2009 Annual Report
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
INCOME PER SHARE*
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
Income from Continuing Operations, As Adjusted**
$ 2.57
$ 2.51
$ 2.21
$ 1.80
$ 1.64
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
Regulatory Reassessment Charges
Special Tax Items and Debt Extinguishment Costs
Other
Income from Continuing Operations
Income from Discontinued Operations
Net Income
BOOK VALUE PER SHARE
Total Stockholders’ Equity
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities
Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs
Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment
Total Stockholders’ Equity, As Adjusted**
* Per Share Amounts for Operating Statement Data Assume Dilution.
—
—
—
—
2.57
—
(0.89)
—
—
—
1.62
—
(0.12)
(0.10)
(0.10)
—
1.89
0.02
0.01
(0.79)
0.23
(0.04)
1.21
0.02
(0.02)
(0.16)
0.14
0.01
1.61
0.03
$ 2.57
$ 1.62
$ 1.91
$ 1.23
$ 1.64
$25.62
$19.32
$22.28
$22.53
$24.66
1.14
1.12
(0.24)
(0.99)
—
(2.51)
1.38
(0.54)
(1.23)
—
0.99
0.50
0.35
1.56
0.57
0.34
(0.55)
(0.68)
3.49
0.91
0.07
—
—
—
(0.58)
$24.59
$22.22
$20.99
$20.74
$20.77
** We analyze our performance using non-GAAP financial measures which exclude certain items and the related tax thereon from net income. We believe “Income from
Continuing Operations, As Adjusted,” which is a non-GAAP financial measure and excludes realized investment gains and losses, which are recurring, and certain other
items as specified, is a better performance measure and a better indicator of the profitability and underlying trends in our business. Realized investment gains and losses
are primarily dependent on market conditions and general economic events and are not necessarily related to decisions regarding our underlying business. The exclusion
of certain other items specified above also enhances the understanding and comparability of our performance and the underlying fundamentals in our operations, but
this exclusion is not an indication that similar items may not recur. We also believe that book value per common share excluding accumulated other comprehensive
income or loss, which also tends to fluctuate depending on market conditions and general economic trends, is an important measure.
b
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The Building Blocks
of Success
Unum continued to make steady
progress in 2009, buoyed by a
back-to-basics approach to business
and a relentless focus on customers.
With its strong foundation, Unum is
well-positioned to help people protect
theirs – by providing financial security
for when they may need it the most.
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To Our Shareholders, Customers, and Colleagues:
I am very pleased with the results that we delivered in 2009 in
what remained a challenging business and economic environment.
The foundational principles that we laid out more than six years
ago, as we began our own restructuring efforts, have served us well
and also provide a roadmap for continued success in the future.
We had four overarching goals for the year — goals that haven’t
changed significantly over the last few years: consistently execute
on our operating plans; remain focused on disciplined, profitable
growth; work diligently to better leverage our leadership positions;
and continue to invest in our business and our people. I’m pleased
to say that we made solid progress on each of these goals in 2009,
and, as a result, our market leadership remains intact, our financial
position remains strong, and our company continues to be held in
high regard by key stakeholders.
Our plan has been, and remains, a back-to-basics approach to
business. First and foremost, we intensified our focus on our customers
in everything we did, which also forced us to better define the
businesses to which we could add the most value. Those in which
we couldn‘t perform as well or add value, we either repositioned
or exited.
We also took steps to better position our operations to be
responsive and responsible in our chosen markets, which included
instilling greater discipline in the pricing and underwriting of our
business. This has significantly reduced the risk in our business plan.
We have also worked to build a “fortress” balance sheet with a
well-positioned investment portfolio and a flexible capital position
that supports the business and creates shareholder value, not
dilutes it.
Last, and perhaps most importantly, we wanted to be sure that
through our values, culture, and business practices, we are known as a
company that does the right thing. This is always important, but never
more so than in an environment like today’s, where consumers,
regulators and often shareholders have lost confidence in business.
This back-to-basics approach has served us very well, and I’m
sure as others rebuild their businesses in response to the economic
and financial crisis, they may find that elements of our simple plan
have application to them also.
The improvements we’ve made haven’t come easily, and they would
not have been possible without the hard work and support of our
10,000 dedicated employees. I am extremely thankful for what they
have done — and continue to do — to position us for a bright future.
STrONG CONNeCTIONS IN THe MArkeT
While it may seem obvious, a key tenet of our back-to-basics
approach was to reaffirm our focus on serving employers and their
employees through employer-sponsored benefits. By focusing on
the workplace we are not only helping employers manage their
Thomas R. Watjen
President and Chief Executive Officer
“ We also took steps to better position
our operations to be responsive and
responsible in our chosen markets, which
included instilling greater discipline in the
pricing and underwriting of our business.”
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businesses, we are also helping individuals and their families
better prepare for life-changing events. We believe employer-
sponsored benefits represent the single most effective way to
provide workers with access to the information and options they
need to protect their lifestyle and provide financial security.
Working people and their families – particularly those at middle
and lower incomes who are perhaps the most vulnerable in
today’s economy — are often overlooked by many providers of
financial services and products. Yet in these uncertain times,
the need for all employees to have access to low-cost benefits
in the workplace has never been greater. For many people,
employer-sponsored benefits are the primary defense against
the potentially catastrophic fallout of death, illness, or injury.
We believe that employers care deeply about their employees
yet need help to develop solutions to better manage the challenges
they are facing in their businesses. More than ever before, employers
want benefits that can help them attract and retain quality
employees and manage an increasingly diverse workforce,
while at the same time managing the cost pressures they feel
in today’s environment.
We provide these benefits through three distinct, but similarly
focused businesses — Unum US, Colonial Life, and Unum UK —
which are market leaders in making disability, life, accident, and
critical illness products accessible in the workplace. Protecting
working people when they need it most, we paid nearly $6 billion
in benefits last year to individuals and families who were impacted
by life-changing events. We’re proud of our role in helping people
protect their financial security.
In addition to a broad portfolio of products, with our stable,
consistent presence in the market, an experienced workforce with
extensive knowledge of the benefits landscape, and industry-
leading customer service, we represent an attractive long-term
partner for our clients. According to third-party surveys, last
year we again outperformed our industry in key measures of
customer and claimant satisfaction – something that has not
gone unnoticed in the market.
Though we are proud of what we do today to support our
customers, we can’t be complacent as their needs are rapidly
changing in this environment. As a specialist in the benefits
market, we have the size and scale to make the investments
needed to respond to these market challenges. This past year,
unlike some in our industry, we continued to invest in the
business despite the challenging economic and financial
environment. We’ve made significant technology investments
within Unum US, for instance, in our underwriting and claim
management systems, while also expanding our Simply Unum
platform and the next generation of products, and improving
the training and development of our sales force. In the U.K.,
we re-launched our group life product and developed new
products intended to further expand the group market in
that country. And at Colonial Life, we developed a new
enrollment system and platform and added to our product and
service offering.
Our people remain our competitive advantage, and we have
continued to invest in them by providing additional training and
development opportunities and promoting an environment
of performance through our incentive and recognition programs.
We have also increased our focus on providing our management
team with the resources needed to help lead this company
into the future. We’re pleased that these and other efforts
have been recognized by our own employees in our work
environment surveys and have earned the company such
external accolades as “Best Employer for Healthy Lifestyles”
and one of the “Best Places to Work in Insurance.” When our
people are as engaged in the business as they are, it gives me
great confidence that we will continue to serve our customers
well and, in doing so, build value for our shareholders.
A SOLId FINANCIAL FOuNdATION
Our businesses continued to perform well in 2009 and generally
met our expectations as we delivered strong financial results for
the year, with pre-tax operating income for our three primary
businesses rising more than two percent to a record $1.3 billion.
• Operating income for unum uS, our largest business,
increased 13 percent to $775 million with continued
improvement in the group disability as well as the
supplemental and voluntary benefits lines, as we
continued to benefit from our shift to more profitable
sectors of the market, favorable claims experience, and
disciplined underwriting and pricing.
Total Shareholder Return
2005 – 2009
17.6%
2.1%
Unum
S&P 500
-5.4%
S&P Life
& Health
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To Our Shareholders, Customers, and Colleagues: continued
Earnings Per Share*
(excluding special items)
$2.51
$2.57
$2.21
$1.80
$1.64
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
*See the previous discussion of
non-GAAP financial measures
• unum uk reported operating income of $250 million, a
decline from prior year results that was driven primarily
by lower premium income and continued weakening of
the exchange rate.
• Operating income at Colonial Life increased nearly five
percent to $281 million, with continued strong margins and
premium persistency, as well as strong new account growth.
The steps we’ve taken to diversify our business, take a more
disciplined approach to pricing and underwriting, and strengthen
our investment portfolio have served us extremely well. We have
not been completely immune to current economic pressures,
however. Premium income for the year was below our long-term
expectations as many of our existing customers experienced
lower employment levels which adversely impacted our premium
levels. Despite this pressure, I continue to be encouraged by
the underlying trends we’re seeing in new customer accounts
and persistency, both of which are positive signs that we continue
to have a strong value proposition and that we should see
premium growth resume when employment conditions improve.
Our investment portfolio once again performed well in 2009
with the quality remaining strong, which is quite an accomplishment
in this environment. Our emphasis on sound risk management in
our portfolio, including credit and interest rate management, has
positioned us well and generally reduced the volatility in our
results, while also avoiding exposure to the asset classes that became
a drain on capital and liquidity for others in our industry.
