21


 
Exhibit C Non-Compete and Non-Disclosure Agreement [See attached.] C-1 40733748.21


 
NON-COMPETITION, NON-SOLICITATION AND NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT This Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of the ____ day of ____________, 2018, by and between Horace Mann Educators Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Buyer”), and [Name of Principal]1 (the “Principal”). WHEREAS, in connection with that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of____________ , 2018, by and among Buyer, Robert Paglione, the Paglione Family Irrevocable Trust f/b/o Adam Paglione, the Paglione Family Irrevocable Trust f/b/o Lisa and Jorge Arroyo, Beau Christian Adams, and Benefit Consultants Group, Inc. (the “Company”) (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”), Buyer is acquiring all of the equity of the Company; WHEREAS, the Principal is currently an employee of the Company; WHEREAS, Buyer or one of its Affiliates wishes to employ the Principal with respect to the continued business and operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries following the Closing and the Principal agrees to continue in the employ of Buyer or its Affiliate following the Closing; and WHEREAS, the Principal acknowledges that the execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition to Buyer’s obligation to consummate the transactions pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement and that Buyer is relying on the Principal’s entering into this Agreement in consummating such transactions. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements contained in this Agreement and the Stock Purchase Agreement, the parties agree as follows: 1. Defined Terms. All capitalized terms not expressly defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Stock Purchase Agreement. 2. Acknowledgment. The Principal acknowledges that (i) the execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition to Buyer’s obligation to purchase the Company Shares pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement and that Buyer is relying on this Agreement in consummating such purchase, (ii) Buyer intends to carry on the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and (iii) the Principal will receive significant remuneration in connection with the transactions consummated under the Stock Purchase Agreement. The Principal further acknowledges that (i) he has become familiar with confidential information and trade secrets of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, and, during the course of his employment with Buyer or its Affiliate, will become familiar with the confidential information and trade secrets of the Buyer Entities; and (ii) his services are of special, unique and extraordinary value to the 1 Note to Draft: Principals who are continuing employment post-Closing to sign this Agreement (i.e., Adam Paglione, Jorge Arroyo and Beau Adams). 1 40947999.4 2983433v2 020818.64824


 
Buyer Entities. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Buyer Entities” means Buyer and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates (including the Company and its Affiliates and Subsidiaries). 3. Covenant Not to Compete. During the Principal’s employment with Buyer or its Affiliate and for an additional twelve (12) month period following the Principal’s termination of employment for any reason (the “Restricted Period”), the Principal agrees that, except as otherwise occurring in the performance of his duties as an employee of Buyer or its Affiliate, he (i) shall refrain from, directly or indirectly, engaging in, soliciting for engagement in, performing services (whether as employee, officer, director, shareholder, member, manager, consultant, investor, partner, sole proprietor or otherwise) for, or be concerned with or interested in, financially or otherwise, or offering or providing anywhere in the United States any business of the types (x) conducted by a Buyer Entity as of the date of the Principal’s termination of employment (the “Termination Date”), or (y) actively developed, marketed or solicited by a Buyer Entity during the twelve (12) month period prior to the Termination Date; and (ii) shall not sell or propose to sell to, or otherwise solicit, whether through another employee, a producer or otherwise, any other services, including but not limited to Recordkeeping Services, provided by a Buyer Entity to any Plan Sponsor (clauses (i) and (ii) collectively, a “Competing Business”); provided, however, that nothing in this Section 3 shall preclude, prohibit or restrict the Principal from engaging, or require the Principal not to engage, in making investments in Persons engaging in a Competing Business not in excess of two percent (2%) of the outstanding securities of such entity. For purposes of this Agreement, “Plan Sponsor” means an employer or other entity that sponsors or maintains non-qualified deferred compensation plans, qualified defined contribution or defined benefit plans or other arrangements or programs with respect to which a Buyer Entity provides services as of the Termination Date or has actively solicited during the twelve (12) month period prior to the Termination Date. 4. Non-Solicitation, Non-Disparagement. During the Restricted Period, the Principal shall not, except as otherwise occurring in the performance of his duties as an employee of Buyer or its Affiliate; directly or indirectly, (a) solicit for employment or hire any employee who is then a current employee of any Buyer Entity, or within the six (6)-month period prior to the Termination Date, has been an employee, of any Buyer Entity; (b) (i) hire or solicit for hire any Producer who is then a Producer, or within the twelve (12) month period prior to the Termination Date has been a Producer, or (ii) solicit, encourage, initiate or participate in discussions or negotiations with, or provide any information to, any present or future Producer for the purpose of causing the termination or other alteration of his, her or its relationship with a Buyer Entity; (c) (i) solicit insurance business from any Person who is then a policyholder or customer of a Buyer Entity, or within the twelve (12) month period prior to the Termination Date has been a policyholder or customer of a Buyer Entity (or any successor in interest to any such Person) for the purpose of securing Record Keeping Services or insurance business or contracts related to the Record Keeping Services or insurance businesses of the Buyer Entities, or (ii) solicit, encourage, initiate or participate in discussions or negotiations with, or provide any information to, any present or future policyholder or customer of a Buyer Entity for the purpose of causing the termination or other alteration of his, her or its relationship with a Buyer Entity; (d) solicit or attempt to solicit any Competing Business from any Person with whom the Principal and/or employees managed by the Principal had material contact, and that is, or in the twelve (12) month period prior to the Termination Date was, a customer of a Buyer Entity or 2 40947999.4 2983433v2 020818.64824


 
with respect to which any Buyer Entity actively solicits, or has solicited, the sale of products and services offered by the Buyer Entities; or (e) disparage a Buyer Entity or any of their products, services, or activities or any of their partners, officers, or employees. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Producer” means brokers, broker-dealers, producers, third party administrators or intermediaries or other Persons who market or sell the services offered by a Buyer Entity, other than employees of the Buyer Entities. 5. Confidentiality, Non-Disclosure. Except as otherwise expressly required by Law, the Principal shall not disclose any Confidential Information (as defined below) to any Person whatsoever, other than as authorized by the Buyer Entities during the performance of the Principal’s duties as an employee of Buyer or its Affiliate. For purposes of this Agreement “Confidential Information” means the confidential or proprietary business information of the Buyer Entities, whether or not marked as such, whether acquired by the Buyer Entities prior to or after Closing, including any business plans, technology, plans, blueprints, drawings, models, designs, templates, processes, formulae, computer programs, customer lists, supplier lists, pricing data, financial data, Trade Secrets or other information identified or otherwise treated as confidential or proprietary business information; provided, however, that Confidential Information shall not include any information: (x) that is in the public domain through no fault of disclosure by the Principal, or (y) that is lawfully acquired by the Principal from source(s) which are not prohibited from disclosing such information by a legal, contractual or fiduciary obligation. The Principal acknowledges and agrees that the Confidential Information is owned by the Buyer Entities, is secret, is the subject of reasonable efforts by the Buyer Entities to keep it secret, and has value because of its secrecy. If the Principal is compelled to disclose any information by judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of applicable Law, the Principal shall promptly notify Buyer in writing, shall disclose only that portion of such information which he is advised by counsel in writing is legally required to be disclosed, and shall, if requested, use reasonable best efforts to obtain an appropriate protective order or other reasonable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded such information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement prohibits the Principal from reporting to any governmental authority information concerning possible violations of law or regulation. The Principal further acknowledges that, at all times, Trade Secrets shall be subject to the maximum protections available under applicable Law and no less protection than that provided by this Agreement applicable to “Confidential Information,” as described in this Section 5. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Trade Secrets” means information that (i) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known and not being readily ascertainable to other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use and that is the subject of reasonable efforts by the Buyer Entities to maintain its secrecy or confidentiality and has value as a result of such secrecy or confidentiality, or (ii) is defined as such by the New Jersey statutory and common law and by federal law. Trade Secrets may include either technical or non-technical data, including, without limitation, information concerning customers of the Buyer Entities (including customer information, identities, profiles, preferences and contacts), vendors, suppliers, products, pricing or pricing strategies, personnel assignments and policies, the legal or financial affairs, or the management of, in each case, the Buyer Entities. 6. Right To Injunction; Equitable Relief. In the event the Principal violates any of his obligations under Sections 3, 4 or 5, the Buyer Entities may proceed against him in law or in 3 40947999.4 2983433v2 020818.64824


 
equity for such damages or other relief as a court may deem appropriate. The Principal acknowledges that a violation of any of the provisions of Sections 3, 4 or 5 may cause the Buyer Entities irreparable harm which may not be adequately compensated for by money damages. The Principal therefore agrees that in the event of any actual or threatened violation of Sections 3, 4 or 5, the Buyer Entities shall be entitled, in addition to other remedies that they may have, to a temporary restraining order and to preliminary and final injunctive relief against the Principal to prevent any violations of Sections 3, 4 or 5, without the necessity of posting a bond. It is the intent and understanding of each party hereto that if, in any action before any court or other Governmental Authority legally empowered to enforce this Agreement, any term, restriction, covenant or promise in Sections 3, 4 or 5 is found to be unreasonable and for that reason unenforceable, then such term, restriction, covenant or promise shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to make it enforceable by such court or other Governmental Authority and any such court or other Governmental Authority shall have authority, as permitted by applicable Law, to apply reformation or “blue pencil” principles to provide for the greatest possible duration, geographical territory and business scope to the covenants contained herein. 7. Covenants Reasonable. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge that the covenants set forth in Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 are (i) reasonable in all respects, including duration, territory and scope of activity restricted, in light of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Stock Purchase Agreement; (ii) an essential element of this Agreement and that, but for these covenants, the parties would not have entered into the Stock Purchase Agreement; and (iii) necessary to protect the goodwill of the Buyer Entities and to protect other legitimate business interests of the Buyer Entities. 8. Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable Law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is not affected in any manner adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any provision is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement be consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible. 9. Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver; Remedies Cumulative. No delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any waiver on the part of any party of any right, power or privilege, nor any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege, preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other such right, power or privilege. Any and all remedies herein expressly conferred upon a party will be deemed cumulative with and not exclusive of any other remedy conferred hereby, or by Law or equity upon such party, and the exercise by a party of any one remedy will not preclude the exercise of any other remedy. 10. Notices. All notices, requests, demands, waivers and other communications required or permitted to be given or made under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be 4 40947999.4 2983433v2 020818.64824


 
deemed to have been duly given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) if (a) delivered personally or by a nationally recognized overnight courier, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) or (c) sent by facsimile or email with receipt confirmed (followed by delivery of an original via overnight courier service), as follows (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice): (a) If to Buyer, to Horace Mann Educators Corporation 1 Horace Mann Place Springfield, IL 62715 Attention: Donald M. Carley, SVP & General Counsel Email: Donald.Carley@horacemann.com (b) if to the Principal, to [●] or to such other address as the party to whom notice is to be given may have furnished to the other party in writing in accordance with this Section 10. All such notices or communications shall be deemed to be received (i) in the case of personal delivery, nationally recognized overnight courier or registered or certified mail, on the date of such delivery and (ii) in the case of facsimile or email, upon confirmed receipt. 11. Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement shall be assigned, in whole or in part, by operation of law or otherwise by any of the parties without the prior written consent of the other parties, and any such assignment that is not consented to shall be null and void. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the parties and their respective successors and assigns. 12. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Stock Purchase Agreement, and the documents and certificates delivered in connection therewith, constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersede all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, between or on behalf of the Principal and Buyer with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. 13. Execution and Delivery. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties in separate counterparts, each of which when executed will be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together will constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page by facsimile or other means of electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement. 14. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. 5 40947999.4 2983433v2 020818.64824


 
(a) This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of New Jersey, regardless of the Laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof. (b) Each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any court of the United States or any state court, which in either case is located in the State of New Jersey (each, a “New Jersey Court”) for purposes of enforcing this Agreement or determining any claim arising from or related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In any such action, suit or other proceeding, each party hereto irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to assert by way of motion, as a defense or otherwise any claim that it is not subject to the jurisdiction of any such New Jersey Court, that such action, suit or other proceeding is not subject to the jurisdiction of any such New Jersey Court, that such action, suit or other proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such action, suit or other proceeding is improper; provided, however, that nothing set forth in this sentence shall prohibit any party hereto from removing any matter from one New Jersey Court to another New Jersey Court. The parties hereto agree that any process or other paper to be served in connection with any action or proceeding under this Agreement shall, if delivered, sent or mailed in accordance with Section 10 constitute good, proper and sufficient service thereof. Each party hereto also agrees that any final and unappealable judgment against a party hereto in connection with any action, suit or other proceeding shall be conclusive and binding on such party and that such award or judgment may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction, either within or outside of the United States. A certified or exemplified copy of such award or judgment shall be conclusive evidence of the fact and amount of such award or judgment. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary or any waivable provision of Law, in the event of litigation among the parties, any prejudgment interest applied shall be at the Interest Rate. (c) EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY THAT MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES AND, THEREFORE, EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY HERETO CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (A) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OR ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (B) EACH PARTY HERETO UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (C) EACH PARTY HERETO MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (D) EACH PARTY HERETO HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS OF THIS SECTION 14. ANY PARTY HERETO MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. 6 40947999.4 2983433v2 020818.64824


 
15. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended, and the terms hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument signed by each of the parties or, in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving compliance. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above. BUYER: HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION By: ___________________________________ Name: Title: PRINCIPAL: [Name of Principal] ____________________________________ 7 40947999.4 2983433v2 020818.64824


 
Exhibit D Spousal Consent [Executed at signing] D-1 40733748.21


 
Exhibit E Form of Release [See attached.] E-1 40733748.21


 
[_________], 2018 [Benefit Consultants Group, Inc.] [BCG Securities, Inc.] [Horace Mann Educators Corp.] Re: Release of Claims1 Ladies and Gentlemen: Reference is made to that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among Horace Mann Educators Corporation (“Buyer”), Robert Paglione, The Paglione Family Irrevocable Trust f/b/o Adam Paglione, The Paglione Family Irrevocable Trust f/b/o Lisa and Jorge Arroyo, Beau Christian Adams, and Benefit Consultants Group, Inc. (the “Company”) (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”). Any undefined terms used herein and not defined have the meanings set forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement. I acknowledge and agree that execution and delivery of this Release of Claims (this “Release”) is a condition to Buyer’s obligation to purchase the Company Shares pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, and that Buyer is relying on this Release in consummating such purchase. For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, in order to induce Buyer to purchase the Company Shares pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, I agree as follows: I, [___________], on behalf of myself and my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns (collectively, “Related Persons”), hereby forever, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably release, acquit and forever discharge, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, the Company, BCG Securities, Inc. (“BCGS”), Buyer, Buyer’s Affiliates, each of their Benefit Plans, and each of their respective past, present and future officers, managers, directors, equityholders, partners, members, Affiliates, employees, counsel and agents (individually, a “Releasee” and collectively, “Releasees”) from all obligations and liabilities of either the Company or BCGS to me, all agreements and understandings of either the Company or BCGS involving me, and all of my rights, claims and causes of action (whether at law or in equity and whether or not currently known to exist) against either the Company or BCGS that are a result of, involve or otherwise exist by reason of any act, omission, fact, circumstance or other matter, cause or thing whatsoever that arose, occurred or existed before the Closing, including without limitation any indemnification obligations to me, and the right to advancement and reimbursement of expenses, pursuant to the organizational documents of the Company or BCGS (collectively, the “Released Claims”). For clarity, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Release does not in any way release any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense (including indemnity, costs of investigation and defense and reasonable attorneys’ and accountants’ fees), whether or not involving third-party claims, arising directly or indirectly from or in connection with the Stock Purchase Agreement or any documents ancillary thereto or executed in connection therewith. 1 Note to Draft: This form to be used for the beneficiaries of the Trusts (L. Arroyo, Jorge Arroyo, and A. Paglione). 41006896.2 2983440v2 020818.64824


 
I represent and warrant to each Releasee that I have not transferred, assigned, or otherwise disposed of any part of or interest in any Released Claim. I hereby irrevocably covenant not to, directly or indirectly, assert any claim or demand, or commence, institute, or voluntarily aid in any way, or cause to be commenced or instituted, any proceeding of any kind against any Releasee based upon any Released Claim. Without in any way limiting any rights and remedies otherwise available to any Releasee, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Releasee from and against and shall pay to each Releasee the amount of, or reimburse each Releasee for, all loss, liability, claim, damage (including incidental and consequential damages), or expense (including costs of investigation and defense and reasonable attorneys’ and accountants’ fees), whether or not involving third- party claims, arising directly or indirectly from or in connection with (a) the assertion by or on behalf of me or any of my Related Persons of any Released Claim, and (b) the assertion by any third party of any claim or demand against any Releasee which claim or demand arises directly or indirectly from, or in connection with, any assertion by or on behalf of me or any of my Related Persons against such third party of any Released Claim. I acknowledge and agree that the execution of this Release does not constitute in any manner whatsoever an admission of liability on the part of any Releasee for any Released Claim, and that such liability is specifically denied. I agree to (a) execute and deliver such other documents and (b) do such other acts and things, as Buyer may reasonably request for the purpose of carrying out the intent of this Release. This Release may not be amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified except in a writing signed by the Person against whose interest such change will operate. All matters relating to or arising out of this Release will be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of New Jersey, regardless of the Laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof. Very truly yours, [____________] 41006896.2 2983440v2 020818.64824


 
[_________], 2018 [Benefit Consultants Group, Inc.] [BCG Securities, Inc.] [Horace Mann Educators Corp.] Re: Letter of Resignation and Release1 Ladies and Gentlemen: Reference is made to that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among Horace Mann Educators Corporation (“Buyer”), Robert Paglione, The Paglione Family Irrevocable Trust f/b/o Adam Paglione, The Paglione Family Irrevocable Trust f/b/o Lisa and Jorge Arroyo, Beau Christian Adams, and Benefit Consultants Group, Inc. (the “Company”) (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”). Any undefined terms used herein and not defined have the meanings set forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement. I acknowledge and agree that execution and delivery of this Letter of Resignation and Release (this “Letter Agreement”) is a condition to Buyer’s obligation to purchase the Company Shares pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, and that Buyer is relying on this Letter Agreement in consummating such purchase. For good and valuable consideration, in the amount of forty-thousand dollars ($40,000), the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, in order to induce Buyer to purchase the Company Shares pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, I agree as follows: I, [Steven Sokolic], do hereby resign from my position as [General Counsel of the Company and BCG Securities, Inc., a Pennsylvania Corporation (“BCGS”)]2, effective as of the Closing of (and conditioned upon the Closing under) the Stock Purchase Agreement. In addition, on behalf of myself and my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns (collectively, “Related Persons”), I hereby forever, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably release, acquit and forever discharge, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, the Company, BCGS, Buyer, Buyer’s Affiliates, each of their Benefit Plans, and each of their respective past, present and future officers, managers, directors, equityholders, partners, members, Affiliates, employees, counsel and agents (individually, a “Releasee” and collectively, “Releasees”) from all obligations and liabilities of either the Company or BCGS to me, all agreements and understandings of either the Company or BCGS involving me, and all of my rights, claims and causes of action (whether at law or in equity and whether or not currently known to exist) against either the Company or BCGS that are a result of, involve or otherwise exist by reason of any act, omission, fact, circumstance or other matter, cause or thing whatsoever that arose, occurred or existed before the Closing, including without limitation any indemnification obligations to me, and the right to advancement and reimbursement of expenses, pursuant to the organizational documents of the Company or BCGS (collectively, the “Released Claims”). 1 Note to Draft: This form to be used for S. Sokolic 2 Note to Draft: To confirm 41006865.2


 
I represent and warrant to each Releasee that I have not transferred, assigned, or otherwise disposed of any part of or interest in any Released Claim. I hereby irrevocably covenant not to, directly or indirectly, assert any claim or demand, or commence, institute, or voluntarily aid in any way, or cause to be commenced or instituted, any proceeding of any kind against any Releasee based upon any Released Claim. Without in any way limiting any rights and remedies otherwise available to any Releasee, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Releasee from and against and shall pay to each Releasee the amount of, or reimburse each Releasee for, all loss, liability, claim, damage (including incidental and consequential damages), or expense (including costs of investigation and defense and reasonable attorneys’ and accountants’ fees), whether or not involving third-party claims, arising directly or indirectly from or in connection with (a) the assertion by or on behalf of me or any of my Related Persons of any Released Claim, and (b) the assertion by any third party of any claim or demand against any Releasee which claim or demand arises directly or indirectly from, or in connection with, any assertion by or on behalf of me or any of my Related Persons against such third party of any Released Claim. I acknowledge and agree that the execution of this Letter Agreement does not constitute in any manner whatsoever an admission of liability on the part of any Releasee for any Released Claim, and that such liability is specifically denied. I agree to (a) execute and deliver such other documents and (b) do such other acts and things, as Buyer may reasonably request for the purpose of carrying out the intent of this Letter Agreement. This Letter Agreement may not be amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified except in a writing signed by the Person against whose interest such change will operate. All matters relating to or arising out of this Letter Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of New Jersey, regardless of the Laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof. Very truly yours, [Steven Sokolic] 41006865.2


 
[_________], 2018 [Benefit Consultants Group, Inc.] [BCG Securities, Inc.] [Horace Mann Educators Corp.] Re: Letter of Resignation, Release, Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non- Disclosure1 Ladies and Gentlemen: Reference is made to that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among Horace Mann Educators Corporation (“Buyer”), myself, The Paglione Family Irrevocable Trust f/b/o Adam Paglione, The Paglione Family Irrevocable Trust f/b/o Lisa and Jorge Arroyo, Beau Christian Adams, and Benefit Consultants Group, Inc. (the “Company”) (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”). Any undefined terms used herein and not defined have the meanings set forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement. I acknowledge that I own the Class A Voting Stock of the Company (my “Equity Interest”) and, in connection with such ownership, have significantly contributed to the development and goodwill of the Company. I acknowledge that in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Transaction”), I will receive significant proceeds from the sale of my Equity Interest and that a significant asset the Buyer is purchasing pursuant to the Transaction (and for which I am receiving proceeds) is such development and goodwill of the Company. I acknowledge and agree that execution and delivery of this Letter of Resignation, Release, Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure (this “Letter Agreement”) is a condition to Buyer’s obligation to purchase the Company Shares pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, that Buyer is relying on this Letter Agreement in consummating the Transaction and that without my agreement to such Letter Agreement, the Buyer would not consummate the Transaction. For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, in order to induce Buyer to purchase the Company Shares pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, I agree as follows: I, Robert Paglione, do hereby resign from my position as [Chief Executive Officer and member of the board of directors of the Company and BCG Securities, Inc., a Pennsylvania Corporation (“BCGS”)]2, effective as of the Closing of (and conditioned upon the Closing under) the Stock Purchase Agreement. In addition, on behalf of myself and my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns (collectively, “Related Persons”), I hereby forever, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably release, acquit and forever discharge, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, the Company, BCGS, Buyer, Buyer’s Affiliates, each of their Benefit Plans, and each of their respective past, present 1 Note to Draft: This form to be used for R. Paglione 2 Note to Draft: To confirm 40875129.6


 
and future officers, managers, directors, equityholders, partners, members, Affiliates, employees, counsel and agents (individually, a “Releasee” and collectively, “Releasees”) from all obligations and liabilities of either the Company or BCGS to me, all agreements and understandings of either the Company or BCGS involving me, and all of my rights, claims and causes of action (whether at law or in equity and whether or not currently known to exist) against either the Company or BCGS that are a result of, involve or otherwise exist by reason of any act, omission, fact, circumstance or other matter, cause or thing whatsoever that arose, occurred or existed before the Closing, including without limitation any indemnification obligations to me, and the right to advancement and reimbursement of expenses, pursuant to the organizational documents of the Company or BCGS (collectively, the “Released Claims”). For clarity, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Letter Agreement does not in any way release any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense (including indemnity, costs of investigation and defense and reasonable attorneys’ and accountants’ fees), whether or not involving third-party claims, arising directly or indirectly from or in connection with the Stock Purchase Agreement or any documents ancillary thereto or executed in connection therewith. I represent and warrant to each Releasee that I have not transferred, assigned, or otherwise disposed of any part of or interest in any Released Claim. I hereby irrevocably covenant not to, directly or indirectly, assert any claim or demand, or commence, institute, or voluntarily aid in any way, or cause to be commenced or instituted, any proceeding of any kind against any Releasee based upon any Released Claim. Without in any way limiting any rights and remedies otherwise available to any Releasee, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Releasee from and against and shall pay to each Releasee the amount of, or reimburse each Releasee for, all loss, liability, claim, damage (including incidental and consequential damages), or expense (including costs of investigation and defense and reasonable attorneys’ and accountants’ fees), whether or not involving third-party claims, arising directly or indirectly from or in connection with (a) the assertion by or on behalf of me or any of my Related Persons of any Released Claim, and (b) the assertion by any third party of any claim or demand against any Releasee which claim or demand arises directly or indirectly from, or in connection with, any assertion by or on behalf of me or any of my Related Persons against such third party of any Released Claim. I acknowledge and agree that the execution of this Letter Agreement does not constitute in any manner whatsoever an admission of liability on the part of any Releasee for any Released Claim, and that such liability is specifically denied. I acknowledge and agree that for a period of sixty (60) months from the date hereof (the “Restricted Period”), I (i) shall refrain from, directly or indirectly, engaging in, soliciting for engagement in, performing services (whether as employee, officer, director, shareholder, member, manager, consultant, investor, partner, sole proprietor or otherwise) for, or be concerned with or interested in, financially or otherwise, or offering or providing anywhere in the United States any business of the types (x) conducted by a Buyer Entity as of the date hereof, or (y) actively developed, marketed or solicited by a Buyer Entity during the twelve (12) month period prior to the date hereof; and (ii) shall not sell or propose to sell to, or otherwise solicit, whether through another employee, a producer or otherwise, any other services, including but not limited to 40875129.6


 
Recordkeeping Services, provided by a Buyer Entity to any Plan Sponsor (clauses (i) and (ii) collectively, a “Competing Business”); provided, however, that nothing in this paragraph shall preclude, prohibit or restrict me from engaging, or require me not to engage, in making investments in Persons engaging in a Competing Business not in excess of two percent (2%) of the outstanding securities of such entity. For purposes of this Letter Agreement, (i) “Buyer Entities” means Buyer and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates (including the Company and its Affiliates and Subsidiaries), and (ii) “Plan Sponsor” means an employer or other entity that sponsors or maintains non-qualified deferred compensation plans, qualified defined contribution or defined benefit plans or other arrangements or programs with respect to which a Buyer Entity provides services as of the date hereof or has actively solicited during the twelve (12) month period prior to the date hereof. I acknowledge and agree that during the Restricted Period I shall not directly or indirectly, (a) solicit for employment or hire any employee who is then a current employee of any Buyer Entity, or within the six (6)-month period prior to the date hereof, has been an employee, of any Buyer Entity; (b) (i) hire or solicit for hire any Producer who is then a Producer, or within the twelve (12) month period prior to the date hereof has been a Producer, or (ii) solicit, encourage, initiate or participate in discussions or negotiations with, or provide any information to, any present or future Producer for the purpose of causing the termination or other alteration of his, her or its relationship with a Buyer Entity; (c) (i) solicit insurance business from any Person who is then a policyholder or customer of a Buyer Entity, or within the twelve (12) month period prior to the date hereof has been a policyholder or customer of a Buyer Entity (or any successor in interest to any such Person) for the purpose of securing Record Keeping Services or insurance business or contracts related to the Record Keeping Services or insurance businesses of the Buyer Entities, or (ii) solicit, encourage, initiate or participate in discussions or negotiations with, or provide any information to, any present or future policyholder or customer of a Buyer Entity for the purpose of causing the termination or other alteration of his, her or its relationship with a Buyer Entity; (d) solicit or attempt to solicit any Competing Business from any Person with whom I and/or employees managed by me had material contact, and that is, or in the twelve (12) month period prior to the date hereof was, a customer of a Buyer Entity or with respect to which any Buyer Entity actively solicits, or has solicited, the sale of products and services offered by the Buyer Entities; or (e) disparage a Buyer Entity or any of their products, services, or activities or any of their partners, officers, or employees. For the purposes of this Letter Agreement, “Producer” means brokers, broker-dealers, producers, third party administrators or intermediaries or other Persons who market or sell the services offered by a Buyer Entity, other than employees of the Buyer Entities. I acknowledge and agree that, except as otherwise expressly required by Law, I shall not disclose any Confidential Information (as defined below) to any Person whatsoever. For purposes of this Letter Agreement “Confidential Information” means the confidential or proprietary business information of the Buyer Entities, whether or not marked as such, whether acquired by the Buyer Entities prior to or after Closing, including any business plans, technology, plans, blueprints, drawings, models, designs, templates, processes, formulae, computer programs, customer lists, supplier lists, pricing data, financial data, Trade Secrets or other information identified or otherwise treated as confidential or proprietary business information; provided, however, that Confidential Information shall not include any information: (x) that is in the public domain through no fault of disclosure by me, or (y) that is lawfully acquired by me from source(s) 40875129.6


 
which are not prohibited from disclosing such information by a legal, contractual or fiduciary obligation. I acknowledge and agree that the Confidential Information is owned by the Buyer Entities, is secret, is the subject of reasonable efforts by the Buyer Entities to keep it secret, and has value because of its secrecy. If I am compelled to disclose any information by judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of applicable Law, I shall promptly notify Buyer in writing, shall disclose only that portion of such information which I am advised by counsel in writing is legally required to be disclosed, and shall, if requested, use reasonable best efforts to obtain an appropriate protective order or other reasonable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded such information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement prohibits me from reporting to any governmental authority information concerning possible violations of law or regulation. I further acknowledge that, at all times, Trade Secrets shall be subject to the maximum protections available under applicable Law and no less protection than that provided by this Letter Agreement applicable to “Confidential Information,” as described in this paragraph. For the purposes of this Letter Agreement, “Trade Secrets” means information that (i) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known and not being readily ascertainable to other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use and that is the subject of reasonable efforts by the Buyer Entities to maintain its secrecy or confidentiality and has value as a result of such secrecy or confidentiality, or (ii) is defined as such by the New Jersey statutory and common law and by federal law. Trade Secrets may include either technical or non-technical data, including, without limitation, information concerning customers of the Buyer Entities (including customer information, identities, profiles, preferences and contacts), vendors, suppliers, products, pricing or pricing strategies, personnel assignments and policies, the legal or financial affairs, or the management of, in each case, the Buyer Entities. I acknowledge and agree that in the event I violate any of my obligations under this Letter Agreement, the Buyer Entities may proceed against me in law or in equity for such damages or other relief as a court may deem appropriate. I acknowledge that a violation of any of the provisions of this Letter Agreement may cause the Buyer Entities irreparable harm which may not be adequately compensated for by money damages. I therefore agree that in the event of any actual or threatened violation of this Letter Agreement, the Buyer Entities shall be entitled, in addition to other remedies that they may have, to a temporary restraining order and to preliminary and final injunctive relief against me to prevent any such violations, without the necessity of posting a bond. If, in any action before any court or other Governmental Authority legally empowered to enforce this Letter Agreement, any term, restriction, covenant or promise herein is found to be unreasonable and for that reason unenforceable, then such term, restriction, covenant or promise shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to make it enforceable by such court or other Governmental Authority and any such court or other Governmental Authority shall have authority, as permitted by applicable Law, to apply reformation or “blue pencil” principles to provide for the greatest possible duration, geographical territory and business scope to the covenants contained herein. I acknowledge and agree that the covenants set forth in this Letter Agreement are (i) reasonable in all respects, including duration, territory and scope of activity restricted, in light of the transactions contemplated by this Letter Agreement and the Stock Purchase Agreement; (ii) an essential element of this Letter Agreement and that, but for these covenants, the parties would not have entered into the Stock Purchase Agreement; and (iii) necessary to protect the 40875129.6


 
goodwill of the Buyer Entities and to protect other legitimate business interests of the Buyer Entities. I agree to (a) execute and deliver such other documents and (b) do such other acts and things, as Buyer may reasonably request for the purpose of carrying out the intent of this Letter Agreement. This Letter Agreement may not be amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified except in a writing signed by the Person against whose interest such change will operate. All matters relating to or arising out of this Letter Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of New Jersey, regardless of the Laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof. Very truly yours, [Robert Paglione] 40875129.6


 
Exhibit F Estimated and Final Working Capital Adjustment Examples Estimated Working Capital Adjustment Cash 789 Less: Restricted cash (63) Net Cash $ 726 Accounts receivable 1,160 Less: Accounts receivable > 90 days (213) (1) Net Accounts receivable 947 (2) Prepaids 103 (3)(4) Accounts payable (2,263) (5) Deferred rent (current portion only) (34) Deferred income (157) $ Estimated Working Capital (678) Less: Target Working Capital 800 $ Estimated Working Capital Adjustment (1,478) 1) Accounts receivable has been reduced by the balances over 90 days; will be increased by $20,000 for Buyer’s portion of a release payment amount. 2) Prepaids reflect the write off of the custodian fee 3) Accounts payable excludes the following which will be paid off at closing: Line of Credit, long-term and short-term debt, payable to owners, Phantom Stock Plan, and Salary Continuation Agreement. 4) Accounts payable includes the PTO liability and is subject to adjustment to include any litigation reserve if needed. 5) Deferred rent only reflects the current portion of deferred rent. F-1 40733748.21


 
Final Working Capital Adjustment Calculated within 120 days after Closing Date (Example Calculation) Cash 500 Less: restricted cash (25) Net cash $ 475 (1) Accounts receivable 1,225 Less: Subsequent write-offs (50) Less: Uncollected receivable > 90 days (250) Net Accounts receivable 975 (2) Prepaids 90 (3) Accounts payable (1,600) (4) Deferred income (393) (5) Deferred rent (300) Final Net Working Capital $ 753) Less: Target Working Capital $ 800 Final Working Capital Adjustment $ (1,603) Estimated Working Capital Adjustment (1,635) Final Adjustment Amount to Buyer / (Seller) $ 32 1) Accounts receivable to be reduced by the balances over 90 days; will be increased by $20,000 for Buyer’s portion of a release payment amount. 2) Prepaids to reflect the write off of the custodian fee 3) Accounts payable to exclude the following which will be paid off at closing: Line of Credit, long-term and short-term debt, payable to owners, Phantom Stock Plan, and Salary Continuation Agreement. 4) Accounts payable to include the PTO liability and is subject to adjustment to include any litigation reserve if needed. 5) Deferred rent only reflects the current portion of deferred rent. F-2 40733748.21


 
Exhibit G Earn-Out Calculation To be based on Benchmark Date For the twelve-months ended September 30, 2018 BCG 2 Fee Income - Accounts 4010-4217 $ 5,715,190 Less: Commissions – Accounts 5920 0 Net 5,715,190 BCS Commission Income - Accounts 4000-4316 13,599,266 Less: Commissions - Accounts 5090 1,227,310 Less: Commissions - Accounts 5920 9,431,484 Net 2,940,472 Total Net Revenue $ 8,655,662 2 Note: Accounts information to be included separately and shall not include any accounts converted from Buyer’s accounts. G-1 40733748.21


 
EXHIBIT H Independent Accountants Crowe Horwath LLP BDO USA LLP RSM US LLP 40733748.21


 
Execution Version PURCHASE AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG ELLARD FAMILY HOLDINGS, INC. BRIAN M. ELLARD THE JCE EXEMPT TRUST AND HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION DATED AS OF DECEMBER 10, 2018


 
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Certain Definitions .................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Table of Defined Terms .......................................................................................................... 13 ARTICLE II. PURCHASE AND SALE..................................................................................................... 15 2.1 Purchase and Sale of Membership Interests and Minority-Owned Shares.............................. 15 2.2 Closing .................................................................................................................................... 15 2.3 Closing Deliveries ................................................................................................................... 15 2.4 Payment at Closing. ................................................................................................................. 17 2.5 Post-Closing Payment ............................................................................................................. 18 2.6 Escrow Account. ..................................................................................................................... 20 ARTICLE III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLER PARTIES ................... 21 3.1 Organization and Qualification ............................................................................................... 21 3.2 Organizational Documents ...................................................................................................... 21 3.3 Capitalization........................................................................................................................... 22 3.4 Subsidiaries ............................................................................................................................. 22 3.5 Authority; Enforceability. ....................................................................................................... 23 3.6 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents. .......................................................................... 25 3.7 Material Contracts. .................................................................................................................. 26 3.8 Compliance with Law; Permits. .............................................................................................. 28 3.9 Financial Statements. ............................................................................................................... 30 3.10 Insurance Business. ................................................................................................................. 31 3.11 Producers; Sale Practices. ........................................................................................................ 33 3.12 Existing Reinsurance Contracts. .............................................................................................. 34 3.13 No Undisclosed Liabilities ...................................................................................................... 35 3.14 Absence of Certain Changes or Events ................................................................................... 35 3.15 Absence of Litigation, Claims and Orders .............................................................................. 35 3.16 Employee Benefit Plans. ......................................................................................................... 35 3.17 Labor Matters. ......................................................................................................................... 37 3.18 Real Property. .......................................................................................................................... 38 3.19 Taxes. ...................................................................................................................................... 39 3.20 Intellectual Property and Technology. .................................................................................... 42 3.21 Insurance ................................................................................................................................. 43 3.22 Environmental Matters. ........................................................................................................... 43 3.23 Affiliated Transactions ............................................................................................................ 44 3.24 Assets ...................................................................................................................................... 45 3.25 Investment Assets .................................................................................................................... 45 3.26 Policy and Valuation Data ....................................................................................................... 46 3.27 Bank Accounts; Power of Attorney ......................................................................................... 46 3.28 Privacy and Data Security ....................................................................................................... 47 3.29 Brokers .................................................................................................................................... 47 ARTICLE IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER .............................................. 47 4.1 Organization ............................................................................................................................ 47 4.2 Authority; Enforceability ........................................................................................................ 47 4.3 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents ........................................................................... 48 4.4 Absence of Litigation, Claims and Orders .............................................................................. 48 - i -