We also continued to build balance sheet strength and a
strong and flexible capital position in 2009. Our capital strength
is a valuable asset in today’s environment. With this, we were
one of the few insurance companies to receive a ratings upgrade
over the last year. While we will continue to take a conservative
approach to managing our capital in this environment, it is also
important to remember that we have a history of returning
capital to shareholders when appropriate, with a 10-percent
dividend increase last year preceded by a share repurchase
program the previous year. We will continue to manage our
capital in a way that supports the business and the needs of
all stakeholders.
Although our stock appreciated a modest seven percent
in 2009, which was slightly below our peers, our three- and
five-year total returns continue to outperform not only our peers
but also the broader S&P 500. Our goal is to continue to create
long-term shareholder value, and I remain convinced that we
will continue to do so by generating consistent, profitable
growth while maintaining a strong, flexible financial position.
A CuLTure OF reSpONSIbILITy
I maintained earlier that being viewed as a company that always
does the right thing is important, but never more so than at this
time. Today, that defines your “brand” perhaps more than
anything else, including financial results. Throughout its history,
Unum has fostered a culture of responsibility, starting with what
we do to serve our customers during their time of need and
extending to the role we play in our communities, the commitment
we have to protecting the environment, and the work we do
to foster cooperation between the public and private sector.
We strongly believe that high-performing companies can and
should take an active role in giving back to their communities, and
last year Unum donated more than $6.6 million to charitable
organizations throughout the U.S. and the U.K., including more than
$1.2 million of employee contributions through our matching gifts
program. In addition to giving generously, our employees also lent
countless hours of their time to thousands of needy organizations.
These benefit a wide array of organizations, with a special
focus on disabilities, health and wellness, the arts and, most
significantly, public education. In the past year alone, our
public education efforts have helped thousands of individuals
through organizations like South High Community School in
Worcester, Mass., the Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands in
Columbia, S.C., Principal Leadership Academy in Chattanooga,
Tenn., and Jobs for Maine’s Graduates.
We are also conscious of the environment in all that we do.
In 2009, we made further reductions in our carbon footprint by
recycling more than 3.3 million pounds of paper and cardboard,
adopting a green cleaning program and reducing our overall
electricity usage by more than nine percent — all of which
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“ ...we enter 2010 with a strong connection
to our markets and well-designed business
plans, as well as a continued focus on
consistent, disciplined execution of these
plans, a solid financial foundation and
significant financial flexibility.”
helped earn us a place on Newsweek magazine’s inaugural
list of the top 100 “Greenest Companies in America.”
Today it’s essential that all companies take a more active role
in the political process, and we have certainly risen to the call.
Our commitment has taken many forms but has been especially
targeted toward educating policymakers in both the U.S. and U.K.
on the role our industry plays in protecting people’s financial
well-being. Working people today face dangerous gaps in their
financial security, and we at Unum are advocates for continued
cooperation between the public and private sectors to address
this critical need. Many individuals who have protection against
financial uncertainty acquire that protection through the workplace,
and we commend employers for the critical role they play in
providing this access to benefits. We are proud to be in this
business and will continue to work closely with policymakers
to help them recognize its importance. Decisions in Congress
and Parliament can have a significant impact on our markets
and our customers, and I can assure you we are engaged in
the process.
LOOkING AHeAd
This remains an unforgiving environment particularly for
financial services companies. Many will not only struggle to
regain their financial foothold, they will continue to battle
to restore trust and confidence on the part of many of their
stakeholders. Unfortunately, often there isn’t a simple or
immediate fix, and confidence is restored gradually over time
through performance — performance achieved by getting
back to the basics, focusing on customers, and developing
a sustainable business plan — something that has served us
well since 2003.
Risk-Based Capital*
382%
344%
332%
308%
299%
Because of these actions, we enter 2010 with a strong
connection to our markets and sound business plans, as well as
a continued focus on consistent, disciplined execution of these
plans, a solid financial foundation and significant financial
flexibility. We intend to stay with what has served us well
throughout this challenging environment, including staying
close to our customers and capitalizing on opportunities as
they emerge. While there are some clear signs of an economic
recovery, unemployment in both the U.S. and the U.K. remains
high — which will certainly impact our ability to grow — yet I have
never been more confident in our future.
We have delivered strong performance in some of the most
uncertain times any of us have ever experienced, which gives
me great confidence in our ability to capitalize on our position
in the marketplace. To do so, though, we will need to continue
to focus on the basics, a strategy that has served our customers,
employees, and shareholders well, and includes:
• A commitment to maintaining a strategy focused on meeting
the ever-changing needs of customers, regulators, and all
of our stakeholders;
• A focus on discipline and risk management — something
that has served us well and, when absent, has proven to
be the downfall of many in this environment;
• Maintaining a “fortress” balance sheet able to support our
business needs and a source of value to our shareholders; and
• Continuing to be a company noted for its commitment to
do the right things — for customers, the communities in
which we operate, our employees, and all those who put
their faith in our company.
I want to close by thanking all of our employees for their
continued dedication to delivering on our commitments to our
stakeholders, to our board of directors for their wise counsel
and support, and to our shareholders for continuing to show
your support of the company. For our part, I’m confident that if
we continue to execute on our business plans, we can build on
the progress we’ve made over the last few years and continue
to create long-term value for our stakeholders.
On behalf of all of us at Unum, I’d like to thank you for your
continued support of our company.
Regards,
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
*Combined RBC for Traditional
U.S. Insurance Subsidiaries
Thomas R. Watjen
President and Chief Executive Officer
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A Partner In
Building Stronger
Businesses
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By providing access to the benefits that can strengthen
personal financial foundations, employers play a crucial
role in helping to protect the economic stability of individuals,
their families and, ultimately, the societies we share.
The businesses that make up Unum cross a spectrum of products,
For the employers and employees we serve, the challenges
locations, and cultures, but the importance of our common mission
have never been more complex. An increasingly diverse work-
has never been clearer. We support employers as they navigate
force needs a broad range of benefits options. Resources are
the shifting landscape of employee benefits, offering expertise,
tight. Economies are uncertain. And employers are searching for
innovative products, and relevant solutions that help them manage
the best ways to provide the right benefits to the people who help
their businesses and take care of their employees.
their businesses thrive.
By offering insurance products that include disability, life
In this climate, it is more important than ever for employers
and critical illness, Unum helps employees protect their families
to focus their time and energy on managing their businesses
and livelihoods. For millions of working people, employee benefits
and taking care of their employees. Unum helps employers
are the primary backstop against the financial fallout of illness
maintain that focus by providing the benefits solutions and
or injury. Most people are unprepared for the impact of weeks
support they need and the benefits education and claims
or months without a paycheck. And government programs,
services employees expect.
which offer only the most basic protection, are under
By providing efficient, affordable access to those benefits,
increasing pressure from high demand and scarce resources.
employers strengthen not only their businesses, but also
individuals, families, and communities. At Unum, we’re proud of
the role we play in supporting the employers who strive to serve
the best interests of their businesses and their employees.
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A Provider Of
Innovative
Solutions For
U.S. Companies
uNuM uS
unique products To
Meet diverse Needs
In 2009, unum uS supported 72,000
businesses and organizations and
Employers know competitive benefits are a must-have in
recruiting and retaining a talented workforce. Their employees
protected more than 17 million people.
are looking for protection from the financial impact of injury or
illness, simplicity in their coverages, and help in understanding
the choices available to them.
As a market leader in employee benefits, Unum US understands
that the workplace is the primary source for valuable benefits
coverage and education. The work we do every day supports
employers as providers of access to benefits information and
guidance. Helping them offer the right benefits, control costs,
and strengthen their connections with employees are the goals
at the heart of our work.
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The Unum US mission is to be the absolute best at building
services, is transforming the benefits marketplace through an
meaningful and lasting connections between employers, their
approach to benefits that simplifies processes while still
employees, and the benefits we provide. Unum US delivers on
offering broad choice.
that commitment through an array of benefits solutions, including
Working as a benefits partner to employers means ensuring
education, enrollment services, and industry-leading claims
employees understand their choices, feel good about those
support that meets the evolving needs of both the employer
choices, and value the role their employer plays in offering
and employee.
them the access and education they need.
Targeted plan designs offer flexible funding and straight-
Most importantly, Unum US is there when our customers need
forward administration. Simply Unum, our integrated platform
us most, helping to protect the financial stability of millions
of products and online administrative, enrollment, and claims
of people.
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An Agent Of
Change In The
U.K. Benefits
Market
uNuM uk
At the end of 2009, unum uk
managed more than 15,000
New products To
expand The Market
plans and protected in excess of
“Mind the gap. Mind the gap, please.”
1.6 million lives.
This familiar refrain for passengers of London’s Underground
could easily be Unum UK’s business mantra. Government
welfare reforms have created a need to illustrate the significant
financial gap that may be exposed if workers become sick or
injured and unable to work. The gap underscores the important
role that disability, life and critical illness coverage can play in
establishing a financial safety net.
For nearly 40 years, Unum has been a leading provider of
income protection solutions in the United Kingdom, helping
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businesses make the most of their benefits programs by
to this will be a need to help educate individuals on their need
enabling individuals to protect their lifestyles, supporting their
to take personal responsibility to provide for what may happen
financial security if they become unable to work because of
in the future.
illness or injury.
Unum UK’s strategic focus is on helping address a real and
In the current economic climate, and amidst government
significant issue for the U.K. population, offering protection that
reforms, the need for Unum’s cutting-edge expertise in
can help reassure employees and their families that they are
financial protection solutions has never been greater. Unum
covered for whatever may happen in life.
is exploring ways in which it can stimulate market develop-
ment in new and different ways to help employers and their
employees take steps to address their protection needs. Core
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A Source
Of Stability
For Working
Americans
COLONIAL
LIFe
In 2009, Colonial Life supported
approximately 60,000 businesses
and organizations and protected
nearly 4 million people.
More benefits For
More businesses Than ever
At Colonial Life, benefits are personal.
Since 1939, Colonial Life has built its market leadership on
providing benefits solutions to meet personal financial needs.
Strong one-to-one relationships that help employers and their
employees understand and appreciate the benefits they have
available to them through the workplace are at the heart of
the Colonial Life culture.
Against a backdrop of rising health insurance costs, economic
pressures, increasing shift of benefits decision-making responsibility
to employees, and changing workplace demographics, Colonial
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Life’s broad portfolio of personal insurance products helps address
At the same time, voluntary benefits allow employers to
gaps that may exist in a strong financial safety net. Individual
offer an expanded benefits package to their employees with
protection includes disability, accident, life, cancer, critical illness,
little or no impact on the employers’ bottom line.
hospital confinement, and limited benefit medical coverage.
Today, Colonial Life offers many solutions in one convenient
As a complement to an employer’s core benefits program,
package: excellence in benefits communication, enrollment,
Colonial Life’s voluntary benefits enable employees to choose
service, and personal insurance products that make benefits
the coverages that best meet their personal and family needs
count for employers and their employees alike.
and protect their financial stability. And personal benefits
education helps ensure employees understand their coverages
and feel confident in the choices they make.
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Rick McKenney
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Frank Williamson
Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer
How would you describe unum’s
overall financial position today?
Clearly, unum is in a strong position
today with respect to excess capital.
How do you determine what the
“right” level of capital is? What are
your plans, if any, for this capital?
Rick: Our financial position is quite strong today and getting stronger. We continue
to generate very good operating earnings and cash flow in each of our businesses. The
capital backing our customers’ policies is at its highest level ever, and our holding
company capital is multiples of our annual needs. Underpinning this is the quality of our
investment portfolio, which withstood the financial crisis well and is even better
positioned today.
Rick: Determining the right amount of capital is a dynamic process that starts with our own
view of our risks and the capital we should hold to withstand severe market downturns.
We then take into account the views of our multiple constituencies, including policyholders,
regulators, rating agencies, and the capital markets. As for our plans, we look to take the
excess capital we are generating and invest it in growth, both in our current businesses,
as well as new opportunities. We will then evaluate returning capital to our shareholders
through dividends and by repurchasing our shares.
How would you rate the overall quality
of unum’s investment portfolio?
Frank: In a nutshell, we believe our portfolio is strong. Its quality has held up very
well despite the challenging environment, and our assets are generally well
matched with liabilities. Additionally, our exposure to commercial real estate —
an area of growing concern in the financial markets — is low.
The recent credit cycle has had minimal
impact on unum’s portfolio relative to
other financial services providers. To
what do you attribute this performance?
Frank: Our performance can be directly attributed to our overarching philosophy of
investing in a way that helps the company keep its commitment to its customers.
As part of this commitment, we are rigorous about creating an asset portfolio that
matches the needs of our policyholder liabilities, and we’re also extremely disciplined
in our credit research.
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A Solid Financial
Foundation
unum has performed well in this
recession, particularly when compared to
the 2001-2002 economic slowdown. What
are the reasons for this improvement?
How has unum been impacted most
by the economic downturn?
Rick: I think the company learned a lot from previous recessions. That is evident in our
focus on risk management which, over the last several years, has been an important
element of our strategy. As a result, we entered this recession a much stronger
company with reduced credit risk in our investment portfolio, diversified business units,
and a product portfolio disciplined in pricing and underwriting. It is also difficult to
compare the impacts of two different cycles, as there are many variables, which is
why a strong underpinning of risk management will continue to be our focus.
Rick: We have seen impacts from the downturn, and it has been primarily to our top-line
revenue growth. As you would see in the world at large, our customers haven’t been
growing their workforces, salaries, or benefits. Therefore we have seen very little of what
we would call “natural” growth in ongoing premiums. To counter that, we’ve had good
success in attracting new accounts, which should bode well for us when the general
employment picture improves.
The company has said it has significant
financial flexibility. How important
is this?
Rick: Having financial flexibility means having strategic flexibility, and it is a very valuable
asset for us. It gives us many options when it comes to exploring ways to invest in
what we have today and to grow the company for the future. As witnessed in the
economic downturn, our financial flexibility afforded us the ability to capitalize on
some of the dislocation in the market.
do you expect to make significant
changes to unum’s investment
portfolio going forward? do you
see opportunities given the
dislocations that have occurred
in the financial markets?
Given unum’s performance over the
last few years, are there opportunities
for the company’s ratings to be
revised upward?
Frank: Our philosophy has served us well, and, particularly since it’s tied to a commitment to
our customers, it isn’t going to change. Likewise, we don’t expect our portfolio to change
in a significant way, though we will continue to see gradual adjustments over time.
We are in a position to take responsible investment risks, and, where our credit
research indicates that there are good opportunities to create returns without undue
risk, we will choose those places to put new funds to work. The markets will continue
to be volatile, so we expect there to be opportunities to invest if we remain well-
prepared and have the financial flexibility to respond as they arise.
Rick: We see our position today as deserving of higher ratings. We were pleased that Fitch
recognized this with an upgrade to our financial strength ratings, and that AM Best moved us
to a positive outlook – particularly given the ongoing downgrades and negative outlooks for
many insurance companies in this environment. We will continue to focus on executing our
business plans, and ultimately we are not hindered by our current ratings in the marketplace.
We sold $1 billion of new business in 2009 and issued $350 million of debt, so our many
stakeholders already recognize our financial strength.
72441_G-73975_NAR.indd 15
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3/26/10 11:09 AM
Jon S. Fossel
Chairman of the Board of the Company
Trustee, Retired Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, OppenheimerFunds
Denver, Colorado
E. Michael Caulfield
Former President,
Mercer Human Resource Consulting
Madison, New Jersey
Pamela H. Godwin
President, Change Partners, Inc.
Havertown, Pennsylvania
Ronald E. Goldsberry
Deloitte Consulting
Detroit, Michigan
Kevin T. Kabat
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman, Fifth Third Bancorp
Cincinnati, Ohio
Thomas Kinser
Retired President and Chief Executive Officer,
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Gloria C. Larson
President, Bentley University
Waltham, Massachusetts
A.S. MacMillan, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer, Triaxia Partners, Inc.
Atlanta, Georgia
Edward J. Muhl
Retired National Leader,
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Bonita Springs, Florida
Michael J. Passarella
Retired Managing Partner,
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
William J. Ryan
Retired Chairman, TD Banknorth Inc.
Portland, Maine
Thomas R. Watjen
President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Board of
Directors
Senior
Officers
Thomas R. Watjen
President and Chief Executive Officer
Richard P. McKenney
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Robert O. Best
Executive Vice President,
Global Business Technology
Liston Bishop III
Executive Vice President and
General Counsel
Susan L. Ring
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Unum UK
Eileen C. Farrar
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Randall C. Horn
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Colonial Life
Joseph R. Foley
Senior Vice President and
Chief Marketing Officer
Kevin P. McCarthy
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Unum US
B. Franklin Williamson
Senior Vice President and
Chief Investment Officer
Committees
of the Board
Finance Committee
E. Michael Caulfield, Chairperson
Ronald E. Goldsberry
Kevin T. Kabat
Michael J. Passarella
William J. Ryan
Regulatory Compliance Committee
Gloria C. Larson, Chairperson
Kevin T. Kabat
A.S. MacMillan, Jr.
Edward J. Muhl
Audit Committee
Michael J. Passarella, Chairperson
E. Michael Caulfield
Thomas Kinser
Gloria C. Larson
Governance Committee
William J. Ryan, Chairperson
Pamela H. Godwin
Ronald E. Goldsberry
Human Capital Committee
A.S. MacMillan, Jr., Chairperson
Pamela H. Godwin
Thomas Kinser
Edward J. Muhl
16
72441_G-73975_NAR.indd 16
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Financial Review
2009
18 Selected Financial Data
20
84
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
About Market Risk
86 Consolidated Balance Sheets
88 Consolidated Statements of Income
89 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
90 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
91
Consolidated Statements
of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
92 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
153
Reports of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm and Management’s
Annual Report on Internal Control Over
Financial Reporting
156
Cautionary Statement Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 17
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Unum
2009
Selected Financial Data
(in millions of dollars, except share data)
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
At or for the Year Ended December 31
Income Statement Data
Revenue
Premium Income
Net Investment Income
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
Other Income
Total
Benefits and Expenses
$ 7,475.5
$ 7,783.3
$ 7,901.1
$ 7,948.2
$ 7,815.6
2,346.6
2,389.0
2,409.9
2,320.6
2,188.3
11.7
257.2
(465.9)
275.9
(65.2)
274.1
2.2
264.3
(6.7)
262.1
10,091.0
9,982.3
10,519.9
10,535.3
10,259.3
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits (1)
6,291.6
6,626.4
6,988.2
7,577.2
7,083.2
Commissions
Interest and Debt Expense (2)
Other Expenses (3)
Total
837.1
125.4
853.3
156.7
841.1
241.9
819.0
217.6
804.7
208.0
1,544.6
1,521.9
1,451.5
1,456.1
1,469.5
8,798.7
9,158.3
9,522.7
10,069.9
9,565.4
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Tax
1,292.3
Income Tax (4)
Income from Continuing Operations
Income from Discontinued Operations
439.7
852.6
—
824.0
270.8
553.2
—
997.2
324.8
672.4
6.9
465.4
61.8
403.6
7.4
693.9
189.9
504.0
9.6
Net Income
Balance Sheet Data
Assets
Long-term Debt
$ 852.6
$ 553.2
$ 679.3
$ 411.0
$ 513.6
$54,477.0
$49,417.4
$52,701.9
$52,977.8
$51,975.8
$ 2,549.6
$ 2,259.4
$ 2,515.2
$ 2,659.6
$ 3,261.6
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
$ 341.0
$ (958.2)
$ 463.5
$ 612.8
$ 1,163.5
Other Stockholders’ Equity
Total Stockholders’ Equity
8,159.1
7,356.1
7,576.4
7,106.0
6,200.4
$ 8,500.1
$ 6,397.9
$ 8,039.9
$ 7,718.8
$ 7,363.9
18
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
At or for the Year Ended December 31
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
$ 2.57
$ 2.57
$ 1.62
$ 1.62
$ 1.90
$ 1.89
$ 1.25
$ 1.21
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ 0.02
$ 0.02
$ 0.02
$ 0.02
$ 2.57
$ 2.57
$25.62
$0.315
$ 1.62
$ 1.62
$19.32
$0.300
$ 1.92
$ 1.91
$22.28
$0.300
$ 1.27
$ 1.23
$22.53
$0.300
$ 1.71
$ 1.61
$ 0.03
$ 0.03
$ 1.74
$ 1.64
$24.66
$0.300
Per Share Data
Income from Continuing Operations
Basic
Assuming Dilution
Income from Discontinued Operations
Basic
Assuming Dilution
Net Income
Basic
Assuming Dilution
Stockholders’ Equity
Cash Dividends
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding
Basic (000s)
Assuming Dilution (000s)
331,266.2
341,022.8
352,969.1
324,654.9
295,776.4
332,136.2
341,560.3
355,776.5
334,361.7
312,512.6
(1) Included are regulatory claim reassessment charges of $65.8 million, $396.4 million, and $52.7 million in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.