 
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Page 4.5 Sufficient Funds ...................................................................................................................... 48 4.6 Brokers .................................................................................................................................... 49 4.7 Investment Purpose ................................................................................................................. 49 ARTICLE V. PRE-CLOSING COVENANTS ........................................................................................... 49 5.1 Conduct of Business Pending the Closing............................................................................... 49 5.2 Access to Information; Confidentiality. .................................................................................. 52 5.3 Governmental Approvals and Filings; Third Party Consents. ................................................. 53 5.4 Notification of Certain Matters ............................................................................................... 55 5.5 Interim Financial Statements ................................................................................................... 56 5.6 Public Announcements ............................................................................................................ 56 5.7 Further Assurances .................................................................................................................. 57 5.8 Delivery of Books and Records ............................................................................................... 57 5.9 Access to Books and Records ................................................................................................. 57 5.10 Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation ........................................................................................ 58 5.11 D&O Liabilities ....................................................................................................................... 59 5.12 Employee Matters.................................................................................................................... 59 5.13 Real Property Matters .............................................................................................................. 62 5.14 Name Change .......................................................................................................................... 62 5.15 Release .................................................................................................................................... 63 5.16 No Shop ................................................................................................................................... 63 5.17 Intercompany Agreements ...................................................................................................... 64 5.18 Bank Accounts ........................................................................................................................ 64 5.19 Investment Assets .................................................................................................................... 64 5.20 Retirement Annuity Payments ................................................................................................. 64 5.21 Capitalization of NTANY ....................................................................................................... 65 5.22 Fundamental Seller Obligations .............................................................................................. 65 ARTICLE VI. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT ............................................................................................ 66 6.1 Conditions to Each Party’s Obligations .................................................................................. 66 6.2 Conditions to Obligations of Buyer ......................................................................................... 66 6.3 Conditions to Obligations of Seller ......................................................................................... 67 ARTICLE VII. TERMINATION PRIOR TO CLOSING .......................................................................... 68 7.1 Termination ............................................................................................................................. 68 7.2 Effect of Termination .............................................................................................................. 69 ARTICLE VIII. TAX MATTERS .............................................................................................................. 69 8.1 Responsibility for Filing Tax Returns. .................................................................................... 69 8.2 Straddle Periods ....................................................................................................................... 69 8.3 Tax Covenants. ........................................................................................................................ 70 8.4 Contests Related to Taxes ....................................................................................................... 70 8.5 Cooperation on Tax Matters .................................................................................................... 71 8.6 Transfer Taxes ......................................................................................................................... 71 8.7 Section 338(h)(10) Election .................................................................................................... 71 ARTICLE IX. SURVIVAL AND INDEMNIFICATION .......................................................................... 72 9.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties ........................................................................... 72 9.2 Indemnification. ...................................................................................................................... 73 - ii -


 
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Page 9.3 Certain Limitations. ................................................................................................................. 74 9.4 Definitions. ............................................................................................................................. 75 9.5 Procedures for Third Party Claims .......................................................................................... 75 9.6 Direct Claims ........................................................................................................................... 77 9.7 Adjustment to Purchase Price .................................................................................................. 77 ARTICLE X. MISCELLANEOUS............................................................................................................. 77 10.1 Amendment ............................................................................................................................. 77 10.2 Waiver ..................................................................................................................................... 77 10.3 Expenses .................................................................................................................................. 77 10.4 Notices ..................................................................................................................................... 77 10.5 Specific Performance .............................................................................................................. 79 10.6 Interpretation ........................................................................................................................... 80 10.7 Severability .............................................................................................................................. 80 10.8 Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries .......................................................................... 80 10.9 Assignment .............................................................................................................................. 80 10.10 Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver; Remedies Cumulative ..................................................... 81 10.11 Governing Law ........................................................................................................................ 81 10.12 Jurisdiction; Enforcement. ....................................................................................................... 81 10.13 Certain Limitations .................................................................................................................. 82 10.14 Counterparts ............................................................................................................................ 82 10.15 Post-Closing Representation ................................................................................................... 82 - iii -


 
EXHIBITS Exhibit A — Form of Escrow Agreement Exhibit B — Keller Springs Lease Amendment and Terminations ANNEXES Annex A — Example Calculation Annex B — Excluded Investments Annex C — Key Independent Producers Annex D — Specified Accounting Principles Annex E — Renewal Commission Report Annex F — Third-Party Consents Seller Disclosure Schedule Buyer Disclosure Schedule - iv -


 
PURCHASE AGREEMENT This PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of December 10, 2018 (this “Agreement”), is by and among HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Buyer”), ELLARD FAMILY HOLDINGS, INC., a Nevada corporation (“Seller”), BRIAN M. ELLARD, an individual residing in the State of Texas (“Ellard”), and THE JCE EXEMPT TRUST, a Texas irrevocable trust (the “JCE Trust” and, together with Ellard, the “Minority Shareholders,” and the Minority Shareholders together with the Seller, the “Seller Parties”). RECITALS WHEREAS, Seller owns one hundred percent (100%) of the equity interests of NTA Life Enterprises, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (the “Company” and such equity interests, the “Membership Interests”); WHEREAS, the Company, Ellard and the JCE Trust collectively own one hundred percent (100%) of the issued and outstanding shares of Ellard Enterprises, Inc. (“EEI”); WHEREAS, Buyer desires to purchase from Seller, and Seller desires to sell to Buyer, the Membership Interests; and WHEREAS, Buyer further desires to purchase from the Minority Shareholders, and the Minority Shareholders desire to sell to Buyer, the Minority Shareholders’ shares of EEI; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and agreements herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows: ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS 1.1 Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings: “ACA Taxes” means any “health insurer provider” fee or other similar fee imposed by any Governmental Authority in connection with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including under Section 9010 thereof and including any assessments or fees imposed by any Governmental Authority of any state or other jurisdictions in connection with the existence or operation of, or participation in, any health insurance exchange or marketplace of such state or jurisdictions. “Adjusted Final Amount” means an amount equal to the Base Price plus the Final Adjustment. “Adjusted Initial Amount” means an amount equal to the Base Price plus the Estimated Adjustment.


 
“Adjustment Period” means the period beginning July 1, 2018 and ending on the Adjustment Time. “Adjustment Time” means 11:59 p.m. eastern time on the last day of the month in which the Closing Date falls. “Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such specified Person. “Applicable Rate” means an interest rate equal to 4.5% per annum. “Base Price” means $405,000,000. “Book Value” means, as of any date, (i) with respect to any Investment Asset held by an Insurance Subsidiary, the carrying value thereof as would be set forth, as of such date, in the statement of annual condition in the statutory financial statements of the applicable Insurance Subsidiary, as applicable (assuming such date was the end of an annual period) determined in accordance with SAP applicable to such Insurance Subsidiary, consistently applied, and (ii) with respect to any Investment Asset held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries other than the Insurance Subsidiaries, the carrying value thereof as would be set forth, as of such date, in the balance sheet of the Company or Subsidiary of the Company, as applicable, determined in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied. “Books and Records” means all written or electronic accounts, ledgers and records (including computer generated, recorded or stored records) of (i) the Company and its Subsidiaries, or (ii) Seller or any Seller’s Affiliate to the extent relating solely or primarily to the Company or its Subsidiaries, in each case, whether or not in the custody of the Company, its Subsidiaries, Seller or any Seller’s Affiliate, including customer lists, contract forms, applications, enrollment forms, policy information, policyholder information, claim records, sales records, underwriting records, administrative, pricing, underwriting, claims handling and reserving manuals, corporate (including Employee records) and accounting, reinsurance and other records (including the books of account and other records), agreements of the Company or its Subsidiaries (including agreements with Independent Producers), Tax records (including Tax Returns), disclosure and other documents and filings required under applicable Law, financial records, and compliance records relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries, including any database, magnetic or optical media and any other form of recorded, computer generated or stored information or process relating to the operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries. For the avoidance of doubt, Books and Records does not include consolidated state or federal Tax Returns of Seller or any of Seller’s Affiliates (other than to the extent related to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or the Insurance Contracts or products or services provided by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries). “Burdensome Condition” means any arrangement, condition or restriction imposed by any Governmental Authority on Buyer, the Company or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries as a condition of such Governmental Authority’s approval of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (i) to sell or hold separate or agree to sell, divest or discontinue, before or after the Closing Date, any properties, assets, business or licenses of Buyer, its Affiliates or the Company - 2 -


 
and its Subsidiaries, (ii) that requires the Buyer or any of the Seller Parties to commence, threaten or otherwise seek to commence any Proceeding against a Governmental Authority or (iii) that is reasonably likely to have a material negative effect on or impairment of the economic benefits that either Buyer or the Seller Parties reasonably expected to derive from the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, had such Persons not been obligated to take or refrain from taking the relevant action or to become subject to the relevant condition, limitation, restriction or requirement being imposed by a Governmental Authority. “Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or day on which banks are permitted or required by Law to close in Chicago, Illinois or Dallas, Texas. “Buyer Disclosure Schedule” means the Buyer Disclosure Schedule delivered by Buyer to the Seller Parties concurrently with the execution of this Agreement. “Buyer Material Adverse Effect” means any fact, circumstance, condition, event, development, occurrence, change or effect that has had, or will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the ability of Buyer to perform its obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. “Change of Control Agreements” means the four Change of Control Agreements between the Company, on one hand, and each of Wade A. Rugenstein, Timothy A. Darley, Derik T. Sanders, and Earl R. Fonville, on the other hand, in each case effective as of August 31, 2018. “Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. “Company Action Level RBC” means with respect to each Insurance Subsidiary as of any date of determination, its Company Action Level RBC, as defined in the NAIC Risk Based Capital (RBC) Model Act or in the rules and procedures prescribed by the NAIC with respect thereto, in each case, as in effect on the date of determination and determined consistent with the Specified Accounting Principles. “Company Distribution Adjustment” means the sum of all Unregulated Distributions after June 30, 2018 and prior to the Closing Date; notwithstanding the foregoing, the Unregulated Distribution declared prior to, but not yet paid as of, June 30, 2018, in the amount of $1 million shall be expressly excluded as if such Unregulated Distribution had been fully paid prior to June 30, 2018. “Company Material Adverse Effect” means any fact, circumstance, condition, event, development, occurrence, change or effect that has had, or will have, individually or in the aggregate, (a) a material adverse effect on the business, operations, results of operations or condition (financial or other) of the Company or its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, but excluding any such effect to the extent resulting from or arising out of: (i) changes in general political, economic or securities or financial market conditions (including changes in interest rates or changes in equity prices); (ii) any matter affecting the industries in which the Company or its Subsidiaries participates generally; (iii) any change or proposed change in GAAP, SAP or applicable Law; (iv) natural catastrophe events, hostilities, acts of war or terrorism, or any escalation or worsening thereof; or (v) the public announcement of the transactions contemplated hereby; except in the case of clauses (i) through (iv), to the extent such changes or effects affect - 3 -


 
the Company in a materially disproportionate manner relative to such other participants in the businesses and industries in which the Company operates , or (b) a material adverse effect on the ability of the Seller Parties to perform their respective obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. For purposes of demonstrating whether any fact, circumstance, condition, event, development, occurrence, change or effect "will have" a material adverse effect described in the foregoing clauses (a) or (b), the parties acknowledge that “will” means that there is more than a fifty percent (50%) likelihood such material adverse effect will occur under the circumstances. “Company Transaction Expenses” means, in each case solely to the extent not paid immediately prior to the Closing Date, and whether or not invoiced, (i) the fees and expenses payable by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to Winstead PC and any other attorneys engaged by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in connection with this Agreement and the transactions and other agreements contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) the fees and expenses payable by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to outside accountants or other advisors, in each case incurred on or before the Closing Date in connection with this Agreement and the transactions and other agreements contemplated by this Agreement, and (iii) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, if any. “Computer Programs” means current and prior versions of existing and available retired (i) computer programs owned or used by or licensed to the Company or its Subsidiaries, including all object code and all source code other than open source code, all executables and run books (and related Contracts with escrow agents), (ii) software databases, including structures, format, procedures and associated documentation for the organization, storage and sorting of information, to the extent developed by or licensed to or used by the Company or its Subsidiaries, (iii) available descriptions, specifications, flow-charts, templates, maps and any other work product used to design, plan, organize and develop each of (i)–(ii), to the extent developed by or licensed to or used by the Company or its Subsidiaries, and (iv) documentation, including design and development artifacts, test data and scripts, user manuals, system documentation, operations manuals/instructions and training materials, relating to each of (i)–(iii). “Consolidated GAAP Net Income” means the net income of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the Adjustment Period on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, based upon the Company’s Books and Records and the Pro Forma Consolidated GAAP Financial Statement or the Final Consolidated GAAP Financial Statement, as applicable. “Continuing Key Executive” means each of Wade A. Rugenstein, Timothy A. Darley and Derik T. Sanders. “control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of stock or membership interest, as trustee or executor, by contract or credit arrangement or otherwise. “Court” means any court or arbitration tribunal of the United States, any domestic state, any foreign country and any political subdivision or agency thereof. - 4 -


 
“Covered Taxes” means any of the following: (i) any Taxes of the Company or its Subsidiaries attributable to any Pre-Closing Tax Period except to the extent of any accrued current liability for such Taxes taken into account in the calculation of the Final Adjustment Amount, (ii) any liability of the Company or its Subsidiaries for Taxes as a result of the Company or any Subsidiary being a member of a consolidated, combined, unitary or similar group for federal, state, local or foreign law for a Pre-Closing Tax Period or imposed on the Company or any Subsidiary by operation of law or pursuant to any contract or other agreement (including without limitation any Tax Agreement) relating to a Pre-Closing Tax Period or (iii) Seller’s share of the Taxes, fees and charges under Section 8.6. “DAC Adjustment” means the amount, net of Tax, equal to (i) the deferred acquisition cost asset of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the Adjustment Time, based upon the Pro Forma Financial Statements or Final Financial Statements, as applicable, minus (ii) the deferred acquisition cost asset of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2018. “Data Input Inaccuracies” means inaccuracies or omissions in (i) the inputting of factual data, including data (and omission of data) relating to the inventory of insurance policies in force, the terms of such policies or contracts, the relevant information related to the owners or insureds of such insurance policies, the Reserves, the Investment Assets held by the Company or its Subsidiaries or insurance policies and transactions related thereto, or (ii) the coding, compilation or aggregation of such factual data, in either case other than omissions in the factual data inputs resulting from reasonable judgments made by an actuary or other financial professional as to the scope of factual data inputs (or omissions of factual data inputs). “EE Realty Loan” means that certain promissory note, dated June 1, 2013, payable by EE Realty, Inc. to NTAL. “EE Realty Payoff Amount” means the unpaid principal and accrued interest as of the Closing Date on the EE Realty Loan. “Employee” means any current employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. “Employee Plan” means a written or unwritten plan, policy, program, agreement or arrangement, whether covering a single individual or a group of individuals, sponsored, maintained or contributed to by Seller or any ERISA Affiliate, which provides benefits or compensation to or on behalf of Employees, or any of their beneficiaries, dependents, spouses or other family members, that is (i) an “employee benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, (ii) a stock bonus, stock purchase, stock option, restricted stock, stock appreciation right or similar equity-based plan or arrangement, or (iii) any other employment, severance, deferred- compensation, retirement, welfare-benefit, bonus, retention, termination, change in control, incentive or fringe benefit plan, policy, program, agreement or arrangement. “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. “ERISA Affiliate” means an entity (whether or not incorporated) required to be treated as a single employer with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under Section 414 of the Code. - 5 -


 
“Escrow Account” means the escrow account established pursuant to the Escrow Agreement. “Escrow Agent” means the escrow agent mutually agreed to by Buyer and Seller. “Escrow Agreement” means the Escrow Agreement by and among Buyer, Seller and the Escrow Agent substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. “Escrow Amount” means $20,000,000. “Estimated Adjustment” means an amount equal to (i) estimated Consolidated GAAP Net Income minus, if positive, or plus the absolute value, if negative, (ii) the sum of (A) the estimated DAC Adjustment, (B) the RBC Adjustment, (C) the Company Distribution Adjustment and (D) the estimated Company Transaction Expenses, in each case as based on the Company’s Books and Records and the applicable Pro Forma Financial Statements. “Example Calculation” means the calculation set forth on Annex A. “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. “Excluded Investments” means those Investment Assets set forth on Annex B. “Excluded Employee Liabilities” means all Liabilities (including for Taxes) in respect of Excluded Employees arising out of or in connection with (i) any payments, compensation, benefits or entitlements that Seller or any of its Affiliates owes or is obligated to provide, whether currently, prospectively or on a contingent basis, with respect to any current or former Employee that is an Excluded Employee, including wages, other remuneration, holiday or vacation pay, bonus, severance pay (statutory or otherwise), commissions, post-employment medical or life obligations, pension contributions, insurance premiums, and Taxes, (ii) under, or with respect to, ERISA, the U.S. Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, Section 4980 of the Code, or any labor or similar applicable law, that are incurred, accrued or arise prior to, or in connection with, the Closing, including any Taxes imposed under Sections 3101, 3111 or 3301 of the Code, whether or not yet required to be paid or recognized, (iii) any Employee Plan or (iv) the employment, transfer or termination of employment. “Excluded Liabilities” means all Liabilities in respect of (i) Covered Taxes, (ii) Excluded Employee Liabilities, and (iii) Excluded Investments, including any obligation to fund any commitment under an Excluded Investment. “Executive Employment Agreement” means that certain Executive Employment Agreement, dated April 30, 2015, by and between Stephen E. Murphy and EE Holdings, Inc. n/k/a NTA Life Enterprises, LLC. “Filing” means any registration, petition, statement, application, schedule, form, declaration, notice, notification, report, submission or other filing. “Final Adjustment” means an amount equal to (i) the Consolidated GAAP Net Income minus, if positive, or plus the absolute value, if negative, (ii) the sum of (A) the DAC - 6 -


 
Adjustment, (B) the RBC Adjustment, (C) the Company Distribution Adjustment, and (D) the Company Transaction Expenses, in each case as based on the Company’s Books and Records and the applicable Final Financial Statements, all as finally determined pursuant to Section 2.5. “Final Consolidated GAAP Financial Statement” means the consolidated GAAP financial statement of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as of the Adjustment Time and for the Adjustment Period, prepared by Buyer after the Closing Date, and as finally determined pursuant to Section 2.5. “Final Financial Statements” means, collectively, the Final Consolidated GAAP Financial Statement and the Final Statutory Financial Statement. “Final Statutory Financial Statement” means the statutory financial statement of the Insurance Subsidiaries as of the Adjustment Time, prepared by Buyer after the Closing Date, and as finally determined pursuant to Section 2.5. “Financial Statements” means, collectively, the Statutory Statements and the Consolidated GAAP Financial Statements. “Fundamental Seller Obligations” means all obligations of Seller under this Agreement, if any, to make Indemnity Payments to any Buyer Indemnified Person. “Governmental Approval” means any consent, approval or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Authority. “Governmental Authority” means any governmental agency or authority of the United States, any domestic state, any foreign country and any political subdivision or agency thereof, including any administrative agency, board or commission. “Indebtedness” means, without duplication, the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ (i) outstanding indebtedness for borrowed money and all obligations represented by or owed under bonds, notes, debentures, loan agreements, reimbursement agreements or other similar instruments and debt securities, including accrued interest and prepayment premiums, penalties and breakage fees related thereto, (ii) obligations (including breakage costs and termination payments) payable under interest rate protection agreements, swaps, hedges or other instruments, (iii) all or any part of the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade payables), including any “earnout” or similar payments or any non-compete payments and (iv) guarantees of any of the foregoing. “Independent Producer” means any Person, other than the Company, any Subsidiaries of the Company or any Employee, engaged in the solicitation, negotiation, effectuation, marketing, sale or placement of any insurance policy underwritten by the Company or its Subsidiaries or of any other products or services marketed, sold or provided by the Company or its Subsidiaries. “Insurance Contract” means any contract or policy of insurance or reinsurance, binder, slip, endorsement or certificate, and forms with respect thereto, including any life, health, accident and disability insurance policy and any other insurance policy or insurance contract or certificate, in each case issued, reinsured or assumed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. - 7 -


 
“Insurance Subsidiaries” means NTAL and NTANY. “Insurance Regulator” means, with respect to any jurisdiction, the Governmental Authority charged with the supervision of insurance companies in such jurisdiction. “Intellectual Property” means, on a worldwide basis, any or all of the following: (i) trademarks, service marks, trade dress, and other indicia of source, and any pending applications and registrations therefor now or hereafter in force, and all goodwill related thereto; (ii) trade names, corporate names, assumed names or fictitious names and any registrations or foreign qualifications therefor now or hereafter in force; (iii) domain names and any registrations therefor now or hereafter in force, including access to the codes necessary to transfer such domain registrations; (iv) copyrights and any registrations or applications therefor now or hereafter in force; (v) intellectual property rights with regard to the Computer Programs; (vi) patents and patent applications, including divisions, continuations, continuations-in-part and renewal applications, and including renewals, extensions and reissues thereof now or hereafter in force; (vii) know-how and trade secrets under applicable Law; and (viii) in each case, all administrative and legal rights arising therefrom and relating thereto. “Investment Assets” means any interest in any bonds, notes, debentures, mortgage loans, real estate, instruments of indebtedness, stocks, partnership, membership or joint venture interests, and all other equity interests, certificates issued by or interests in trusts, derivatives, or other assets acquired for investment purposes. “IT Systems” means the hardware, Software, data, databases, data communication lines, network and telecommunications equipment, Internet-related information technology infrastructure, wide area network and other information technology equipment owned, leased or licensed by the Company of any of its Subsidiaries. “Key Executives” means each of Wade A. Rugenstein, Timothy A. Darley, Stephen E. Murphy, Derik T. Sanders and Earl R. Fonville. “Key Independent Producers” means the Independent Producers identified on Annex C. “Keller Springs Leases” means each of the Company Real Property Leases identified on Schedule 3.18(a) between a Subsidiary of the Company, as tenant, and EE Realty, Inc., as landlord, for the lease of the Keller Springs Property. “Keller Springs Property” means the real property located at 4949 Keller Springs Road, Addison, Texas 75001. “Knowledge” means, with respect to the Seller Parties, the actual knowledge of the Key Executives, and Natalie Lockmiller after reasonable inquiry and discussion among themselves and their direct reports and, with respect to Buyer, the actual knowledge of Marita Zuraitis, Matthew Sharpe, Bret Conklin and Elizabeth Moore after reasonable inquiry and discussion among themselves and their direct reports. For purposes of this definition, “reasonable inquiry” means the internal inquiry a responsible individual in a similarly situated position at a similarly situated company in the same industry would undertake in response to actual knowledge of facts or circumstances that make such inquiry reasonably prudent in the normal course of carrying out the - 8 -


 
duties of such individual; provided, however, that “reasonable inquiry” shall not require the engagement of any third party auditor or investigator or require any special inquiry solely on account of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereunder. “Law” means all laws, statutes, ordinances, directives, Regulations and similar mandates of any Governmental Authority, including all Orders having the effect of law in any jurisdiction. “Liabilities” means, with respect to any Person, any liability or obligation of such Person of any kind, character or description, whether known or unknown, absolute or contingent, accrued or unaccrued, disputed or undisputed, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, joint or several, due or to become due, vested or unvested, executory, determined, determinable or otherwise. “Lien” means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, security interest, encumbrance, claim, lien or charge of any kind. “Material Detrimental Event” means (i) twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the Key Independent Producers are no longer Independent Producers, (ii) the Product Mix Percentage is fifty percent (50%) or greater or (iii) the number of in-force Insurance Contracts is less than 285,000. “Minority-Owned Shares” means all of the issued and outstanding shares of EEI owned by the Minority Shareholders. “Most Recent Quarterly Statements” means, collectively, the Most Recent Statutory Statement and Most Recent GAAP Statement. “NAIC” means the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. “Non-Guaranteed Elements” means cost of insurance charges, loads and expense charges, credited interest rates, discretionary bonus features, mortality and expense charges, administrative expense risk charges, variable premium rates and variable paid-up amounts, retrospective bonuses, and any other unspecified premiums, features or charges that either Insurance Subsidiary can unilaterally change, each as applicable under the Insurance Contracts. “NTAL” means National Teachers Associates Life Insurance Company, a Texas-domiciled insurance company. “NTANY” means NTA Life Insurance Company of New York, a New York-domiciled insurance company. “Order” means any binding judgment, order, writ, injunction, ruling or decree of, or any settlement under the jurisdiction of, any Court or Governmental Authority. “Organizational Documents” means, with respect to any Person, the certificate of incorporation, bylaws, certificate of organization, operating agreement or other applicable organizational documents of such Person. - 9 -


 
“Permits” mean all franchises, authorizations, consents, approvals, licenses, registrations, certificates, Orders, permits or other rights and privileges issued by any Governmental Authority. “Permitted Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any: (i) carriers’, mechanics’, materialmens’ or similar Lien with respect to amounts not yet due which do not interfere in any material respect with the conduct of the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as it is currently conducted; (ii) Lien related to deposits required by applicable Law to be made to any Insurance Regulator; or (iii) Lien for Taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet due and payable or due and payable but not delinquent or the amount or validity of which is being contested in good faith and for which adequate reserves are set forth in the financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries. “Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, association, trust, estate, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or other entity or group (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act). “Personal Information” means any of the following categories of information, in any format whether written, electronic, or otherwise: (a) any “nonpublic personal information” as such term is defined under Title V of the U.S. Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, 15 U.S.C. § 6801 et seq., and the rules and regulations issued thereunder, (b) any personally identifiable information that is protected by applicable Law related to data security and privacy, such as name, signature, address, social security number, telephone number or other unique identifier, (c) information that can be used to authenticate an individual (including passwords or PINs, biometric data, unique identification numbers, answer to security questions, or other personal identifiers) or (d) any “protected health information” as such term is defined under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended and the rules and regulations issued thereunder. “Policy and Valuation Data” means the information listed in Section 3.26 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule. “Post-Closing Tax Period” means any taxable period or portion of a taxable period that is not a Pre-Closing Tax Period. “Pre-Closing Tax Period” means any taxable period ending on or before the Closing Date and that portion of any Straddle Period through the end of the Closing Date determined in accordance with Section 8.2. “Pro Forma Consolidated GAAP Financial Statement” means the pro forma consolidated GAAP financial statement of the Company and its Subsidiaries, prepared by Seller, as of the Adjustment Time. “Pro Forma Financial Statements” means, collectively, the Pro Forma Consolidated GAAP Financial Statement and the Pro Forma Statutory Financial Statement. “Pro Forma Statutory Financial Statement” means the pro forma statutory financial statement of the Insurance Subsidiaries, prepared by Seller, as of the Adjustment Time. - 10 -


 
“Pro Rata Percentage” means with respect to Seller, ninety three and eight hundred sixty six thousandths percent (93.866%), with respect to Ellard, three and sixty seven thousandths percent (3.067%), and with respect to the JCE Trust, three and sixty seven thousandths percent (3.067%). “Proceeding” means any legal, administrative, arbitral or other proceeding, suit, or action by or before any Governmental Authority, mediator or arbitrator. “Product Mix Percentage” means the percentage derived by dividing (i) the number of Insurance Contracts consisting of accident or disability insurance issued between June 30, 2018, and the Closing Date, by (ii) the total number of Insurance Contracts issued between June 30, 2018, and the Closing Date. “Purchase Price” means, collectively, the Company Purchase Price and the Share Purchase Price. “RBC Adjustment” means the amount equal to (i) the result of (A) the Company Action Level RBC of NTAL as of the Adjustment Time, minus (B) the Company Action Level RBC of NTAL as of June 30, 2018, multiplied by (ii) five hundred percent (500%). “RBC Ratio” means, with respect to any insurance company, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (i) Total Adjusted Capital (as defined in the NAIC Risk Based Capital (RBC) Model Act or in the rules and procedures prescribed by the NAIC with respect thereto, in each case, as in effect on the date of determination) to (ii) Company Action Level RBC. “Regulated Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Company that is licensed in one or more jurisdictions as an insurance company, insurance agency and/or third party administrator. “Regulation” means any rule, regulation, policy or interpretation (regarding such rule, regulation or policy) of any Governmental Authority. “Representatives” means, with respect to any Person, its officers, managers, employees, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants, financial or other advisors or other agents. “Reserves” means all reserves and other liabilities for claims, benefits, losses (including incurred but not reported losses and losses in the course of settlement), expenses and unearned premium arising under or in connection with an Insurance Contract. “R&W Indemnifications” means Section 9.2(b)(i) and (ii) (in the case of the Seller Parties) and Section 9.2(c)(i) and (ii) (in the case of Buyer). “SAP” means, with respect to any regulated insurance company, the statutory accounting practices prescribed by the Governmental Authority responsible for the regulation of insurance companies in the jurisdiction in which such company is domiciled, consistently applied. “Schedules” means collectively the Seller Disclosure Schedules and the Buyer Disclosure Schedules. - 11 -


 
“Seller Disclosure Schedule” means the Seller Disclosure Schedule delivered by the Seller Parties to Buyer concurrently with the execution of this Agreement. “Software” means all computer software, including but not limited to application software, system software, firmware, middleware, mobile digital applications, assemblers, applets, compilers and binary libraries including all source code and object code versions of any and all of the foregoing, in any and all forms and media, and all related documentation. “Special Dividend” means a dividend and distribution of excess capital in an aggregate amount equal to the maximum amount approved by the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Texas to be declared and paid, after the Closing Date, by NTAL. “Specified Accounting Principles” means SAP as applicable to each Insurance Subsidiary and GAAP as applicable to the Company and its Subsidiaries other than the Insurance Subsidiaries, and as adjusted or more specifically set forth on Annex D. “Straddle Period” means any taxable period beginning before and ending after the Closing Date. “Subsidiary” with respect to any Person, means any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other legal entity of which such Person owns, directly or indirectly, greater than 50% of the capital stock or other equity interests that are generally entitled to vote for the election of the board of directors or other governing body of such corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other legal entity or to vote as a general partner thereof. “Tax” or “Taxes” means any federal, state, local or non-U.S. income, excise, environmental, capital stock, profits, social security (or similar), disability, registration, value added, estimated, gross receipts, sales, use, ad valorem, transfer, franchise, license, withholding, payroll, employment, unemployment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, property or windfall profits taxes, alternative or add-on minimum taxes, customs duties and other taxes or assessments of any kind whatsoever, together with all interest, fines, penalties or additions imposed by any taxing authority (domestic or foreign) on such entity. “Tax Returns” means all returns, declarations, reports, and information statements and returns required or permitted to be filed with a Governmental Authority relating to Taxes, including, but not limited to, original returns and filings, amended returns, claims for refunds, and information returns (federal, state, foreign, municipal or local), and any schedules attached to any of the foregoing. “Transaction Documents” means this Agreement, the Escrow Agreement and such other instruments and agreements required by this Agreement to be executed and delivered hereunder. “Treasury Regulations” means all proposed, temporary and final regulations promulgated under the Code, as such regulations may be amended from time to time. “True-Up Amount” means the Adjusted Final Amount minus the Adjusted Initial Amount. - 12 -


 
“Unclaimed Property Matter” means any and all matters to the extent arising out of or reflecting (i) the use or non-use of the Social Security Death Master File in the administration of the Insurance Contracts, (ii) amounts of unclaimed property or escheat obligations relating to the Insurance Contracts, the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, including, without limitation, in respect of unclaimed life insurance or other benefits and amounts payable to beneficiaries or any other Persons under the Insurance Contracts or otherwise or (iii) any audit or investigation by or on behalf of any Governmental Authority or third party relating to the foregoing. “Unregulated Distribution” means any distribution, dividend or other payment by the Company to Seller in respect of the Membership Interests, which distribution, dividend or other payment does not require any regulatory approval or non-disapproval if originated from either Insurance Subsidiary. “Wholly-Owned Subsidiary” means each direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company other than EEI, NTAL and NTANY. 1.2 Table of Defined Terms. Terms that are not defined in Section 1.1 have the meanings set forth in the following Sections: Accounting Arbitrator ................................................................................... 8.7(b) Acquired Business ......................................................................................... 5.10(c)(ii) Adjustment Report ........................................................................................ 2.5(c)(v) Agreed Allocation ......................................................................................... 8.7(b) Agreement ..................................................................................................... Preamble Alternative Transaction ................................................................................. 5.16(b) Assumed Reinsurance Contracts ................................................................... 3.12(b) Buyer ............................................................................................................. Preamble Buyer 401(k) Plan ......................................................................................... 5.12(b) Buyer’s Allocation ........................................................................................ 8.7(b) Buyer Indemnified Persons ........................................................................... 9.2(a) Ceded Reinsurance Contracts ....................................................................... 3.12(a) Closing .......................................................................................................... 2.2 Closing Date .................................................................................................. 2.2 COBRA ......................................................................................................... 5.12(e) Company ....................................................................................................... Recitals Company 401(k) Plan ................................................................................... 5.12(b) Company Actuarial Analyses ........................................................................ 3.10(f) Company Intellectual Property Rights .......................................................... 3.20(a) Company Purchase Price............................................................................... 2.1(a) Company Real Property Leases .................................................................... 3.18(a) Competing Business ...................................................................................... 5.10(a) Condition Satisfaction ................................................................................... 2.2 Confidential Information ............................................................................... 5.2(b) Consolidated Statements ............................................................................... 3.9(b) Continuing Employee ................................................................................... 5.12(a)(ii) Deductible ..................................................................................................... 9.3(a) - 13 -


 
Dispute Notice ............................................................................................... 2.5(c)(ii) Distribution Recovery Right ......................................................................... 5.22(b) EEI................................................................................................................. Recitals Ellard ............................................................................................................. Preamble Enforceability Exceptions ............................................................................. 3.5(a) Environmental Laws ..................................................................................... 3.22(c)(i) Environmental Permits .................................................................................. 3.22(c)(ii) Escrow Holdback Amount ............................................................................ 2.6(b) Escrow Release Date ..................................................................................... 2.6(b) Escrowed Funds ............................................................................................ 2.6(a) Excluded Employees ..................................................................................... 5.12(a)(i) Fundamental Representations ....................................................................... 9.1 GAAP ............................................................................................................ 3.9(b) Hazardous Substances ................................................................................... 3.22(c)(iii) HSR Act ........................................................................................................ 3.6(b) Delaware Court ............................................................................................. 10.12(a) Indemnifiable Loss ........................................................................................ 9.4(c) Indemnitee ..................................................................................................... 9.4(a) Indemnitor ..................................................................................................... 9.4(b) Indemnity Payment ....................................................................................... 9.4(d) Independent Accounting Firm....................................................................... 2.5(c)(iv) Intercompany Agreements ............................................................................ 3.23(a) Investment Asset Report 5.19(a) Investment Guidelines 3.25(b) JCE Trust ....................................................................................................... Preamble Keller Springs Lease Amendment and Terminations ................................... 5.13(a) Leased Real Property .................................................................................... 3.18(a) Material Contracts ......................................................................................... 3.7(a) Membership Interests .................................................................................... Recitals Minority Shareholders ................................................................................... Preamble Most Recent Statutory Statement .................................................................. 3.9(a) Most Recent GAAP Statements .................................................................... 3.9(b) Outside Date .................................................................................................. 7.1(b) Owned Real Property .................................................................................... 3.18(a) RBC Reports ................................................................................................. 3.9(d) Real Property ................................................................................................. 3.18(a) Recourse Distribution.................................................................................... 5.22(b) Reinsurance Contracts ................................................................................... 3.12(b) Release .......................................................................................................... 3.22(c)(iv) Required Governmental Authorizations ....................................................... 3.6(b) Review Period ............................................................................................... 2.5(c)(i) Scheduled Company Intellectual Property .................................................... 3.20(a) Section 280G Payments ................................................................................ 5.12(i) Section 338(h)(10) Election .......................................................................... 8.7(a) Seller ............................................................................................................. Preamble Seller Indemnified Persons ........................................................................... 9.2(c) - 14 -


 
Seller Parties.................................................................................................. Preamble Share Purchase Price ..................................................................................... 2.1(b) Statutory Statements ..................................................................................... 3.9(a) Survival Period .............................................................................................. 9.1 Tax Agreement .............................................................................................. 3.19(f) Tax Claim ...................................................................................................... 8.4 Third-Party Claim ......................................................................................... 9.4(e) Updated Adjustment Statement 2.5(b) WARN .......................................................................................................... 3.17(d) WARN Acts .................................................................................................. 3.17(d) ARTICLE II. PURCHASE AND SALE 2.1 Purchase and Sale of Membership Interests and Minority-Owned Shares. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement: (a) Seller agrees to sell to Buyer, and Buyer agrees to purchase from Seller, all of the Membership Interests, free and clear of any Liens, for an aggregate purchase price (the “Company Purchase Price”) in cash equal to the Seller’s Pro Rata Percentage of the Base Price, as adjusted pursuant to Section 2.4 and Section 2.5; and (b) Each Minority Shareholder agrees to sell to Buyer, and Buyer agrees to purchase from the Minority Shareholders, all of the Minority-Owned Shares, free and clear of any Liens, for an aggregate purchase price (the “Share Purchase Price”) in cash equal to the aggregate Minority Shareholders' Pro Rata Percentages of the Base Price, as adjusted pursuant to Section 2.4 and Section 2.5; provided that, upon written notice to the Seller Parties prior to the Closing Date, Buyer may assign its right to receive the Minority-Owned Shares to any Affiliate of Buyer (including the Company) -by designating such Affiliate in such notice. 2.2 Closing. The closing of the purchase and sale of the Membership Interests and the Minority-Owned Shares and other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”) shall take place by mutual exchange of electronic transmission of documents and instructions at 10:00 a.m., Eastern time, on (i) the last Business Day of the month in which all the conditions set forth in Article VI have been satisfied or waived (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of such conditions at the Closing) in accordance with this Agreement (the “Condition Satisfaction”) or (ii) if the Condition Satisfaction occurs less than five (5) Business Days prior to the last Business Day of such month, then the Closing shall take place on the last Business Day of the month immediately following the month in which the Condition Satisfaction occurs, in each case provided that all conditions set forth in Article VI are satisfied or waived at the Closing, unless another date, time or place is agreed to in writing by the parties hereto. Upon the occurrence of the Closing, the date and time that the Closing shall become effective shall be 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on the date on which the Closing occurs (such date and time are herein referred to as the “Closing Date”). 2.3 Closing Deliveries. - 15 -