(2) Included are costs related to early retirement of debt of $0.4 million, $58.8 million, and $25.8 million in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.
(3) Includes the net increase in deferred acquisition costs, compensation expense, and other expenses. Included in these expenses are regulatory claim reassessment
charges (credits) and broker compensation settlement expenses of $(12.8) million, $33.5 million, and $22.3 million in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.
(4) Amounts reported for 2006 and 2005 include income tax benefits of $91.9 million primarily as the result of group relief benefits obtained from the use of net operating
losses in a foreign jurisdiction in which our businesses operate and $42.8 million related to the reduction of income tax liabilities, respectively.
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 19
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Unum
2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The discussion and analysis presented in this section should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and
notes thereto.
Executive Summary
We believe we have successfully developed an overall risk management structure that focuses on risk at all levels of our organization.
Through our operational risk strategy, we continue to focus on delivering the highest quality customer experience and continuous improvement
initiatives, which we believe will both mitigate future business volatility and further strengthen our reputation. Through our insurance risk
strategy, we have maintained our emphasis on pricing our business for profitable growth, and we have improved our risk profile through the
development of a more balanced business mix across our product lines and the markets we serve. Through our investment risk strategy,
we have managed our claim reserve discount rates relative to investment portfolio yield rates, avoided certain asset class problems, and
continued to operate within a conservative investment risk appetite. Through the implementation of our capital management risk strategy,
we have strengthened our balance sheet and maintained financial flexibility which we believe will support our operations over various
economic cycles. Collectively, these efforts will help us manage operational, insurance, investment, and capital risk across our enterprise.
Throughout 2009, we continued our focus on a number of key areas. Our objectives for 2009 were:
• Consistent execution of our operating plans. We continued our emphasis on disciplined, profitable growth.
• Maintain a strong investment portfolio. We maintained disciplined credit analysis in our selection of investment assets and
continued to be conservative within our investment risk tolerances.
• Build and effectively use capital. We continued to build capital and manage it effectively within our capital management
strategy objectives.
• Professional development of our employees. We continued our focus on employee training and development as well as
talent management.
2009 Operating Performance
Our Unum US segment reported an increase in segment operating income of 13.3 percent in 2009 compared to last year, with the
risk experience across our product lines remaining generally stable despite the difficult environment. The benefit ratio for Unum US was
79.1 percent for 2009 compared to 80.6 percent in the prior year, with group disability reporting a benefit ratio of 86.3 percent in 2009
compared to 89.9 percent in 2008. This was consistent with our goal of continual profit margin improvement for our Unum US group disability
line of business. Unum US premium income decreased 1.8 percent in 2009 compared to 2008. Market dynamics, including the ongoing high
levels of unemployment and the competitive environment, continued to pressure our sales and premium income growth. In particular,
premium growth from existing customers was unfavorably impacted by lower salary growth and lower growth in the number of employees
covered under an existing policy. Unum US sales increased 1.2 percent in 2009 compared to last year. Our group core market segment,
which we define for Unum US as employee groups with fewer than 2,000 lives, reported a sales increase of 7.9 percent in 2009 relative to
the prior year. The number of new accounts in our core market segment increased 6.5 percent relative to 2008. Sales in the group large case
market segment increased 1.2 percent compared to 2008. Our supplemental and voluntary sales, which were negatively impacted by
the current economic conditions, decreased 6.8 percent in 2009 relative to the prior year. New products and initiatives in 2009 included
significant technology investments in our underwriting and claim management systems; expansion of our Simply Unum platform and the
next generation of products; an increase in our enrollment teams to build enrollment capacity; and investments in training, development,
and expansion of our sales force.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Our Unum UK segment reported a decrease in segment operating income of 7.3 percent for 2009, as measured in Unum UK’s local
currency, relative to last year. The decrease was driven primarily by an 8.3 percent decline in premium income due to a smaller in-force block
of group disability business resulting from lower sales and persistency during 2008 and 2007, primarily as a result of the competitive U.K.
market. Similar to Unum US, premium income for Unum UK was also negatively impacted during 2009 by lower premium growth from existing
customers. The benefit ratio for Unum UK was 54.5 percent in 2009 compared to 57.5 percent in the prior year, with declining disability claim
incidence and stable claim recoveries for group disability. Overall sales in Unum UK increased 42.9 percent in 2009 compared to the prior year,
aided by the exit of another large insurance provider from the U.K. group risk market. Persistency generally improved over the levels of 2008.
New initiatives in 2009 included the relaunch of our group life product and the development of new products intended to further expand the
group market in the U.K.
Our Colonial Life segment reported an increase in segment operating income of 4.8 percent in 2009 compared to last year. Premium
income increased 3.9 percent in 2009 despite the difficult environment. Risk results were generally in line with our expectations, with a
benefit ratio of 47.3 percent in 2009 compared to 47.5 percent in 2008. Colonial Life’s sales in 2009 increased 1.1 percent relative to last year,
with a 7.2 percent growth in new account sales and a 2.3 percent decline in existing account sales. The largest sales growth by market segment
was in the public sector, with growth of 11.8 percent. The number of new accounts and new contracts both increased relative to the prior
year, while the average new case size declined. New initiatives for 2009 included continued implementation of a new enrollment system
and platform and investments in growing and expanding the sales force with particular focus on recruiting, training, and sales incentives.
Our investment strategy continues to serve as an important component of our overall business performance. We are focused on both
the quality of our investment portfolio and on investing new money in investments appropriate for our liabilities. The weighted average credit
rating of our portfolio was A3 as of the end of 2009. The net unrealized gain on our fixed maturity securities was $2.0 billion at the end of
2009, compared to a loss of $2.3 billion at year end 2008. Our net investment income in 2009 was 1.8 percent below the level of the prior
year, due primarily to the weaker pound to dollar exchange rate, fewer bond call premiums and consent fees, lower income on bonds in
Unum UK for which interest income is linked to an inflation index, and lower interest rates on floating rate assets. The impact on operating
results from the lower net investment income on floating rate assets and the inflation index-linked investments was partially offset by lower
debt interest expense and benefits and reserves. Although our 2009 results include net realized investment losses on fixed maturity securities
that we either sold or considered other-than-temporarily impaired, we believe our investment portfolio is well positioned. We have low levels
of below-investment-grade securities, no exposure to subprime mortgages, “Alt-A” loans, or collateralized debt obligations in our asset-backed
or mortgage-backed securities portfolios, and minimal exposure to collateralized debt obligations within our public bond portfolio.
We believe our capital and financial position are very strong. At the end of 2009, the risk-based capital ratio for our traditional U.S.
insurance subsidiaries, calculated on a weighted average basis using the NAIC Company Action Level formula, was approximately 382 percent,
compared to 332 percent at the end of 2008. Our leverage ratio, when calculated excluding the non-recourse debt and associated capital of
Tailwind Holdings, LLC (Tailwind Holdings) and Northwind Holdings, LLC (Northwind Holdings), was 20.5 percent at December 31, 2009
compared to 21.5 percent at December 31, 2008. Our leverage ratio, when calculated using consolidated debt to total consolidated capital,
was 24.8 percent at December 31, 2009 compared to 26.6 percent at December 31, 2008. The cash and marketable securities at our holding
companies equaled approximately $915 million at the end of 2009 compared to $526 million at the end of 2008.
Further discussion is included in “Segment Results,” “Investments,” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” contained herein.
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 21
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Unum
2009
Outlook for 2010
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
During 2010, we intend to continue our focus on a number of key areas.
• Consistently execute our operating plans with an emphasis on disciplined, profitable growth.
• Further enhance financial flexibility through solid operating and investment performance, as well as a disciplined approach to
capital management.
• Continue to invest in our business, including our products and services, as well as in the professional development of our employees.
• Remain positioned to capitalize on long-term growth opportunities in the marketplace.
Looking ahead, we have confidence in our overall financial position as well as our position in the markets in which we operate. While
this economic environment continues to present a number of challenges, not the least of which is an uncertain employment outlook, we
believe substantial opportunities exist for our business, and we will continue to take steps to ensure that we are well-positioned to
capitalize on them.