 
(a) At the Closing, the Seller Parties shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Buyer: (i) an assignment of the Membership Interests from Seller to Buyer, duly executed by Seller as of the Closing Date; (ii) certificates representing the Minority-Owned Shares, duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by sufficient instruments of transfer and bearing all requisite stock transfer stamps; (iii) counterparts of each Transaction Document other than this Agreement to which a Seller Party is a party, duly executed by such Seller Party; (iv) the Keller Springs Lease Amendment and Terminations, duly executed by EE Realty, Inc., as landlord, and the applicable Subsidiary of the Company, as tenant; (v) an affidavit in the form set forth in the Treasury Regulations under Section 1445(b)(2) of the Code certifying that, as of the Closing Date, Seller is not a “foreign person”; (vi) a certificate of an officer of Seller executed by an authorized officer of Seller, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying as to the Seller Parties’ compliance with the conditions set forth in Section 6.2(a) and Section 6.2(b) and the satisfaction of the condition set forth in Section 6.2(j); (vii) a certificate of an officer of the Seller in the form reasonably acceptable to the Buyer executed by an authorized officer of the Seller, dated no more than five (5) days prior to the Closing Date, setting forth the true, accurate and complete information required to be listed on Section 3.17(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, but updated as of the date of such certificate; (viii) a certificate of good standing or certificate of fact, as applicable, from the applicable jurisdiction of incorporation or formation of the Company and each Subsidiary of the Company; (ix) resignations of those directors, managers and officers of the Company and its Subsidiaries designated by Buyer prior to Closing effective as of the Closing; (x) the Closing Adjustment Statement and Pro Forma Financial Statements, reasonably acceptable to Buyer; and (xi) an IRS Form 8023, with attached schedules as required, containing all information required by the IRS with respect to each shareholder (as defined in the Treasury Regulations) of each Subsidiary of the Company, and signed by each applicable Seller Party in accordance with the IRS instructions to such Form. (b) At the Closing, Buyer shall make the payments and contributions contemplated by Section 2.4 and also deliver or cause to be delivered to Seller Parties: - 16 -


 
(i) counterparts of each Transaction Document other than this Agreement to which Buyer is a party, duly executed by Buyer; (ii) a certificate of Buyer duly executed by an authorized officer of Buyer, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying as to Buyer’s compliance with the conditions set forth in Section 6.3(a) and Section 6.3(b); and (iii) a certificate of good standing or certificate of fact, as applicable, from the applicable jurisdiction of incorporation or formation of Buyer. 2.4 Payment at Closing. (a) No later than five (5) Business Days prior to the anticipated Closing Date, Seller shall deliver to Buyer the Pro Forma Financial Statements and a statement setting forth in reasonable detail Seller’s calculation of the Estimated Adjustment, including the RBC Adjustment estimated as of the Adjustment Time, estimated Company Transaction Expenses, as of the Adjustment Time, and the Adjusted Initial Amount based thereon (such statement being referred to herein as the “Closing Adjustment Statement”). The Closing Adjustment Statement shall be (i) in the form of the Example Calculation attached hereto as Annex A; (ii) accompanied by work papers and other supporting documentation with respect to the calculation of the amounts set forth thereon; and (iii) accompanied by a written certificate of the chief financial or accounting officer of Seller certifying that the Pro Forma Financial Statements and Closing Adjustment Statement (x) were prepared in good faith, (y) are based upon the Books and Records, and (z) were prepared in accordance with the Most Recent Quarterly Statements and the Specified Accounting Principles. If the Buyer believes that the Closing Adjustment Statement (including any amount or computation set forth therein) or Pro Forma Financial Statements contain errors, deviates from the Example Calculation or was not prepared in accordance with the Specified Accounting Principles, Buyer may, on or prior to the second (2nd) Business Day prior to the anticipated Closing Date, deliver a notice to Seller setting forth, in reasonable detail, each such disputed item or amount and the basis for Buyer’s disagreement therewith, and for the period from Seller’s receipt of such notice to the Closing Date, the parties shall cooperate in good faith to resolve any such disputes and agree upon a revised Closing Adjustment Statement or Pro Forma Financial Statements, as applicable. (b) In addition to the deliveries contemplated by Section 2.3, at the Closing, Buyer shall pay: (i) to Seller or its designee, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by Seller, an amount equal to the Seller’s Pro Rata Percentage of the Adjusted Initial Amount less the Escrow Amount and less the EE Realty Payoff Amount; (ii) to each Minority Shareholder, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by each such Minority Shareholder, an amount equal to such Minority Shareholder’s Pro Rata Percentage of the Adjusted Initial Amount; and (iii) to the Escrow Agent, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Escrow Account, the Escrow Amount. - 17 -


 
(c) On the Closing Date, the EE Realty Payoff Amount will be deemed to be paid by Buyer to Seller, then immediately contributed by Seller to EE Realty, Inc. as a capital contribution, and then paid by EE Realty, Inc. to NTAL in satisfaction of the EE Realty Loan. 2.5 Post-Closing Payment. (a) The True-Up Amount shall be calculated based on the determination of the Adjusted Final Amount as set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of this Section 2.5. If the True-Up Amount is a positive number, Buyer shall pay Seller and the Minority Shareholders, or their respective designees, their Pro Rata Percentages of the True-Up Amount within five (5) Business Days after the final determination thereof. If the True-Up Amount is a negative number, (1) Seller shall pay Buyer an amount in cash equal to the absolute value of the True-Up Amount within five (5) Business Days after the final determination thereof, and (2) the Seller may recoup the Minority Shareholders’ Pro Rata Percentages of such True-Up Amount from the Minority Shareholders; provided that, in the sole discretion of Buyer, such amount may be paid from the Escrowed Funds, in which case the Buyer and Seller shall jointly instruct the Escrow Agent by executing and delivering a certificate to the Escrow Agent to pay to Buyer such amount from the Escrowed Funds. Any payments required to be made by either party pursuant to this Section 2.5(a) shall (i) be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds and (ii) include interest on the amount required to be paid at the Applicable Rate, compounded annually on the basis of a year of 365 days, from (and including) the Closing Date to (but excluding) the date such payment is made. (b) No later than ninety (90) days after the Closing Date, Buyer shall deliver to Seller a statement (the “Updated Adjustment Statement”) consisting of the proposed Final Financial Statements and Buyer's calculations of the Final Adjustment, the DAC Adjustment, the RBC Adjustment, the Company Distribution Adjustment, the Company Transaction Expenses, all as of the Adjustment Time, and the Adjusted Final Amount based thereon. The Updated Adjustment Statement shall be (i) in the form of the Example Calculation, (ii) accompanied by work papers and other supporting documentation with respect to the calculation of the amounts set forth thereon; and (iii) accompanied by a written certificate of the chief financial or accounting officer of the Company certifying that the Updated Adjustment Statement (x) was prepared in good faith, (y) is based upon the Books and Records, and (z) was prepared in accordance with the Specified Accounting Principles. In furtherance of such preparation, Seller will make reasonably available the employees of Seller and its Affiliates to Buyer and its Representatives to the extent such employees are responsible for or knowledgeable about the preparation of the Updated Adjustment Statement and shall provide access to all documentation, records and other information of Seller and its Affiliates as Buyer or any of its Representatives may reasonably request to the extent reasonably relevant to the preparation of the Updated Adjustment Statement; provided, that such access does not unreasonably interfere with the conduct of the business of Seller and its Affiliates. (c) (i) Seller shall have forty-five (45) days from the date on which the Updated Adjustment Statement is delivered to it to review the calculations of the Final Adjustment, each component thereof, and the Adjusted Final Amount based thereon (the “Review Period”). In furtherance of such review, Buyer and the Company will make reasonably available the employees of Buyer, the Company and its Subsidiaries to Seller and its Representatives to the extent such employees are responsible for or knowledgeable about the preparation of the Updated Adjustment Statement and shall provide access to all - 18 -


 
documentation, records and other information of Buyer, the Company and its Subsidiaries as Seller or any of its Representatives may reasonably request to the extent reasonably relevant to the preparation of the Updated Adjustment Statement; provided, that such access does not unreasonably interfere with the conduct of the business of Buyer or the Company. (ii) If Seller believes that the Updated Adjustment Statement (including any amount or computation set forth therein) contains mathematical errors, deviates from the Example Calculation or was not prepared in accordance with the Specified Accounting Principles, Seller may, on or prior to the last day of the Review Period, deliver a notice to Buyer setting forth, in reasonable detail, each such disputed item or amount and the basis for Seller’s disagreement therewith (the “Dispute Notice”). The Dispute Notice shall set forth, with respect to each disputed item, Seller’s position as to the correct amount or computation that should have been included in the Updated Adjustment Statement and as to the Adjusted Final Amount. (iii) If no Dispute Notice is received by Buyer with respect to any item in the Updated Adjustment Statement on or prior to the last day of the Review Period, the amount or computation with respect to such item as set forth in the Updated Adjustment Statement, including the RBC Adjustment, shall be deemed accepted by Seller, whereupon the amount or computation of such item or items shall be final and binding on the parties. For purposes of this Section 2.5, “final and binding” shall mean that the applicable determination shall have the same preclusive effect for all purposes as a determination embodied in a final judgment, no longer subject to appeal and entered by a Court of competent jurisdiction after full and fair litigation on the merits. (iv) For a period of ten (10) Business Days beginning on the date that Buyer receives a Dispute Notice, if any, Buyer and Seller shall endeavor in good faith to resolve by mutual agreement all matters identified in the Dispute Notice. In the event that the parties are unable to resolve by mutual agreement any matter in the Dispute Notice within such ten (10) Business Day period, Buyer or Seller may engage Deloitte, or if Deloitte is unwilling or unable to serve, another accounting firm of national reputation, as mutually agreed by the parties hereto (the “Independent Accounting Firm”), to make a determination with respect to all matters in dispute. (v) Buyer and Seller will direct the Independent Accounting Firm to render a determination within sixty (60) days after its retention, and Buyer, Seller and their respective employees and agents will cooperate with the Independent Accounting Firm during its engagement. Buyer, on the one hand, and Seller, on the other hand, shall promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days) after the Independent Accounting Firm’s engagement, each submit to the Independent Accounting Firm their respective computations of the disputed items identified in the Dispute Notice and information, arguments and support for their respective positions, and shall concurrently deliver a copy of such materials to the other party. Each party shall then be given an opportunity to supplement the information, arguments and support included in its initial submission with one additional submission, delivered concurrently to the Independent Accounting Firm and the other party, to respond to any arguments or positions taken by - 19 -


 
the other party in such other party’s initial submission, which supplemental information shall be submitted to the Independent Accounting Firm (with a copy thereof to the other party) within five (5) Business Days after the first date on which both parties have submitted their respective initial submissions to the Independent Accounting Firm. The Independent Accounting Firm shall thereafter be permitted to request additional or clarifying information from the parties, and each of the parties shall cooperate and shall cause their Representatives to cooperate with such requests of the Independent Accounting Firm, provided that both parties are copied on all written communications and allowed to participate in all discussion with the Independent Accounting Firm. The Independent Accounting Firm shall determine, based solely on the materials so presented by the parties and upon information received in response to such requests for additional or clarifying information and not by independent review, only those issues in dispute specifically set forth in the Dispute Notice and shall render a written report to Buyer and Seller (the “Adjustment Report”) in which the Independent Accounting Firm shall, after considering all matters set forth in the Dispute Notice, determine what adjustments, if any, should be made to the amounts and computations set forth in the Updated Adjustment Statement solely as to the disputed items and shall determine the appropriate Adjusted Final Amount on that basis. (vi) The Adjustment Report shall set forth, in reasonable detail, the Independent Accounting Firm’s determination with respect to each of the disputed items or amounts specified in the Dispute Notice, and the revisions, if any, to be made to the Updated Adjustment Statement, together with supporting calculations. In resolving any disputed item, the Independent Accounting Firm (i) shall be bound to the principles of this Section 2.5 and the terms of this Agreement, (ii) shall limit its review to matters specifically set forth in the Dispute Notice the basis of which are mathematical errors or failure of Buyer to prepare the Updated Adjustment Statement and in accordance with the Example Calculation and the Specified Accounting Principles and (iii) shall not assign a value to any item higher than the highest value for such item claimed by either party or less than the lowest value for such item claimed by either party. (vii) All fees and expenses relating to the work of the Independent Accounting Firm shall be shared equally by Buyer and Seller. The Adjustment Report, absent fraud, shall be final and binding upon Buyer and Seller, and shall be deemed a final arbitration award that is binding on each of Buyer and Seller, and no party shall seek further recourse to Courts, other tribunals or otherwise, other than to enforce the Adjustment Report or to adjudicate any fraud claims. (viii) Any adjustments pursuant to this Section 2.5 shall be reflected in the Purchase Price for all Tax purposes. 2.6 Escrow Account. (a) The Escrow Amount, together with any income earned thereon as provided in the Escrow Agreement net of any applicable Taxes (the “Escrowed Funds”), shall be held by the Escrow Agent pursuant to the Escrow Agreement as a source of funds for amounts owing to Buyer under Section 2.5 and Article IX. Each of Buyer and Seller shall cooperate to give the - 20 -


 
Escrow Agent timely instructions to implement any distributions from the Escrow Account as contemplated by Sections 2.5 and 2.6 and Article IX. (b) Within three (3) Business Days following the date that is eighteen (18) months following the Closing Date (the “Escrow Release Date”), Buyer and Seller shall jointly instruct the Escrow Agent by executing and delivering a certificate to the Escrow Agent to pay to Seller from the Escrowed Funds, by wire transfer in immediately available funds and on the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and the Escrow Agreement, an amount equal to (i) any remaining portion of the Escrowed Funds as of the Escrow Release Date minus (ii) the Escrow Holdback Amount, if any, as of the Escrow Release Date. Thereafter, Buyer shall promptly provide Seller with notice upon Buyer’s reasonable and good faith determination that any portion of the Escrow Holdback Amount will not be used to satisfy a claim made by a Buyer Indemnified Person for indemnification under Article IX, and within three (3) Business Days following Seller’s receipt of such notice, Buyer and Seller shall jointly instruct the Escrow Agent by executing and delivering a certificate to the Escrow Agent to pay to Seller from the Escrowed Funds, by wire transfer in immediately available funds and on the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and the Escrow Agreement, an amount equal to such portion of the Escrow Holdback Amount. For purposes hereof, “Escrow Holdback Amount” shall mean the good faith aggregate amount, as reasonably determined by Buyer, of all claims for indemnification set forth in any demand for indemnification made by a Buyer Indemnified Person to Seller pursuant to and in strict compliance with Article IX (whether disputed or undisputed) on or prior to the Escrow Release Date that are outstanding as of the Escrow Release Date. ARTICLE III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLER PARTIES Except as set forth in the Seller Disclosure Schedule delivered by the Seller Parties to Buyer in connection with the execution of this Agreement, (i) each of the Minority Shareholders severally and not jointly represents and warrants to Buyer, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, as expressly specified in Section 3.5 of this Article III, and (ii) except where such representation and warranty is specifically made by the Minority Shareholders, Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, as follows: 3.1 Organization and Qualification. (a) The Seller, the Company and each Subsidiary of the Company is a corporation or limited liability company duly incorporated or organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Law of the jurisdiction of its organization or incorporation and each (i) has all the requisite corporate or limited liability company power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and (ii) is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each of the jurisdictions in which the ownership, operation or leasing of its properties and assets and the conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified, except where the failure to be so qualified would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. 3.2 Organizational Documents. Seller has made available to Buyer a true, complete and correct copy of the Organizational Documents of the Seller, the Company and each Subsidiary of - 21 -


 
the Company, each as amended. None of the Seller, the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company is in violation of its Organizational Documents in any material respect. The Organizational Documents of the Seller, the Company and the Subsidiaries of the Company that have been so delivered are in full force and effect. Seller has made available to Buyer a true, complete and correct copy of the trust agreements and other Organizational Documents of each trust that is a shareholder of Seller, as amended, and such agreements and other documents are in full force and effect. 3.3 Capitalization. (a) The Membership Interests constitute 100% of the total issued and outstanding equity interests in the Company. Except as set forth in Section 3.3(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, no other equity interests or other voting securities of the Company are issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding. The Membership Interests have been duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. Seller owns beneficially and of record, and has good and valid title to, the Membership Interests, free and clear of all Liens. Upon consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, Seller shall convey to Buyer all of the Membership Interests free and clear of all Liens. (b) The Membership Interests were issued in compliance with applicable Law. The Membership Interests were not issued in violation of the Organizational Documents of the Company or any other agreement, arrangement or commitment to which Seller or the Company is a party and are not subject to or in violation of any preemptive or similar rights of any person. (c) Except as set forth in Section 3.3(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, there are no (i) outstanding securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable for membership interests of the Company, (ii) outstanding or authorized securities, options, warrants, call rights or other similar rights obligating the Company to issue, transfer or sell or cause to be issued, transferred or sold any membership interests in the Company or (iii) contracts or other agreements to which the Company or any Seller is a party relating to the voting, issuance, purchase, redemption, registration, repurchase, sale or transfer of any membership interests in the Company. Except as set forth in Section 3.3(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, neither Seller nor the Company has granted any preemptive rights, rights of first refusal (other than as set forth in the Organizational Documents of the Company) or other similar rights with respect to the Membership Interests or other interests in the Company. (d) Except as set forth in Section 3.3(d) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, since January 1, 2017, there has been no capital withdrawal from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. There are no contracts or other oral or written agreements in place that allow any equity owner of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to withdraw any equity or capital of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. 3.4 Subsidiaries. (a) Section 3.4(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of the names and jurisdictions of incorporation or organization of each Subsidiary of the Company. - 22 -


 
(b) Except as set forth in Section 3.4(b)(i) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, (i) all issued and outstanding shares or other equity interests of each Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Company have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and are owned directly or indirectly by the Company free and clear of any Liens, and (ii) all issued and outstanding shares or other equity interests of EEI and each Insurance Subsidiary have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and are owned beneficially and of record by the shareholders and in the amount set forth in Schedule 3.4(b)(ii), free and clear of all Liens. (c) None of the Subsidiaries of the Company own any Membership Interests or Minority-Owned Shares. Except as set forth in Section 3.4(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, none of the outstanding shares or other equity interests of any Subsidiary of the Company are subject to, nor were they issued in violation of, any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, first offer, co-sale or participation, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right. Except as set forth in Section 3.4(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, there are no outstanding securities, options, warrants, calls, rights, convertible or exchangeable securities or contracts or obligations of any kind (contingent or otherwise) to which any Subsidiary of the Company is a party or by which it is bound obligating such Subsidiary to issue, deliver or sell additional shares of capital stock or other voting securities of such Subsidiary or obligating such Subsidiary to issue, grant, extend or enter into any such security, option, warrant, call, right, contract or obligation. Except as set forth in the Organizational Documents of each Subsidiary of the Company, there are no (i) outstanding obligations of any Subsidiary of the Company to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any shares of capital stock (or options or warrants to acquire any such shares) of such Subsidiary, and (ii) outstanding or authorized securities, options, warrants, call rights or other similar rights obligating such Subsidiary to issue, transfer or sell or cause to be issued, transferred or sold any equity interests in such Subsidiary. Except for Investment Assets and its Subsidiaries, the Company does not own any shares of capital stock of or other voting or equity interests (including any securities exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible into shares of capital stock of or other voting or equity interests in) in any other Person. 3.5 Authority; Enforceability. (a) Seller has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, each other Transaction Document to which it is a party and each instrument required to be executed and delivered by it prior to or at the Closing and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery by the Seller of this Agreement, each other Transaction Document and each instrument required to be executed and delivered by it prior to or at the Closing, the performance of its obligations hereunder and thereunder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been, or (with respect to Transaction Documents and instruments that will be executed and delivered after the date of this Agreement) will be, duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Seller no later than the Closing Date, and no other corporate or similar proceedings on the part of Seller are necessary to authorize this Agreement, any Transaction Document to which it is a party or any instrument required to be executed and delivered by it prior to or at the Closing or the consummation of transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. Each of the Transaction Documents to which Seller is or will be a party have been or, with respect to the Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered at Closing, will be, duly and validly executed and delivered by Seller and, assuming the due authorization, execution and - 23 -


 
delivery hereof by the other parties hereto or thereto, constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of Seller, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except that (i) such enforcement may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Law relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally, and (ii) the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to equitable defenses and to the discretion of the Court before which any Proceeding therefor may be brought (the “Enforceability Exceptions”). Seller has obtained approval from its shareholders to enter into this Agreement and any Transaction Documents executed and delivered on the date of this Agreement. On or before the Closing Date, Seller will have obtained approval from its shareholders to enter into the other Transaction Documents and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. (b) Each Minority Shareholder hereby represents and warrants that (i) it has the requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, each other Transaction Document to which it is a party and each instrument to be executed and delivered by it prior to or at the Closing and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, (ii) each Transaction Document to which such Minority Shareholder is or will be a party has been or, with respect to the Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered at Closing, will be, duly and validly executed and delivered by such Minority Shareholder and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the other parties hereto or thereto, constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of such Minority Shareholder, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions. (c) Each trustee of the JCE Trust is the duly appointed and acting trustee of the JCE Trust and such trustees are currently the only trustees of the JCE Trust. The JCE Trust has previously delivered to Buyer a true and complete copy of each agreement that establishes the JCE Trust, which documents have not been amended since the date of such delivery. The JCE Trust is validly existing under the laws of the State of Texas. The trustees of the JCE Trust have the capacity, power and authority on behalf of the JCE Trust to enter into this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered by the trustees pursuant to this Agreement in the trustees’ fiduciary capacity on behalf of the JCE Trust, to perform the trustees’ obligations hereunder and thereunder on behalf of the JCE Trust, and to sell to Buyer the JCE Trust’s Minority- Owned Shares for the consideration provided in Section 2.1(b), in each case without the consent or action of any other person. Since the creation of the JCE Trust, no steps have been taken to liquidate, dissolve, or otherwise adversely affect the organization, existence or operation of the JCE Trust. The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents to which the JCE Trust is a party have been or, with respect to the Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered at Closing, will be, duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the trustees of the JCE Trust in compliance with governing or applicable agreements, instruments, documents, duties and applicable Law. On or prior to the date hereof, the trustees of the JCE Trust have delivered to Buyer an executed copy of the applicable Certificate of Trust, and the representations made in the Certificate of Trust are hereby incorporated by reference. - 24 -


 
3.6 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents. (a) Except as set forth on Section 3.6(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the execution and delivery by the Seller Parties of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents to which such Person is party or any instrument required by this Agreement to be executed and delivered by any Seller Party on or prior to the Closing do not, and the performance of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents to which such Person is a party and any instrument required by this Agreement to be executed and delivered by it on or prior to the Closing do not and will not, (i) conflict with, require a consent or notice under or violate the Organizational Documents of the Seller Parties, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) with or without notice or the passage of time or both, conflict with, require a consent or notice under or violate any Law, Permit or Order applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or by which any of their properties, rights or assets is bound or affected, or (iii) with or without notice or the passage of time or both, violate, conflict with or result in a breach of any provision of, or constitute a default (or an event which, with the giving of notice, the passage of time or otherwise would constitute a default) under or entitle any Person to terminate, accelerate or cause a breach or default of, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under, or create any right of acceleration, termination, vesting, payment, exercise, suspension, revocation or cancellation of the loss of any right or benefit under any contract, mortgage, lien, lease, agreement, indenture, trust, instrument, order, judgment or decree to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or which is binding upon the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or upon any of the assets of any of the foregoing. The JCE Trust hereby represents and warrants that the execution and delivery by the JCE Trust of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party or any instrument required by this Agreement to be executed and delivered by the JCE Trust on or prior to the Closing do not, and the performance of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and any instrument required by this Agreement to be executed and delivered by it on or prior to the Closing do not and will not, conflict with, require a consent or notice under or violate the underlying trust agreement or other similar governing instrument. (b) No Governmental Approval or Filing with any Governmental Authority is required to be obtained or made by the Company, its Subsidiaries or any Seller Party in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, except (i) for compliance with the applicable requirements of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the “HSR Act”), (ii) Filings with Insurance Regulators and other Filings and approvals that, in each case of this clause (ii) are listed on Section 3.6(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule (the consents, approvals, Orders, authorizations, acknowledgements and Filings required under or in connection with this clause (ii), the “Required Governmental Authorizations”), (iii) Filings with Insurance Regulators for approval or non-disapproval of the Special Dividend and (iv) as may be necessary as a result of any facts or circumstances relating to Buyer and its Affiliates. (c) Section 3.6(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of each Regulated Subsidiary of the Company and, for each such Regulated Subsidiary, its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization and each jurisdiction where it is licensed by any Insurance Regulator and its material Permits. - 25 -


 
3.7 Material Contracts. (a) Section 3.7(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list as of the date hereof of all Material Contracts to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or is otherwise bound. As used herein, “Material Contracts” means all of the following: (i) any agreement for the employment of, or any offer of employment to, any officer, Employee or other individual on a full-time basis, which provides for annual payments (excluding any incentive payments or commissions) in excess of $100,000, but excluding offer letters for the at will employment of individuals listed on Section 3.17(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule; (ii) contracts (other than Reinsurance Contracts and contracts covered by Section 3.7(a)(iii) or agreements set forth in Section 3.23 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule) providing for the provision of goods and services involving expenditures or payables in excess of $75,000 in the aggregate during the last trailing twelve months ended December 31, 2017, other than contracts listed elsewhere in Section 3.7(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule; (iii) any contract with any current Independent Producer, provided that Section 3.7(a)(iii) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule need only list the identities of such Independent Producers by reference with Section 3.11(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule; (iv) any network agreement pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries obtains or leases access to any provider network of a third party (but excluding, for purposes of clarification, any such networks accessed through any Employee Plan) and any customer account agreement to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries derives revenues in excess of $75,000 on an annualized basis; (v) credit agreements, mortgages, loan agreements, indentures, letters of credit, swap agreements and any other agreements, in each case relating to Indebtedness or other borrowing of money or extension of credit by the Company or its Subsidiaries and each agreement guaranteeing, or providing security for, Indebtedness or mortgaging, pledging or otherwise placing a Lien on the assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (vi) each contract containing (A) a restriction on the ability of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to solicit specified customers or prospective customers for the purchase, renewal, lapse, or amendment of an Insurance Contract, or (B) covenants limiting in any way the freedom of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to compete in any line of business or in the marketing, selling or administration of any Insurance Contract and which is not terminable on ninety (90) days’ notice or less by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company without restriction, liability or penalty, in each case that would be legally binding on the Company or any Affiliate following the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; (vii) leases, subleases, licenses or similar contracts (A) requiring payments to or from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in excess of $75,000 per annum representing - 26 -


 
an interest in or in respect of any material rights, assets or property, but excluding contracts for commercial generally available Software for an annual fee of less than $75,000, or (B) relating to any Real Property; (viii) any license or similar contract to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them is otherwise bound restricting or granting rights to use or practice rights under Intellectual Property that is material to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, but in each case excluding contracts for commercial generally available Software for an annual fee of less than $75,000; (ix) any contract pursuant to which the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company is appointed a third party administrator, insurance agent, managing general agent or other insurance producer or that relates to insurance policy administration, claims, or underwriting; (x) any contract with a custodian or otherwise relating to custodial services with respect to assets of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company; (xi) any contract or agreement relating to any material interest rate, derivatives or hedging transaction, other than Investment Assets; (xii) any investment advisory agreement or any other contract relating to investment management, investment advisor or subadvisory services; (xiii) any contract relating to the allocation or sharing of Taxes, costs, or expenses; (xiv) any contract relating to cybersecurity or information technology security services; (xv) any contract pursuant to which any material function of the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ business is outsourced or otherwise performed by an unaffiliated Person; (xvi) any contract for goods, products or services that are material to the operation of the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ business; and (xvii) any contract that relates to the acquisition or disposition of any material business or operation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries entered into since January 1, 2016, or any other similar contract that includes an ongoing material indemnification obligation or guarantee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. (b) True and complete copies of all Material Contracts, including all amendments thereto, have been made available to Buyer by Seller. Each Material Contract is in full force and effect, is a valid and binding obligation of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company and, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, of each other party thereto and is enforceable in accordance with its terms against the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company and, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, against each other party to such Material Contract, subject in each case to the - 27 -


 
Enforceability Exceptions. Neither the Company or, if applicable, a Subsidiary of the Company, nor, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, any other party to any such Material Contract is in material default, breach or violation of any Material Contract and no party has given written notice to the Company, and Subsidiary or any Seller Party of any material default, breach or violation. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written or, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, oral notice of cancellation of any Material Contract, and, except as set forth in Section 3.7(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the Material Contracts do not contain any provision that would allow any party to a Material Contract to (i) terminate the agreement, or (ii) increase any amount payable thereunder, in each case as a result solely of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 3.8 Compliance with Law; Permits. (a) The Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been conducting their respective businesses in compliance in all material respects with applicable Law of any Governmental Authority applicable to the Company or its Subsidiaries. Since January 1, 2016, none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (i) has committed any breach or violation of applicable Law that has resulted in, or that will more likely than not result in, any material penalty, fine, assessment, damages, suspension or loss of any material Permit, or any other material adverse remedial action with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) has received any written notice from any Governmental Authority or paid or incurred any penalty or fine imposed by a Governmental Authority, in each case, regarding any actual or alleged material violation of, or failure to comply with, any applicable Law, or (iii) to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, is under investigation, examination or audit with respect to any material violation of any applicable Law, in the case of each item set forth in this clause (iii), other than any such item that has been generally cured or otherwise resolved to the reasonable satisfaction of such Governmental Authority, or that is no longer being pursued by such Governmental Authority following a response by the Company or its Subsidiaries. (b) Except as set forth in Section 3.8(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, all material deficiencies or violations in all reports of examinations of the affairs of any Regulated Subsidiary (including financial, market conduct and similar examinations) issued by any Insurance Regulator to a Regulated Subsidiary on or after January 1, 2016 have been resolved to the reasonable satisfaction of the Insurance Regulator that noted such deficiencies or violations. (c) Except as set forth in Section 3.8(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, since January 1, 2016, each Regulated Subsidiary has filed all material reports, statements, documents, registrations, filings or submissions required to be filed by such Regulated Subsidiary with any Governmental Authority. All such registrations, filings and submissions were in compliance in all material respects with applicable Law when filed or as amended or supplemented, and no material deficiencies have been asserted by any Governmental Authority with respect to such registrations, filings or submissions that have not been satisfied. Seller has made available to Buyer true and complete copies of all such reports, statements, documents, registrations, filings or submissions filed with any Governmental Authority since January 1, 2016 other than renewals of Permits in the ordinary course of business. - 28 -


 
(d) The Company and its Subsidiaries hold all Permits required under applicable Law and necessary in connection with the conduct of their businesses. All such Permits are valid and in full force and effect in accordance with their terms, and the Company and its Subsidiaries are, and at all times since January 1, 2016 have been, in compliance in all material respects with the terms and requirements of each such Permit. Since January 1, 2016, none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has received any written or, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, oral notice from any Governmental Authority regarding any (i) actual, alleged, or potential material violation of, or failure to comply with, the terms or requirements of any such Permit, or (ii) actual or proposed revocation, suspension or termination of, or material modification to, any such Permit. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in default under, and no condition exists that with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute default under, any such Permit, and no such Permit will be terminated or impaired or become terminable, in whole or in part, as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby. Section 3.8(d) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth by state those Certificates of Authority to transact insurance included in the Permits. (e) Seller has previously made available to Buyer the Social Security Death Master File-related state protocols and any other state protocols of the Company and any of its Subsidiaries related to Unclaimed Property Matters and their effective dates, which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries use to determine the payment of life insurance or other benefits and amounts under Insurance Contracts. The Company or its applicable Subsidiary administers all such Insurance Contracts in accordance with these protocols and applicable Law and is not currently under any audit with respect to such matters. Seller has made available to Buyer (i) all workpapers, estimations, analyses and reviews of amounts as may be or become due under the terms of the Insurance Policies or otherwise by the Insurance Subsidiaries with respect to the Social Security Death Master File-related review processes, (ii) true and correct copies of all written correspondence between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and any Governmental Authority or any Person acting on behalf of a Governmental Authority since January 1, 2016 regarding any pending or threatened Proceedings relating to Unclaimed Property Matters, (iii) true and correct copies of all correspondence with any contractual counterparties relating to Unclaimed Property Matters and (iv) a schedule of the balance sheet accruals made and maintained by the Company and any of its Subsidiaries at and as of December 31, 2017, with respect to Unclaimed Property Matters. There are no orders, decrees, injunctions, judgments, or settlement agreements issued by, entered before, or agreed to with any arbitrator or Governmental Authority outstanding against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their assets, properties or businesses relating to any Unclaimed Property Matters and the Company and its Subsidiaries are not under any audit with respect to such matters. (f) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.8(f) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, in the last three (3) years, (i) to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, no allegations of sexual harassment or misconduct have been made against any current or former Employee, and (ii) none of the Seller Parties, the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company has entered into any settlement agreements related to allegations of sexual harassment or misconduct by any current or former Employee. - 29 -


 
3.9 Financial Statements. (a) The Company has made available to Buyer true, correct and complete copies of (i) the audited annual statutory financial statements of each Insurance Subsidiary, together with the report of such company’s independent auditors thereon, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 as filed with the Insurance Regulator of the state of jurisdiction of each such Insurance Subsidiary, and (ii) the unaudited statutory financial statements of each such Insurance Subsidiary as of and for the nine (9) months ended September 30, 2018 (the financial statements for the period ending on September 30, 2018, the “Most Recent Statutory Statement” and, collectively, the “Statutory Statements”). The Statutory Statements were prepared in accordance with SAP applicable to each Insurance Subsidiary consistently applied throughout all such periods and fairly present in all material respects the financial position, admitted assets, liabilities and capital and surplus of each Insurance Subsidiary at the respective dates, and the results of operations, changes in surplus, and cash flows of the applicable Insurance Subsidiary for the periods covered thereby, subject, in the case of the Statutory Statements as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, to the absence of full footnote disclosures and other presentation items. (b) Seller has made available to Buyer true, correct and complete copies of (i) the audited consolidated annual financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017, (ii) the unaudited consolidated annual financial statement of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016, and (iii) the unaudited consolidated financial statement of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of and for the nine months period ended September 30, 2018 (the financial statement for the period ending on September 30, 2018, the “Most Recent GAAP Statement”, and clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 3.9(b), collectively, the “Consolidated Statements”). The Consolidated Statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), consistently applied throughout all such periods and fairly present in all material respects the financial position of the Company and its Subsidiaries at the respective dates. (c) The Reserves of the Insurance Subsidiaries as of September 30, 2018 recorded in the Most Recent Statutory Statement were determined: (i) in accordance with generally accepted actuarial standards consistently applied, (ii) in accordance with SAP and applicable Law, (iii) in accordance with the Specified Accounting Principles and (iv) based on actuarial assumptions consistent with or more conservative than those called for in relevant provisions of the Insurance Contracts. For clarity, Seller makes no representation, warranty or guarantee under this Agreement that the Reserves held by or on behalf of the Insurance Subsidiaries are or will be sufficient for the purposes for which they were established. (d) Seller has made available all analyses and reports relating to the risk-based capital calculations of each Insurance Subsidiary submitted by such Insurance Subsidiary since January 1, 2016, to the Insurance Regulator in each state in which such analyses and reports rules are required to be filed (the “RBC Reports”). The RBC Reports were prepared in accordance with SAP applicable to the Insurance Subsidiaries and the applicable RBC instructions and were true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date filed with each such Insurance Regulator. No Insurance Regulator has notified either Insurance Subsidiary of any inaccuracy in any RBC Report. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries is solvent. - 30 -


 
(e) Section 3.9(e) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of all outstanding Indebtedness, if any. None of the Company and its Subsidiaries is in default, and no waiver of default is presently in effect, in the payment of any principal or interest on any such Indebtedness. (f) The Books and Records (i) are true, complete and correct in all material respects, (ii) have been maintained in all material respects in accordance with sound business practices, any applicable record keeping or maintenance requirements in the Material Contracts, Insurance Contracts and Reinsurance Contracts, and applicable Law, (iii) accurately present and reflect in all material respects all of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries and all transactions and actions related thereto, (iv) to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, have been prepared using processes and procedures for which there are no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal controls over financial reporting that adversely affect the ability of Seller to accurately present and reflect in all material respects the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries and other transactions and actions related thereto, and (v) contain no material Data Input Inaccuracies. (g) The Company and its Subsidiaries have devised and maintained systems of internal accounting controls with respect to its business and the business of the Insurance Subsidiaries that are reasonably sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that (i) all transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization, (ii) all transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in conformity with SAP applicable to the Insurance Subsidiaries or GAAP, as applicable, and to maintain proper accountability for items, (iii) access to its property and assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization and (iv) recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. 3.10 Insurance Business. (a) Except as set forth in Section 3.10(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, any application form, form of insurance policy, written advertising material, rate or rule utilized by the Company or its Subsidiaries, the use or issuance of which requires filing or approval, has been appropriately filed, and, if required, approved by the Insurance Regulator of any state in which such application forms, forms of insurance policies, advertising materials and rates or rules are required to be filed and, if required, approved or not objected to by such authorities within the period provided for approval or objection, except for failures to effect such filings or secure such approvals, which would not be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. All such application forms, forms of insurance policies, advertising materials and rates or rules are utilized in compliance in all material respects with applicable Law and within the scope of the approvals (if any) received with respect thereto. No material deficiencies have been asserted by any Governmental Authority with respect to any such filings that have not been cured or otherwise resolved. The Insurance Contracts have been administered in accordance with the terms of such policies and in compliance with applicable Law, in each case in all material respects. All amounts owed (that are not being disputed in good faith) under any Insurance Contracts have been paid in all material respects in accordance with their terms. Except as provided under the express terms of the Insurance Contracts or otherwise provided under applicable Law, there are no agreements or commitments, written or otherwise, regarding any alterations to any applicable cost of insurance - 31 -


 
charges, credited interest rates, insurance policy premiums, features or other similar charges or rates with respect to any of the Insurance Contracts. Seller has made available to Buyer true and complete copies of specimen forms of Insurance Contracts that are in-force or are actively being marketed by the Company and its Subsidiaries. Such specimen forms are true, correct and complete copies of the policies forms on which the Insurance Contracts are issued. Such policy forms are representative of the Insurance Contracts, except for variations that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to be material to the Insurance Contracts or materially affect the valuation, projection or risk profile of the Insurance Contracts. (b) Since January 1, 2016, the Company and its Subsidiaries have timely paid all guaranty fund assessments that have been due, claimed or asserted by, or are the subject of any voluntary contribution commitment to, any state guaranty fund or association or any Insurance Regulator in any jurisdiction in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate their respective businesses. Except for regular periodic assessments in the ordinary course of business or assessments based on developments that are publicly known within the insurance industry, no material claim or assessment is pending or, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened against the Company or any Affiliate by any state insurance guaranty association in connection with such association’s fund relating to insolvent insurers. (c) Seller has made available to Buyer true and complete copies of all underwriting manuals (including each amendment thereto) utilized by any Subsidiary of the Company with respect to the business of such Subsidiary since January 1, 2016. The underwriting standards and ratings applied by each such Subsidiary since such date with respect to the Insurance Contracts issued by such Subsidiary have conformed in all material respects to those contained in the applicable underwriting policies as in effect at the time such Insurance Contracts were underwritten. (d) Seller has provided Buyer information relating to the Insurance Subsidiaries’ setting of any Non-Guaranteed Elements as in effect as of the date hereof and copies of the following information and analyses related to the Insurance Contracts as of the date such information and analyses were prepared: (i) current and projected cost of insurance charges and charges for mortality and administration of the Insurance Contracts; (ii) current and projected credited interest rates; and (iii) minutes of meetings of the Board of Directors of each Insurance Subsidiary (and any committee thereof) held since January 1, 2016 as the same pertained to crediting rates, cost of insurance rates or other Non-Guaranteed Elements specifically on or in respect of the Insurance Contracts, including therewith supporting materials or actuarial analyses provided thereto in connection with its assessment of such proposed changes. Since January 1, 2016, except (i) as set forth in Section 3.10(d) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, or (ii) with respect to crediting rates applicable to the Insurance Contracts, neither Insurance Subsidiary has changed the “cost of insurance” or similar charges or other Non-Guaranteed Elements on or in respect of the Insurance Contracts and, as of the date hereof, has no agreements or commitments, written or otherwise, regarding credited interest rates to be paid with respect to any of the Insurance Contracts. (e) Neither Insurance Subsidiary is “commercially domiciled” in any jurisdiction. Neither Insurance Company (i) has issued or reinsured any Insurance Contract the policy value of - 32 -


 
which varies with the investment performance of a separate account or sub account thereof, or (ii) owns or maintains any separate account applicable to the Insurance Contracts. (f) The Seller has made available to Buyer a true and complete copy of all actuarial reports and opinions prepared by actuaries, independent or otherwise, with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries, since January 1, 2016, set forth in Section 3.10(f) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, and the material attachments, addenda, supplements and modifications thereto set forth in Section 3.10(f) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule (collectively, the “Company Actuarial Analyses”). Solely with respect to the Company Actuarial Analyses, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, (i) each such Company Actuarial Analysis was based upon, in all material respects, an accurate inventory of Insurance Contracts in force at the relevant time of preparation and (ii) was prepared in conformity in all material respects with appropriate standards and procedures as prepared from time to time by the Actuarial Standards Board in effect at such time, consistently applied (except as may be noted therein). 3.11 Producers; Sale Practices. (a) Section 3.11(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and correct list of (i) current Independent Producers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and the gross premium volume produced by the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries in respect of each such Independent Producer for the twelve (12) months ended December 31, 2017, and (ii) each Independent Producer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than current Independent Producers) that is entitled to receive commissions from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. (b) To the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, each Independent Producer was duly and appropriately appointed by the applicable Regulated Subsidiary to act as a producer for such Regulated Subsidiary at the time such Independent Producer negotiated, placed, marketed, wrote, sold, produced or solicited any of the currently in-force insurance policies of such Regulated Subsidiary for which it was the producer to the extent required by applicable Law. To the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, each Independent Producer at such time was duly licensed as required by applicable Insurance Law (for the type of business written, sold, produced or solicited on behalf of the applicable Regulated Subsidiary), except for such failures to be so licensed which have been cured, which have been resolved or settled through agreements with applicable Governmental Authorities, which are barred by an applicable statute of limitations or which would not be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. (c) Since January 1, 2016, none of the Company or any of its Regulated Subsidiaries has received any written notice from any Governmental Authority that an Independent Producer is in material violation of any applicable Law applicable to the writing, sale, production or solicitation of insurance policies for the Regulated Subsidiaries. (d) Seller has made available to Buyer (i) the standard forms of agreements used in connection with the business of any Regulated Subsidiary for Independent Producers since January 1, 2013, and (ii) true, accurate and complete copies of any agreements in force on the date hereof between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and any Independent Producer that is substantially different from both such standard forms of agreements and other standard forms of agreements used by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries prior to January 1, 2013. Except as set forth in - 33 -


 
Section 3.11(d) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule or in such standard forms, neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates has any compensation plans or programs for the payment of compensation to Independent Producers other than commissions based on gross premium volume produced and volume-based bonus arrangements. To the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, no Independent Producer has materially breached the terms of any agency or broker contract with or for the benefit of any Regulated Subsidiary. 3.12 Existing Reinsurance Contracts. (a) Section 3.12(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule lists each reinsurance agreement to which any Insurance Subsidiary is a party and under which such Insurance Subsidiary has ceded or retroceded any risks in respect of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries and with respect to which such Insurance Subsidiary has any outstanding ceded reserves, as well as each material marketing agreement, administrative services agreement and any other agreement that is related to each such reinsurance agreement (the “Ceded Reinsurance Contracts”). The applicable Insurance Subsidiary is entitled to take full credit in its Statutory Statements pursuant to applicable Law for all the Ceded Reinsurance Contracts. Except as set forth on Section 3.12(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedules, since January 1, 2016, no Insurance Subsidiary has received a written denial of any material claim from the reinsurer under any of the Ceded Reinsurance Contracts. (b) Section 3.12(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule lists each reinsurance agreement to which an Insurance Subsidiary is a party and under which such Insurance Subsidiary has assumed any risks in respect of the business of the Insurance Subsidiary and with respect to which such Insurance Subsidiary has any outstanding assumed reserves (the “Assumed Reinsurance Contracts” and, together with the Ceded Reinsurance Contracts, the “Reinsurance Contracts”). The applicable Insurance Subsidiary has received all necessary approvals (or non-disapprovals) from applicable Governmental Authorities for each Assumed Reinsurance Contract and the transactions contemplated thereby. (c) True and complete copies of all Reinsurance Contracts, including all amendments thereto, have been made available to Buyer by Seller. Each of the Reinsurance Contracts constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the applicable Insurance Subsidiary and, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, each other party thereto, enforceable against the applicable Insurance Subsidiary and, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, each other party thereto in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions. No Insurance Subsidiary has given notice, or received notice from a counterparty under any such contract, of termination, recapture, rescission, acceleration or breach (provisional or otherwise) in respect of any Reinsurance Contract. There exists no material breach or event of default with respect to any Reinsurance Contract on the part of any Insurance Subsidiary or, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, any other party thereto. No Reinsurance Contract contains any provision providing that the reinsurer may terminate, recapture, rescind, accelerate or declare the ceding company in breach under such agreement by reason of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents. (d) Since January 1, 2016, there has not been any dispute with respect to any material amounts recoverable or payable by the Company or any of its Affiliates pursuant to any - 34 -


 
Reinsurance Contract. All amounts owed (that are not being disputed in good faith) under any Reinsurance Contracts have been paid in accordance with their terms in all material respects. 3.13 No Undisclosed Liabilities. Except for the liabilities: (i) set forth on, reflected in or reserved against on the Most Recent Quarterly Statements or the Most Recent Statutory Statements; (ii) set forth in Section 3.13 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule; or (iii) incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since September 30, 2018 and which does not exceed $75,000, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries (other than Insurance Subsidiaries) is subject to any liability of a type that would be required to be reflected on the Consolidated Statements in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, and neither Insurance Subsidiary is subject to any liability of a type that would be required to be reflected on the Statutory Statements in accordance with SAP applicable to it, consistently applied. 3.14 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as set forth in Section 3.14 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, since June 30, 2018 to the date hereof, the Company and its Subsidiaries have conducted their business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, and there has not been any fact, circumstance, condition, event, or change that constitutes, or will constitute, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, from June 30, 2018 to the date hereof, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company has, except as set forth in Section 3.14 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, taken any action or failed to take any action that would have resulted in a breach of Section 5.1(a), (b), (d), (e), (g), (h), (i), (o), (p), (u), (v), or, as it relates to such subsections, (x). 3.15 Absence of Litigation, Claims and Orders. Except as set forth in Section 3.15 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule (i) there are no Proceedings pending or, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and (ii) there are no Orders outstanding to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of its or their respective properties, rights or assets is subject. Seller has delivered or made available to Buyer copies of all pleadings related to each Proceeding and Order listed in Section 3.15 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule. 3.16 Employee Benefit Plans. (a) Section 3.16(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete list of each Employee Plan. Each Employee Plan is sponsored by NTALife Management, Inc. (b) Each Employee Plan has been established, operated and administered in material compliance with its terms, ERISA, the Code and other applicable Law, and the Company and its Subsidiaries and their ERISA Affiliates have satisfied in all material respects all of their obligations with respect to each Employee Plan in accordance with its terms, ERISA, the Code and other applicable Law. Each Employee Plan that is a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” (as defined under Section 409A of the Code) has been maintained and operated in material compliance with Section 409A of the Code. The Company and its Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with all applicable disclosure, reporting and other requirements under applicable Law applicable to any Employee Plan. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, any other “disqualified person” or “party in interest” (as defined in Section 4975 of the Code and Section 3(14) of ERISA, respectively) with respect to - 35 -


 
an Employee Plan has engaged in a prohibited transaction that would subject the Company or its Subsidiaries to a Tax or penalty imposed under Section 4975 of the Code or Sections 409, 502(i), (j) or (l) of ERISA. None of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates has maintained, contributed to (or been required to contribute to) or otherwise incurred any liability with respect to any Employee Plan under (i) Title IV of ERISA, (ii) a “multiemployer plan” (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA), (iii) a “multiple employer plan” (within the meaning of Section 413 of the Code), or (iv) a “multiple employer welfare arrangement” (as defined in Section 3(40) of ERISA). (c) Except as set forth in Section 3.16(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any obligation to provide health benefits to any Employee following termination of employment, except continuation coverage required under Section 4980B of the Code (or equivalent state Law) with the full cost of such coverage to be borne by the qualified beneficiary (as defined in Section 4980B of the Code). (d) The Seller has made available to Buyer true and complete copies of the following documents relating to the Employee Plans: (i) all current Employee Plan documents, including any documents related to any funding medium; (ii) the three most recently filed Forms 5500 (with attachments) for each Employee Plan for which a Form 5500 is required to be filed; (iii) for each Employee Plan intended to be Tax-qualified, the most recent IRS determination, advisory or opinion letter with respect to such Employee Plan under Section 401(a) of the Code; (iv) the current summary plan description and all summaries of material modifications thereto for each Employee Plan for which a summary plan description or summary of material modifications is required; (v) any contract with an Employee Plan’s record keepers, custodians, brokers, investment managers, advisors or other third parties; and (vi) all material written correspondence with a Governmental Authority relating thereto. (e) To the Knowledge of Seller Parties, full payment has been timely made, or otherwise properly accrued on the Books and Records of the Company and its Subsidiaries, of all amounts that the Company and its Subsidiaries are required under the terms of an Employee Plan to have paid as contributions to such Employee Plan on or prior to the date hereof (excluding any amounts not yet due) and the contribution requirements, on a prorated basis, for the current year have been made or otherwise properly accrued on the Financial Statements through the Closing Date. (f) Other than routine claims for benefits in the ordinary course of business, no Proceeding is pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller Parties, threatened with respect to any Employee Plan. No Employee Plan is the subject of a voluntary correction, amnesty, or compliance filing with a Governmental Authority. (g) Except as set forth on Section 3.16(g) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, neither the execution of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will (individually or together with the occurrence of any other event): (i) entitle any current or former Employee, officer, director, leased employee or independent contractor of either the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to severance, change-in-control or retention pay or any other payment, (ii) accelerate the time of payment, vesting or funding, or increase the amount or value of any compensation due to such person, (iii) result in “excess parachute payments” within the meaning - 36 -


 
of Section 280G(b) of the Code, or (iv) require a “gross-up” or other payment to any “disqualified individual” within the meaning of Section 280G(c) of the Code. 3.17 Labor Matters. (a) Section 3.17(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule contains a true, complete and correct list of each Employee as of the date hereof, including each such Employee’s employer, name, hire date and job title, current annual salary or hourly rate of pay (whichever is applicable), along with such Employee’s 2017 bonus, estimated 2018 bonus and total commissions, part-time, full-time or temporary status, accrued unused vacation benefits, leave of absence status (including FMLA and disability), and service credited for purposes of vesting and eligibility to participate under the Employee Plans. Section 3.17(a) of the Disclosure Schedule identifies any Employee who is not performing substantial services relating to the principal business operations of the Company or the Subsidiaries. Except as listed on Section 3.17(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, each Employee may be terminated at will by his or her employer without penalty or any continuing obligations, except for any accrued benefits under the Employee Plan or any statutory obligations to former employees. (b) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries of the Company is a party to, or bound by, any collective bargaining agreement, contract or other agreement or understanding with a labor union or labor organization. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries of the Company is or has been during the past three (3) years subject to a strike, work stoppage or material labor dispute. No labor organization or group of current Employees has made a pending demand for recognition or certification. To the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, no organizational efforts with respect to the formation of a collective bargaining unit are being or have been made or threatened involving Employees. (c) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries is and has been in material compliance with all applicable Law pertaining to employment and employment practices, including those relating to labor relations. There are no pending or, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened charges or complaints against the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company before any Governmental Authority regarding employment discrimination, safety or other employment- related charges or complaints, wage and hour claims, unemployment compensation claims, workers’ compensation claims or any other claims arising from or relating to the employment of any of the Employees or relationship of the Company or its Subsidiaries with any independent contractor. (d) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with its obligations pursuant to the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act, 29 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq. (as amended from time to time, “WARN” and, collectively with any similar state or local law, the “WARN Acts”) and in all material respects with all other notification obligations arising under any statute or otherwise, in each case to the extent affecting, in whole or in part, any site of employment, facility, operating unit or Employee. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in any transaction or engaged in layoffs, terminations or relocations sufficient in number to trigger any WARN Act obligation. No former Employee has suffered an “employment loss” (as defined in WARN) in the ninety (90) days prior to the date hereof. - 37 -


 
3.18 Real Property. (a) Section 3.18(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a (i) correct street address of each parcel of real property in which the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company holds an ownership interest, other than any real estate interests associated with Investment Assets owned by the Company or its Subsidiaries (the “Owned Real Property”), and (ii) list of all real property leases to which the Company or any Subsidiary of Company is a party (whether as a (sub)lessor, (sub)lessee, guarantor or otherwise) (the “Company Real Property Leases”; with all real property in which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries hold a leasehold interest, whether as lessee or sublessee, being the “Leased Real Property”; and the Leased Real Property and Owned Real Property, collectively, being the “Real Property”) and the street address with respect to the Company Real Property Leases. Except for the Owned Real Property and the Company Real Property Leases identified in Section 3.18(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule and any real estate interests associated with Investment Assets owned by the Company or its Subsidiaries, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company owns any interest (fee, leasehold or otherwise) in any real property and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company has entered into any leases, arrangements, licenses or other agreements relating to the use, occupancy, sale, option, disposition or alienation of all or any portion of the Owned Real Property. Except as set forth in Section 3.18(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the Company and its Subsidiaries are in possession of the Real Property and are entitled to use such Real Property for its intended use. (b) Except as set forth in Section 3.18(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the Company and its Subsidiaries have good fee simple title to the Owned Real Property, and a valid leasehold interest in the Leased Real Property, free and clear of any Liens other than Permitted Liens. (c) Each Company Real Property Lease is in full force and effect and enforceable by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions. Since January 1, 2016, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice of default with respect to any Company Real Property Lease, and since January 1, 2016, no event has occurred and no condition exists that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default by the Company or its Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, any other party thereto, under any of the Company Real Property Leases. Except as set forth in Section 3.18(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has assigned or placed any Lien upon any Real Property. (d) Seller or a Subsidiary of Seller (other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) owns all right, title and interest in and to the Keller Springs Property, subject to no mortgage other than the EE Realty Loan. Seller has delivered or made available to Buyer true, complete and correct copies of the deeds and other instruments (as recorded) by which Seller or such Subsidiary of Seller acquired the Keller Springs Property, and copies of all title insurance policies, opinions, abstracts, surveys, site and building plans, environmental, property condition and engineering reports in the possession of Seller or any Subsidiary of Seller and relating to the Keller Springs Property. - 38 -


 
3.19 Taxes. (a) Seller, the Company and its Subsidiaries have timely filed (after giving effect to applicable extensions) with the appropriate Governmental Authority all material Tax Returns required to be filed by or with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries, and all such Tax Returns are true, correct and complete in all material respects. Seller, the Company or its Subsidiaries have timely paid or caused to be paid all Taxes shown as due and owing on any such Tax Returns and all other Taxes due and owing by the Company or any Subsidiary or by Seller with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries. (b) Seller, the Company and its Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with their obligations under applicable Law to withhold Taxes from payments to Employees, agents, independent contractors, lenders and members, and all such Taxes have been timely paid to the relevant Governmental Authority or properly set aside in accounts for such purpose. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will be required to include any item of income in, or exclude any item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any (i) change in method of accounting under Section 481 of the Code (or any corresponding provision or state, local or non-U.S. Law) elected, requested, made or imposed prior to the Closing, (ii) installment sale or open transaction made on or prior to the Closing Date, (iii) election under Section 108(i) of the Code (or similar provision of state, local or non-U.S. Law), (iv) change in the basis for determining any item referred to in Section 807(c) of the Code (within the meaning of Section 807(f) of the Code) with respect to any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending on or prior to the Closing Date, or (v) intercompany transaction or excess loss account described in the Treasury Regulations under Section 1502 of the Code (or any corresponding provision of Law). (c) There are no Liens for Taxes upon any assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than Permitted Liens. (d) No audits or other administrative or judicial actions are in progress or, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened in writing with regard to any material Taxes for which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may become liable. (e) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has participated in any “listed transaction” within the meaning of Section 1.6011-4(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations. (f) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has been a member of an affiliated group filing a consolidated U.S. federal income Tax Return (other than a group consisting of NTAL and NTANY and another group the common parent of which was the Seller) or has any liability for the Taxes of any Person (other than the Seller, the Company or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries) under Section 1.1502-6 of the Treasury Regulations (or any similar provision of state, local, or non-U.S. Law), or as a transferee or successor. Except as set forth on Section 3.19(f) of the Sellers Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, bound by or has any obligation under any Tax allocation, Tax sharing, Tax indemnity or similar agreement, arrangement or understanding (“Tax Agreement”) which will be effective following the Closing Date. - 39 -


 
(g) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has distributed stock of another Person, or has had its stock distributed to another Person, in a transaction that was purported or intended to be governed in whole or in part by Section 355 of the Code or Section 361 of the Code. (h) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has granted any written waiver of any statute of limitations relating to Taxes that remains in effect, and no power of attorney granted by the Company prior to the Closing with respect to any such Taxes will be in effect following the Closing. No Person has received or applied for a Tax ruling or entered into a closing agreement pursuant to Section 7121 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or non-U.S. Law) that would be binding upon the Company or any of its Subsidiaries after the Closing Date. (i) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received from any taxing authority any written notice of proposed adjustment, deficiency, underpayment of Taxes or any other such written notice which has not been satisfied by payment or been withdrawn. (j) The Company and its Subsidiaries have properly accrued or reserved for the ACA Taxes for which they are responsible for payment either directly to a Governmental Authority or to a third party under their contractual relationship as a liability on the relevant Financial Statements in accordance with SAP applicable to the Insurance Subsidiaries, consistently applied. (k) The Tax treatment of each Insurance Contract under applicable Law is not, and, since the time of issuance (or subsequent modification) has not been, less favorable to the purchaser, policyholder or intended beneficiaries thereof than the Tax treatment (i) that was purported to apply in any written materials provided by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to the purchaser (or policyholder) at the time of issuance (or any subsequent modification of such Insurance Contract), or (ii) for which such Insurance Contract was designed to qualify at the time of issuance (or subsequent modification). For purposes of this Section 3.19(k), the provisions of applicable Law relating to the Tax treatment of the Insurance Contracts include, but are not limited to, Sections 72, 79, 101, 401-409A, 412, 415, 417, 419, 419A, 430-436, 457, 501, 505, 817, 1035, 1275, 7702, 7702A and 7702B of the Code. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into any agreement or is involved in any discussions or negotiations with the Internal Revenue Service or any other Tax Authority, or otherwise has requested relief, regarding the Tax treatment of the Insurance Contracts under applicable Law, including any failure of any Insurance Contract to meet the requirements of Sections 72, 79, 101, 401-409A, 412, 415, 417, 419, 419A, 430-436, 457, 501, 505, 817, 1035, 1275, 7702, 7702A and 7702B of the Code. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or has received notice of any federal, state, local or foreign audits or other administrative or judicial Proceedings with regard to the Tax treatment of any Insurance Contract, or of any claims by the purchasers, policyholders or intended beneficiaries of the Insurance Contracts regarding the Tax treatment of (i) the Insurance Contracts or (ii) any plan or arrangement in connection with which such Insurance Contracts were purchased or have been administered. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any “hold harmless” indemnification agreement, Tax Agreement or similar agreement under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is liable for the Tax treatment of (i) the Insurance Contracts or (ii) any plan or arrangement in connection with which such Insurance Contracts were purchased or have been administered. - 40 -


 
(l) (i) All life Insurance Contracts that are subject neither to Section 101(f) nor to Section 7702 of the Code qualify as life insurance contracts for purposes of the Code, (ii) all life Insurance Contracts that are subject to Section 101(f) of the Code satisfy the requirements of that section and otherwise qualify as life insurance contracts for purposes of the Code, and (iii) all life Insurance Contracts that are subject to Section 7702 of the Code satisfy the requirements of Section 7702(a) of the Code and otherwise qualify as life insurance contracts for purposes of the Code. None of the life Insurance Contracts is a “modified endowment contract” within the meaning of Section 7702A of the Code, except for any life Insurance Contract that is being administered as a “modified endowment contract” and with respect to which the policyholder consented in writing to the treatment of such contract as a “modified endowment contract” and has not acted to revoke such consent. The Company and its Subsidiaries have complied with all Tax reporting, withholding, and disclosure requirements applicable to the Insurance Contracts and, in particular, but without limitation, has reported distributions under the Insurance Contracts in compliance in all respects with all applicable requirements of the Code, Treasury Regulations, and forms issued by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company and its Subsidiaries have maintained the information necessary to determine the Insurance Contracts’ qualification for any applicable Tax treatment under the Code, to monitor the Insurance Contracts for treatment as “modified endowment contracts” (if applicable), and to facilitate compliance with the Tax reporting, withholding, and disclosure requirements applicable to the Insurance Contracts in the manner required by the Internal Revenue Service. (m) Each Insurance Contract that is subject to Section 817 of the Code complies with, and, at all times since issuance, has complied with, the diversification requirements applicable thereto in all material respects, and the applicable Insurance Subsidiary is treated for federal Tax purposes as the owner of the assets underlying such Insurance Contract. (n) Seller directly owns one hundred percent (100%) of the equity interests of the Company. The Company directly owns in excess of ninety percent (90%) of the total voting power and value of the stock of EEI and one hundred percent (100%) of the stock of each Subsidiary of the Company other than EEI and the Insurance Subsidiaries. EEI directly or indirectly owns one hundred percent (100%) of the stock of NTAL and NTANY. (o) The Company is a disregarded entity under Section 301.7701-3 of the Treasury Regulations. (p) In connection with the restructuring of Seller and its Subsidiaries that occurred at the end of 2015, Seller did not file Form 1122 with regard to making a consolidated return election to allow it and its subsidiaries to file a consolidated return for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, Seller represents that, if it was required to file Form 1122 in order to allow Seller to file such consolidated returns, it (i) qualifies for automatic relief under Rev. Proc. 2014- 24 and (ii) has documented in its files the conditions described in sections 3.02, 3.03, 3.04, and 3.05 of Revenue Procedure 2014-24, so that, pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502- 75(b) and Revenue Procedure 2014-24, the Seller affiliated group is treated as if it properly filed Internal Revenue Service Forms 1122 and thus the members of the Seller affiliated group were allowed to join in the making of a consolidated return for 2015 and subsequent taxable years. - 41 -


 
3.20 Intellectual Property and Technology. (a) The Company and its Subsidiaries own or have the right to use pursuant to license, sublicense, agreement, or permission all Intellectual Property necessary for the operation of their business as presently conducted (the “Company Intellectual Property Rights”). Section 3.20(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth, as of the date hereof, all registered trademarks, service marks and trade dress and all applications for trademarks, service marks and trade dress; all registered copyrights and all applications for copyrights; all patents and patent applications; and all Internet domain names owned by the Company or its Subsidiaries (the “Scheduled Company Intellectual Property”). With respect to each item of the Company Intellectual Property Rights, except as set forth in Section 3.20(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule: (i) the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company possesses all right, title, and interest in and to the item, free and clear of any Lien, license, royalty or other restriction other than those licenses, royalties or other restrictions provided for in any applicable instrument granting such item to the Company or its Subsidiaries; and (ii) none of the Company’s or any Company Subsidiary’s rights will be terminated or impaired, or become terminable, in whole or in part, as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby. With respect to each item of the Scheduled Company Intellectual Property, except as set forth in Section 3.20(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ rights are valid and enforceable, and all filings required to maintain the validity thereof have been made. (b) Except as set forth in Section 3.20(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule and since January 1, 2016, none of Seller, the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company has received any written notice that the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ use of the Company Intellectual Property Rights has infringed, misappropriated, diluted or otherwise violated any Intellectual Property rights owned by third parties. To the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, the operation by the Company and its Subsidiaries of their business does not and has not infringed, misappropriated, diluted or otherwise violated the Intellectual Property rights owned by any third party. Except as set forth in Section 3.20(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule and since January 1, 2016, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has made any claim against any third party alleging infringement, misappropriation, dilution or other violation of any Company Intellectual Property Rights. (c) All Employees and consultants who contributed to the discovery or development of any Company Intellectual Property Rights did so either (i) within the scope of his or her employment or (ii) pursuant to written agreements assigning all Intellectual Property arising therefrom to the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company. (d) Except as set forth in Section 3.20(d) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the use and dissemination by the Company and its Subsidiaries of Personal Information of consumers of its services or users of any websites operated by the Company or its Subsidiaries are in compliance, in all material respects, with all applicable privacy policies and terms of use and applicable Law. The Company and its Subsidiaries use commercially reasonable measures to protect the Personal Information that is collected and maintained by them and to require that any third party providing services to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has established reasonable safeguards with respect to Personal Information collected by such party. Since January 1, 2016, except as set forth in Section 3.20(d) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, there - 42 -


 
has been no breach in the safeguards for such consumer information. The Company and its Subsidiaries use commercially reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality of the Company Intellectual Property Rights. Since January 1, 2016, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, except as set forth in Section 3.20(d) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, there has been no breach in the safeguards for such confidential Company Intellectual Property Rights. (e) Section 3.20(e) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule lists all material Computer Programs owned or used by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; provided, that “material” Computer Programs excludes all shrink-wrap and off-the-shelf Computer Programs. (f) The IT Systems (i) operate as necessary for the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries in all material respects, and (ii) to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, do not contain any “malware” or critical vulnerabilities that would reasonably be expected to interfere with the ability of Buyer to conduct the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as currently conducted. Since January 1, 2016, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, there have been no material adverse events affecting the IT Systems that have caused a material impact on the Company’s and any of its Subsidiaries’ operation of their respective businesses. The Company and its Subsidiaries have implemented, maintain, and comply with commercially reasonable business continuity and backup and disaster recovery plans and procedures with respect to the IT Systems. Since January 1, 2016, there has been no failure, unauthorized access or use, or other adverse event affecting any of the IT Systems that has caused or will likely cause any material disruption to the conduct of the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. 3.21 Insurance. Seller has made available to Buyer a true and complete list of all insurance policies covering the assets, business, equipment, properties, operations, Employees, consultants, directors, officers and managers of the Company and its Subsidiaries. There is no claim by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries currently pending under any of such policies as to which coverage has been questioned, denied or disputed by the insurers of such policies. All premiums payable under all such policies have been timely paid, and the Company and its Subsidiaries are otherwise in compliance with the terms of such policies in all material respects. To the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, since the time any such policies were last issued or renewed, there has not been any threatened termination of, material premium increase with respect to, or alteration of coverage under, any such policies. 3.22 Environmental Matters. (a) Except as set forth in Section 3.22(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, (i) none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is in violation in any material respect of any Environmental Laws or has violated in any material respect in the past any Environmental Laws; (ii) the Company and its Subsidiaries have obtained and are in compliance in all material respects with all required Environmental Permits and have been in the past in compliance in all material respects with such Permits; and (iii) there are no actions, Orders, written claims or written notices pending or issued to or, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries alleging violations of or liability under any Environmental Laws or otherwise concerning the Release or management of Hazardous Substances. - 43 -


 
(b) To the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, there are no actions, activities, circumstances, facts, conditions, events or incidents, including the presence of any Hazardous Substances, that would be reasonably likely to form the basis of an obligation pursuant to applicable Environmental Laws against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, against any Person whose liability for such obligation the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has or may have retained or assumed either contractually or by operation of applicable Law. (c) For purposes of this Agreement: (i) “Environmental Laws” means any Laws (including common law) of the United States federal, state, local, non-United States, or any other Governmental Authority, relating to (A) Releases or threatened Releases of Hazardous Substances or materials containing Hazardous Substances; (B) the manufacture, handling, transport, use, treatment, storage, emission, discharge, or disposal of Hazardous Substances or materials containing Hazardous Substances; or (C) pollution or protection of the environment or of human health and safety as such is affected by Hazardous Substances or materials containing Hazardous Substances. (ii) “Environmental Permits” means any Permit, consent, license, registration, approval, notification or any other authorization pursuant to Environmental Laws. (iii) “Hazardous Substances” means (A) those substances, materials or wastes defined as toxic, hazardous, acutely hazardous, pollutants or contaminants in, or regulated under, the following United States federal statutes and any analogous foreign or state statutes, and all Regulations thereunder: the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Atomic Energy Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and the Clean Air Act; (B) petroleum and petroleum products, including crude oil and any fractions thereof; (C) natural gas, synthetic gas, and any mixtures thereof; and (D) polychlorinated biphenyls, asbestos, molds that would reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect on human health and urea formaldehyde foam insulation. (iv) “Release” means any release, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, discharging, emitting, emptying, escaping, leaching, injecting, dumping, disposing or migrating into or through the indoor or outdoor environment. 3.23 Affiliated Transactions. (a) Section 3.23(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and correct list of all agreements, contracts, commitments, arrangements or transactions (but excluding any Employee Plan) between Seller or any director, officer, manager, or Affiliate of Seller (other than the Company or its Subsidiaries) or any Minority Shareholder, on one hand, and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the other hand (“Intercompany Agreements”). The Company and its Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with all applicable disclosure, reporting or other - 44 -


 
requirements, including any such requirements under applicable Law, applying to the Intercompany Agreements. (b) The Company or a Subsidiary of the Company has acknowledged certain pledges of future commissions granted by various Independent Producers to an Affiliate of Seller (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) as collateral for funds advanced by the pledgee to such Independent Producer. Section 3.23(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and correct list of such pledges, including the Independent Producer pledging such commissions and the Affiliate of Seller advancing such funds. For the avoidance of doubt, “Intercompany Agreements” is not intended to encompass the acknowledgment of such pledges. (c) Section 3.23(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and correct list of all agreements, contracts, commitments, arrangements or transactions (but excluding any Employee Plan) between the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, on one hand, and any other Subsidiary of the Company, on the other hand. Any such agreement, contract, commitment, arrangement or transaction involving any Insurance Subsidiary is on arms’-length terms and has been approved by the applicable Insurance Regulator. 3.24 Assets. (a) Except as set forth on Section 3.24(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the Company and each of its Subsidiaries has valid title to, or a valid leasehold interest in or other valid and enforceable rights to use, all assets, rights, properties and services necessary to operate the businesses of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries as currently operated consistent with past practices, free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Liens. Except for property and assets disposed of in the ordinary course consistent with past practice and in compliance with Section 5.1, the Company and its Subsidiaries will as of the Closing own or have the right to use all of the assets necessary for the conduct of their business as currently conducted. (b) Except as set forth on Section 3.24(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule and subject to receipt of the governmental approvals contemplated under Section 3.6(b) (including the Required Governmental Authorizations) and Section 4.3, the assets, rights, properties and services transferred to Buyer and its Affiliates pursuant to this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents will, as of the Closing, comprise assets, rights, properties and services that are sufficient to permit Buyer to operate the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries immediately following the Closing Date in substantially the same manner as such business is being operated as of the date hereof. 3.25 Investment Assets. (a) Section 3.25(a)(i) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, complete and correct list of all Investment Assets held by the Company and its Subsidiaries as of September 30, 2018 and as of the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the date hereof, with information included therein as to the Book Value and fair market value of such Investment Assets as of each such date. Except as set forth in Section 3.25(a)(ii) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the Company or its applicable Subsidiary has valid title to all such Investment Assets held by it, free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Liens. - 45 -


 
(b) Section 3.25(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, complete and correct copy of the investment guidelines of the Company as in effect on the date hereof (the “Investment Guidelines”). All Investment Assets of the Insurance Subsidiaries comply in all material respects with the Investment Guidelines and with applicable Law governing admittance of assets for such Insurance Subsidiary. The Company and its Subsidiaries have not taken, or omitted to take, any action which would cause any Investment Asset held thereby to be subject to any valid offset, defense or counterclaim against the right of the Company or such Subsidiary to enforce the terms of such assets. To the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, except as set forth on Section 3.25(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, as of the date hereof, no such Investment Asset is in arrears or default in the payment of principal or interest or dividends or has been otherwise been impaired, other than temporarily impaired, in accordance with the Specified Accounting Principles. (c) Seller has provided to Buyer (i) a written statement of the derivatives policies for the Company and each Subsidiary of the Company, as applicable, including any derivative use plan or hedging guideline, in effect as of the date hereof, which policies are in compliance with applicable Law in all material respects, and (ii) true and correct copies of the asset/liability matching and impairment policies of the Company and each Subsidiary of the Company, as applicable, as in effect as of the date hereof. 3.26 Policy and Valuation Data. Section 3.26 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule lists the Policy and Valuation Data provided to Buyer by Seller on or before the date of this Agreement. The Policy and Valuation Data was (i) obtained from the Books and Records of the Company and its Subsidiaries, including Books and Records relating to the Insurance Contracts, and generated from the same underlying sources and systems that were utilized by the Insurance Subsidiaries to prepare the Statutory Statements and the Company to prepare the Consolidated Statements, (ii) based upon an inventory of in force Insurance Contracts that were issued by the Insurance Subsidiaries that was complete in all material respects, and (iii) accurate and complete in all material respects on the date provided; provided, that the Seller Parties make no representation or warranty with respect to any projections or forecasts therein other than that the model(s) and assumptions on the basis of which such projections or forecasts were prepared were prepared in good faith, are consistent in all material respects with United States actuarial principles promulgated by the Actuarial Standards Board, and are based upon informed judgment. The Seller Parties further represent that, as of the Closing Date, they are not aware of any omissions, errors, changes or discrepancies in the Policy and Valuation Data which would materially affect the information contained in the Policy and Valuation Data. Seller acknowledges that Buyer has relied on the foregoing representations in entering into this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 3.26 shall be construed as a warranty by the Seller Parties to Buyer with respect to the future experience of the Insurance Contracts or the associated liabilities. 3.27 Bank Accounts; Power of Attorney. Section 3.27 of the Seller Disclosure Schedules sets forth a list of the bank names, locations and account numbers of all bank and safe deposit box accounts of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries, including any custodial accounts for securities owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and the names of all persons authorized to draw thereon or to have access thereto. Section 3.27 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule also sets forth the names of all persons, if any, holding powers of attorney from the - 46 -