Specifically, we will continue our disciplined approach to growth and risk management during 2010. We intend to closely monitor
emerging risks and adjust our strategies as appropriate. We expect our capital to continue to build as we take a conservative approach to
capital deployment and seek to retain significant financial flexibility.
From a growth standpoint, we expect that 2010 may be characterized by earnings growth somewhat below our longer-term
expectations for our business areas due to continuing pressures on new revenue. Although we expect sales and premium growth during
2010 in a number of our product lines as we implement our market strategies, consolidated sales and premium income may continue to
be impacted by the recession. This may be reflected by slower growth in sales and premiums resulting from the high unemployment rates,
lower salary growth, and lower growth in the number of employees covered under existing customer policies.
We have thus far seen little recessionary impact on our group disability incidence levels. We will continue to focus on disciplined
underwriting, pricing, claims management, investment strategies, and expense management.
Regulatory Issues
During 2007, we completed the claim reassessment process required by the 2004 and 2005 regulatory settlement agreements. The
lead regulators conducted a final examination and presented their findings to Unum Group’s board of directors and management on April 14,
2008. The report of the multistate market conduct examination for the Maine Bureau of Insurance, Massachusetts Division of Insurance,
New York State Insurance Department, Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, and other participating jurisdictions as well as
the report of the California Department of Insurance market conduct examination both provided that we satisfactorily complied with each
of the agreements’ mandates and that no fines will be assessed.
Prior to completion of the claim reassessment process, in the second quarter of 2007 we increased our provision for the estimated cost
of the claim reassessment process $53.0 million before tax and $34.5 million after tax based on changes in our emerging experience for the
number of decisions being overturned and the average cost per reassessed claim. The revised second quarter of 2007 estimate was based
on the cost of approximately 99 percent of the potential inventory of claim reassessment information forms returned to us, with our claim
reassessment on approximately 88 percent of the forms completed at that time. At the time of our second quarter of 2007 revision, we had
not yet finalized our claim reassessment on the remaining forms but had performed a financial review and included that information in our
analysis of emerging experience. Additional information regarding the second quarter revision to our estimate is as follows:
1. We increased our previous estimate for benefit costs for claims reopened for our Unum US group long-term disability product line
$76.5 million. The revision related to the increase during the second quarter of 2007 in the overturn rate and the average cost, as
well as a slightly higher number of claims.
2. We decreased our previous estimate for benefit costs for claims reopened for our Individual Disability — Closed Block segment $10.7
million. Although the experience relative to our assumptions for the overturn rate was slightly higher, experience indicated that the
total number of claims for this segment would be fewer than our previous assumptions.
22
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
3. We decreased our previous estimate for the additional incremental direct claim reassessment operating expenses $12.8 million due
to our projections for an earlier completion of the reassessment process. We released $10.3 million for Unum US group long-term
disability and $2.5 million for our Individual Disability — Closed Block segment.
4. These second quarter of 2007 adjustments to our claim reassessment costs decreased 2007 before-tax operating earnings for
our Unum US group disability line of business $66.2 million and increased 2007 before-tax operating earnings for our Individual
Disability — Closed Block segment $13.2 million.
Acquisitions and Dispositions
During the first quarter of 2008, we established a new company, Unum Ireland Limited, which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary
of Unum Group. The purpose of Unum Ireland Limited is to expand our information technology resource options to ensure that our resource
capacity keeps pace with the growing demand for information technology support. This subsidiary is located in Carlow, Ireland.
During the first quarter of 2007, we completed the sale of our wholly-owned subsidiary, GENEX Services, Inc. (GENEX), a leading
workers’ compensation and medical cost containment services provider. Our growth strategy is focused on the development of our primary
markets, and GENEX’s specialty role in case management and medical cost containment related to the workers’ compensation market was
no longer consistent with our overall strategic direction. We recognized an after-tax gain on the transaction of approximately $6.2 million.
See Note 2 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.
Accounting Updates
For information on accounting updates and the impact, if any, on our financial position or results of operations, see Note 1 of the
“Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”
Critical Accounting Estimates
We prepare our financial statements in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP
requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in our financial statements and accompanying notes. The
accounting estimates we deem to be most critical to our results of operations and balance sheets are those related to reserves for policy
and contract benefits, deferred acquisition costs, valuation of investments, pension and postretirement benefit plans, income taxes, and
contingent liabilities. Estimates and assumptions could change in the future as more information becomes known, which could impact the
amounts reported and disclosed in our financial statements.
For additional information, refer to our significant accounting policies in Note 1 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”
Reserves for Policy and Contract Benefits
Our largest liabilities are reserves for claims that we estimate we will eventually pay to our policyholders. The two primary categories
of reserves are policy reserves for claims not yet incurred and claim reserves for claims that have been incurred or are estimated to have
been incurred but not yet reported to us. These reserves equaled $37.8 billion and $37.2 billion at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively,
or approximately 82 percent of our total liabilities at year end 2009. Reserves ceded to reinsurers were $6.7 billion at December 31, 2009 and
2008 and are reported as a reinsurance recoverable in our consolidated balance sheets.
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 23
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Unum
2009
Policy Reserves
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Policy reserves are established in the same period we issue a policy and equal the difference between projected future policy benefits
and future premiums, allowing a margin for expenses and profit. These reserves relate primarily to our traditional non interest-sensitive
products, including our individual disability, individual and group long-term care, and voluntary benefits products in our Unum US segment;
individual disability products in our Unum UK segment; disability and cancer and critical illness policies in our Colonial Life segment; and,
the Individual Disability — Closed Block segment products. The reserves are calculated based on assumptions that were appropriate at the
date the policy was issued and are not subsequently modified unless the policy reserves become inadequate (i.e., loss recognition occurs).
• Persistency assumptions are based on our actual historical experience adjusted for future expectations.
• Claim incidence and claim resolution rate assumptions related to mortality and morbidity are based on actual experience or industry
standards adjusted as appropriate to reflect our actual experience and future expectations.
• Discount rate assumptions are based on our current and expected net investment returns.
In establishing policy reserves, we use assumptions that reflect our best estimate while considering the potential for adverse variances
in actual future experience, which results in a total policy reserve balance that has an embedded reserve for adverse deviation. We do not,
however, establish an explicit and separate reserve as a provision for adverse deviation from our assumptions.
We perform loss recognition tests on our policy reserves annually, or more frequently if appropriate, using best estimate assumptions
as of the date of the test, without a provision for adverse deviation. We group the policy reserves for each major product line within a
segment when we perform the loss recognition tests. If the policy reserves determined using these best estimate assumptions are higher
than our existing policy reserves net of any deferred acquisition cost balance, the existing policy reserves are increased or deferred acquisition
costs are reduced to immediately recognize the deficiency. Thereafter, the policy reserves for the product line are calculated using the same
method we used for the loss recognition testing, referred to as the gross premium valuation method, wherein we use our best estimate as
of the gross premium valuation (loss recognition) date rather than the initial policy issue date to determine the expected future claims,
commissions, and expenses we will pay and the expected future gross premiums we will receive.
Because the key policy reserve assumptions for policy persistency, mortality and morbidity, and discount rates are all locked in at policy
issuance based on assumptions appropriate at that time, policy reserve assumptions are not changed due to a change in claim status from
active to disabled subsequent to policy issuance. Therefore, we maintain policy reserves for a policy for as long as the policy remains in-force,
even after a separate claim reserve is established. Incidence rates in industry standard valuation tables for policy reserves have traditionally
included all lives, active and disabled. In addition, the waiver of premium provision provides funding for the policy reserve while a policyholder
is disabled. As a result, the funding mechanisms and the cost of claims are aligned and require a policy reserve to be held while on claim.
In addition, most policies allow for multiple occurrences of claims, and a policy reserve is consequently still maintained at the time of claim
to fund any potential future claims. The policy reserves build up and release over time based on assumptions made at the time of policy
issuance such that the reserve is eliminated as policyholders reach the terminal age for coverage, die, or voluntarily lapse the policy.
Policy reserves for Unum US, Unum UK, and Colonial Life products, which at December 31, 2009 represented approximately 37.4 percent,
0.2 percent, and 9.3 percent, respectively, of our total gross policy reserves, are determined using the net level premium method as prescribed
by GAAP. In applying this method, we use, as applicable by product type, morbidity and mortality incidence rate assumptions, claim resolution
rate assumptions, and policy persistency assumptions, among others, to determine our expected future claim payments and expected future
premium income. We then apply an interest, or discount, rate to determine the present value of the expected future claims, commissions,
and expenses we will pay and the expected future premiums we will receive, with a provision for profit allowed.
Policy reserves for our Individual Disability — Closed Block segment, which at December 31, 2009, represented approximately 10.4 percent
of our total gross policy reserves, are determined using the gross premium valuation method based on assumptions established as of
January 1, 2004, the date of loss recognition. Key assumptions are policy persistency, claim incidence, claim resolution rates, commission
rates, and maintenance expense rates. We then apply an interest, or discount, rate to determine the present value of the expected future
claims, commissions, and expenses we will pay as well as the expected future premiums we will receive. There is no provision for profit. The
24
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
interest rate is based on our expected net investment returns on the investment portfolio supporting the reserves for this segment. Under
the gross premium valuation method, we do not include an embedded provision for the risk of adverse deviation from these assumptions.
Gross premium valuation assumptions do not change after the date of loss recognition unless reserves are again determined to be deficient.
We perform loss recognition tests on the policy reserves for this block of business quarterly.
The Corporate and Other segment includes certain products no longer actively marketed, the majority of which have been reinsured.
Policy reserves for this segment represent $5.6 billion on a gross basis, or approximately 42.7 percent, of our total policy reserves. We have
ceded $4.3 billion of the related policy reserves to reinsurers. The ceded reserve balance is reported in our consolidated balance sheets as
a reinsurance recoverable. We continue to service a block of group pension products, which we have not ceded, and the policy reserves for
these products are based on expected mortality rates and retirement rates. Expected future payments are discounted at interest rates
reflecting the anticipated investment returns for the assets supporting the liabilities.
Claim Reserves
Claim reserves are established when a claim is incurred or is estimated to have been incurred but not yet reported (IBNR) to us and, as
prescribed by GAAP, equals our long-term best estimate of the present value of the liability for future claim payments and claim adjustment
expenses. A claim reserve is based on actual known facts regarding the claim, such as the benefits available under the applicable policy, the
covered benefit period, and the age and occupation of the claimant, as well as assumptions derived from our actual historical experience
and expected future changes in experience for factors such as the claim duration and discount rate. Reserves for IBNR claims, similar to
incurred claim reserves, include our assumptions for claim duration and discount rates but because we do not yet know the facts regarding
the specific claims, are also based on historical incidence rate assumptions, including claim reporting patterns, the average cost of claims,
and the expected volumes of incurred claims. Our incurred claim reserves and IBNR claim reserves do not include any provision for the risk
of adverse deviation from our assumptions.
Claim reserves, unlike policy reserves, are subject to revision as current claim experience and projections of future factors affecting
claim experience change. Each quarter we review our emerging experience to ensure that our claim reserves are appropriate. If we believe,
based on our actual experience and our view of future events, that our long-term assumptions need to be modified, we adjust our reserves
accordingly with a charge or credit to our current period income.
Multiple estimation methods exist to establish claim reserve liabilities, with each method having its own advantages and disadvantages.
Available reserving methods utilized to calculate claim reserves include the tabular reserve method, the paid development method, the
incurred loss development method, the count and severity method, and the expected claim cost method. No singular method is better
than the others in all situations and for all product lines. The estimation methods we have chosen are those that we believe produce the
most reliable reserves at that time.
Claim reserves supporting our Unum US group and individual disability and group and individual long-term care lines of business and
our Individual Disability — Closed Block segment represent approximately 39.4 percent and 43.2 percent, respectively, of our total claim
reserves at December 31, 2009. We use a tabular reserve methodology for group and individual long-term disability and group and
individual long-term care claims that have been reported. Under the tabular reserve methodology, reserves for reported claims are based
on certain characteristics of the actual reported claimants, such as age, length of time disabled, and medical diagnosis. We believe the tabular
reserve method is the most accurate to calculate long-term liabilities and allows us to use the most available known facts about each claim.
IBNR claim reserves for our long-term products are calculated using the count and severity method using historical patterns of the claims to
be reported and the associated claim costs. For group short-term disability products, an estimate of the value of future payments to be
made on claims already submitted, as well as IBNR claims, is determined in aggregate rather than on the individual claimant basis that we
use for our long-term products, using historical patterns of claim incidence as well as historical patterns of aggregate claim resolution rates.
The average length of time between the event triggering a claim under a policy and the final resolution of those claims is much shorter for
these products than for our long-term liabilities and results in less estimation variability.
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 25
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2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Claim reserves supporting the Unum US group life and accidental death and dismemberment products represent approximately 3.7 percent
of our total claim reserves at December 31, 2009. Claim reserves for these products are related primarily to death claims reported but not
yet paid, IBNR death claims, and a liability for waiver of premium benefits. The death claim reserve is based on the actual face amount to
be paid, the IBNR reserve is calculated using the count and severity method, and the waiver of premium benefits reserve is calculated
using the tabular reserve methodology.
Claim reserves supporting our Unum UK segment represent approximately 9.2 percent of our total claim reserves at December 31, 2009,
and are calculated using generally the same methodology that we use for Unum US disability and group life reserves. The assumptions
used in calculating claim reserves for this line of business are based on standard United Kingdom industry experience, adjusted for Unum
UK’s own experience.
The majority of the Colonial Life segment lines of business have short-term benefits, which have less estimation variability than our
long-term products because of the shorter claim payout period. Our claim reserves for Colonial Life’s lines of business, which approximate
1.3 percent of our total claim reserves at December 31, 2009, are predominantly determined using the incurred loss development method
based on our own experience. The incurred loss development method uses the historical patterns of payments by loss date to predict
future claim payments for each loss date. Where the incurred loss development method may not be appropriate, we estimate the incurred
claims using an expected claim cost per policy or other measure of exposure. The key assumptions for claim reserves for the Colonial Life
lines of business are: (1) the timing, rate, and amount of estimated future claim payments; and (2) the estimated expenses associated with
the payment of claims.
The following table displays policy reserves, incurred claim reserves, and IBNR claim reserves by major product line, with the summation
of the policy reserves and claim reserves shown both gross and net of the associated reinsurance recoverable. Incurred claim reserves
represent reserves determined for each incurred claim and also include estimated amounts for litigation expenses and other expenses
associated with the payment of the claims as well as provisions for claims which we estimate will be reopened for our long-term care
products. IBNR claim reserves include provisions for incurred but not reported claims and a provision for reopened claims for our disability
products. The IBNR and reopen claim reserves for our disability products are developed and maintained in aggregate based on historical
monitoring that has only been on a combined basis.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
December 31, 2009
Gross
Claim Reserves
%
Incurred
IBNR
%
Total
Total
Reinsurance
Ceded
Total
Net
Policy
Reserves
$ —
—% $ 7,685.3
$ 586.1
33.6% $ 8,271.4 $ 73.7 $ 8,197.7
(in millions of dollars)
Group Disability
Group Life and Accidental
Death & Dismemberment
70.2
0.5
748.4
163.3
3.7
981.9
1.8
980.1
Individual Disability —
Recently Issued
Long-term Care
Voluntary Benefits
Unum US Segment
Unum UK Segment
Colonial Life Segment
Individual Disability —
516.5
3.9
3,376.8
25.5
996.5
7.5
4,960.0
37.4
26.8
1,234.2
0.2
9.3
949.5
350.1
21.6
9,754.9
2,096.8
232.9
91.2
36.7
44.2
921.5
161.5
87.7
4.2
1.6
0.3
43.4
9.2
1.3
1,557.2
3,763.6
1,062.3
15,636.4
2,285.1
1,554.8
87.5
50.2
21.2
234.4
113.1
24.7
1,469.7
3,713.4
1,041.1
15,402.0
2,172.0
1,530.1
Closed Block Segment
Corporate and Other Segment
1,376.8
5,649.5
10.4
42.7
10,290.9
455.7
330.5
253.3
43.2
2.9
11,998.2
1,438.2
10,560.0
6,358.5
4,920.0
1,456.5
Subtotal, Excl. Unrealized Adj.
$13,247.3 100.0% $22,831.2 $1,754.5 100.0%
37,833.0
6,712.4
31,120.6
Unrealized Adjustment to Reserves
for Unrealized Gain on Securities
Consolidated
(in millions of dollars)
Group Disability
Group Life and Accidental
1,644.7
127.2
1,517.5
$39,477.7 $6,839.6 $32,638.1
December 31, 2008
Gross
Claim Reserves
%
Incurred
IBNR
%
Total
Total
Reinsurance
Ceded
Total
Net
Policy
Reserves
$ —
—% $ 7,799.1
$ 583.1
34.3%
$ 8,382.2 $ 81.1 $ 8,301.1
Death & Dismemberment
72.9
0.6
750.1
170.3
3.8
993.3
0.9
992.4
Individual Disability —
Recently Issued
Long-term Care
Voluntary Benefits
Unum US Segment
Unum UK Segment
Colonial Life Segment
Individual Disability —
493.6
3.9
2,915.3
22.9
925.5
7.2
4,407.3
34.6
22.6
1,172.2
0.2
9.2
882.5
295.9
21.1
9,748.7
1,887.6
237.0
Closed Block Segment
Corporate and Other Segment
1,527.6
5,605.4
12.0
44.0
10,239.9
490.7
90.3
35.2
37.0
915.9
181.5
97.3
350.3
270.1
4.0
1.3
0.2
43.6
8.5
1.4
43.4
3.1
1,466.4
3,246.4
983.6
15,071.9
2,091.7
1,506.5
84.1
48.9
19.1
234.1
102.7
31.1
1,382.3
3,197.5
964.5
14,837.8
1,989.0
1,475.4
12,117.8
1,456.6
10,661.2
6,366.2
4,853.8
1,512.4
Subtotal, Excl. Unrealized Adj.
$12,735.1 100.0% $22,603.9
$1,815.1
100.0%
37,154.1
6,678.3
30,475.8
Unrealized Adjustment to Reserves
for Unrealized Loss on Securities
Consolidated
.
(803.1)
(31.9)
(771.2)
$36,351.0 $6,646.4 $29,704.6
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2009
Key Assumptions
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The calculation of policy and claim reserves involves numerous assumptions, but the primary assumptions used to calculate reserves
are (1) the discount rate, (2) the claim resolution rate, and (3) the claim incidence rate for policy reserves and IBNR claim reserves. Of these
assumptions, our discount rate and claim resolution rate assumptions have historically had the most significant effects on our level of
reserves because many of our product lines provide benefit payments over an extended period of time.
1. The discount rate, which is used in calculating both policy reserves and incurred and IBNR claim reserves, is the interest rate that we
use to discount future claim payments to determine the present value. A higher discount rate produces a lower reserve. If the discount
rate is higher than our future investment returns, our invested assets will not earn enough investment income to support our future
claim payments. In this case, the reserves may eventually be insufficient. We set our assumptions based on our current and expected
future investment yield of the assets supporting the reserves, considering current and expected future market conditions. If the
investment yield on new investments that are purchased is below or above the investment yield of the existing investment portfolio,
it is likely that the discount rate assumption on claims will be established to reflect the effect of the new investment yield.