 
Company or any Subsidiary of the Company and a summary statement of the terms thereof. A true, accurate and complete copy of each such power of attorney has been made available to Buyer. 3.28 Privacy and Data Security. (i) The Company and its Subsidiaries have in place (A) administrative, technical and physical safeguards designed to protect against the destruction, loss, or alteration of Personal Information, (B) reasonable security measures designed to protect Personal Information, and (C) privacy policies and procedures, all of which safeguards, measures and policies and procedures described in (A) – (C) above meet or exceed the requirements of applicable Law; (ii) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have complied with applicable Law in all material respects and with all applicable contractual privacy obligations and their respective internal privacy policies and guidelines relating to the collection, storage, use and transfer of Personal Information; (iii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is, or, during the preceding three (3) years, has been, under investigation or audit, by any private party or Governmental Authority, arising out of an actual or alleged data privacy or security incident nor, to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, has any private party or Governmental Authority alleged any breach of contract or non-compliance with Law related to a data privacy or security matter, and (iv) since January 1, 2016, there has been (x) to the Knowledge of the Seller Parties, no unauthorized access, use, disclosure or transfer of any Personal Information in the possession, custody or control of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, or a contractor or agent acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and (y) no claim communicated to the Company or any if its Subsidiaries in writing from any affected individual nor any written request or inspection from any Governmental Authority that will likely give rise or has given rise to any liability under applicable Law in relation to data protection, data security or privacy. 3.29 Brokers. No broker, financial advisor, finder or investment banker or other Person is entitled to any broker’s, financial advisor’s, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company, and any such fee, if any, shall be payable by Seller. ARTICLE IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER Buyer hereby represents and warrants to Seller, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, as follows: 4.1 Organization. Buyer is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Law of the jurisdiction of its organization and (i) has all the requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and (ii) is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the ownership, operation or leasing of its properties and assets and the conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified, except where the failure to be so qualified would not reasonably be expected to have a Buyer Material Adverse Effect. 4.2 Authority; Enforceability. Buyer has all necessary corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, each other Transaction Document to which it is a party and each instrument required to be executed and delivered by it prior to or at the Closing and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby - 47 -


 
and thereby. The execution and delivery by Buyer of this Agreement, each other Transaction Document to which it is a party and each instrument required hereby to be executed and delivered by Buyer prior to or at the Closing, the performance of its obligations hereunder and thereunder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Buyer, and no other corporate or similar proceedings on the part of Buyer are necessary to authorize this Agreement, any other Transaction Document to which it is a party or any instrument required to be executed and delivered by it prior to or at the Closing or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. Each of the Transaction Documents to which Buyer is or will be a party have been or, with respect to the Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered at Closing, will be, duly and validly executed and delivered by Buyer and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the other parties hereto or thereto, constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of each of Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions. 4.3 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents. The execution and delivery by Buyer of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party or any instrument required by this Agreement to be executed and delivered by it on or prior to the Closing do not, and the performance of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and any instrument required by this Agreement to be executed and delivered by Buyer on or prior to the Closing do not and will not, (i) conflict with or violate the articles of incorporation or bylaws of Buyer, (ii) conflict with or violate in any respect any Law, Permit or Order applicable to Buyer or by which any of its properties, rights or assets is bound or affected, or (iii) with or without notice or the passage of time or both, violate, conflict with or result in a breach of any provision of, or constitute a default (or an event which, with the giving of notice, the passage of time or otherwise would constitute a default) under or entitle any Person to terminate, accelerate or cause a breach or default of, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of Buyer under, or create any right of acceleration, termination, vesting, payment, exercise, suspension, revocation or cancellation of the loss of any right or benefit under any contract, mortgage, lien, lease, agreement, indenture, trust, instrument, order, judgment or decree to which Buyer is a party or which is binding upon Buyer or upon any of the assets of any of the foregoing, except (a) for compliance with the applicable requirements of the HSR Act, (b) filings with Insurance Regulators and other Filings and approvals that, in each case of this clause (b) are listed on Section 4.3 of the Buyer Disclosure Schedule. 4.4 Absence of Litigation, Claims and Orders. There are no claims pending or, to the Knowledge of Buyer, threatened on behalf of or against Buyer that (i) challenges (a) the validity of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party or (b) any action taken or to be taken by it pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Documents to which it is a party or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, or (ii) could have a Buyer Material Adverse Effect. 4.5 Sufficient Funds. As of the Closing Date, Buyer will have immediately available funds sufficient to pay the aggregate Purchase Price and any other payments contemplated in this Agreement and to pay all fees and expenses related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. - 48 -


 
4.6 Brokers. Except for Guggenheim Securities, LLC, no broker, financial advisor, finder or investment banker or other Person is entitled to any broker’s, financial advisor’s, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Buyer. 4.7 Investment Purpose. Buyer is acquiring the Membership Interests and Minority- Owned Shares solely for its own account for investment purposes and not with a view to, or for offer or sale in connection with, any distribution thereof. Buyer acknowledges that the Membership Interests and Minority-Owned Shares are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and that the Membership Interests and Minority-Owned Shares may not be transferred or sold except pursuant to the registration provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or pursuant to an applicable exemption therefrom and subject to state securities laws and regulations, as applicable. ARTICLE V. PRE-CLOSING COVENANTS 5.1 Conduct of Business Pending the Closing. During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing through the Closing Date or the earlier termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1 hereof, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, as set forth in Section 5.1 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule or with the prior written consent of Buyer, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed, the Seller Parties shall, and shall cause the Company and its Subsidiaries to, (x) carry on their business in the ordinary course consistent with past practices, except to the extent otherwise contemplated by this Agreement (such as actions taken pursuant to this Agreement to facilitate funding of the Special Dividend), and (y) to the extent consistent therewith, use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the current business, significant business relationships and goodwill of their business with policyholders, Employees, Independent Producers and other customers, suppliers and service providers of and to the Company and its Subsidiaries, and with the Governmental Authorities with jurisdiction over the Company and its Subsidiaries. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or as set forth in Section 5.1 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the Seller Parties shall not with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries, and the Seller Parties shall not permit the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, without the prior written consent of Buyer, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed, to: (a) amend its Organizational Documents; (b) (i) issue, sell, transfer, grant, pledge or otherwise encumber any shares or other interests representing equity interests in the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, any other voting securities, or nay securities convertible into or exchangeable for any such interests, in each case relating to equity interests in the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) issue, sell, grant or accelerate the timing of payment or vesting of any option, warrant, convertible or exchangeable security, subscription, call, or other agreement or right of any kind to purchase or otherwise acquire (including by exchange or conversion) any ownership interest in the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (iii) directly or indirectly, purchase, redeem or acquire any equity interest (including Membership Interests or Minority-Owned Shares) or any other ownership interest in the Company - 49 -


 
or any of its Subsidiaries; (iv) change the authorized or issued equity of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (v) effect any recapitalization, reclassification, unit split, combination or similar change in the capitalization of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or (vi) enter into any contracts, agreements or arrangements to issue, redeem, acquire or sell any equity interests or any other ownership interests in the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (c) (i) sell, transfer, encumber or otherwise dispose of Investment Assets other than consistent with the Investment Guidelines; (ii) sell, terminate, transfer, exclusively license, encumber or otherwise dispose of any other material assets of the Company or its Subsidiaries; or (iii) permit the acquisition of any assets that would be material to the Company or its Subsidiaries; (d) make or authorize any capital expenditures that are, in the aggregate, in excess of $75,000; (e) make any change in the accounting, actuarial, payment, pricing, marketing, price or premium discounting (with respect to new or renewal business), reserving, risk management, underwriting or claims administration policies, practices, standards or principles, or make any change in the Investment Guidelines, or fail to manage its Investment Assets in compliance with the Investment Guidelines, in each case except as may be required by GAAP, SAP applicable to the Insurance Subsidiaries or applicable Law; (f) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, or recapitalization of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company; (g) hire any new employee who would be an Employee, except any employee with annual base compensation of less than $75,000 and who is terminable at-will, but only to the extent that the Employee is hired in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice (and Buyer shall be provided reasonable notice thereof); (h) establish, amend or modify any Employee Plan, other than as required to comply with a change in applicable Law or as otherwise contemplated by this Article V; (i) (i) promise, grant or agree to increase the base salary (or wages), target incentive opportunity or severance pay of, or any benefits paid or payable to, any Employee, including making any grant or award of equity compensation, or accelerate the vesting of any compensation or benefit, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, as required by applicable Law or an Employee Plan in-force as of the date hereof, or as specifically provided for in this Agreement; (ii) enter into or amend any employment, consulting, indemnification, severance or termination agreement with any Employee other than agreements providing for at will employment entered into in the ordinary course of business with total annual compensation of less than $75,000 or termination of at will employment in the ordinary course of business; or (iii) loan or advance any money or other property to any Employee; (j) terminate any Employee, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice for performance-related reasons (including fraud or willful misconduct) (and Buyer shall be provided reasonable notice thereof); - 50 -


 
(k) incur, assume or guarantee any Indebtedness or guarantee the obligations of another Person, or make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other Person other than investments made in accordance with the Investment Guidelines that constitute Investment Assets; (l) declare, set aside or pay any dividends or other distributions (other than declaration of the Special Dividend payment of Unregulated Distributions), or make any capital contributions to any of the Subsidiaries of the Company, or permit any equity holder of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to withdraw any equity or capital of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Unregulated Distributions); provided that the Company provides Buyer written notice of each Unregulated Distribution (i) within five (5) Business Days following payment thereof and, (ii) in any case, no later than three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date; (m) acquire (by merger, consolidation, acquisition of stock or assets, reinsurance or otherwise) any other Person or substantially all of the assets of any other Person or any division thereof; (n) amend, waive any rights or delegate performance under, or assign, transfer, terminate or extend any Material Contract or Reinsurance Contract (other than contracts that terminate pursuant to their terms), or enter into any contract that would be a Material Contract or Reinsurance Contract if in effect on the date hereof; (o) outside of the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (i) enter into any agreement with any Independent Producer, or (ii) amend, waive any rights or delegate performance under, or assign, transfer or terminate any existing agreement with any Independent Producer; (p) pay, settle or compromise any Proceeding or threatened Proceeding, except claims under policies and certificates of insurance within applicable policy limits and in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; (q) except in connection with claims management activities in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (i) forgive, cancel or compromise any debt or claim, (ii) waive or release any right, of material value, or (iii) fail to pay or satisfy when due any material liability (other than any such liability that is being contested in good faith); (r) acquire any real property or any direct or indirect interest in real property, other than security interests in real property included in the Investment Assets; (s) abandon, modify, waive, terminate or allow to lapse any material Permit of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries unless such Permit has ceased to be necessary for the conduct of the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under applicable Law; (t) amend or modify any policy form on which Insurance Contracts are written or approved to be written; - 51 -


 
(u) (i) make, amend, or revoke any material election related to Taxes, (ii) settle or compromise any Tax liability or surrender any right to claim a Tax refund, offset, or other reduction in Tax liability, (iii) enter into any closing agreement related to Taxes, (iv) consent to any extension or waiver of the limitations period applicable to any Tax claim or assessment, (v) change any Tax period, any Tax accounting method or the basis for determining any item referred to in Section 807(c) of the Code, (vi) amend any Tax Return or file any claim for Tax refunds, or (vii) make a request for a written ruling of a Governmental Authority relating to Taxes; (v) enter into any new line of business or, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, launch, market, issue or agree to issue any new products or make material modifications or additions to the terms and conditions of the Insurance Contracts; (w) terminate, cancel or amend, or cause the termination, cancellation or amendment of, any material insurance coverage (and any surety bonds, letters of credit, cash collateral or other deposits related thereto required to be maintained with respect to such coverage), maintained by or for the benefit of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is not replaced with comparable insurance coverage; or (x) authorize or enter into any agreement in furtherance of any of the foregoing. 5.2 Access to Information; Confidentiality. (a) Prior to the Closing Date, the Seller Parties will provide Buyer and its Representatives with reasonable access, including access upon reasonable notice at reasonable times during normal business hours, to all of the Books and Records and all of the properties and Employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries and, during such period, the Seller Parties shall and shall cause the Company and its Subsidiaries to furnish to Buyer such information concerning the business, properties, financial condition, operations and senior personnel of the Company and its Subsidiaries as Buyer may from time to time reasonably request, other than any such properties, books, contracts, records and information that (i) are subject to an attorney-client or other legal privilege that might be impaired by such disclosure or (ii) are subject to an obligation of confidentiality; provided, that (x) in the case of clause (i) the Seller Parties will use their commercially reasonable efforts to take such action (such as entering into a joint defense agreement or other arrangement to avoid loss of the attorney-client privilege) with respect to such books, records, contracts, properties and information as is necessary to permit disclosure to Buyer and Buyer’s Representatives and (y) in the case of clause (ii) the Seller Parties shall notify Buyer promptly if any information is being withheld in reliance on clause (ii) and the Seller Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a waiver of the applicable obligation. All requests for access or information pursuant to this Section 5.2(a) shall be directed to such Person or Persons as Seller shall designate. (b) From and after the date hereof, Buyer and its Affiliates (including, from and after the Closing, the Company and its Subsidiaries), on one hand, and the Seller Parties and their Affiliates (including, prior to the Closing, the Company and its Subsidiaries), on the other hand, shall and shall cause their respective Affiliates and Representatives to treat confidentially all non- public, confidential or proprietary information, including all notes, analyses, compilations, studies, copies and other documents which contain or otherwise reflect such information, provided to it by - 52 -


 
or on behalf of the other party in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby regarding such other party’s business and operations and all information provided under the Transaction Documents including the terms of the Transaction Documents, which confidential information may also include Personal Information (the “Confidential Information”). All Confidential Information provided by or on behalf of a party to the other party shall be used by such other party and its applicable Affiliates solely for the purposes of performing its obligations under the Transaction Documents and, except as may be required in carrying out the transaction contemplated hereby, shall not be disclosed to any third party (and, in the event of any disclosure to any third party as may be required to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby, such third party shall be informed by the disclosing party of the confidential nature of such information and instructed to keep such information confidential). Additionally, Confidential Information may be shared by either party on a need-to-know basis with its officers, directors, Employees, Affiliates, third party service providers, auditors, attorneys, or consultants, or in connection with the dispute resolution process specified in this Agreement. The restrictions set forth in this Section 5.2(b) shall not be applicable to any Confidential Information: (i) that is publicly available when provided or thereafter becomes publicly available, other than through a breach of any Transaction Document or any other confidentiality obligation, or that is independently derived by any party without the use of any information provided by the other party in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby or otherwise; (ii) that is required to be disclosed in any legal or regulatory proceeding, investigation, audit, examination, subpoena, civil investigative demand or other similar process, or by operation of Law (with the relief from the requirements of this Section 5.2(b) only applying for the purposes of such disclosure); provided, that (x) the disclosing party shall provide the party whose information will be disclosed with prompt advance written notice of such requirement such that the party whose information will be disclosed may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy to protect its interest, (y) the disclosing party shall reasonably cooperate with such party and, if a protective order or other remedy is not obtained, shall only disclose such information as is necessary to be disclosed and (z) the disclosing party shall inform any recipient of such information of the confidential nature of such information and shall instruct the recipient to keep such information confidential; or (iii) where the party seeking to disclose has received the prior written consent of the party providing the information. 5.3 Governmental Approvals and Filings; Third Party Consents. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each of Buyer and Seller shall use its reasonable best efforts, and shall cooperate fully with each other, (i) to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective, as soon as practicable after the date hereof, the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents and (ii) to obtain as promptly as practicable all necessary Permits, Orders or other consents, approvals or authorizations of Governmental Authorities necessary in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by hereby; provided that (A) Buyer shall be responsible for all filing and application fees payable to Governmental Authorities, including any fees payable to the Insurance Regulators in Illinois, Texas and New York and for any actuarial services associated with requesting approval of the Special Dividend, and (B) except as expressly covered by other provisions of this Agreement, Seller shall be responsible for costs (including any license or other fees and expenses) associated with obtaining any such consents or waivers from such other third parties. In connection therewith, Seller and Buyer shall make and cause their respective Affiliates to make all legally required filings - 53 -


 
as promptly as practicable in order to facilitate prompt consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, shall provide and shall cause their respective Affiliates to provide such information and communications to Governmental Authorities as such Governmental Authorities may request, shall take and shall cause their respective Affiliates to use their reasonable best efforts to (x) avoid any Proceedings by any Governmental Authority with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, and (y) defend or contest in good faith any Proceeding by any third party (other than any Governmental Authority), whether judicial or administrative, challenging any of the transactions contemplated hereby, or that could otherwise prevent, impede, interfere with, hinder or delay in any material respect the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby. Each of the parties shall use reasonable best efforts to provide to the other party copies of all applications or other communications to Governmental Authorities in connection with this Agreement in advance of the filing or submission thereof; provided, that neither party shall be required to provide the other with any information or materials that are commercially sensitive, contain personal information about an officer or director or are legally privileged. (b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, as promptly as reasonably practicable following the date hereof, (i) Buyer shall, and shall cause its applicable Affiliates to, file with all applicable Insurance Regulators the Filings and requests for approval listed in Section 4.3 of the Buyer Disclosure Schedule and any other pre-acquisition notifications on “Form E” or similar market share notifications to be filed in each jurisdiction where required by applicable Law with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, in each case which Filings and requests shall be complete and shall include all required exhibits, (ii) Seller shall, and shall cause its applicable Affiliates to, file with all applicable Insurance Regulators the Filings and requests for approval listed in Section 3.6(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule (except to the extent such Filing is being prepared by Buyer pursuant to the foregoing clause (i)), in each case which Filings and requests shall be complete and shall include all required exhibits, (iii) Seller shall cause NTAL to file for approval of the Special Dividend in an aggregate amount that would cause NTAL’s RBC Ratio (after payment of such amount) to be at least 425% on a pro forma basis giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby, to be declared and paid, after the Closing Date, by NTAL, with the Insurance Regulator of the State of Texas, in connection with the filing of the “Form A” Acquisition of Control Statement to be filed in accordance with clause (i) above, and (iv) Buyer and Seller shall make an appropriate Filing of a notification and report form pursuant to the HSR Act with the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and requesting early termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act. Buyer and Seller shall, upon request, furnish each other with all information concerning themselves, their respective Affiliates, directors, officers and shareholders and members, as applicable, and such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or advisable in connection with the preparation of any statement, Filing, notice or application made by or on their behalf to any Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents; provided, in no event will any party be required to disclose to the other party any information to the extent prohibited by applicable Law. A reasonable time prior to furnishing any written materials to any Insurance Regulator or other Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, the filing party shall use reasonable best efforts to furnish the other party with a copy thereof, and such other party shall have a reasonable opportunity to provide comments thereon, which comments shall be considered by the filing party in good faith; provided, in no event will any party be required to disclose to the other party any information to the extent prohibited by applicable Law. Each party - 54 -


 
shall give to the other party prompt written notice if it or any of its Affiliates receives any notice or other communication from any Insurance Regulator or other Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents and, in the case of any such notice or communication that is in writing, shall promptly furnish the other party with a copy thereof. If any Governmental Authority requires that a hearing be held in connection with any such approval, each party shall use its reasonable best efforts to arrange for such hearing to be held promptly after the notice that such hearing is required has been received by such party. Each party shall give to the other party reasonable prior written notice of the time and place when any meetings, telephone calls, or other conferences may be held by it with any Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents (other than telephone calls regarding routine administrative matters), and the other party shall have the right to have a representative or representatives attend or otherwise participate in any such meeting, telephone call, or other conference unless the relevant Governmental Authority does not consent to attendance or participation by such other party’s representative or such attendance or participation is prohibited by applicable Law. (c) Without limiting the foregoing, each of Buyer and Seller shall use its reasonable best efforts to avoid each and every impediment under any antitrust Law, insurance Law or other applicable Law that may be asserted by any Governmental Authority with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby so as to enable the Closing to occur as promptly as practicable, including, without limitation, any actions requested by any Governmental Authority that are necessary or appropriate to (i) obtain all consents and exemptions and secure the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period under the HSR Act; (ii) resolve any objections that may be asserted by any Governmental Authority with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby; and (iii) prevent the entry of, and have vacated, lifted, reversed or overturned, any Order that would prevent, prohibit, restrict or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no party shall be obligated to take or refrain from taking any action or to become subject to any condition, limitation, restriction or requirement, in each case that is imposed by a Governmental Authority on such party or its Affiliates in connection with the pursuit of the consent or approval of a Governmental Authority for the transactions contemplated hereby, that would reasonably be expected to result in a Burdensome Condition. (d) Seller shall, and shall cause the Company and its Subsidiaries to, use reasonable best efforts to obtain, prior to the Closing, any consent or waiver from any third party (other than a Governmental Authority) that is required for the Company to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and that is necessary in order to ensure that the Material Contracts and Reinsurance Contracts will not be terminated as a result of consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Buyer shall, and shall cause each of its Affiliates to, cooperate with the Company and its Subsidiaries at the Company’s request to assist the Company and its Subsidiaries in obtaining such consents or waivers. Each of Buyer and Seller shall bear its own and its Affiliates’ internal costs to obtain such consents and waivers, and the costs payable to third parties for obtaining such consents and waivers shall be borne equally by Buyer and Seller. 5.4 Notification of Certain Matters. Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, each party shall give prompt notice to the other parties at such time that such party becomes - 55 -


 
aware of the occurrence, or nonoccurrence, of any event which, if existing, occurring or known on the date hereof should have been so disclosed, or which is necessary to correct any information in the Seller Disclosure Schedule or the Buyer Disclosure Schedule; provided, however, that for purposes of determining the rights and obligations of the parties under this Agreement, any such supplemental disclosure by any party shall not be deemed to have been disclosed as of the date hereof, to constitute a part of, or an amendment or supplement to the Seller Disclosure Schedule or the Buyer Disclosure Schedule (as applicable), or to cure any breach or inaccuracy of a representation, warranty, covenant, condition or agreement as of the date hereof unless so agreed to in writing by the other party. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, if (i) the matter so disclosed is in respect of an event occurring or a matter arising after the date hereof and would result in the Seller Parties’ inability to satisfy the condition to Closing set forth in Section 6.2(a) (as expressly acknowledged by the Seller Parties in the notice to Buyer of such matter and in the certificate required to be delivered under Section 2.3(a)(vi)), and (ii) Buyer waives compliance with any failure to fulfill such condition and elects to close, then the Seller Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed to have been updated to include the matter so disclosed and Buyer shall not have any claim for indemnity hereunder with respect to such breach. 5.5 Interim Financial Statements. (a) From the date hereof until the Closing Date or earlier termination of this Agreement, Seller shall deliver to Buyer true and complete copies of the unaudited and audited financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries when and as prepared in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice, together with any applicable actuarial opinion thereon. (b) From the date hereof until the Closing Date, Seller will forward to Buyer copies of all monthly or quarterly investment advisor reports prepared for the Regulated Subsidiaries regarding the Investment Assets, in each case within five (5) Business Days following receipt of such reports by the Regulated Subsidiaries. At least three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall deliver to Buyer a true, complete and correct list of all Investment Assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries with information included therein as to the Book Value and fair market value of such Investment Assets calculated in a manner consistent with the calculations with respect to such assets in Section 3.25(a)(i) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, in each case, as of the close of business on a day requested by Buyer in a written notice that is delivered to Seller at least five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date. (c) From the Closing Date until the seventh (7th) anniversary of the Closing Date, at the request of Buyer, Seller shall deliver to Buyer true and complete copies of the unaudited and audited financial statements of the Seller as prepared in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice. 5.6 Public Announcements. Buyer and the Seller Parties shall mutually agree on the form and timing of an initial joint press release to be issued with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. In addition, prior to the Closing Date, Buyer and the Seller Parties shall consult with and obtain the approval of Buyer and Seller before issuing any press release or making any other public disclosure with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and shall not issue any such press release or make any such public disclosure - 56 -


 
prior to such consultation and approval (except as may be required by Law, in which event the Person proposing to issue such press release or make such public disclosure shall use its reasonable best efforts to consult in good faith with the other party before issuing any such press release or making any such public disclosure and shall cooperate to limit the scope of disclosure to the minimal amount of information required by Law). 5.7 Further Assurances. On and after the Closing Date, Seller and Buyer shall, and shall cause their respective Affiliates to, use commercially reasonable efforts to execute and deliver, or shall cause to be executed and delivered, such documents, certificates, agreements and other writings and shall take, or shall cause to be taken, such further actions as may be reasonably required or requested by any party to carry out the provisions of the Transaction Documents and consummate or implement expeditiously the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. 5.8 Delivery of Books and Records. At the Closing, Seller shall cause all Books and Records in the possession of Seller or any of Seller’s Affiliates to be delivered to Buyer (or a Person designated by Buyer) in the manner (and in the case of physical Books and Records at the location(s)) reasonably requested by Buyer, in all cases to the extent not located at an office of the Company. 5.9 Access to Books and Records. (a) Until the seventh (7th) anniversary of the Closing (provided, that Buyer shall give 30 days’ notice to Seller prior to destroying any records to permit Seller, at its expense, to examine, duplicate or repossess such books and records), Buyer shall afford promptly to Seller and its Representatives reasonable access to the books, records, officers, employees, auditors and other advisors of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and provide information with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries in a readily accessible form (including financial information in a form consistent with the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ historical practice for the preparation of such financial information), to the extent reasonably required by Seller for any lawful business purpose, including litigation, disputes, compliance, financial reporting (including financial audits of historical information), loss reporting, regulatory and accounting matters, and Buyer shall reasonably cooperate with Seller and its Representatives, to furnish such books and records and information and make available such officers, employees, auditors and other advisors of the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided, that such access does not unreasonably interfere with the conduct of the business of Buyer, the Company or the Company Subsidiaries. (b) Until the seventh (7th) anniversary of the Closing (provided, that Seller shall give thirty (30) days’ notice to Buyer prior to destroying any records to permit Buyer, at its expense, to examine, duplicate or repossess such books and records), Seller shall, and shall cause Seller’s Affiliates to, afford promptly to Buyer and its Representatives reasonable access to the books, records, officers, employees, auditors and other advisors relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries, and provide information with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries in a readily accessible form (including financial information in a form consistent with Sellers or such Affiliate’s historical practice for the preparation of such financial information), to the extent reasonably required by Buyer for any lawful business purpose, including litigation, disputes, compliance, financial reporting (including financial audits of historical information), loss - 57 -


 
reporting, regulatory and accounting matters, and Seller shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, reasonably cooperate with Buyer and its Representatives to furnish such books and records and information and make available such officers, employees, auditors and other advisors with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided, that such access does not unreasonably interfere with the conduct of the business of Seller or Seller’s Affiliates. 5.10 Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation. (a) For a period of five (5) years following the Closing Date, the Seller Parties shall not, and shall cause each of their respective Affiliates not to, engage in the business of selling any life, health, accident or disability insurance within the United States (“Competing Business”) through any Independent Producer or otherwise. (b) Following the Closing Date, the Seller Parties shall not, and shall cause each of their respective Affiliates to not (i) initiate, promote or establish any program for the substitution, surrender, exchange, termination or systematic replacement of all or any portion of the coverage provided by any Insurance Contract with an insurance policy or coverage written or sold by any Seller Party or any of its Affiliates, (ii) induce or provide any incentive (financial or otherwise) to any Independent Producer to terminate its relationship with the Company, (iii) induce or provide any incentive (financial or otherwise) to any Independent Producer to target or solicit, or cause to be targeted or solicited (on a systematic basis or otherwise) any holder of an Insurance Contract to replace all or any portion of the coverage provided by such Insurance Contract with an insurance policy or coverage written or sold by any Seller Party or any of its Affiliates or (iv) use the list of holders of Insurance Contracts or information related to pricing or forms of such policies and contracts or similar proprietary information of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for any purpose without Buyer’s prior written consent. (c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in Section 5.10(a), and without implication that the following activities otherwise would be subject to the provisions of this Section 5.10, nothing in Section 5.10(a) shall preclude, prohibit or restrict any Seller Party or any of its Affiliates from engaging, or require any Seller Party to cause any of its Affiliates not to engage, in any manner in any of the following: (i) making passive investments in the ordinary course of business, including in a general or separate account of an insurance company, in Persons engaged in a Competing Business; provided, that the Seller Party or such Affiliate of the Seller Party: (A) does not have the right to designate a majority of the members of the board of directors or other governing body of such entity or otherwise to direct the operation or management of any such entity, (B) is not a participant with any other Person in any group (as such term is used in Regulation 13D of the Exchange Act) with such right and (C) owns less than 10% of the outstanding voting securities (including convertible securities) of such entity; or (ii) acquiring any business, or acquiring, merging or combining with any Person (an “Acquired Business”) where the Acquired Business derived more than 10% of its net operating revenue on a consolidated basis for the most recent fiscal year from a Competing Business; provided, that within one year after such acquisition, merger or combination, either (A) such Seller Party or Affiliate of such Seller Party shall have disposed of the - 58 -


 
relevant portion of such Acquired Business that engages in the Competing Business or (B) such Seller Party or Affiliate of such Seller Party shall have modified the Acquired Business such that the Acquired Business will thereafter derive less than 10% of its net operating revenue on a consolidated basis from such Competing Business. (d) Except as set forth in Section 5.10(d) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, for a period of three (3) years following the Closing Date, without the prior written consent of Buyer, no Seller Party shall, and each Seller Party shall cause its Affiliates to not, whether directly or indirectly, solicit for employment, employ or contract for the services of any Employee; provided, that nothing in this Section 5.10(d) shall prohibit a Seller Party or its Affiliates from engaging in general solicitations not directed at such Persons or from soliciting, employing or contracting for the services of any such Person whose employment with or engagement by Buyer or any of its Affiliates (including the Company and its Subsidiaries) has been terminated by Buyer or its applicable Affiliate or who has otherwise ceased to be employed or engaged by Buyer or any of its Affiliates (including the Company and its Subsidiaries) for a period of at least twelve (12) months; provided, further, that nothing in this Section 5.10(d) prohibits Seller or any Affiliate of Seller from employing a Key Executive under the terms of Section 5.12(h). 5.11 D&O Liabilities. Prior to Closing, Buyer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to have available (subject to the payment of premium) director and officer and director “tail coverage” insurance for the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect to the period prior to Closing. Prior to or at the Closing, Seller shall directly pay the insurance company for the all costs of securing such policy. 5.12 Employee Matters. (a) Employees. (i) Excluded Employees. Section 5.12(a) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule identifies those Employees who will not continue in employment with the Company or its Subsidiaries from and after the Closing Date and all other employees of Seller or any Affiliate of Seller (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) that participate in any Employee Plan (the “Excluded Employees”). Within a reasonable period of time following the execution of this Agreement, Seller shall or shall cause the Company or the applicable Subsidiary to transfer the employment of the Excluded Employees to the Seller or one of its Subsidiaries (other than Company or its Subsidiaries). From and after the Closing Date, none of the Buyer, its Affiliates, the Company or its Subsidiaries shall have any liability to or in respect of the Excluded Employees. (ii) Continuing Employees. For the period of at least twelve (12) months from and after the Closing Date, Buyer shall provide each Employee (other than the Excluded Employees) as of the Closing Date (each a “Continuing Employee”) base compensation and bonus opportunities that, in the aggregate, are comparable to those in effect for such Continuing Employee immediately prior to the Closing Date. Seller shall cause the Company or the applicable Subsidiary to provide to Buyer a completed Employment Eligibility Verification USCIS Form I-9, verifying the identity and employment authorization of each Continuing Employee and in the event that any such - 59 -


 
documentation is not provided to cooperate with Buyer in obtaining such documentation from any Continuing Employee, as applicable, in each case, prior to the Closing Date. (iii) Prior to, or as of the Closing, Seller shall cause the Company and each applicable Subsidiary of the Company to pay its employees or accrue on its financial statements (including the Closing Balance Sheets) all compensation accrued but unpaid as of the Adjustment Time with respect to Excluded Employees, including wages, business expense, and other reimbursements and all severance payments whether or not required by GAAP. (b) Company 401(k) Plan. Effective no later than immediately before the Closing Date and contingent upon the Closing, Seller shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to terminate the 401(k) plan sponsored or maintained by the Company or its Subsidiaries for the benefit of the Employees (the “Company 401(k) Plan”) and otherwise terminate the participation of the Continuing Employees in any other 401(k) plan maintained for the benefit of such Continuing Employees in accordance with applicable Law and to amend the Company 401(k) Plan to remove pre-requisites for eligible participants to receive and fully vest in all matching and non- elective employer contributions on the Closing Date, which contributions shall be in an amount consistent with past practice and as set forth on Section 5.12(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule. No later than the Closing Date, Seller shall cause the Company to contribute to the Company 401(k) Plan all employer and employee contributions with respect to the period before the Closing as set forth on Section 5.12(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule. Contingent upon the Closing, Buyer will cause the Continuing Employees who were participants in Company’s 401(k) plan in which the Continuing Employees participate on the Closing Date to be automatically enrolled in a 401(k) plan sponsored by the Buyer or one of its Affiliates (the “Buyer 401(k) Plan”), which will occur as soon as administratively practicable following the Closing Date. Following the Closing, Buyer also agrees to provide each Continuing Employee an opportunity, within a period of time that will avoid default under an existing participant loan, to make a direct rollover to the Buyer 401(k) Plan of an eligible rollover distribution from the Company 401(k) Plan that includes promissory notes reflecting such Continuing Employee’s then outstanding participant loans under the Company 401(k) Plan. (c) Employee Benefit Plans and Past Service Credit. Effective as of the Closing Date, except as provided in Section 5.12(b) above, at the request of Buyer, Seller shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to terminate the Employee Plans (except as to those obligations further described in Section 5.20 and Annex E) sponsored or maintained by the Company or its Subsidiaries and otherwise terminate the participation of the Continuing Employees in any other Employee Plan maintained for the benefit of such Continuing Employees, and the Continuing Employees shall, from and after the Closing Date, be eligible to participate in employee plans that are generally available to similarly situated employees of Buyer. With respect to severance and vacation benefits and any Employee Plan maintained by Buyer or an Affiliate of Buyer for the benefit of any Continuing Employee, effective as of the Closing Date, Buyer shall, or shall cause its Affiliate to, subject to subclause (d) below, recognize all service with the Company of the Continuing Employee, as if such service were with Buyer, for vesting, eligibility and severance and vacation accrual rate purposes (but not for any purposes under any defined benefit plan or eligibility under any retiree life or medical plan), provided, however, such service shall not be recognized to the extent that such recognition would result in a duplication of benefits. - 60 -


 
(d) Accrued PTO. To the extent reflected on the Pro Forma Financial Statements, Buyer shall or shall cause the Company or the appropriate Subsidiary of the Company to credit each Continuing Employee with the amount of accrued but unused paid time off credited for the benefit of such Continuing Employee as of the Closing Date. Each Continuing Employee shall be entitled to use such time off in accordance with the applicable policies of the Company and its Subsidiaries as in effect from time to time following the Closing Date. (e) COBRA Coverage. Seller will or will cause an Affiliate of Seller to retain liability for any required continuation coverage pursuant to Code §4980B (“COBRA”) for the Excluded Employees and their “qualified beneficiaries” (as defined in Code §4980B(g)(1)) with respect to any “qualifying event” (as defined in Code §4980B(f)(3)) that occurs on or prior to the Closing Date. Buyer will provide, or cause the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company to provide, COBRA coverage for the Continuing Employees and their qualified beneficiaries with respect to “qualifying events” occurring on or after the Closing Date. (f) Workers Compensation. Seller will or will cause an Affiliate of Seller to retain liability for all the cost of workers’ compensation claims, both medical and disability, for the Excluded Employees. Buyer will be, or will cause Company to be, responsible for all workers’ compensation claims for Continuing Employees that relate to loss events occurring before or after the Closing Date. (g) Employees on Leave. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, any Employee who is on long-term, short-term or other authorized leave as of the close of business on the Closing Date will be a Continuing Employee for all purposes. Buyer will, and will cause Company and its Subsidiaries to, comply with applicable Law as to those employees of Company on leave or on layoff on the Closing Date, including re-employment. (h) Existing Employment Agreements. Seller shall retain all obligations, and shall reimburse the Company for any amounts payable by the Company, under the Executive Employment Agreement and any Change of Control Agreement resulting from the termination of employment of the applicable Key Executive that is the counterparty thereunder; provided that Seller shall have no obligation to reimburse the Company for any payment owed by the Company under any Change of Control Agreement in connection with a “Qualifying Termination” of the applicable Key Executive party to such agreement (i) by the Company without “Cause” or (ii) by such executive for “Good Reason” (as each such term is defined in the applicable Change of Control Agreement) after the Closing Date (it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that Seller shall be obligated to reimburse the Company for any payment owed by the Company in connection with a “Qualifying Termination” of the applicable Key Executive party to such agreement by such executive voluntarily without “Good Reason” or if any Key Executive becomes employed with any Seller Party or any of their respective Affiliates prior to the first (1st) anniversary of the Closing Date). In the event any Key Executive that is the counterparty to the Executive Employment Agreement or any Change of Control Agreement accepts an employment position with or becomes employed by any Seller Party or any Affiliate of any Seller Party during the twelve (12) months immediately following the Closing Date, the Seller Party shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, condition such employment on the waiver of all of the Company’s obligations under the applicable Executive Employment Agreement or Change of Control Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Seller shall retain all obligations and reimburse the - 61 -