2. The claim resolution rate, used for both policy reserves and incurred and IBNR claim reserves, is the probability that a disability claim
will close due to recovery or death of the insured. It is important because it is used to estimate how long benefits will be paid for a
claim. Estimated resolution rates that are set too high will result in reserves that are lower than they need to be to pay the claim
benefits over time. Claim resolution assumptions involve many factors, including the cause of disability, the policyholder’s age, the
type of contractual benefits provided, and the time since initially becoming disabled. We use our own claim experience to develop
our claim resolution assumptions. These assumptions are established for the probability of death and the probability of recovery from
disability. Our studies review actual claim resolution experience over a number of years, with more weight placed on our experience
in the more recent years. We also consider any expected future changes in claim resolution experience.
3. The incidence rate, used for policy reserves and IBNR claim reserves, is the rate at which new claims are submitted to us. The incidence
rate is affected by many factors, including the age of the insured, the insured’s occupation or industry, the benefit plan design, and
certain external factors such as consumer confidence and levels of unemployment. We establish our incidence assumption using a
historical review of actual incidence results along with an outlook of future incidence expectations.
Establishing reserve assumptions is complex and involves many factors. Reserves, particularly for policies offering insurance coverage
for long-term disabilities, are dependent on numerous assumptions other than just those presented in the preceding discussion. The impact
of internal and external events, such as changes in claims management procedures, economic trends such as the rate of unemployment
and the level of consumer confidence, the emergence of new diseases, new trends and developments in medical treatments, and legal
trends and legislative changes, among other factors, will influence claim incidence and resolution rates. Reserve assumptions differ by
product line and by policy type within a product line. Additionally, in any period and over time, our actual experience may have a positive
or negative variance from our long-term assumptions, either singularly or collectively, and these variances may offset each other. We test
the overall adequacy of our reserves using all assumptions and with a long-term view of our expected experience over the life of a block of
business rather than test just one or a few assumptions independently that may be aberrant over a short period of time. Therefore it is not
possible to bifurcate the assumptions to evaluate the sensitivity of a change in each assumption, but rather in the aggregate by product
line. We have presented in the following section an overview of our trend analysis for key assumptions and the results of variability in our
assumptions, in aggregate, for the reserves which we believe are reasonably possible to have a material impact on our future financial
results if actual claims yield a materially different amount than what we currently expect and have reserved for, either favorable or
unfavorable.
Trends in Key Assumptions
Because our actual experience regarding persistency and claim incidence has varied very little from our policy reserve and IBNR claim
reserve assumptions, we have had minimal adjustments to our persistency assumptions and claim incidence assumptions during the years
2007 through 2009. Generally, we do not expect our mortality and morbidity claim incidence trends or our persistency trends to change
significantly in the short-term, and to the extent that these trends do change, we expect those changes to be gradual over a longer period
28
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
of time. However, we have historically experienced an increase in our group long-term disability morbidity claim incidence trends during
and following a recessionary period, particularly in our Unum US operations. During the second half of 2009, claim incidence rates for Unum
US group long-term disability were slightly elevated. Given the current economic conditions, it is possible that our claim incidence rates for
this type of product may increase.
Throughout the period 2007 to 2009, actual new money interest rates varied with the changing market conditions, and the assumptions
we used to discount our reserves generally trended downward slightly for all segments and product lines. Reserve discount rate assumptions
for new policies and new claims have been adjusted to reflect our current and expected net investment returns. Changes in our discount
rate assumptions tend to occur gradually over a longer period of time because of the long-duration investment portfolio needed to support
the reserves for the majority of our lines of business.
Both the mortality rate experience and the retirement rate experience for our block of group pension products have remained stable
and consistent with expectations.
Claim resolution rates have a greater chance of significant variability in a shorter period of time than our other reserve assumptions.
These rates are reviewed on a quarterly basis for the death and recovery components separately. Claim resolution rates in our Unum US
segment group and individual long-term disability product lines and our Individual Disability — Closed Block segment have over the last
several years exhibited some variability. Relative to the resolution rate we expect to experience over the life of the block of business, actual
quarterly rates during the period 2007 through 2009 have varied by +3 and -4 percent in our Unum US group long-term disability line of
business, between +13 and -12 percent in our Unum US individual disability — recently issued line of business, and between +8 and -7 percent
in our Individual Disability — Closed Block segment.
Claim resolution rates are very sensitive to operational and environmental changes and can be volatile over short periods of time.
During 2007 and continuing throughout 2008 and 2009, we gained more stability in our claims management performance relative to 2006,
and our claim resolution rates were more consistent with our long-term assumptions. Our claim resolution rate assumption used in determining
reserves is our expectation of the resolution rate we will experience over the life of the block of business and will vary from actual experience
in any one period, both favorably and unfavorably.
We monitor and test our reserves for adequacy relative to all of our assumptions in the aggregate. In our estimation, scenarios based
on reasonably possible variations in each of our reserve assumptions, when modeled together in aggregate, could produce a potential result,
either positive or negative, in our Unum US group disability line of business that would change our reserve balance by +/- 2.5 percent. Using
our actual claim reserve balance at December 31, 2009, this variation would have resulted in an approximate change (either positive or
negative) of $200 million to our claim reserves. Using the same sensitivity analysis approach for our Individual Disability — Closed Block
segment, the claim reserve balance could potentially vary by +/- 2.6 percent of our reported balance, which at December 31, 2009, would
have resulted in an approximate change (either positive or negative) of $260 million to our claim reserves. The major contributor to the
variance for both the group long-term disability line of business and the Individual Disability — Closed Block segment is the claim resolution
rate. We believe that these ranges provide a reasonable estimate of the possible changes in reserve balances for those product lines where
we believe it is possible that variability in the assumptions, in the aggregate, could result in a material impact on our reserve levels, but we
record our reserves based on our long-term best estimate. Because these product lines have long-term claim payout periods, there is a
greater potential for significant variability in claim costs, either positive or negative.
Deferred Acquisition Costs (DAC)
We defer certain costs incurred in acquiring new business and amortize (expense) these costs over the life of the related policies.
Deferred costs include certain commissions, other agency compensation, selection and policy issue expenses, and field expenses. Acquisition
costs that do not vary with the production of new business, such as commissions on group products which are generally level throughout
the life of the policy, are excluded from deferral.
Approximately 90 percent of our DAC relates to traditional non interest-sensitive products, and we amortize DAC in proportion to the
premium income we expect to receive over the life of the policies. Key assumptions used in developing the future amortization of DAC are
future persistency and future premium income. We use our own historical experience and expectation of the future performance of our
businesses in determining the expected persistency and premium income. The estimated premium income in the early years of the
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 29
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2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
amortization period is generally higher than in the later years due to higher anticipated policy persistency in the early years, which results
in a greater proportion of the costs being amortized in the early years of the life of the policy. During 2009, our key assumptions used to
develop the future amortization did not change materially from those used in the prior year. Generally, we do not expect our persistency
or interest rates to change significantly in the short-term, and to the extent that these trends do change, we expect those changes to be
gradual over a longer period of time.
Presented below are our current assumptions regarding the length of our amortization periods, the approximate DAC balance that remains
at the end of years 3, 10, and 15 as a percentage of the cost initially deferred, and our DAC balances as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.
(in millions of dollars)
Unum US
Group Disability
Group Life and Accidental
Death & Dismemberment
Supplemental and Voluntary
Individual Disability — Recently Issued
Long-term Care
Voluntary Benefits
Unum UK
Group Disability
Group Life
Individual Disability
Colonial Life
Totals
Amortization
Period
Balance Remaining as a %
of Initial Deferral
DAC Balances
at December 31
Year 3
Year 10
Year 15
2009
2008
6
6
20
20
15
4
4
15
17
25%
0%
0%
$ 123.5
$ 128.3
25% to 30%
0%
0%
87.8
85.7
75%
80%
55% to 60%
10%
10%
60%
60%
50%
55%
15%
0%
0%
15%
25%
25%
30%
0%
0%
0%
0%
10%
667.7
310.9
472.5
18.4
5.8
34.7
683.0
320.4
444.4
20.3
4.2
30.2
761.2
755.9
$2,482.5
$2,472.4
Amortization of DAC on traditional products is adjusted to reflect the actual policy persistency as compared to the anticipated experience,
and as a result, the unamortized balance of DAC reflects actual persistency. We may experience accelerated amortization if policies terminate
earlier than projected. Because our actual experience regarding persistency and premium income has varied very little from our assumptions
during the last three years, we have had minimal adjustments to our projected amortization of DAC during those years. We measure the
recoverability of DAC annually by performing gross premium valuations. Our testing indicates that our DAC is recoverable.
In December 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a proposed Accounting Standards Update which is intended to
address diversity in practice regarding the interpretation of which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts
qualify as deferred acquisition costs. If the proposed guidance is adopted as currently written, this update will result in a decrease in the
level of costs we defer, effective January 1, 2011. We have not yet quantified the impact on our financial position or results of operations.
Valuation of Investments
All of our fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value. Our derivative financial instruments,
including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, are reported as either assets or liabilities and measured at fair value.
We hold an immaterial amount of equity securities, which are also reported at fair value.
Definition of Fair Value
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between
market participants at the measurement date and, therefore, represents an exit price, not an entry price. The exit price objective applies
regardless of a reporting entity’s intent and/or ability to sell the asset or transfer the liability at the measurement date.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
The degree of judgment utilized in measuring the fair value of financial instruments generally correlates to the level of pricing observability.