 
Company for any amounts payable by the Company, and the Company shall have no liability or other obligation, in each case under the Change of Control Agreement with Earl Fonville relating to such Key Executive’s discontinuance of employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5.12 to the contrary, as of the date of this Agreement, each Continuing Key Executive has executed an offer letter with Buyer or the Company in a form reasonably satisfactory to Buyer effective as of and contingent upon the Closing. (i) Section 280G Shareholder Approval. If any payments or benefits payable or provided by the Company or its Subsidiaries to any person in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement could be considered “parachute payments” under Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code (“Section 280G Payments”) and could reasonably be expected, absent the vote described below, to result in the imposition of Taxes under Section 4999 of the Code, then prior to the Closing Date, the Seller Parties shall cause the Company to take all necessary actions to seek (and use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain) the approval by the applicable stockholders, in a manner that satisfies Section 280G(b)(5) of the Code. The Seller Parties shall provide Buyer, at least three (3) Business Days prior to delivery to the applicable stockholders, copies of all documents prepared by the Seller, Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in connection with this Section 5.12(i) and shall consider in good faith any comments made by Buyer with respect to such documents. In the event such vote is required, the Seller Parties will deliver to Buyer certification that a vote of the applicable stockholders was solicited in accordance with this Section 5.12(i) and the results of such vote on or prior to the Closing Date. (j) Post-Closing Consultation. Seller shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, for a period of ninety (90) days following the Closing Date, make Earl R. Fonville available to Buyer and its Affiliates (including the Company and the Subsidiaries of the Company) for consulting services relating to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries up to a maximum up fifteen (15) hours per week during such period. Buyer shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, for a period of ninety (90) days following the Closing Date, make Wade Rugenstein available to Seller and its Affiliates for consulting services relating to the business of Seller and its Affiliates up to a maximum up fifteen (15) hours per week during such period. 5.13 Real Property Matters. (a) On or before the Closing Date, Buyer and the applicable Affiliate of Seller shall enter into terminations or amendments of each of the Keller Springs Leases in the forms set forth on Exhibit B-1, Exhibit B-2, Exhibit B-3 and Exhibit B-4 (as amended, the “Keller Springs Lease Amendment and Terminations”). (b) The Seller Parties shall cause each Affiliate of Seller (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) that leases space at, or otherwise operates out of, the Keller Springs Property, to vacate such leased premises on or prior to the Closing Date. The Seller Parties shall have access to a designated common area of the building for a period of thirty (30) days following the Closing Date to transition the move of any Seller Party personal property, documents, or systems which are stored, housed, or maintained in the leased premises at the Closing Date. 5.14 Name Change. As promptly as practicable (and in no event later than thirty (30) days) after the Closing Date, Buyer shall file all documents to amend the Organizational - 62 -


 
Documents of EEI and all assumed business name filings to change its name and all assumed names to names that do not include the word “Ellard” or any derivations thereof. 5.15 Release. If, but only if, the Closing occurs, then each Seller Party hereby forever, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably releases and discharges the Company, its Subsidiaries, Buyer, and Buyer’s Affiliates from all obligations and liabilities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to such Seller Party, all agreements and understandings of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries involving such Seller Party, and all rights, claims and causes of action (whether at law or in equity and whether or not currently known to exist) of such Seller Party against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that are a result of, involve or otherwise exist by reason of any act, omission, fact, circumstance or other matter, cause or thing whatsoever that arose, occurred or existed before the Closing, including without limitation any indemnification obligations to the Seller Parties, and the right to advancement and reimbursement of expenses, pursuant to the organizational documents of the Company or its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 5.15 waives, releases or restricts in any manner whatsoever any of such Seller Party’s rights arising out of this Agreement. 5.16 No Shop. (a) From the date hereof until the earlier of the Closing and the date that this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Article VII, the Seller Parties shall not, and shall cause their respective Affiliates and Representatives not to, directly or indirectly: (i) solicit, initiate, encourage, accept or facilitate any inquiry, indication of interest, proposal or offer from any person or entity (other than Buyer or its Affiliates) relating to or in connection with an Alternative Transaction (as defined below); (ii) participate in, negotiate, discuss, accept or enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person (other than Buyer or its Affiliates) relating to, or reasonably expected to lead to, an Alternative Transaction; (iii) provide information to any Person with respect to, or otherwise cooperate in any way or assist or participate in connection with, any proposal that constitutes or could reasonably be expected to lead to an Alternative Transaction or (iv) commit to, enter into or consummate any Alternative Transaction. (b) For purposes hereof, “Alternative Transaction” means any offer or proposal by a third party for (1) any acquisition or purchase, direct or indirect, of any shares or equity interests or other security of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, any shares or equity interests or other security of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (2) a merger, amalgamation, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, sale of a portion of the assets, reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. (c) Each Seller Party acknowledges and agrees that the restrictions contained herein are reasonable and necessary to protect Buyer’s legitimate business interest and, if violated, may cause Buyer irreparable harm for which monetary damages would not be an adequate remedy. Accordingly, each Seller Party agrees that if any portion of this Section 5.16 is breached, then Buyer may at its election in any court of competent jurisdiction, and in addition to any other remedy available to it, obtain specific performance of such provision or enjoin a Seller Party from engaging in the activities proscribed by this Section 5.16, in each case without any requirement to post a bond for such purpose. - 63 -


 
5.17 Intercompany Agreements. The Seller Parties shall cause the termination of all Intercompany Agreements on or prior to the Closing Date, other than the Intercompany Agreements providing for the renewal commissions described in Section 5.20. The Seller Parties shall cause all intercompany balances between Seller or any director, officer, manager, or Affiliate of Seller (other than the Company or its Subsidiaries) or any Minority Shareholder, on one hand, and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the other hand, to be paid in full and settled immediately prior to the Closing. As of immediately after the Closing, the Company and its Subsidiaries shall have no further liability for any intercompany balances. 5.18 Bank Accounts. Prior to the Closing, Seller shall change, effective as of the Closing, the individuals authorized to draw on or having access to the bank, savings, deposit or custodial accounts and safe deposit boxes maintained by the Company and its Subsidiaries to the individuals designated in writing by Buyer. 5.19 Investment Assets. (a) From the date hereof until the Closing, Seller shall, within fifteen (15) Business Days following the end of each calendar month, deliver to Buyer a report (the “Investment Asset Report” consisting of (a) a list of all Investment Assets of the Company and each Subsidiary of the Company as of the end of such month, including the Book Value and fair market value of each such Investment Asset as of such month end; (b) a list of all Investment Assets included in the prior month’s Investment Asset Report sold or otherwise disposed of by the Company or applicable Subsidiary of the Company during the preceding month; (c) a list of the Investment Assets acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company that have been acquired in the preceding month; and (d) a list of all Investment Assets of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company that are in arrears or in breach or default in the payment of principal or interest or dividends or are, or should be, classified as non-performing, non-accrual, ninety (90) days past due, still accruing and doubtful of collections, in foreclosure or any comparable classification, or are other than temporarily impaired as determined in accordance with the Specified Accounting Principles. (b) Prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall cause the applicable Insurance Subsidiary to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of each Excluded Investment to a third party or to Seller’s designee, which may be Seller or an Affiliate of Seller (provided such designee is not the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company), in each case in exchange for cash or other assets reasonably acceptable to Buyer in an amount equal to or greater than the Book Value of such Excluded Investment or other Investment Asset, as applicable. (c) The Seller Parties shall, and shall cause their Subsidiaries to, use commercially reasonable efforts to cause NTAL to have cash on hand in an amount necessary to fund the Special Dividend immediately after the Closing Date. In addition, with respect to the accumulation of funds to pay the Special Dividend, the Seller Parties shall consult with and consider any recommendations of Buyer in good faith. 5.20 Retirement Annuity Payments. Following the Closing Date, Buyer shall (a) cause the individuals set forth on Annex E to receive all retirement annuity payments vested as of the Closing Date for all periods thereafter in accordance with the terms of those agreements set forth - 64 -


 
on Annex E, and (b) shall cause the Company or its Subsidiaries to provide to such individuals, no later than the thirtieth (30th) day following the end of each calendar quarter, a report providing information with respect to such vested retirement annuity payments substantially in the form attached hereto as Annex E. Buyer will not, and will cause the Company and its Subsidiaries not to, intentionally or knowingly take any action that would cause the termination or rolling of the business associated with the aforementioned vested retirement annuity payments unless necessary to comply with applicable Law and then only to the extent specifically required by applicable Law; provided that Buyer will not be prohibited from updating accounts or taking any other action in response to a rolling of any such business that is initiated by any Person other than Buyer or its Affiliates (with Affiliates to include the Company and its Subsidiaries) but shall use reasonable best efforts to attempt to preserve the vested amounts with respect to updated accounts. 5.21 Capitalization of NTANY. The Seller Parties shall cause NTANY to have capital and surplus of not less than $7.0 million from the date hereof until the Closing Date. 5.22 Fundamental Seller Obligations. (a) Seller will liquidate its assets, and the assets of its then-current Subsidiaries, as and when necessary to timely satisfy its Fundamental Seller Obligations and Seller will not enter into any merger, amalgamation, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, dissolution or reorganization or sell all or substantially all of its assets, unless the successor in interest of Seller or the purchaser of such assets in any such transaction assumes all Fundamental Seller Obligations. (b) For a period of seven (7) years immediately following the Closing Date, in the event Seller distributes any portion of its assets to any shareholders of Seller, whether by dividend, distribution, stock redemption, liquidation or otherwise, and if such distribution would reduce the net assets of Seller and its then-current Subsidiaries to an amount less than the amount of net assets that would be necessary for Seller to satisfy all Fundamental Seller Obligations then outstanding or subsequently incurred (as if all such subsequently incurred Fundamental Seller Obligations had been incurred prior to such distribution and outstanding at the time of such distribution), then Seller shall be deemed to have made any such distribution (the “Recourse Distribution”) subject to a right of recoupment and return of such Recourse Distributions after Buyer has exhausted its remedies against Seller, until the seventh (7th) anniversary of the Closing Date, to Seller to the extent necessary to satisfy the Fundamental Seller Obligations (the “Distribution Recovery Right”). Subject to the occurrence of the Closing, Seller hereby assigns the Distribution Recovery Right to Buyer. Buyer may exercise the Distribution Recovery Right as necessary to satisfy the Fundamental Seller Obligations after exhausting Buyer’s remedies against Seller. For purposes of this Section and the Letter Agreement, the phrase “Buyer has exhausted its remedies against Seller,” the phrase “after exhausting Buyer's remedies against Seller,” and similar phrases shall mean that Buyer has pursued remedies against Seller under the terms of the Purchase Agreement and Seller has failed to pay any Indemnification Payment in accordance with Section 9.3(e) hereof. For the avoidance of doubt, whether any distribution constitutes a Recourse Distribution will be determined, with the benefit of hindsight, by comparing the net assets of Seller, immediately after giving effect to such distribution, against the aggregate unpaid Fundamental Seller Obligations that are outstanding at any time between the date of such distribution and the seventh (7th) anniversary of the Closing Date. - 65 -


 
ARTICLE VI. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT 6.1 Conditions to Each Party’s Obligations. The obligations of Buyer and Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby shall be subject to the satisfaction or waiver in writing at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions: (a) No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality. (i) There shall not be in effect any Order, injunction (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) or other legal restraint or prohibition issued by any Court or Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction that has the effect of making the transactions contemplated hereby illegal or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and (ii) there shall not be any Law or Order enacted, entered, enforced or deemed applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby which makes the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby illegal. (b) Waiting Period. Any required waiting period under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated. 6.2 Conditions to Obligations of Buyer. The obligations of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby shall be subject to the satisfaction or waiver in writing at or prior to the Closing of the following additional conditions: (a) Representations and Warranties. (i) The Fundamental Representations of the Seller Parties shall be true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date in all material respects, and (ii) each of the other representations and warranties of the Seller Parties contained in this Agreement, disregarding all qualifications and exceptions contained therein relating to materiality or Company Material Adverse Effect, shall be true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date (other than such representations and warranties that are made as of a specified date, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such date), in the case of the foregoing clause (ii), except where the failure of any such representations and warranties to be so true and correct would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect; (b) Covenants and Agreements. The Seller Parties shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants and agreements required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it or them on or prior to the Closing Date; (c) Closing Deliveries. Seller shall have delivered or caused to be delivered to Buyer each of the documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 2.3(a); (d) No Litigation. No Proceeding shall be pending or threatened before any Governmental Authority that could reasonably be expected to prevent the consummation of the purchase and sale of the Membership Interests or the Minority-Owned Shares or any other material transaction contemplated by the Transaction Documents, declare unlawful the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, cause such transactions to be rescinded or materially and adversely affect Buyer or the right of Buyer to own, operate or conduct the Company or its - 66 -


 
Subsidiaries or their respective businesses, and no Order shall have been issued by any Governmental Authority that has any of the foregoing effects; (e) Approvals. All consents, approvals or authorizations of, declarations or filings with or notices to any Governmental Authority required to be obtained or made prior to the Closing Date in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Required Governmental Approvals set forth in Section 3.6(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule and those approvals set forth in Section 4.3 of the Buyer Disclosure Schedule, shall have been obtained or made and shall be in full force and effect and all waiting periods required by applicable Law shall have expired or been terminated, in each case without the imposition of a Burdensome Condition on the Buyer; (f) Material Adverse Effect. Since the date hereof, there shall not have been any Company Material Adverse Effect; (g) Offer Letters. Wade Rugenstein’s offer letter from Buyer or the Company has been executed by such Continuing Key Employee and otherwise is in full force and effect as of the Closing Date in accordance with Section 5.12(h); provided, however, that this Section 6.2(g) shall be inapplicable if such Continuing Key Employee dies or becomes disabled on or before the Closing Date; (h) Excluded Investments. Each Excluded Investment shall have been sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of in accordance with Section 5.19(b); (i) Third Party Consents. The parties shall have received the consents set forth on Annex F; (j) Material Detrimental Event. There shall not be any Material Detrimental Event existing on the Closing Date; and (k) Real Estate Matters. Seller shall have delivered to Buyer evidence that the Keller Springs Property is (or will be after giving effect to the transaction contemplated by this Agreement) owned by Seller or an Affiliate of Seller (other than the Company or its Subsidiaries), free and clear of all Liens. (l) Acknowledgment Letter. The acknowledgment letter dated the date hereof among the shareholders of Seller, Seller and Buyer shall be in full force and effect. 6.3 Conditions to Obligations of Seller. The obligations of Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby shall be subject to the satisfaction or waiver in writing at or prior to the Closing of the following additional conditions: (a) Representations and Warranties. (i) The Fundamental Representations of Buyer shall be true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date in all material respects, and (ii) each of the other representations and warranties of Buyer contained in this Agreement (other than the Fundamental Representations), disregarding all qualifications or exceptions contained therein relating to materiality or Buyer Material Adverse Effect, shall be true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date with the - 67 -


 
same effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date (other than such representations and warranties that are made as of a specified date, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such date), in the case of the foregoing clause (ii), except where the failure of any such representations and warranties to be so true and correct would not reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Buyer Material Adverse Effect; (b) Covenants and Agreements. Buyer shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants and agreements required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing Date; (c) Closing Deliveries. Buyer shall have delivered or caused to be delivered to the Seller Parties each of the documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 2.3(b); and (d) Approvals. All consents, approvals or authorizations of, declarations or filings with or notices to any Governmental Authority required to be obtained or made prior to the Closing Date in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Required Governmental Approvals set forth in Section 3.6(b) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule and those set forth in Section 4.3 of the Buyer Disclosure Schedule, shall have been obtained or made and shall be in full force and effect and all waiting periods required by applicable Law shall have expired or been terminated. ARTICLE VII. TERMINATION PRIOR TO CLOSING 7.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing: (a) by mutual written consent of Buyer and Seller; (b) by either Buyer or Seller in writing, if the Closing has not occurred on or prior to the Outside Date, unless the failure of the Closing to occur has been principally caused by a material breach of this Agreement by the party seeking to terminate this Agreement. “Outside Date” means September 30, 2019; provided, however, that (i) the Outside Date shall be extended to December 31, 2019 (A) automatically if, prior to September 30, 2019, Buyer has satisfied all conditions to Closing set forth in Section 6.3 other than obtaining approval from the Insurance Regulator in New York or Texas as contemplated by Section 5.3 and Buyer has maintained efforts to obtain such approval, or (B) at the election of Seller, by written notice to Buyer at any point prior to September 30, 2019; (c) by Seller or Buyer in writing, if there shall be any order, injunction or decree of any Governmental Authority that prohibits or restrains any party from consummating the transactions contemplated hereby, and such order, injunction or decree shall have become final and non- appealable, unless the fact that such order, injunction or decree has become final and non- appealable has been principally caused by a material breach of this Agreement by the party seeking to terminate this Agreement; or (d) by either Seller or Buyer (but only so long as Seller or Buyer, as applicable, is not in material breach under this Agreement) in writing, if a breach of any provision of this Agreement that has been committed by the other party would cause the failure of any mutual condition to - 68 -


 
Closing or any condition to Closing for the benefit of the non-breaching party and such breach is not capable of being cured by the Outside Date. 7.2 Effect of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 7.1, this Agreement shall become null and void and of no further force and effect without liability of either party (or any Representative of such party) to the other party to this Agreement; provided, that no such termination shall relieve a party from liability for any material breach of this Agreement occurring prior to such termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Section 1.1, Section 5.2(b), this Section 7.2 and Article IX shall survive termination hereof pursuant to Section 7.1. ARTICLE VIII. TAX MATTERS The following provisions shall govern the allocation of responsibility as between Buyer and Seller for certain Tax matters following the Closing Date: 8.1 Responsibility for Filing Tax Returns. (a) Filing of Tax Returns. Seller shall prepare or cause to be prepared and file or cause to be filed (i) all Tax Returns that include the Company or its Subsidiaries and that are due to be filed prior to the Closing Date and (ii) all U.S. federal, state and local consolidated, affiliated, combined or similar Tax Returns that include Seller, the Company and the Company’s Subsidiaries that relate solely to Pre-Closing Tax Periods. Buyer shall prepare or cause to be prepared and file or cause to be filed all other Tax Returns for the Company and its Subsidiaries. All Tax Returns that include Pre-Closing Tax Periods shall be prepared in a manner consistent with the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ past practice and custom unless otherwise required by applicable Law. (b) Review Rights. Buyer shall provide Seller with drafts of all Tax Returns that Buyer is obligated to prepare under Section 8.1(a) to the extent such Tax Returns include Pre-Closing Tax Periods, no later than twenty (20) days prior to the due date for filing thereof. Seller shall have the right to review and provide reasonable comments on such Tax Returns during the fifteen (15) days following the receipt of such Tax Returns, which reasonable comments shall be accepted by Buyer and reflected in the applicable Tax Return. 8.2 Straddle Periods. For purposes of this Agreement, whenever it is necessary to determine the liability for Taxes of the Company and its Subsidiaries for any Straddle Period, the determination of the Taxes of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the portion of the Straddle Period including and ending on, and the portion of the Straddle Period beginning immediately after, the Closing Date shall be determined by assuming that the Straddle Period consisted of two (2) taxable years or periods, one which ended at the close of the Closing Date and the other which began at the beginning of the day immediately after the Closing Date, and items of income, premiums, gain, deduction, loss or credit (or other relevant Tax items) of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the Straddle Period shall be allocated between such two taxable years or periods on a “closing of the books basis” by assuming that the books of the Company and its Subsidiaries were closed at the close of the Closing Date; provided, however, that (i) exemptions, allowances or deductions that are calculated on an annual basis, such as the deduction for depreciation, and (ii) periodic Taxes (other than income, franchise/capital, sales, use, or withholding Taxes) such as - 69 -


 
real and personal property Taxes, shall be apportioned ratably between such periods based on the number of days for the portion of the Straddle Period ending on and including the Closing Date, on the one hand, and the number of days for the portion of the Straddle Period beginning on and including the day immediately after the Closing Date, on the other hand. 8.3 Tax Covenants. (a) Buyer shall not cause or permit the Company or its Subsidiaries to take any action on the Closing Date that is outside the ordinary course of business, if such action could have the effect of increasing the Tax liability or reducing any Tax asset of the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company or Seller in respect of any Pre-Closing Tax Period or increasing the liability of Seller under this Agreement. (b) Buyer covenants that without the prior written consent of Seller it shall not, and shall not cause or permit its Subsidiaries to, make or change any material Tax election, amend any Tax Return, take any Tax position on any Tax Return, or compromise or settle any Tax liability, in each case if such action could have the effect of increasing the Tax liability or reducing any Tax asset of the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company or Seller in respect of any Pre-Closing Tax Period or increasing the liability of Seller under this Agreement. (c) Seller covenants that without the prior written consent of Buyer it shall not, and shall not cause or permit its Subsidiaries to, amend any Tax Return or compromise or settle any Tax liability, in each case if such action could have the effect of increasing the Tax liability or reducing any Tax asset of the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company or Buyer in respect of any Post-Closing Tax Period. (d) After the Closing Date, Buyer and its Affiliates shall not, without the written consent of Seller, agree to the waiver or any extension of the statute of limitations relating to any Taxes of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for any Pre-Closing Tax Period. (e) Any Tax refund received by Buyer or its Subsidiaries that relates to a Pre-Closing Tax Period of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall be for the account of Seller. Buyer shall pay or cause to be paid any such refund to Seller within fifteen (15) days after receipt thereof, reduced by any increase in the federal income taxes owed, in the aggregate, by Buyer or its Subsidiaries attributable to such refund. All other Tax refunds that relate to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall be for the account of Buyer. Seller shall pay or cause to be paid any such refund to Buyer within fifteen (15) days after receipt thereof, reduced by any increase in the federal income taxes owed, in the aggregate, by Seller or its Subsidiaries attributable to such refund. 8.4 Contests Related to Taxes. Notwithstanding Section 9.5, in the event Buyer receives notice of a claim by a Governmental Authority in respect of Taxes of the Company or its Subsidiaries (other than Taxes imposed under any U.S. federal, state and local consolidated, affiliated, combined or similar Tax Returns that include Seller, the Company and the Company’s Subsidiaries) for any Tax period ending on or before the Closing Date (a “Tax Claim”), Buyer shall give written notice to Seller of such claim; provided, however, that the failure to give such notice shall not relieve Seller from any obligation under this Agreement unless Seller is actually - 70 -


 
harmed by such failure. Seller shall have the right to defend any Tax Claim for which Seller would have an indemnification obligation hereunder so long as (i) Seller gives written notice to Buyer within fifteen (15) Business Days after Buyer has given written notice of the Tax Claim, and (ii) Seller conducts the defense of the Tax Claim actively and diligently. Buyer may retain separate co-counsel at its sole cost and expense and consult in the defense of the Tax Claim. Buyer shall also be permitted to receive copies of any pleadings, correspondence with the Governmental Authority or any Court handling the Tax Claim, and other documents filed with the Governmental Authority or such Court as Buyer may reasonably request related to the Tax Claim and to attend any and all meetings, hearings and proceedings concerning such Tax Claim. If Seller does not assume the defense of any Tax Claim (including if Seller does not deliver the notice required by this Section 8.4), Buyer may defend such Tax Claim at the sole cost and expense of Seller. In any such case, Buyer will not consent to a settlement of, or the entry of any judgment arising from, any such claim without the prior written consent of Seller (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). If Seller conducts the defense of a Tax Claim, Seller will keep Buyer reasonably informed as to the status of such Tax Claim, including all compromise or settlement offers. Seller shall consult with Buyer prior to the settlement of any such Tax Claim and shall obtain the prior written consent of Buyer prior to the settlement of any such Tax Claim that would adversely affect Buyer or its Affiliates in any taxable period ending after the Closing Date (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). 8.5 Cooperation on Tax Matters. Buyer and Seller shall cooperate fully, as and to the extent reasonably requested by the other party, in connection with the filing of Tax Returns pursuant to this Article VIII and any audit, litigation or other Proceeding with respect to Taxes. Such cooperation shall include the retention and (upon the other party’s request) the provision of records and information that are reasonably relevant to any such audit, litigation or other Proceeding and making Employees available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of any material provided hereunder. Any information obtained pursuant to this Section 8.5 or pursuant to any other Section hereof providing for the sharing of information or review of any Tax Return or other schedule relating to Taxes with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall be kept confidential by the parties hereto and their respective legal and Tax advisors. 8.6 Transfer Taxes. Any transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp, registration and other similar Taxes and fees (including any penalties and interest) incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall be borne equally by Buyer and Seller. 8.7 Section 338(h)(10) Election. (a) Buyer and Seller shall make a joint election under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code and comparable provisions of state law with respect to each Subsidiary of the Company (a “Section 338(h)(10) Election”) and shall timely file with the proper authorities executed copies of Internal Revenue Service Forms 8023 and 8883, and any similar state forms, with respect to each designated Subsidiary of the Company. (b) As soon as practicable after the Closing Date, but in no event later than 150 days after the Closing Date Buyer shall deliver to Seller a written notice setting forth (with reasonable specificity) Buyer’s good faith calculation of the aggregate deemed sales price (ADSP) - 71 -


 
and adjusted grossed up basis (AGUB) within the meaning of the Treasury Regulations under Section 338 of the Code and the allocation thereof among the assets of the Company and each relevant Subsidiary of the Company, as applicable, in accordance with the principles of the applicable Treasury Regulations, including, but not limited to, Treasury Regulation Sections 1.338-6 and 1.338-7 (the “Buyer’s Allocation”). Within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof, Seller shall deliver to Buyer written notice indicating whether Seller disagrees with the Buyer’s Allocation. If Seller agrees with the Buyer’s Allocation, or if Seller fails to deliver such written notice within thirty (30) days the Buyer’s Allocation shall constitute the agreed-upon Allocation (the “Agreed Allocation”). If Seller provides timely written notice to Buyer of any disagreement with the Buyer’s Allocation, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to determine the Agreed Allocation. If they do not reach agreement within thirty (30) days after commencing negotiations, the parties shall promptly submit the items in dispute to a mutually agreed-upon nationally- recognized accounting firm (or if they cannot mutually agree on such firm, each party shall select a nationally-recognized accounting firm which two firms shall agree on a third nationally- recognized accounting firm) (the “Accounting Arbitrator”) to resolve the dispute. The Accounting Arbitrator shall determine the Agreed Allocation in accordance with the Treasury Regulations, and deliver to Buyer and Seller the Agreed Allocation as soon as possible, but not later than the thirtieth day after the Accounting Arbitrator is instructed to resolve the dispute. Any expenses relating to the engagement of the Accounting Arbitrator shall be shared equally by the parties. (c) Each of the parties shall file or cause to be filed all relevant Tax Returns consistent with the Agreed Allocation and shall not take any position inconsistent with the Agreed Allocation. ARTICLE IX. SURVIVAL AND INDEMNIFICATION 9.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties made by the Seller Parties and Buyer in this Agreement shall survive the Closing Date and expire on the date that is eighteen (18) months from the Closing Date; provided, however, that the representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.19 (Taxes) shall expire on the date that is six (6) years from the Closing Date and the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 3.1 (Organization and Qualification), 3.3 (Capitalization), 3.4 (Subsidiaries), 3.5 (Authority; Enforceability), 3.29 (Brokers), 4.1 (Organization), 4.2 (Authority; Enforceability) and 4.6 (Brokers) (the “Fundamental Representations”) shall survive the Closing and expire on the date that is thirty (30) days after the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations. The covenants or other agreements made by the Seller Parties or Buyer in this Agreement which by their terms contemplate performance prior to the Closing Date shall survive the Closing Date and expire on the date that is eighteen (18) months from the Closing Date. The covenants or other agreements made by the Seller Parties or Buyer which by their terms contemplate performance after the Closing Date shall survive the Closing and expire on the date that is the earlier of (i) thirty (30) days after the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations and (ii) the period explicitly specified therein plus a period of six (6) months. The period of time a covenant, agreement, representation or warranty survives the Closing pursuant to this Section 9.1 shall be the “Survival Period” with respect to such covenant, agreement, representation or warranty. The parties acknowledge that the time periods set forth in this Article IX for the assertion of claims under this Agreement are the result of arms-length negotiation among the parties and that the parties intend for such time periods to be enforced as agreed by the parties. - 72 -


 
9.2 Indemnification. (a) Subject to the limitations set forth in this Article IX, each Minority Shareholder shall, severally and not jointly, indemnify and hold harmless Buyer, its Affiliates (including the Company and its Subsidiaries) and their respective Representatives (the “Buyer Indemnified Persons”) from and against Indemnifiable Losses incurred by them arising out of or resulting from any of the following matters: (i) Any breach of any representation or warranty of such Minority Shareholder or its trustee contained in Section 3.5; or (ii) any breach by such Minority Shareholder of its covenants or obligations contained in Section 5.10; (b) Subject to the limitations set forth in this Article IX, Seller shall indemnify and hold harmless the Buyer Indemnified Persons from and against Indemnifiable Losses incurred by them arising out of or resulting from any of the following matters: (i) any breach of any representation or warranty of any Seller Party (including a Minority Shareholder) contained in this Agreement or in any certificate furnished by Seller pursuant to this Agreement (other than those with respect to any Fundamental Representation by the Seller Parties); (ii) any breach of any representation or warranty of any Fundamental Representation of any Seller Party (including a Minority Shareholder) made in this Agreement or in any certificate furnished by Seller pursuant to this Agreement with respect thereto; (iii) any breach or nonfulfillment by Seller of its covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document; (iv) any Excluded Liabilities; and (v) the amount by which the final proceeds received by the Company and its Subsidiaries in respect of the mortgage loan for the real property in Yermo, California is less than the unpaid principal and accrued interest for such loan. (c) Subject to the limitations set forth in this Article IX, Buyer shall indemnify and hold harmless the Seller Parties, their Affiliates and their respective Representatives, successors and permitted assigns (the “Seller Indemnified Persons”) from and against any Indemnifiable Losses incurred by them arising out of or resulting from any of the following matters: (i) any breach of any representation or warranty of Buyer contained in this Agreement or in any certificate furnished by Buyer pursuant to this Agreement (other than with respect to any Fundamental Representations by Buyer); - 73 -


 
(ii) any breach of any representation or warranty of any Fundamental Representation of Buyer made in this Agreement or in any certificate furnished by Buyer pursuant to this Agreement with respect thereto; or (iii) any breach or nonfulfillment by Buyer of its covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document. (d) For purposes of determining whether any representation or warranty has been breached and the amount of the Indemnifiable Losses under this Article IX, each representation and warranty contained in this Agreement (other than the first sentence of Section 3.14) shall be read without regard to any materiality, Company Material Adverse Effect or Buyer Material Adverse Effect qualifier contained therein. 9.3 Certain Limitations. (a) No party shall be obligated to indemnify and hold harmless its respective Indemnitees under the R&W Indemnifications (i) unless and until the aggregate amount of all Indemnifiable Losses of the Indemnitees under such R&W Indemnifications, as the case may be, exceeds $2,000,000 (the “Deductible”), at which point such Indemnitor shall be liable to its respective Indemnitees for the value of the Indemnitee’s claims under the applicable R&W Indemnifications, for amounts in excess of the Deductible, subject to the limitations set forth in this Article IX. No party shall be obligated to indemnify and hold harmless its respective Indemnitees under the R&W Indemnities, as the case may be, for any individual Indemnifiable Loss, series of related Indemnifiable Losses, which does not exceed $50,000 (which Indemnifiable Loss(es) shall not be counted toward the Deductible). Except in the case of fraud, intentional misrepresentation, or intentional concealment, the maximum aggregate liability of Seller for any and all Indemnifiable Losses under Section 9.2(b)(i) shall be the Escrow Amount. Except in the case of fraud, intentional misrepresentation, or intentional concealment, the maximum aggregate liability of Buyer for any and all Indemnifiable Losses under Section 9.2(c)(i), shall be $20,000,000. (b) Except in the case of fraud, intentional misrepresentation, or intentional concealment, the maximum aggregate liability of Seller, on the one hand, and Buyer on the other hand, to their respective Indemnitees for any and all Indemnifiable Losses under Section 9.2(b)(ii), in the case of Seller, or Section 9.2(c)(ii), in the case of Buyer, shall be an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) the Purchase Price. (c) Except in the case of fraud, intentional misrepresentation, or intentional concealment, the maximum aggregate liability of any Minority Shareholder to its Indemnitees for any and all Indemnifiable Losses under Section 9.2(a)(i) shall be one hundred percent (100%) of such Minority Shareholder's Pro Rata Percentage of the Purchase Price. (d) The representations, warranties and covenants of the Seller Parties, and the Buyer Indemnified Persons’ rights to indemnification with respect thereto, shall not be affected or deemed waived by reason of (and the Buyer Indemnified Persons shall be deemed to have relied upon the representations and warranties of the Seller Parties set forth herein notwithstanding) (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of any of the Buyer Indemnified Persons (including any of - 74 -


 
their Representatives) or by reason of the fact that any of the Buyer Indemnified Persons or their Representatives knew or should have known that any such representation or warranty is, was or might be inaccurate, regardless of whether such investigation was made or such knowledge was obtained before or after the execution and delivery of this Agreement or (ii) Buyer’s waiver of any condition set forth in Article VI. (e) Once an Indemnifiable Loss is agreed to by the Indemnitor or finally adjudicated to be payable pursuant to this Article IX, the Indemnitor shall satisfy its obligations within ten (10) Business Days; provided, that subject to Section 9.7 hereof, the sole and exclusive remedy of Buyer Indemnified Persons for Indemnifiable Losses pursuant to Section 9.2(b)(i) (other than actions or claims based on fraud, intentional misrepresentation, intentional misconduct or intentional concealment) will be to make a claim in respect of, and to the extent of, the Escrowed Funds, in accordance with the terms of Section 2.6, this Article IX and the Escrow Agreement, and at such time that the Escrowed Funds is reduced to zero, the Buyer Indemnified Persons will have no further right to indemnification under Section 9.2(b)(i) (other than actions or claims based on fraud, intentional misrepresentation, or intentional concealment). Any indemnification of a Buyer Indemnified Person pursuant to Section 9.2(a) or Section 9.2(b) (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v), subject to the terms and limitations herein, may be made, in Buyer’s discretion, directly against the applicable Seller Parties or, to the extent available, against the Escrowed Funds. 9.4 Definitions. As used in this Agreement: (a) “Indemnitee” means any Person entitled to indemnification under this Agreement; (b) “Indemnitor” means any Person required to provide indemnification under this Agreement; (c) “Indemnifiable Losses” means any and all damages, losses, liabilities, obligations, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses), and any claim properly paid to a third party in connection with a Third Party Claim, provided, that Indemnifiable Losses shall exclude punitive, consequential, special and indirect damages (including any damages based on any type of multiple), and provided, further, that Indemnifiable Losses may include damages for (or calculated on the basis of) lost profits or diminution of value to the extent that such lost profits or diminution of value are within the reasonable contemplation of the parties and are the direct and reasonably foreseeable consequence of the breach or alleged breach giving rise to the claim on which such Indemnifiable Losses are based and can be proven with reasonable certainty. (d) “Indemnity Payment” means any amount of Indemnifiable Losses required to be paid pursuant to this Agreement; and (e) “Third Party Claim” means any claim, action, suit, or proceeding made or brought by any Person that is not an Indemnitee. 9.5 Procedures for Third Party Claims. (a) If any Indemnitee receives notice of assertion or commencement of any Third Party Claim against such Indemnitee in respect of which an Indemnitor may be obligated to provide indemnification under this Agreement, the Indemnitee shall give such Indemnitor reasonably - 75 -


 
prompt written notice (but in no event later than thirty (30) days after becoming aware) thereof and such notice shall include a reasonable description of the claim and any documentation of the Third Party Claim and, to the extent identifiable, an estimate of the Indemnifiable Loss and shall reference the specific sections of this Agreement that form the basis of such claim; provided, that no delay on the part of the Indemnitee in notifying any Indemnitor shall relieve the Indemnitor from any obligation hereunder unless (and then solely to the extent) the Indemnitor is actually prejudiced by such delay (except that the Indemnitor shall not be liable for any expenses incurred during the period in which the Indemnitee failed to give such notice). Thereafter, the Indemnitee shall deliver to the Indemnitor, promptly after the Indemnitee’s receipt thereof, copies of all notices and documents (including court papers) received by the Indemnitee relating to the Third Party Claim. (b) Subject to this Section 9.5(b), the Indemnitor shall be entitled to participate in the defense of any Third Party Claim and, if it so chooses, to assume the defense thereof with counsel selected by the Indemnitor that is reasonably acceptable to the Indemnitee. Should the Indemnitor so elect to assume the defense of a Third Party Claim, the Indemnitor shall not as long as it conducts such defense be liable to the Indemnitee for legal expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense thereof except as set forth in the next sentence. If the Indemnitor assumes such defense, the Indemnitee shall have the right to participate in the defense thereof and to employ counsel, at its own expense, separate from the counsel employed by the Indemnitor; provided, that Indemnitee shall have the right to assume the defense and/or receive reimbursement from Indemnitor for the costs and expense of such separate counsel if (i) Indemnitor and Indemnitee are both named parties to the proceedings and Indemnitee shall have concluded in good faith that representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or reasonably foreseeable differing interests between them or the availability to Indemnitee of one or more defenses or counterclaims that are inconsistent with one or more of those that may be available to Indemnitor in respect thereof or (ii) Indemnitor fails to diligently defend a Third Party Claim for which it has assumed defense. The Indemnitor shall be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel employed by the Indemnitee for any period during which the Indemnitor has not assumed the defense thereof (other than during any period in which the Indemnitee shall have not yet given notice of the Third Party Claim as provided above). In no event shall the Indemnitee’s right to indemnification for a Third Party Claim be adversely affected by its assumption of the defense of such Third Party Claim. All of the parties hereto shall reasonably cooperate in the defense of any Third Party Claim. Such cooperation shall include the retention and (upon request) the provision to the other of reasonably requested records and information that are relevant to such Third Party Claim, and making employees reasonably available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of any material provided hereunder. Whether or not the Indemnitor shall have assumed the defense of a Third Party Claim, the Indemnitee shall not pay, settle, compromise or discharge, such Third Party Claim without the Indemnitor’s prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). If the Indemnitor has assumed the defense of a Third Party Claim, the Indemnitor may only pay, settle, compromise or discharge a Third Party Claim with the Indemnitee’s prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed); provided, that the Indemnitor may pay, settle, compromise or discharge such a Third Party Claim without the written consent of the Indemnitee if such settlement (i) includes a release of the Indemnitee from all liability in respect of such Third Party Claim, (ii) does not subject the Indemnitee to any injunctive relief or other equitable remedy, (iii) does not include a statement or - 76 -


 
admission of fault, culpability or failure to act by or on behalf of the Indemnitee and (iv) only involves the payment of monetary damages by the Indemnitor. 9.6 Direct Claims. The Indemnitor will have a period of thirty (30) days within which to respond in writing to any written claim by an Indemnitee on account of an Indemnifiable Loss that does not result from a Third Party Claim. If the Indemnitor does not so respond within such thirty (30) day period, the Indemnitor will be deemed to have rejected such claim, in which event the Indemnitee will be entitled to pursue such remedies as may be available to the Indemnitee. 9.7 Adjustment to Purchase Price. The parties agree that any indemnification payments made pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated for income Tax purposes as an adjustment to the Purchase Price, unless otherwise required by applicable Law. ARTICLE X. MISCELLANEOUS 10.1 Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended other than in an instrument in writing signed by all of the parties hereto; provided any amendment to this Agreement that does not negatively impact the rights of the Minority Shareholders will be enforceable if in writing and signed by both of Buyer and Seller. 10.2 Waiver. Any party hereto may extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts required to be performed by another party hereunder, waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of another party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto and waive compliance with any of such party’s agreements or conditions contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the party or parties to be bound thereby. 10.3 Expenses. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the parties shall pay their own fees and expenses (including attorneys’ and accountants’ fees and expenses) in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement, the performance of its obligations hereunder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (whether consummated or not). 10.4 Notices. All notices or other communications which are required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered personally, sent by nationally recognized overnight courier or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), or sent by email, as follows: (a) If to Buyer: Horace Mann Educators Corporation 1 Horace Mann Place Springfield, IL 62715 Attention: Donald M. Carley, SVP & General Counsel Email: Donald.Carley@horacemann.com - 77 -


 
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP 700 Sixth Street, NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20001 Attention: Ling Ling E-mail: lingling@eversheds-sutherland.com Telephone: 202-383-0236 (b) If to Seller: Ellard Family Holdings, Inc. 5001 Spring Valley Road, Suite 1040E Dallas, TX 75244 Attention: Betty Jo Ellard, President E-mail: ellard@sbcglobal.net Telephone: 972-982-8250 with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: Winstead PC 2728 N. Harwood Drive, #500 Dallas, TX 75201 Attn: Tom Helfand E-mail: thelfand@winstead.com Attn: Andrew Ostapko E-mail: aostapko@winstead.com (c) If to Ellard: c/o Ellard Family Holdings, Inc. 5001 Spring Valley Road, Suite 1040E Dallas, TX 75244 Attention: Betty Jo Ellard, President E-mail: ellard@sbcglobal.net Telephone: 972-982-8250 with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: Winstead PC 2728 N. Harwood Drive, #500 Dallas, TX 75201 Attn: Tom Helfand E-mail: thelfand@winstead.com Attn: Andrew Ostapko - 78 -


 
E-mail: aostapko@winstead.com (d) If to the JCE Trust: c/o Ellard Family Holdings, Inc. 5001 Spring Valley Road, Suite 1040E Dallas, TX 75244 Attention: Betty Jo Ellard, President E-mail: ellard@sbcglobal.net Telephone: 972-982-8250 with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: Winstead PC 2728 N. Harwood Drive, #500 Dallas, TX 75201 Attn: Tom Helfand E-mail: thelfand@winstead.com Attn: Andrew Ostapko E-mail: aostapko@winstead.com or to such other address as the party to whom notice is to be given may have furnished to the other parties in writing in accordance with this Section 10.4. All such notices or communications shall be deemed to be received (i) in the case of personal delivery, nationally recognized overnight courier or registered or certified mail, on the date of such delivery and (ii) in the case of email, upon confirmed receipt. 10.5 Specific Performance. The Seller Parties acknowledge and agree that Buyer could be damaged irreparably in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific terms or any provisions are breached and that any breach of this Agreement by the Seller Parties may not be adequately compensated by monetary damages. Accordingly, the Seller Parties agree that, in addition to any other right or remedy to which Buyer may be entitled (subject to the limitations herein), at Law or in equity, it will be entitled to enforce any provision of this Agreement by a decree of specific performance and to temporary, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of the provisions of this Agreement, without posting any bond or other undertaking. Buyer acknowledges and agrees that the Seller Parties could be damaged irreparably in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific terms or any provisions are breached and that any breach of this Agreement by Buyer may not be adequately compensated by monetary damages. Accordingly, Buyer agrees that, in addition to any other right or remedy to which the Seller Parties may be entitled (subject to the limitations herein), at Law or in equity, the Seller Parties will be entitled to enforce any provision of this Agreement by a decree of specific performance and to temporary, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of the provisions of this Agreement, without posting any bond or other undertaking. - 79 -


 
10.6 Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement to a Section, Exhibit, Annex or Schedule, such reference shall be to a Section of, or an Exhibit, Annex or Schedule to, this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. Any fact or item disclosed in any section of each of the Buyer Disclosure Schedule and Seller Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed disclosed in all other sections of such Disclosure Schedule to the extent the applicability of such fact or item to such other section of such Disclosure Schedule is reasonably apparent. Disclosure of any item in the Buyer Disclosure Schedule or the Seller Disclosure Schedule, as the case may be, shall not be deemed an admission that such item represents a material item, fact, exception of fact, event or circumstance or that occurrence or non-occurrence of any change or effect related to such item would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect or Buyer Material Adverse Effect The table of contents, articles, titles and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” Whenever the singular is used herein, the same shall include the plural, and whenever the plural is used herein, the same shall include the singular, where appropriate. Whenever the word “Dollars” or the “$” sign appear in this Agreement, they shall be construed to mean United States Dollars, and all transactions under this Agreement shall be in United States Dollars. This Agreement has been fully negotiated by the parties hereto and shall not be construed by any Governmental Authority against either party by virtue of the fact that such party was the drafting party. 10.7 Severability. If any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner adverse to the parties. Upon such determination that any term or provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to amend or otherwise modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner such that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible. 10.8 Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement and the Transaction Documents (including all exhibits and schedules hereto and thereto) and other documents and instruments delivered in connection herewith constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior representations, agreements, understandings and undertakings, whether written or oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof, and no party is relying on any other prior oral or written representations, agreements, understandings or undertakings with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof. Except as set forth in Article IX with respect to the Buyer Indemnified Persons and the Seller Indemnified Persons, nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended or shall be construed to confer upon any Person other than the parties hereto any right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement. 10.9 Assignment. Except as set forth in Section 2.1(b), this Agreement and the rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned without the prior written consent of each of the parties hereto. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. - 80 -


 
10.10 Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver; Remedies Cumulative No failure or delay on the part of any party hereto in the exercise of any right hereunder will impair such right or be construed to be a waiver of, or acquiescence in, any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement herein, nor will any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other (or further) exercise thereof or of any other right. Any and all remedies herein expressly conferred upon a party will be deemed cumulative with and not exclusive of any other remedy conferred hereby, or by Law or equity upon such party, and the exercise by a party of any one remedy will not preclude the exercise of any other remedy. 10.11 Governing Law. This Agreement and any dispute arising hereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof. 10.12 Jurisdiction; Enforcement. (a) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any Court of the United States or the Delaware Court of Chancery, which in either case is located in the State of Delaware (each, an “Delaware Court”) for purposes of enforcing this Agreement or determining any claim arising from or related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In any such action, suit or other proceeding, each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to assert by way of motion, as a defense or otherwise any claim that it is not subject to the jurisdiction of any such Delaware Court, that such action, suit or other proceeding is not subject to the jurisdiction of any such Delaware Court, that such action, suit or other proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such action, suit or other proceeding is improper; provided, that nothing set forth in this sentence shall prohibit any of the parties hereto from removing any matter from one Delaware Court to another Delaware Court. Each of the parties hereto also agrees that any final and unappealable judgment against a party hereto in connection with any action, suit or other proceeding will be conclusive and binding on such party and that such award or judgment may be enforced in any Court of competent jurisdiction, either within or outside of the United States. A certified or exemplified copy of such award or judgment will be conclusive evidence of the fact and amount of such award or judgment. Any process or other paper to be served in connection with any action or proceeding under this Agreement shall, if delivered or sent in accordance with Section 10.4, constitute good, proper and sufficient service thereof. (b) EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (I) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OR ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (II) IT UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF SUCH WAIVER, (III) IT MAKES SUCH WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (IV) IT HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 10.12. - 81 -


 
10.13 Certain Limitations. (a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the other Transaction Documents, the Seller Disclosure Schedule or any of the Schedules, Annexes or Exhibits hereto or thereto, Buyer acknowledges and agrees that neither the Seller Parties nor any of their Affiliates (including the Company), nor any Representative of any of them, makes or has made, and Buyer has not relied on, any representation or warranty to Buyer, oral or written, express or implied, other than as expressly set forth in Article III or any certificate delivered by the Seller Parties pursuant to this Agreement. (b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents, the Buyer Disclosure Schedule or any of the Schedules, Annexes or Exhibits hereto or thereto, the Seller Parties acknowledge and agree that neither Buyer nor any of its Affiliates, nor any Representative of any of them, makes or has made, and the Seller Parties have not relied on, any representation or warranty to the Seller Parties, oral or written, express or implied, other than as expressly set forth in Article IV or any certificate delivered by Buyer pursuant to this Agreement. 10.14 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts (including by facsimile transmission or electronic transmission in portable document format (pdf)), which when taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. 10.15 Post-Closing Representation. The parties acknowledge and agree that Winstead PC (“Winstead”) has acted as counsel to the Company and one or more of its Subsidiaries prior to the Closing Date. Buyer expressly and knowingly consents to Winstead representing the Seller Parties in any matter after the Closing that is or may be adverse to Buyer, the Company or the Company’s Subsidiaries, including any matter arising out of this Agreement or any Transaction Document. This consent constitutes an advance waiver of any conflict of interest claim against Winstead as a result of such firm representing the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. In addition, Buyer, on behalf of itself and the Company, expressly and knowingly (a) acknowledges and agrees that all attorney-client privileged communications between Winstead, on the one hand, and the Seller Parties, the Company or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries (or any of their respective officers, directors, members, and employees) on the other hand, to the extent arising in connection with the negotiation, documentation and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby are subject to the sole and absolute control of the Seller Parties, (b) waives any and all rights to obtain or otherwise control the disclosure of such communications, and (c) covenants and agrees not to assert any rights whatsoever with respect to such communications, other than any rights customarily available to an adverse party arising under applicable Law to obtain disclosure of such communications by legal process. The parties further agree that notwithstanding any law or rules to the contrary, all confidential communications described in clause (a) of this Section 10.15 will, at the discretion of Seller, remain privileged after the Closing and such privilege shall belong to Seller and not the Company or any of its Subsidiaries unless finally adjudicated to be not privileged by a court of law or unless waived under applicable Law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that a dispute arises between the Buyer, the Company or their Affiliates and a third party (other than a party to this Agreement or any of their respective Affiliates) after the Closing, the Company may assert the attorney-client privilege to prevent disclosure of confidential communications by - 82 -


 
Winstead to such third party or the use thereof by Winstead in connection with its representation of a party in such dispute; provided, however, that the Buyer and the Company may not waive such privilege without the prior written consent of the Seller Parties. [Remainder of this page intentionally left blank] - 83 -


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized. HORACE MANN EDUC ORS CORPORATION By: Name: mita Z s Title: ,Preside .nd Chief Executive Officer ELLARD FAMILY HOLDINGS, INC. By: Name: Betty Jo Ellard Title: President BRIAN M. ELLARD THE JCE EXEMPT TRUST By: Name: J. Chad Ellard Title: Co-Trustee By: Name: James T. Langham, Jr. Title: Co-Trustee By: Name: John D. Furst Title: Co-Trustee [Signature Page to Purchase Agreement]


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized. HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION By: Name: Title: ELLARD FAMILY HOLDINGS, INC. By: Name: Betty Jo • lard Title: President BRIAN M. ELLARD THE JCE Er l‘/IPT TRUST Name: J. Cha Title: Co-Trustee By: ..- Name: J e angham, Jr. Title: Co-Trustee By: • 'D. Name: Jo 4 D. Furst Title: Co- rustee [Signature Page to Purchase Agreement]


 
EXHIBIT A FORM OF ESCROW AGREEMENT [See attached.] EXHIBIT A-1


 
Exhibit A ESCROW AGREEMENT This Escrow Agreement dated as of ________, 2019 (the “Escrow Agreement”), is entered into by and among Horace Mann Educators Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Buyer”), Ellard Family Holdings, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Seller”), and [_______], a [________] banking corporation, as escrow agent (“Escrow Agent”). RECITALS: A. Buyer, Seller, Brian M. Ellard (“Ellard”), and The JCE Exempt Trust (the “Trust” and together with Ellard, the “Minority Shareholders,” and the Minority Shareholders, together with Seller, the “Seller Parties”) are parties to that certain Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2018 (the “Purchase Agreement”). B. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Buyer, on behalf of the Seller, shall cause to be deposited Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000.00) (the “Escrow Amount”) with Escrow Agent. C. The purpose of the Escrow Amount is to secure certain obligations of the Seller Parties as contemplated by the Purchase Agreement. D. The execution and delivery of this Escrow Agreement is a condition precedent to the obligations of the parties to the Purchase Agreement to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement. E. Buyer and Seller (individually, a “Party”, and collectively, the “Parties”) desire to appoint Escrow Agent as the escrow agent pursuant to this Escrow Agreement, and Escrow Agent desires to accept such appointment pursuant to this Escrow Agreement. F. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Purchase Agreement. AGREEMENT: In consideration of the promises and agreements of the Parties and Escrow Agent and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties and Escrow Agent agree as follows: Section 1. APPOINTMENT The Parties hereby appoint Escrow Agent as their escrow agent for the purposes set forth herein, and Escrow Agent hereby accepts such appointment under the terms and conditions set forth herein.


 
Section 2. ESCROW DEPOSIT 2.1 Receipt of Escrow Amount. At the Closing, Buyer shall, on behalf of the Seller, deliver the Escrow Amount to Escrow Agent by wire transfer in immediately available funds pursuant to Section 2.4(b)(iii) of the Purchase Agreement. Escrow Agent agrees to accept such sums for deposit in escrow pursuant to the provisions of this Escrow Agreement and agrees to promptly acknowledge to Buyer and Seller its receipt of the Escrow Amount. The Escrow Amount together with any interest, income or profits earned thereon (“Income”) as a result of the investment of the Escrow Amount in accordance with Section 2.2 hereof is hereafter referred to as the “Escrow Fund”. 2.2 Separate Account; Investments. (a) Escrow Agent shall establish a separate account (the “Escrow Account”) to hold the Escrow Fund. The Escrow Account shall be established by Escrow Agent at its office located at the notice address set forth in Section 5.3 in which to hold the Escrow Fund and any securities in which the Escrow Fund, from time to time, be invested. Escrow Agent shall keep appropriate records to reflect the current value from time to time of the Escrow Fund. Such records shall include appropriate adjustments for disbursements, Income earned and losses incurred. (b) During the term of this Escrow Agreement, the Escrow Fund shall be invested and reinvested by Escrow Agent in such investments (i) as shall from time to time be (a) selected by Seller with respect to, in each case, eligible investments in accordance with the investment guidelines set forth on the attached Exhibit A, which may be amended from time to time by joint written consent of the Parties (such investments, “Eligible Investments”), or (b) jointly selected by the Parties with respect to, in each case, any investments that are not Eligible Investments (“Other Investments”), and (ii) which are investments the Escrow Agent is able to hold. The Escrow Agent shall have no liability for any loss sustained as a result of any investment selected as indicated in the previous sentence or made pursuant to the instructions of the Seller with respect to Eligible Investments or the joint instructions of the Parties with respect to investments that are not Eligible Investments, as a result of any liquidation of any investment prior to its maturity or for failure of the Seller or the Parties, as the case may be, to give the Escrow Agent instructions or joint instructions, as the case may be, to invest or reinvest the Escrow Fund. In the absence of written instructions from Seller with respect to Eligible Investments, or joint written instructions from the Parties with respect to Other Investments, as to the investment of the Escrow Fund, the Escrow Fund shall be held uninvested. 2.3 Releases from the Escrow Fund. Upon receipt by Escrow Agent of a joint written instruction in the form of Exhibit B hereto that is jointly executed by an Authorized Person from each Party (a “Joint Instruction”), Escrow Agent shall promptly distribute from the Escrow Account an amount of funds in accordance with such Joint Instruction by wire transfer in immediately available funds. Any such distribution shall be made first from funds immediately available in the Escrow Account (if any) and, with respect to the remaining balance of such 2


 
distribution amount for which funds are not immediately available in the Escrow Account (the “Liquidation Amount”), Escrow Agent shall liquidate such investments in the Escrow Account, as Escrow Agent may select in its sole discretion in accordance with current market practices, as needed for there to be immediately available funds in the Escrow Account in an amount equal to or greater than the Liquidation Amount. The Escrow Fund will only be distributed to an authorized account listed in Exhibit C, which may be amended from time to time in writing by the Parties. 2.4 Income Tax Allocation and Reporting. Escrow Agent does not have any interest in the Escrow Fund but is serving as escrow holder only and as having possession of the Escrow Fund only for purposes of this Agreement. All Income earned from investment of the Escrow Amount shall, as of the end of each calendar, be reported as having been earned by Seller, whether or not such Income was disbursed during such calendar year, and Seller shall take into account for tax purposes all such Income and shall be entitled to any related deductions, credits and losses. No later than fifteen (15) days following the end of each calendar quarter in which Income is earned on the Escrow Amount, the Escrow Agent shall distribute funds in the Escrow Account to Seller in an amount equal to the net amount of such Income during such calendar quarter, by wire transfer to the authorized account of Seller set forth on Exhibit C. Any payments of Income from the Escrow Account shall be subject to withholding regulations then in force with respect to United States taxes. The Seller will provide Escrow Agent with appropriate executed and correct Internal Revenue Forms W-9, W-8 or W-8BEN-E, as the case may be, for U.S. tax purposes, and will inform Escrow Agent as to the proper allocation of Income in respect of the Escrow Fund for annual and periodic tax and other reporting purposes. It is understood that Escrow Agent shall be responsible for tax reporting only with respect to Income earned on investment of funds that are a part of the Escrow Fund and is not responsible for any other tax reporting. 2.5 Termination. This Escrow Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier to occur of (i) distribution or disbursement by Escrow Agent of the entire Escrow Fund in accordance with the terms hereof, and (ii) upon receipt by Escrow Agent of a joint notice of termination signed by an Authorized Person from each Party. Upon such receipt by Escrow Agent, Escrow Agent shall promptly deliver the Escrow Fund, less the amount of fees, costs and expenses or other obligations owed to Escrow Agent, as directed by the Parties in such joint notice of termination. 2.6 Authorized Persons. In connection with the execution of this Escrow Agreement, each Party shall deliver to Escrow Agent an authorized persons’ form (an “Authorized Persons Form”) in the form of Exhibit D-1, in the case of Buyer, and Exhibit D-2, in the case of Seller, which shall provide for the incumbency and specimen signature of at least two (2) officers or other representatives of such Party authorized to act for and give and receive notices, requests and instructions on behalf of such Party in connection with this Escrow Agreement (each such officer or other representative, an “Authorized Person”). From time to time, a Party may revise their respective Authorized Persons Form by delivering to Escrow Agent a revised Authorized Persons Form, which shall include the changes made to the previously given Authorized Persons Form (a “Revised Authorized Persons Form”). However, Escrow Agent shall be entitled to rely conclusively on the then-current Authorized Persons Form until Escrow Agent acknowledges receipt of the Revised Authorized Persons Form to an applicable Authorized Person. 3


 
Section 3. DUTIES OF ESCROW AGENT 3.1 Scope of Responsibility. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, Escrow Agent is obligated only to perform the duties specifically set forth in this Escrow Agreement, which shall be deemed purely ministerial in nature. Under no circumstances will Escrow Agent be deemed to be a fiduciary to any Party or any other person under this Escrow Agreement. Escrow Agent will not be responsible or liable for the failure of any Party to perform in accordance with this Escrow Agreement. Escrow Agent shall neither be responsible for, nor chargeable with, knowledge of the terms and conditions of any other agreement, instrument, or document other than this Escrow Agreement, whether or not an original or a copy of such agreement has been provided to Escrow Agent; and Escrow Agent shall have no duty to know or inquire as to the performance or nonperformance of any provision of any such agreement, instrument, or document, and Escrow Agent has no duties or obligations with respect thereto. This Escrow Agreement sets forth all matters pertinent to the escrow contemplated hereunder, and no additional obligations of Escrow Agent shall be inferred or implied from the terms of this Escrow Agreement or any other agreement. 3.2 Attorneys and Agents. Escrow Agent shall be entitled to rely on and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by Escrow Agent in accordance with the written advice of legal counsel retained or consulted by Escrow Agent. Escrow Agent shall be reimbursed as set forth in Section 4.1 for any and all reasonable compensation (reasonable fees, expenses and other costs) paid and/or reimbursed to such counsel. Escrow Agent may perform any and all of its duties through its agents, representatives, attorneys, custodians, and/or nominees. 3.3 Reliance. Escrow Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the direction or consent of the Parties or their respective agents, representatives, successors, or assigns. Escrow Agent shall not be liable for acting upon any notice, request, consent, direction, requisition, certificate, order, affidavit, letter, or other paper or document believed by it in good faith to be genuine and correct and to have been signed or sent by the proper person or persons, without further inquiry into the person’s or persons’ authority. 3.4 No Financial Obligation. No provision of this Escrow Agreement shall require Escrow Agent to risk or advance its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability or potential financial liability in the performance of its duties or the exercise of its rights under this Escrow Agreement. 3.5 Security Call Back. In the event a Party provides its wiring instructions after the date of this Escrow Agreement, whether in writing, by facsimile, by email or otherwise, Escrow Agent may seek confirmation of such instructions by telephone call-back to the person or persons designated on the applicable Authorized Persons Form and Escrow Agent may in good faith rely upon the confirmation of anyone purporting to be the person or persons so designated. 3.6 Statements. The Escrow Agent shall provide to the Parties statements (not less frequently than monthly) reflecting activity in the Escrow Account for the preceding period. No statement need be provided for periods in which no Escrow Account activity occurred. Each 4


 
such statement shall be deemed to be correct and final upon receipt thereof by the Parties unless Escrow Agent is notified in writing to the contrary within thirty (30) Business Days of the date of such statement. A “Business Day” shall mean any day on which Escrow Agent is open for business. Section 4. PROVISIONS CONCERNING ESCROW AGENT 4.1 Indemnification. Buyer and Seller jointly and severally agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Escrow Agent from and against any and all loss, liability, cost, damage and expense, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses or other reasonable professional fees and expenses which Escrow Agent may suffer or incur by reason of any action, claim or proceeding brought against Escrow Agent, arising out of or relating in any way to this Escrow Agreement or any transaction to which this Escrow Agreement relates, unless such loss, liability, cost, damage or expense shall have been finally adjudicated to have been directly caused by the bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence of Escrow Agent. The provisions of this Section 4.1 shall survive the resignation or removal of Escrow Agent and the termination of this Escrow Agreement. 4.2 Limitation of Liability. ESCROW AGENT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FOR ANY (I) DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES ARISING OUT OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED HEREUNDER, OTHER THAN DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES WHICH HAVE BEEN FINALLY ADJUDICATED TO HAVE DIRECTLY RESULTED FROM ESCROW AGENT’S BAD FAITH, GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, OR (II) SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF ESCROW AGENT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSSES OR DAMAGES AND REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION. 4.3 Resignation or Removal. Escrow Agent may resign by furnishing written notice of its resignation to the Parties, and the Parties may remove Escrow Agent by furnishing to Escrow Agent a joint written notice of its removal along with payment of all fees and expenses to which it is entitled through the date of termination. Such resignation or removal, as the case may be, shall be effective thirty (30) days after the delivery of such notice or upon the earlier appointment of a successor escrow agent, and Escrow Agent’s sole responsibility thereafter shall be to safely keep the Escrow Fund and to deliver the same to a successor escrow agent as shall be appointed by the Parties, as evidenced by a joint written notice filed with Escrow Agent or in accordance with a court order. If the Parties have failed to appoint a successor escrow agent prior to the expiration of thirty (30) days following the delivery of such notice of resignation or removal, Escrow Agent may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor escrow agent or for other appropriate relief, and any such resulting appointment shall be binding upon the Parties. 4.4 Compensation. Escrow Agent shall be entitled to compensation for its services as stated in the fee schedule attached hereto as Exhibit E. The fee agreed upon for the services rendered hereunder is intended as full compensation for Escrow Agent’s services as contemplated by this Escrow Agreement; provided, however, that in the event that the conditions 5


 
for the disbursement of funds under this Escrow Agreement are not fulfilled, or Escrow Agent is required or requested to render any service not contemplated in this Escrow Agreement, or there is any assignment of interest in the subject matter of this Escrow Agreement, or any material modification hereof, or if any material controversy arises hereunder, or Escrow Agent is made a party to any litigation pertaining to this Escrow Agreement or the subject matter hereof, then Escrow Agent shall be compensated for such extraordinary services and reimbursed for all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, occasioned by any such delay, controversy, litigation or event. Buyer and Seller jointly and severally agree to pay the Escrow Agent all fees, costs and expenses set forth on Exhibit E or otherwise arising under this Escrow Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Buyer and Seller agree that, as between Buyer and Seller, the amounts payable under this Section 4.4 shall be paid 50% by the Buyer on the one hand, and 50% by the Seller on the other hand. If any amount due to Escrow Agent hereunder is not paid within thirty (30) days of the date due, Escrow Agent, in its sole discretion may charge interest on such amount up to the highest rate permitted by applicable law. 4.5 Disagreements. If any conflict, disagreement or dispute arises between, among, or involving any of the parties hereto concerning the meaning or validity of any provision hereunder or concerning any other matter relating to this Escrow Agreement, or Escrow Agent is in doubt as to the action to be taken hereunder, Escrow Agent is authorized to retain the Escrow Fund until Escrow Agent (i) receives a Final Determination directing delivery of the Escrow Fund, in which event Escrow Agent shall be authorized to disburse the Escrow Fund promptly in accordance with such Final Determination, or (ii) receives a written agreement executed by each party involved in such disagreement or dispute directing delivery of the Escrow Fund, in which event Escrow Agent shall be authorized to disburse the Escrow Fund promptly in accordance with such agreement. Escrow Agent shall be entitled to act on any such agreement or Final Determination without further question, inquiry, or consent. A “Final Determination” shall mean a non-appealable order or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction or a final non-appealable arbitration decision directing delivery of the Escrow Fund, certified as true and correct by the Party delivering it to Escrow Agent, with a copy of such Final Determination sent concurrently to the other Party. 4.6 Merger or Consolidation. Any corporation or association into which Escrow Agent may be converted or merged, or with which it may be consolidated, or to which it may sell or transfer all or substantially all of its corporate trust business and assets as a whole or substantially as a whole, or any corporation or association resulting from any such conversion, sale, merger, consolidation or transfer to which Escrow Agent is a party, shall be and become the successor escrow agent under this Escrow Agreement and shall have and succeed to the rights, powers, duties, immunities and privileges as its predecessor, without the execution or filing of any instrument or paper or the performance of any further act. Escrow Agent shall promptly provide notice of such merger, consolidation, sale or transfer to the Parties. 4.7 Attachment of Escrow Fund; Compliance with Legal Orders. In the event that any Escrow Fund shall be attached, garnished or levied upon by any court order, or the delivery thereof shall be stayed or enjoined by an order of a court, or any order, judgment or decree shall be made or entered by any court order affecting the Escrow Fund, Escrow Agent shall immediately provide notice to Buyer and Seller and is hereby expressly authorized, in its sole discretion, to obey and comply with all writs, orders or decrees so entered or issued, or which it 6


 
is advised by legal counsel of its own choosing is binding upon it, whether with or without jurisdiction. In the event that Escrow Agent obeys or complies with any such writ, order or decree it shall not be liable to any of the Parties or to any other person, firm or corporation, should, by reason of such compliance notwithstanding, such writ, order or decree be subsequently reversed, modified, annulled, set aside or vacated. Section 5. MISCELLANEOUS 5.1 Successors and Assigns. This Escrow Agreement shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the Parties and Escrow Agent and their respective successors and permitted assigns. No other persons shall have any rights under this Escrow Agreement. No assignment of the interest of any of the Parties shall be binding unless and until written notice of such assignment shall be delivered to the other Party and Escrow Agent and shall require the prior written consent of the other Party and Escrow Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld). Any attempted assignment in violation of this Section 5.1 shall be void. 5.2 Escheat. The Parties acknowledge that under applicable state law, property which is presumed abandoned may under certain circumstances escheat to the applicable state. Escrow Agent shall have no liability to the Parties, their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns, or any other party, should any or all of the Escrow Fund escheat by operation of law. 5.3 Notices. All notices, requests, demands, waivers and other communications required or permitted to be given under this Escrow Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (i) delivered personally, (ii) mailed by first-class, registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (iii) sent by next-day or overnight mail or delivery or (iv) sent by email, addressed as follows: if to Seller, to: Ellard Family Holdings, Inc. [____________] [____________] Attn: [____________] Email: [____________] With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: Winstead PC 2728 N. Harwood Drive, #500 Dallas, TX 75201 Attn: Tom Helfand Email: thelfand@winstead.com Attn: Andrew Ostapko Email: aostapko@winstead.com 7


 
if to Buyer, to: Horace Mann Educators Corporation 1 Horace Mann Place Springfield, IL 62715 Attention: Donald M. Carley, SVP & General Counsel Email: Donald.Carley@horacemann.com with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP 700 Sixth Street, NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20001 Attention: Ling Ling Email: lingling@eversheds-sutherland.com Telephone: 202-383-0236 if to Escrow Agent, to: [____________] [____________] [____________] Attn: [____________] Email: [____________] if to Escrow Agent, to: [____________] [____________] [____________] Attn: [____________] Email: [____________] or, in each case, at such other address as may be specified in writing to the other parties hereto. All such notices, requests, demands, waivers and other communications shall be deemed to have been received (a) if by personal delivery, on the day after such delivery, (b) if by certified or registered mail, on the third (3rd) Business Day after the mailing thereof, (c) if by next-day or overnight mail or delivery, on the day delivered, and (d) if by Email upon confirmation of transmission by the transmitting equipment if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and on the next Business Day if sent after normal business hours of the recipient. 8


 
5.4 Governing Law. This Escrow Agreement shall be interpreted, construed, enforced and administered in accordance with the internal substantive laws (and not the choice of law rules) of the State of Delaware. Each party hereto hereby submits to the personal jurisdiction of and each agrees that all proceedings relating hereto shall be brought in courts located within the State of Delaware. Each party hereto hereby waives the right to trial by jury and to assert counterclaims in any such proceedings. To the extent that in any jurisdiction any party hereto may be entitled to claim, for itself or its assets, immunity from suit, execution, attachment (whether before or after judgment) or other legal process, each such party hereby irrevocably agrees not to claim, and hereby waives, such immunity. Each party hereto waives personal service of process and consents to service of process by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, directed to it at the address last specified for notices hereunder, and such service shall be deemed completed three (3) Business Days after the same is so mailed. 5.5 Entire Agreement. This Escrow Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior oral or written agreements in regard thereto; provided, however, that the Purchase Agreement shall govern the relationship between the Buyer and Seller (but not Escrow Agent) with respect to the matters contemplated thereby. 5.6 Amendment. This Escrow Agreement may be amended, modified, superseded, rescinded, or canceled only by a written instrument executed by the Parties and Escrow Agent. 5.7 Waivers. The failure of any party to this Escrow Agreement at any time or times to require performance of any provision under this Escrow Agreement shall in no manner affect the right at a later time to enforce the same performance. A waiver by any party to this Escrow Agreement of any such condition or breach of any term, covenant, representation, or warranty contained in this Escrow Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall neither be construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such condition or breach nor a waiver of any other condition or breach of any other term, covenant, representation, or warranty contained in this Escrow Agreement. 5.8 Headings. Section headings of this Escrow Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall in no way restrict or otherwise modify any of the terms or provisions of this Escrow Agreement. 5.9 Counterparts. This Escrow Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument. The exchange of a fully executed Escrow Agreement (in counterparts or otherwise) by fax or PDF shall be sufficient to bind the parties to the terms and conditions of this Escrow Agreement. 5.10 Force Majeure. No party to this Escrow Agreement shall be liable to any other party for losses arising out of, or the inability to perform its obligations under the terms of this Escrow Agreement, due to acts of God, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, fire, floods, strikes, mechanical failure, war, riot, nuclear accident, earthquake, terrorist attack, computer piracy, cyber-terrorism or other acts beyond the control of the parties hereto. 9


 
5.11 Severability. If any provision of this Escrow Agreement or the application thereof to any party or circumstance shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Escrow Agreement and the application thereof shall not be affected and shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law. 5.12 Survival of Certain Provisions. Sections 2.4, 4.1, 4.4, 5.3, 5.4 and 5.14 hereof shall survive termination of this Escrow Agreement. 5.13 Representations and Warranties. Each of the parties hereto represents and warrants (a) that this Escrow Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered on its behalf and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other debtor relief laws and that certain equitable remedies may not be available regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law, and (b) that the execution, delivery and performance of this Escrow Agreement by it does not and will not violate any applicable law or regulation. 5.14 USA Patriot Act. No Party to this Escrow Agreement is (or will be) a person with whom Escrow Agent is restricted from doing business with under regulations of the Office of Foreign Asset Control (“OFAC”) of the Department of the Treasury of the United States of America (including those persons named on OFAC’s Specially Designated and Blocked Persons list) or under any statute, executive order (including the September 24, 2001 Executive Order Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism), or other governmental action, and is not and shall not engage in any dealings or transactions or otherwise be associated with such persons. In addition, Buyer and Seller hereby agree to provide Escrow Agent with any additional information that Escrow Agent deems necessary from time to time in order to ensure compliance with all applicable laws concerning money laundering and similar activities. The following notification is provided to Buyer and Seller pursuant to Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, 31 U.S.C. Section 5318 (“Patriot Act”): IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PROCEDURES FOR OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT. To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or entity that opens an account, including any deposit account, treasury management account, loan, other extension of credit, or other financial services product. What this means for depositors: When a depositor opens an account, if such depositor is an individual, a lender (including Escrow Agent) will ask for such depositor’s name, taxpayer identification number, residential address, date of birth, and other information that will allow the lender to identify such depositor, and, if such depositor is not an individual, Escrow Agent will ask for such depositor’s name, taxpayer identification number, business address, and other information that will allow the lender to identify such depositor. Escrow Agent may also ask, if such depositor is an individual, to see depositor’s driver’s license or other identifying documents, and, if such depositor is not an individual, to see such depositor’s legal organizational documents or other identifying documents. In the event Buyer and/or Seller violate any of the provisions of the Patriot Act and the regulations thereunder, such event shall constitute a default hereunder and shall entitle Escrow Agent to exercise all of its rights and remedies at law or in equity, including but not limited to terminating this Escrow Agreement. 10


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this Escrow Agreement as of the date first written above. HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION: By: Name: Title: ELLARD FAMILY HOLDINGS, INC.: By: Name: Title: [ESCROW AGENT] By: Name: Title: [Signature Page to Escrow Agreement]


 
EXHIBIT A INVESTMENT GUIDELINES “Eligible Investments” means (i) obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support thereof); (ii) shares of a money market fund investing only in underlying securities described in clause (i) above; and (iii) [_______].


 
EXHIBIT B FORM OF JOINT INSTRUCTION [Date] [__________], as Escrow Agent [__________] Attn.: [_____] Re: Joint Instruction Ladies and Gentlemen: Horace Mann Educators Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Buyer”), and Ellard Family Holdings, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Seller”), under the Escrow Agreement dated as of [______], 2019, among the Buyer, Seller and [________], as Escrow Agent (the “Escrow Agreement”), request and authorize the Escrow Agent to withdraw funds in an amount equal to $[●] from Escrow Account # [_______] (the “Escrow Account”) and to transfer such funds in accordance with the directions set forth below: 1. Pursuant to Section 2.3 of the Escrow Agreement and Sections 2.6(a) and [2.5(a)][2.6(b)][9.3(e)] of the Purchase Agreement, the Buyer and Seller hereby jointly instruct the Escrow Agent to withdraw funds in an amount equal to $[●] from the Escrow Account. Pursuant to Section 2.3 of the Escrow Agreement, to the extent there are not sufficient funds immediately available in the Escrow Account to make such withdrawal (the “Liquidation Amount”), the Buyer and Seller hereby jointly instruct the Escrow Agent to liquidate such investments in the Escrow Account, as the Escrow Agent may select in its sole discretion in accordance with current market practices, as needed for there to be immediately available funds in the Escrow Account in an amount equal to or greater than the Liquidation Amount. 2. Transfer Directions: Transferee: [Account of the Buyer/Seller] Location of Account:_____________________________ Account No.:___________________________________] Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning specified in the Escrow Agreement.


 
Very truly yours, HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORPORATION: By: Name: Title: ELLARD FAMILY HOLDINGS, INC.: By: Name: Title:


 
EXHIBIT C AUTHORIZED ACCOUNTS Authorized Account of Seller Bank Account Number: Bank Name: Account Name: Fed Wire ABA Routing Number: Authorized Account of Buyer Bank Account Number: Bank Name: Account Name: Fed Wire ABA Routing Number:


 
EXHIBIT D-1 CERTIFICATE AS TO AUTHORIZED SIGNATURES The specimen signatures shown below are the specimen signatures of the individuals who have been designated as authorized representatives of Buyer and are authorized to initiate and approve transactions of all types for the escrow account or accounts established under the Escrow Agreement to which this Exhibit D-1 is attached on behalf of Buyer. Name / Title Specimen Signature ________________________________ ________________________________ Name Signature ________________________________ Title ________________________________ ________________________________ Name Signature ________________________________ Title ________________________________ ________________________________ Name Signature ________________________________ Title


 
EXHIBIT D-2 CERTIFICATE AS TO AUTHORIZED SIGNATURES The specimen signatures shown below are the specimen signatures of Seller’s representatives who are authorized to initiate and approve transactions of all types for the escrow account or accounts established under the Escrow Agreement to which this Exhibit D-2 is attached on behalf of Seller. Name Specimen Signature ________________________________ ________________________________ Name Signature ________________________________ Title ________________________________ ________________________________ Name Signature ________________________________ Title _______________________________ ________________________________ Name Signature ________________________________ Title


 
EXHIBIT E FEES OF ESCROW AGENT


 
EXHIBIT B KELLER SPRINGS LEASE AMENDMENT AND TERMINATIONS [See attached] EXHIBIT B-1


 
Exhibit B-1 FIRST AMENDMENT AND EXTENSION TO LEASE AGREEMENT This First Amendment to the Lease Agreement (“Amendment”) is entered into on __________________, 2019, by and between EE Realty, Inc. a Texas limited liability company, (hereinafter called “Landlord”) and NTALife Management, Inc., a Texas corporation (“Tenant”). WHEREAS, Landlord entered into that certain Office Lease Agreement with National Teachers Associates, Inc. (“NTA”), dated January 1, 2015 (the “Original Lease”), demising certain premises known as 4949 Keller Springs Road, Addison, TX 75001, containing 62,207 square feet, (the “Keller Springs Premises”); and WHEREAS, NTA assigned the Original Lease to Tenant, and Tenant assumed the Original Lease from NTA, pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated as of January 1, 2016 (the Original Lease as so assigned, the “Lease”); WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of the Original Lease, certain affiliates of NTA also entered into leases with the Landlord with respect to the remaining portions of the Keller Springs Premises (the “Concurrent Leases”); WHEREAS, on the date hereof, the Concurrent Leases are being terminated in full; and WHEREAS, by this Amendment, Landlord and Tenant desire to amend the Lease to (i) state that the premises leased and demised to the Tenant shall consist of the entirety of the Keller Springs Premises, (ii) to extend the initial term of the Lease and (iii) amend certain other terms and conditions of the Lease, in each case set forth herein. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Landlord and Tenant agree to amend the Lease as follows: 1. Defined Terms. Except as otherwise provided herein, the capitalized terms used herein shall have the same meanings as provided such terms in the Lease. 2. The Leased Premises and Terms (if there is a conflict between the Agreement and this Amendment, this Amendment shall prevail): (a) Rentable Area: 62,207 rentable square feet (consisting of entire Keller Springs Premises) (b) Annual Rent and cost per square foot (“sq. ft.”) Year 1 (2019) $1,213,036.50 ($19.50/sq. ft.) Year 2 (2020) $1,213,036.50 ($19.50/sq. ft.) EXHIBIT B-2


 
Year 3 (2021) $1,213,036.50 ($19.50/sq. ft.) Year 4 (2022) $1,213,036.50 ($19.50/sq. ft.) Year 5 (2023) $1,213,036.50 ($19.50/sq. ft.) (b) Monthly Rental Installments: $101,086.37 (c) Lease Term: Through [●],1 subject to renewal pursuant to Section 2A of the Lease (d) Rental escalation: none (e) Lease is a full service lease. In connection therewith, Landlord’s obligations shall include, without limitation, (x) all services and obligations specified in the Lease, inclusive of Sections 5 and 8 thereof, and (y) to the extent not already specified in the Lease, all of the following: (i) Repairs and Maintenance: Landlord will maintain in good repair and working order at its cost and expense the roof, foundation, HVAC, parking and common areas, plumbing, elevators, fire protection sprinkler, life safety, electrical and mechanical systems, structural soundness of external walls, doors, corridors, windows, and paving outside the building, landscaping, and will provide pest eradication, snow/ice removal and similar repair and maintenance items, (ii) Taxes: Landlord will pay all real estate taxes, assessments and similar charges for the Premises. Tenant will pay personal property taxes on its personal property (iii) Utilities: Landlord will pay for all Utilities including electric, water, gas, sewer, telephone/internet and garbage disposal (iv) Services: Landlord will provide janitorial services 5 days per week excluding holidays, elevator service at all times, the services identified in clause (i) above and will be responsible for replacement of light bulbs. (v) Insurance: Landlord will be responsible for insurance of the building and related structure. Tenant will be responsible for insurance related to its equipment, furniture and other personal items (f) Parking: as set forth in Section 10A of the Lease (g) Security Deposit: None (h) Broker(s): None (i) Permitted Use: As set forth in the Lease, including general business offices and ancillary uses with access seven (7) days per week, twenty four (24) hours per day 1 NTD: To reflect fifth anniversary of closing date. EXHIBIT B-3


 
(j) Vending Machines: Tenant will receive any commissions from the sale of food and beverages from vending machines contained within the Premises. (k) Signage: Landlord, at Landlord’s expense, shall provide Building signage and lettering for the Tenant. (l) Address for notices and payments are as follows: Landlord: EE Realty, Inc 4949 Keller Springs Road Addison, TX 75001 With Payments to: EE Realty, Inc 4949 Keller Springs Road Addison, TX 75001 Tenant: NTALife Management, Inc. 4949 Keller Springs Road Addison, TX 75001 Attn: With a copy to: Horace Mann Service Corporation 1 Horace Mann Plaza Springfield, IL 62715-0001 Attn: Chief Procurement Officer (m) As of the date hereof, Landlord confirms it has not received any written notice from any governmental agencies and has no actual knowledge that the Premises are in violation of: (i) any federal or local government requirements regarding the sprinkler system; (ii) Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act; or (iii) any applicable Environmental Laws with respect to Hazardous Materials, it being acknowledged that Environmental Laws shall mean any federal, state or local laws, ordinance, permits or regulations, or any common law, regarding health, safety, radioactive materials, hazardous materials or the environment, each as amended, and any regulations promulgated thereunder, guidance and directives issued with respect thereto, or policies adopted by the applicable authorities thereunder. Additionally, except for reasonable quantities of Hazardous Materials used in connection with the operation, maintenance or repair of the Premises, which Hazardous Materials shall be used, stored and disposed of in accordance with all Environmental Laws, Landlord shall not introduce any Hazardous Materials in or about the Premises. Landlord shall indemnify and hold harmless Tenant, its employees, and agents, of and from any and all remediation costs (expressly excluding any special, indirect or consequential damages) directly related to Hazardous Materials introduced by Landlord in or about the common areas of the Premises in violation of Environmental Laws. EXHIBIT B-4


 
(n) End of Lease: The premises shall be surrendered in the same order and condition in which they currently exist on the date of this Agreement excluding reasonable wear and tear. Landlord shall accept the released premises “As Is.” Landlord shall allow Tenant to remove any of its personal property or moveable trade fixtures, furnishings and equipment from the premises. (o) The Landlord represents and warrants, to its current and actual knowledge, that: (i) the Leased Premises are structurally sound and in good repair and operating condition, normal wear and tear excepted, and without limiting the foregoing, Landlord has maintained and repaired the Leased Premises consistent with its obligations for maintenance and repair under the Lease; (ii) the Leased Premises include the right of ingress and egress (legal and practical) over public rights-of- way or valid and existing private easements; (iii) sewer and other utility services to the Leased Premises are available, have been completed, installed and paid for (and all connections for such services are paid for); (iv) the Leased Premises are in compliance with all applicable laws relating to building codes (inclusive of ADA compliance and having obtained necessary permits and certificates of occupancy), zoning and land use in respect of the Leased Premises, and in compliance with all covenants and other restrictions applicable to the Leased Premises, and the Landlord has not received since January 1, 2016, any written notice alleging such a violation of applicable law or of such covenants or other restrictions; (v) there is no pending: (A) condemnation or eminent domain proceeding or litigation affecting any of the Leased Premises, or (B) civil or administrative proceeding challenging any use or operation of any of the Leased Premises; and (vi) Landlord has not received written notice of any outstanding requirements or recommendations by fire underwriters or rating boards, insurance companies or holders of mortgages or other security interests requiring or recommending any repairs or work to be done with reference to the Leased Premises. Subject to the representations in the foregoing Section 2(m) and this Section 2(o), the Tenant accepts the Leased Premises in an “as-is” condition. (p) During the term of the Lease, Landlord shall maintain property and liability insurance in accordance with customary market standards (and in all events at no less than full replacement cost value as to property insurance). (q) Except as specifically amended hereby, the Lease shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms. <Signatures on the Following Page> EXHIBIT B-5


 
Landlord Tenant EE Realty, Inc. NTALife Management, Inc. By:____________________________ By: __________________________ Name: _________________________ Name: _______________________ Its: ____________________________ Its: __________________________ By: __________________________ Name: _______________________ Its: __________________________ EXHIBIT B-6


 
Exhibit B-2 LEASE TERMINATION AGREEMENT This Lease Termination Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of the ___ day of _______ by and between EE Realty, a Texas corporation (hereinafter referred to as “Landlord”), and NTA Life Business Group Services, Inc., a Texas corporation (“Tenant”). WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, Landlord entered into that certain Office Lease Agreement with Tenant dated January 1, 2015 (the “Original Lease”), demising certain premises known as 4949 Keller Springs Road, Addison, TX 75001, containing 62,207 square feet, (the “Leased Premises”); and WHEREAS, by this Agreement Landlord and Tenant desire to terminate the Lease as of 11:59P.M. on __________ (“Early Lease Termination Date”) on the terms and conditions set forth herein. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and premises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Landlord and Tenant herein agree to terminate the Lease as follows: 1. Defined Terms. Except as otherwise provided herein, the capitalized terms used herein shall have the same meanings as provided such terms in the Lease. 2. The Leased Premises. (a) The Lease shall terminate at 11:59P.M. on the Early Lease Termination Date. (b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Lease or this Agreement, Tenant shall have no further obligations with respect to the Leased Premises commencing the day immediately following the Early Lease Termination Date, and the Lease shall terminate and all rights, obligations, and liabilities of the parties hereunder with respect to the Leased Premises shall be released and discharged. 4. Mutual Release. (a) Effective on the Early Lease Termination Date, Landlord releases Tenant and its guarantors, officers, directors, agents, employees and shareholders from any and all obligations, liabilities, claims, rights or causes of action arising out of, with respect to, or in connection with the Lease and/or the Leased Premises, EXHIBIT B-7


 
excluding only the obligations of Tenant under this Agreement. (b) Effective on the Early Lease Termination Date, Tenant releases Landlord and its respective officers, directors, agents, employees, partners, members and shareholders from any and all obligations, liabilities, claims, rights, actions or causes of action arising out of, with respect to, or in connection with the Lease and/or the Leased Premises, excluding only the obligations of Landlord under this Agreement. [Signature page follows] EXHIBIT B-8


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have executed this Lease Termination Agreement as of the date and year first above written. Landlord Tenant EE Realty, Inc. NTA Life Business Group Services, Inc. By:____________________________ By: __________________________ Name: _________________________ Name: _______________________ Its: ____________________________ Its: __________________________ EXHIBIT B-9


 
Exhibit B-3 LEASE TERMINATION AGREEMENT This Lease Termination Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of the ___ day of ________ by and between EE Realty, a Texas corporation (hereinafter referred to as “Landlord”) and EE Micronix, Inc., a Texas corporation (“Tenant”). WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, Landlord entered into that certain Office Lease Agreement with Tenant dated January 1, 2015 (the “Original Lease”), demising certain premises known as 4949 Keller Springs Road, Addison, TX 75001, containing 62,207 square feet, (the “Leased Premises”); and WHEREAS, by this Agreement Landlord and Tenant desire to terminate the Lease as of 11:59P.M. on __________ (“Early Lease Termination Date”) on the terms and conditions set forth herein. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and premises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Landlord and Tenant herein agree to terminate the Lease as follows: 1. Defined Terms. Except as otherwise provided herein, the capitalized terms used herein shall have the same meanings as provided such terms in the Lease. 2. The Leased Premises. (a) The Lease shall terminate at 11:59P.M. on the Early Lease Termination Date. (b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Lease or this Agreement, Tenant shall have no further obligations with respect to the Leased Premises commencing the day immediately following the Early Lease Termination Date, and the Lease shall terminate and all rights, obligations, and liabilities of the parties hereunder with respect to the Leased Premises shall be released and discharged. 3. Mutual Release. (a) Effective on the Early Lease Termination Date, Landlord releases Tenant and its guarantors, officers, directors, agents, employees and shareholders from any and all obligations, liabilities, claims, rights or causes of action arising out of, with respect to, or in connection with the Lease and/or the Leased Premises, excluding only the obligations of Tenant under this Agreement. (b) Effective on the Early Lease Termination Date, Tenant releases Landlord and its respective officers, directors, agents, employees, partners, members and EXHIBIT B-10


 
shareholders from any and all obligations, liabilities, claims, rights, actions or causes of action arising out of, with respect to, or in connection with the Lease and/or the Leased Premises, excluding only the obligations of Landlord under this Agreement. [Signature page follows] EXHIBIT B-11


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have executed this Lease Termination Agreement as of the date and year first above written. Landlord Tenant EE Realty, Inc. EE Micronix, Inc. By:____________________________ By: __________________________ Name: _________________________ Name: _______________________ Its: ____________________________ Its: __________________________ EXHIBIT B-12


 
Exhibit B-4 LEASE TERMINATION AGREEMENT This Lease Termination Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of the ___ day of _______ by and between EE Realty, a Texas corporation (hereinafter referred to as “Landlord”), and National Teachers Associates Life Insurance Company, a Texas-domiciled life insurance company (“Tenant”). WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, Landlord entered into that certain Office Lease Agreement with Tenant dated January 1, 2015 (the “Original Lease”), demising certain premises known as 4949 Keller Springs Road, Addison, TX 75001, containing 62,207 square feet, (the “Leased Premises”); and WHEREAS, by this Agreement Landlord and Tenant desire to terminate the Lease as of 11:59P.M. on __________ (“Early Lease Termination Date”) on the terms and conditions set forth herein. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and premises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Landlord and Tenant herein agree to terminate the Lease as follows: 1. Defined Terms. Except as otherwise provided herein, the capitalized terms used herein shall have the same meanings as provided such terms in the Lease. 2. The Leased Premises. (a) The Lease shall terminate at 11:59P.M. on the Early Lease Termination Date. (b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Lease or this Agreement, Tenant shall have no further obligations with respect to the Leased Premises commencing the day immediately following the Early Lease Termination Date, and the Lease shall terminate and all rights, obligations, and liabilities of the parties hereunder with respect to the Leased Premises shall be released and discharged. 4. Mutual Release. (a) Effective on the Early Lease Termination Date, Landlord releases Tenant and its guarantors, officers, directors, agents, employees and shareholders from any and all obligations, liabilities, claims, rights or causes of action arising out of, with respect to, or in connection with the Lease and/or the Leased Premises, excluding only the obligations of Tenant under this Agreement. (b) Effective on the Early Lease Termination Date, Tenant releases Landlord EXHIBIT B-13


 
and its respective officers, directors, agents, employees, partners, members and shareholders from any and all obligations, liabilities, claims, rights, actions or causes of action arising out of, with respect to, or in connection with the Lease and/or the Leased Premises, excluding only the obligations of Landlord under this Agreement. [Signature page follows] EXHIBIT B-14


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have executed this Lease Termination Agreement as of the date and year first above written. Landlord Tenant EE Realty, Inc. National Teachers Associates Life Insurance Company By:____________________________ By: __________________________ Name: _________________________ Name: _______________________ Its: ____________________________ Its: __________________________ EXHIBIT B-15


 
ANNEX A EXAMPLE CALCULATION2 Price Adjustment Example Estimated Consolidated GAAP Net Income $24,000,000 Estimated Deferred Acquisition Cost Adjustment $2,600,000 RBC Adjustment $6,210,000 Company Distribution Adjustment $2,000,000 Company Transaction Expenses Adjustment $5,000,000 Total $15,810,000 Estimated Adjustment $8,190,000 Base Price $405,000,000 Adjusted Initial Amount $413,190,000 RBC Adjustment Example 6/30/2018 Closing Date Δ Pre-Close CAL RBC $14,858,000 $16,100,000 $1,242,000 500% RBC Adjustment $6,210,000 2 NTD: Other than Base Price and June 30, 2018 CAL RBC numbers, all values are hypothetical. ANNEX A-1


 
ANNEX B EXCLUDED INVESTMENTS RCR Taylor Land, LP InSite Hospitality Fund, LLC ANNEX B-1


 
ANNEX C KEY INDEPENDENT PRODUCERS Agent Code Name 24 TOBIAS, STEPHEN 583 ACEY, TERRI 1576 COSTANTINO, CARL 3442 ALLEN, RYAN 4041 RYAN, KRYSTAL 5005 ARAGONA, GILDO 7059 PHILLIPS, MICHAEL 10681 BRANT, WILLIAM 12540 CAMP, BEATRICE 15313 COMPEAU, CHRISTINA 15400 CONVERSE, STANTON 23910 ENGLAND, JOHN 27470 FARMER, JAMES 29150 FRASER, DAVID 31470 GISCLAIR III, NOLAN 31850 GOFF, JARROD 32560 GRAYSON, MENDEL 34120 HAMILTON, DAVID 35771 HENSEL, TIMOTHY 53392 LOWTHER, KEVIN 57010 MICKLE, ANTOINE 57420 MINNICK, MATTHEW 58571 MOSHER, BRET 71661 POWERS, SASHA 71942 PRITCHETT, RACHELL 72231 SCANLAN, RACHAEL 75650 ROSE, FRANCESCA 90721 VOLKERT-VANDERWALL, MARINA 94440 WILSON, DIANE 100235 EASLEY, JASON 100318 WILCOX, GEOFFREY 100410 MAGER, SUE 100445 BIGLEY, ALIZABETH 100524 DILLON, CRAIG 100531 ROTHGANGEL, ANDREA 100546 RODIGHIERO, BRANDON 100613 MOORE, CHARLES 100619 WILKES, GEOFFREY 100724 FOX, LUCAS 100822 SISSON, KIMBERLY ANNEX C-1


 
ANNEX D SPECIFIED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES • RBC calculations will be based on the RBC instructions and factors applicable to an Insurance Subsidiary as in effect at the time of determination. • GAAP accrual for employee salary and benefits (including PTO) on the Closing Date shall be consistent with the methodologies for accrual for such benefits utilized in the Company’s June 30, 2018, consolidated financial statements. ANNEX D-1


 
ANNEX E RENEWAL COMMISSION REPORT Betty Jo Ellard, Brian Mark Ellard, Joe Chadwick Ellard, Raymond J. Martin, Jr., and James T. Langham, Jr. shall be entitled to receive retirement annuity payments pursuant to the following agreements: • The Employment Agreement by and between EE Holdings, Inc., certain of its controlled subsidiary corporations, and Bill J. Ellard, dated May 13, 2008, as amended pursuant to that certain Amendment dated March 2010. • The Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between EE Holdings, Inc., certain of its controlled subsidiary corporations, and Brian M. Ellard, dated May 13, 2008, as amended pursuant to that certain Amendment dated May 13, 2008, as amended pursuant to Amendment No.1, dated April 21, 2015. • The Employment Agreement by and between EE Holdings, Inc., certain of its controlled subsidiary corporations, and J. Chadwick Ellard, dated July 1, 2015, as amended pursuant to that certain Amendment dated May 13, 2008, as amended pursuant to Amendment No. 1, dated November 30, 2018. • The Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between EE Holdings, Inc , certain of its controlled subsidiary corporations, and Raymond J. Martin, Jr., dated May 13, 2008, as amended pursuant to that certain Amendment dated May 13, 2008, as amended pursuant to that Executive Transition Agreement, dated April 21, 2015. • The Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between EE Holdings, Inc , certain of its controlled subsidiary corporations, and James T. Langham, Jr., dated May 13, 2008, as amended pursuant to that certain Amendment dated May 13, 2008, as amended pursuant to that Executive Transition Agreement, dated April 21, 2015. Renewal commissions will be reported using the following form of report: ANNEX E-1


 
Summary Statement National Teacher Associates, Inc. Statement Period: DATE 1 - DATE 2 Agent/Agency Details Name: AGENT NAME SSN/TIN: XXX-XX-XXXX Writing No: #####, ##### Account Summary Current Account Balances Prior Account Balances Commissions Due: $ - Commissions Due: $ - Secure/Unsecure Advance: $ - Secure/Unsecure Advance: $ - Other Indebtedness: $ - Other Indebtedness: $ - Commissions Paid Current YTD Current Period Policy Count $$$$$$ $$$$$$ ####### Commissions Paid - Period Detail Method Payment Date Amount ACH DATE $$$$$$ ACH DATE $$$$$$ ACH DATE $$$$$$ Total Paid - Current $$$$$$ Total Paid - YTD $$$$$$$ Commissions Payable by Components Current YTD First Year $$$$$ $$$$$ Renewal $$$$$$ $$$$$$ Total $$$$$$ $$$$$$ Commissions Payable by Product Category First Year Renewal Total Current YTD Current YTD Current YTD Accident $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ Cancer $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ Disability Income $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ Heart $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ Term Life $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ Whole Life $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$ Total $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Account Activity Account Type Previous Balance Current Increases Current Decreases Closing Balance Commissions Payable $ - $$$$$ $$$$$$ $$$$$$ Paid $$$$$ Secure/Unsecure Advance $ - $ - $ - $$$$$ Other Indebtedness $ - $ - $ - $$$$$ ANNEX E-2


 
ANNEX F THIRD-PARTY CONSENTS Consent for a change of control of the Company or its applicable Subsidiary under the following contracts: • Enterprise Cyber Insurance Policy, dated April 1, 2018, by and between Freedom Specialty Insurance Company and Ellard Enterprises, Inc. • Insurance Company Management Liability Policy, dated April 1, 2018, by and between Capitol Specialty Insurance Corporation and Ellard Family Holdings, Inc. • Executive Plus Directors and Officers Liability Policy, dated April 1, 2018, by and between RLI Insurance Company and Ellard Family Holdings, Inc. • Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability Insurance Policy, dated April 1, 2018, by and between Federal Insurance Company and Ellard Enterprises, Inc. ANNEX F-1


 
BILL J. AND BETTY JO ELLARD SECURE TRUST B GST NON-EXEMPT A TEXAS TRUST UNANIMOUS CONSENT OF THE CO-TRUSTEES NOVEMBER 30, 2018 The undersigned being all of the Co-Trustees of the Bill J. and Betty Jo Ellard Secure Trust B GST Non-Exempt (“Trust B”), a Texas trust, do hereby consent to the adoption of the following resolutions as of the date hereof with the same force and effect as if such resolutions were approved and adopted at a duly constituted meeting: WHEREAS, on October 4, 2018, the Co-Trustees unanimously adopted a resolution approving NTA Life Enterprises, LLC (“NTA”), Ellard Family Holdings, Inc. (“EFH”), and Betty Jo Ellard (“Ellard”) entering into that certain Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”) for the sale of NTA to Horace Mann Educators Corporation (“Horace Mann”); and WHEREAS, the Co-Trustees have reviewed, with the assistance of counsel, consultants and advisors, a purchase agreement by and between EFH, Brian M. Ellard, and the JCE Exempt Trust, on the one hand, and Horace Mann, on the other hand (the “Purchase Agreement”), by which Horace Mann would acquire NTA and its subsidiaries, including all ownership interests in Ellard Enterprises, Inc. and other direct and indirect subsidiaries of NTA, and an acknowledgment letter among Horace Mann, EFH, and the shareholders of EFH (the “Acknowledgment Letter”) (collectively, the “Transaction”); and WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Article VIII, Section 8.6(B) of the Bill J. and Betty Jo Ellard Secure Trust Agreement Dated June 5, 2008, as Amended, the sale of any Ellard Business Interest shall require the unanimous consent of the Co-Trustees which may not be delegated by a Co-Trustee; and WHEREAS, the undersigned Co-Trustees deem it to be advisable and in the best interests of Trust B and its beneficiaries, both present and future, to approve and direct EFH (and others as may be necessary to affect the Transaction) to enter into and execute the Purchase Agreement, effect Horace Mann’s acquisition of NTA and its subsidiaries (collectively considered Ellard Business Interests), and take such actions as may be necessary to consummate the Transaction. NOW, THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Co-Trustees approve the sale of the Ellard Business Interests by EFH, as contemplated by the Purchase Agreement and summarized in the Executive Summary attached hereto as Exhibit A; and RESOLVED FURTHER, that the form, terms and provisions of the Purchase Agreement and Acknowledgment Letter be, and hereby are, ratified, confirmed and approved in all respects. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Co-Trustees have hereunto subscribed their names as of the date first written above in attestation to the accuracy of the foregoing written consent and of their approval of all actions taken as recited therein. ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Betty Jo Ellard, Co-Trustee James T. Langham, Jr., Co-Trustee ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Brian M. Ellard, Co-Trustee Raymond J. Martin, Jr., Co-Trustee ANNEX F-2


 
BILL J. AND BETTY JO ELLARD SECURE TRUST B GST EXEMPT A TEXAS TRUST UNANIMOUS CONSENT OF THE CO-TRUSTEES NOVEMBER 30, 2018 The undersigned being all of the Co-Trustees of the Bill J. and Betty Jo Ellard Secure Trust B GST Exempt (“Trust B Exempt”), a Texas trust, do hereby consent to the adoption of the following resolutions as of the date hereof with the same force and effect as if such resolutions were approved and adopted at a duly constituted meeting: WHEREAS, on October 4, 2018, the Co-Trustees unanimously adopted a resolution approving NTA Life Enterprises, LLC (“NTA”), Ellard Family Holdings, Inc. (“EFH”), and Betty Jo Ellard (“Ellard”) entering into that certain Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”) for the sale of NTA to Horace Mann Educators Corporation (“Horace Mann”); and WHEREAS, the Co-Trustees have reviewed, with the assistance of counsel, consultants and advisors, a purchase agreement by and between EFH, Brian M. Ellard, and the JCE Exempt Trust, on the one hand, and Horace Mann, on the other hand (the “Purchase Agreement”), by which Horace Mann would acquire NTA and its subsidiaries, including all ownership interests in Ellard Enterprises, Inc. and other direct and indirect subsidiaries of NTA, and an acknowledgment letter among Horace Mann, EFH, and the shareholders of EFH (the “Acknowledgment Letter”) (collectively, the “Transaction”); and WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Article VIII, Section 8.6(B) of the Bill J. and Betty Jo Ellard Secure Trust Agreement Dated June 5, 2008, as Amended, the sale of any Ellard Business Interest shall require the unanimous consent of the Co-Trustees which may not be delegated by a Co-Trustee; and WHEREAS, the undersigned Co-Trustees deem it to be advisable and in the best interests of Trust B Exempt and its beneficiaries, both present and future, to approve and direct EFH (and others as may be necessary to affect the Transaction) to enter into and execute the Purchase Agreement, effect Horace Mann’s acquisition of NTA and its subsidiaries (collectively considered Ellard Business Interests), and take such actions as may be necessary to consummate the Transaction. NOW, THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Co-Trustees approve the sale of the Ellard Business Interests by EFH, as contemplated by the Purchase Agreement and summarized in the Executive Summary attached hereto as Exhibit A; and RESOLVED FURTHER, that the form, terms and provisions of the Purchase Agreement and Acknowledgment Letter be, and hereby are, ratified, confirmed and approved in all respects. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Co-Trustees have hereunto subscribed their names as of the date first written above in attestation to the accuracy of the foregoing written consent and of their approval of all actions taken as recited therein. ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Betty Jo Ellard, Co-Trustee James T. Langham, Jr., Co-Trustee ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Brian M. Ellard, Co-Trustee Raymond J. Martin, Jr., Co-Trustee ANNEX F-3


 


Exhibit 11
 
Horace Mann Educators Corporation
Computation of Net Income per Share
For the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Basic:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
18,343

 
$
169,459

 
$
83,765

Weighted average number of common shares during the period
 
41,570

 
41,365

 
41,158

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share - basic
 
$
0.44

 
$
4.10

 
$
2.04

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
18,343

 
$
169,459

 
$
83,765

Weighted average number of common shares during the period
 
41,570

 
41,365

 
41,158

Weighted average number of common equivalent shares to reflect
the dilutive effect of common stock equivalent securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Stock options
 
100

 
112

 
100

Common stock units related to deferred compensation for employees
 
25

 
25

 
52

Restricted common stock units related to incentive compensation
 
199

 
63

 
166

Total common and common equivalent shares adjusted
to calculate diluted earnings per share
 
41,894

 
41,565

 
41,476

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share – diluted
 
$
0.44

 
$
4.08

 
$
2.02

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percentage of dilution compared to basic net income per share
 
%
 
0.5
%
 
1.0
%




Exhibit 21
 
Horace Mann Educators Corporation
Insurance Subsidiaries, Other Significant Subsidiaries and
Their Respective States of Incorporation or Organization
December 31, 2018
 
Insurance Subsidiaries:
 
Educators Life Insurance Company of America - Illinois
 
Horace Mann Insurance Company - Illinois
 
Horace Mann Life Insurance Company - Illinois
 
Horace Mann Lloyds - Texas
 
Horace Mann Property & Casualty Insurance Company - Illinois
 
Teachers Insurance Company - Illinois
 
Other Subsidiaries:
 
ABM Service Corporation - Delaware
 
Horace Mann General Agency, Inc. - Texas
 
Horace Mann Investors, Inc. - Maryland
 
Horace Mann Lloyds Management Corporation - Texas
 
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 statement (No. 33-47066, No. 33-45152, No. 333-16473, No. 333-74686, No. 333-98917, No. 333-171384, and No. 333-185231) on Form S-8, the registration statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-223628) and the registration statement (No. 333-223627) on Form S-3, of Horace Mann Educators Corporation of our report dated March 1, 2019, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Horace Mann Educators Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedules I to IV and VI (collectively, the "consolidated financial statements"), and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, which report appears in the December 31, 2018 annual report on Form 10-K of Horace Mann Educators Corporation. Our Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements refers to a change in the Company’s method of accounting for the change in fair value of equity investments effective January 1, 2018 due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.
 

/s/ KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
March 1, 2019




Exhibit 31.1
Chief Executive Officer Certification
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
I, Marita Zuraitis, certify that:
 
1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 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/ Marita Zuraitis
 
Marita Zuraitis, Chief Executive Officer
 
Horace Mann Educators Corporation
 
 
 
 
Date:
March 1, 2019
 




Exhibit 31.2
Chief Financial Officer Certification
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
I, Bret A. Conklin, certify that:
 
1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 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/ Bret A. Conklin
 
Bret A. Conklin, Chief Financial Officer
 
Horace Mann Educators Corporation
 
 
 
 
Date:
March 1, 2019
 




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, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Marita Zuraitis, 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/ Marita Zuraitis
 
Marita Zuraitis
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
Date:
March 1, 2019
 
 
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, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Bret A. Conklin, 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/ Bret A. Conklin
 
Bret A. Conklin
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
Date:
March 1, 2019
 
 
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, are not based on accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (non-GAAP) under applicable SEC rules because they are not displayed as separate line items in the Consolidated Statements of Operations or Consolidated Balance Sheets or are not required to be disclosed in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements or, in some cases, there is inclusion or exclusion of certain items not ordinarily included or excluded in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP).  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.
 
Book value per share excluding the fair value adjustment for investments - The result of dividing total shareholders’ equity excluding after tax net unrealized investment gains and losses on securities, including the related effect on certain deferred policy acquisition costs, by ending shares outstanding. Book value per share is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Management believes it is useful to consider the trend in book value per share excluding net unrealized investment gains and losses on securities in conjunction with book value per share to identify and analyze the change in net worth. Management also believes the non-GAAP measure is useful to investors because it eliminates the effect of items that can fluctuate significantly from period to period and are generally driven by economic developments, primarily financial market conditions, the magnitude and timing of which are generally not influenced by the Company’s underlying insurance operations.

Catastrophe costs - The sum of catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance and before income tax benefits that includes allocated loss adjustment expenses and reinsurance reinstatement premiums; excluding unallocated loss adjustment expenses.
 
Catastrophe losses - In categorizing property and casualty claims as being from a catastrophe, the Company utilizes the designations of the Property Claim Services, 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 claims and claim 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 of loss in advance. Their effects are not included in earnings or claim and claim 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.

Core earnings (loss) - Consolidated net income (loss) excluding the after-tax impact of net investment gains (losses), discontinued operations, the effect of a change in tax laws and tax rates at enactment date, and cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles when applicable. Net income is the most comparable GAAP measure.


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Pretax core earnings (loss) - Pretax net income (loss) excluding pretax impact of net investment gains (losses), discontinued operations, and cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles when applicable. Net income is the most comparable GAAP measure.
Segment core earnings - Determined in the same manner as core earnings on a consolidated basis. Management uses segment core earnings to analyze each segment's performance and as a tool in making business decisions. Financial statement users also consider core earnings when analyzing the results and trends of insurance companies.

Core earnings (loss) per share - Core earnings on a per common share basis. Earnings per share is the most comparable GAAP measure.

Exclusive distributor - A licensed representative of Horace Mann. Horace Mann utilizes multiple points of distribution, including, but not limited to, direct sales, employee agents and exclusive agents.

Insurance premiums written and contract deposits - Premiums written represent (1) the amount charged for policies issued during a fiscal period for property and casualty business, such amounts may be earned and included in financial results over future fiscal periods, and (2) the amount charged for policies in force during a fiscal period for traditional life and group life business. Amounts are reported net of reinsurance, unless otherwise specified. Contract deposits include amounts received from customers on deposit-type contracts, such as investment contracts (annuities) and life products with account values, including deposit amounts and any related contract or policy fees. Management utilizes this non-GAAP measure, which is based on statutory accounting principles, in analyzing and evaluating the business growth of its operating segments. Insurance premiums and contract charges earned is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

Net income 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 - referred to as 5 quarter average shareholder's equity.

Net income return on equity excluding net unrealized investment gains and losses on securities and the effect of a change in tax laws and tax rates at enactment date - The ratio of (1) trailing 12 month net income excluding the effect of a change in tax laws and tax rates at enactment date to (2) 5 quarter average shareholders' equity excluding net unrealized investment gains and losses on securities and the effect of a change in tax laws and tax rates at enactment date. Net income return on equity is the most comparable GAAP measure.
Core return on equity - The ratio of (1) trailing 12 month core earnings to (2) 5 quarter average shareholders' equity excluding the effect of a change in tax laws and tax rates at enactment date. Net income return on equity is the most comparable GAAP measure.
Core return on equity excluding net unrealized investment gains and losses on securities - The ratio of (1) trailing 12 month core earnings to (2) 5 quarter average shareholders’ equity excluding net unrealized investment gains and losses on securities and the effect of a change in tax laws and tax rates at enactment date. Net income return on equity is the most comparable GAAP measure.

Net reserves - Property and casualty unpaid claim and claim expense reserves net of anticipated reinsurance recoverables.


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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 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.

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.
Underlying loss ratio - The sum of the Loss Ratio adjusted to remove the effect of catastrophe costs and prior years' reserve development. The Loss Ratio is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Management believes this ratio provides a valuable measure of the Company's underlying underwriting performance that may be obscured by the effects of catastrophe costs and prior years' reserve development, the amounts of which may be significant and may vary significantly between periods.
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 net investment income.
Underlying combined ratio or combined ratio excluding catastrophe costs 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.  Management believes this ratio provides a valuable measure of the Company’s underlying underwriting performance that may be obscured by the effects of catastrophe costs and prior years’ reserve development, the amounts of which may be significant and may vary significantly between periods.

Sales - Sales are measured by the Company as premiums and deposits to be collected over the 12 months following the sale of a new policy for automobile, homeowners and life business, as well as increases in contributions to certain life business. In addition, the Company may disclose new policy count (units) information for automobile and homeowners business. Sales data pertains to Horace Mann products and excludes authorized products sold by Exclusive Distributors that are underwritten by third-party vendors. The Retirement segment’s sales deposits are measured by the Company based on total recurring deposits as well as single deposits/rollovers. Retirement sales deposits include deposits to mutual fund complexes for managed accounts and exclude any deposits made to the Company’s 401(k) and money purchase pension plan. Sales should not be viewed as a substitute for any GAAP measure, including "sales" as it relates to non-insurance companies, and the Company’s definition of sales, sales deposits or new annualized sales might differ from that used by other companies. The Company utilizes sales information as a performance measure that indicates the productivity of its agency force. Sales are also a leading indicator of future revenue trends.



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