Financial instruments with readily available active quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices in active
markets generally have more pricing observability and less judgment utilized in measuring fair value. An active market for a financial instrument
is a market in which transactions for an asset or a similar asset occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on
an ongoing basis. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and should be used to measure fair value
whenever available. Conversely, financial instruments rarely traded or not quoted have less observability and are measured at fair value using
valuation techniques that require more judgment. Pricing observability is generally impacted by a number of factors, including the type
of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new to the market and not yet established, the characteristics specific to the
transaction, and overall market conditions.
Valuation Techniques
Valuation techniques used for assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value are generally categorized into three types:
1. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information from market transactions involving identical or comparable assets
or liabilities. Valuation techniques consistent with the market approach often use market multiples derived from a set of comparables
or matrix pricing. Market multiples might lie in ranges with a different multiple for each comparable. The selection of where within
the range the appropriate multiple falls requires judgment, considering both quantitative and qualitative factors specific to the
measurement. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique used principally to value certain securities without relying exclusively
on quoted prices for the specific securities but comparing the securities to benchmark or comparable securities.
2. The income approach converts future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount, or a discounted amount.
Income approach techniques rely on current market expectations of future amounts. Examples of income approach valuation
techniques include present value techniques, option-pricing models that incorporate present value techniques, and the multi-
period excess earnings method.
3. The cost approach is based upon the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset, or the
current replacement cost. That is, from the perspective of a market participant (seller), the price that would be received for the asset
is determined based on the cost to a market participant (buyer) to acquire or construct a substitute asset of comparable utility.
We use valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available that can be obtained
without undue cost and effort. In some cases, a single valuation technique will be appropriate (for example, when valuing an asset or
liability using quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities). In other cases, multiple valuation techniques will be
appropriate. If we use multiple valuation techniques to measure fair value, we evaluate and weigh the results, as appropriate, considering
the reasonableness of the range indicated by those results. A fair value measurement is the point within that range that is most representative
of fair value in the circumstances.
The selection of the valuation method(s) to apply considers the definition of an exit price and depends on the nature of the asset or
liability being valued. For assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value, we generally use valuation techniques consistent with the market
approach, and to a lesser extent, the income approach. We believe the market approach valuation technique provides more observable
data than the income approach, considering the type of investments we hold. Our fair value measurements could differ significantly based
on the valuation technique and available inputs. When markets are less active, brokers may rely more on models with inputs based on the
information available only to the broker. In weighing a broker quote as an input to fair value, we place less reliance on quotes that do not
reflect the result of market transactions. We also consider the nature of the quote, particularly whether the quote is a binding offer. If prices
in an inactive market do not reflect current prices for the same or similar assets, adjustments may be necessary to arrive at fair value.
When relevant market data is unavailable, which may be the case during periods of market uncertainty, the income approach can, in
suitable circumstances, provide a more appropriate fair value. During 2009, we have applied valuation techniques on a consistent basis to
similar assets and liabilities and consistent with those techniques used at year end 2008. Because of market conditions existing during 2009
and 2008, the mix and availability of observable inputs for valuation techniques have been volatile, and the risk inherent in the inputs is
elevated relative to prior years.
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2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Inputs to Valuation Techniques
Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants use in pricing assets or liabilities, including assumptions about risk,
for example, the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value (such as a pricing model) and/or the risk
inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Inputs may be observable or unobservable.
Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed
based on market data obtained from independent sources.
Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing
the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.
Inputs that may be used include the following:
• Broker market maker prices and price levels
• Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE) pricing
• Prices obtained from external pricing services
• Benchmark yields (Treasury and interest rate swap curves)
• Transactional data for new issuance and secondary trades
• Security cash flows and structures
• Recent issuance/supply
• Sector and issuer level spreads
• Security credit ratings/maturity/capital structure/optionality
• Corporate actions
• Underlying collateral
• Prepayment speeds/loan performance/delinquencies/weighted average life/seasoning
• Public covenants
• Comparative bond analysis
• Derivative spreads
• Relevant reports issued by analysts and rating agencies
We review all prices obtained to ensure they are consistent with a variety of observable market inputs and to verify the validity of a
security’s price. The overall valuation process for determining fair values may include adjustments to valuations obtained from our pricing
sources when they do not represent a valid exit price. These adjustments may be made when, in our judgment and considering our
knowledge of the financial conditions and industry in which the issuer operates, certain features of the financial instrument require that an
adjustment be made to the value originally obtained from our pricing sources. These features may include the complexity of the financial
instrument, the market in which the financial instrument is traded, counterparty credit risk, credit structure, concentration, or liquidity.
Additionally, an adjustment to the price derived from a model typically reflects our judgment of the inputs that other participants in the
market for the financial instrument being measured at fair value would consider in pricing that same financial instrument.
The parameters and inputs used to validate a price on a security may be adjusted for assumptions about risk and current market
conditions on a quarter to quarter basis, as certain features may be more significant drivers of valuation at the time of pricing. Changes
to inputs in valuations are not changes to valuation methodologies; rather, the inputs are modified to reflect direct or indirect impacts
on asset classes from changes in market conditions.
Fair values for derivatives other than embedded derivatives in modified coinsurance arrangements are based on market quotes or
pricing models and represent the net amount of cash we would have paid or received if the contracts had been settled or closed as of the
last day of the period. We analyze credit default swap spreads relative to the average credit spread embedded within the London Interbank
Offered Rate (LIBOR) setting syndicate in determining the effect of credit risk on our derivatives’ fair values. If counterparty credit risk for a
derivative asset is determined to be material and is not adequately reflected in the LIBOR-based fair value obtained from our pricing
sources, we adjust the valuations obtained from our pricing sources. In regard to our own credit risk component, we adjust the valuation
of derivative liabilities wherein the counterparty is exposed to our credit risk when the LIBOR-based valuation of our derivatives obtained
from pricing sources does not effectively include an adequate credit component for our own credit risk.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Fair values for our embedded derivative in a modified coinsurance arrangement are estimated using internal pricing models and
represent the hypothetical value of the duration mismatch of assets and liabilities, interest rate risk, and third party credit risk embedded
in the modified coinsurance arrangement.
Certain of our investments do not have readily determinable market prices and/or observable inputs or may at times be affected by
the lack of market liquidity. For these securities, we use internally prepared valuations combining matrix pricing with vendor purchased
software programs, including valuations based on estimates of future profitability, to estimate the fair value. Additionally, we may obtain
prices from independent third-party brokers to aid in establishing valuations for certain of these securities. Key assumptions used by us to
determine fair value for these securities include risk free interest rates, risk premiums, performance of underlying collateral (if any), and
other factors involving significant assumptions which may or may not reflect those of an active market.
As of December 31, 2009, the key assumptions we generally used to estimate the fair value of these types of securities included
those listed below. Where appropriate, we have noted the assumption used for the prior period as well as the reason for the change.
• Risk free interest rates of 2.68 percent for five-year maturities to 4.64 percent for 30-year maturities were derived from the current
yield curve for U.S. Treasury Bonds with similar maturities. This compares to interest rates of 1.55 percent for five-year maturities to
2.68 percent for 30-year maturities used at December 31, 2008.
• Current Baa corporate bond spreads ranging from 1.60 percent to 2.00 percent plus an additional 20 basis points were added to the
risk free rate to reflect the lack of liquidity. We used spreads ranging from 5.28 percent to 7.75 percent plus an additional 20 basis
points at December 31, 2008. The changes were based on observable market spreads. Newly issued private placement securities
have historically offered yield premiums of 20 basis points over comparable newly issued public securities.
• An additional five basis points were added to the risk free rates for foreign investments, consistent with December 31, 2008.
• Additional basis points were added as deemed appropriate for certain industries and for individual securities in certain industries
that are considered to be of greater risk.
Increasing the 20 basis points added to the risk free rate for lack of liquidity by one basis point, increasing the five basis points added
to the risk free rates for foreign investments by one basis point, and increasing the additional basis points added to each industry considered
to be of greater risk by one basis point would have decreased the December 31, 2009 fair value of our fixed maturity securities portfolio by
approximately $0.6 million. We believe this range of variability is appropriate, and historically the inputs noted have generally not deviated
outside the range provided.
We regularly test the validity of the fair values determined by our valuation techniques by comparing the prices of assets sold to the
fair values reported for the assets in the immediately preceding reporting period. Historically, our realized gains or losses on dispositions
of investments have not varied significantly from amounts estimated under the valuation methodologies described above, which,
combined with the results of our testing, indicates to us that our pricing methodologies are appropriate.
At December 31, 2009, approximately 11.6 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued using active trades from TRACE pricing,
or broker market maker prices for which there was current market activity in that specific security (comparable to receiving one binding
quote). The prices obtained were not adjusted, and the assets were classified as Level 1, the highest category of the three-level fair value
hierarchy classification wherein inputs are unadjusted and represent quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
The remaining 88.4 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on non-binding quotes or other observable or
unobservable inputs, as discussed below.
• Approximately 72.7 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on prices from pricing services that generally use
observable inputs such as prices for securities or comparable securities in active markets in their valuation techniques. These assets
were classified as Level 2. Level 2 assets or liabilities are those valued using inputs (other than prices included in Level 1) that are
either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability through correlation with market data at the measurement date and
for the duration of the instrument’s anticipated life.
• Approximately 5.8 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on one or more non-binding broker price levels, if
validated by observable market data, or on TRACE prices for identical or similar assets absent current market activity. When only
one price is available, it is used if observable inputs and analysis confirm that it is appropriate. These assets, for which we were
able to validate the price using other observable market data, were classified as Level 2.
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2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
• Approximately 9.9 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on prices of comparable securities, matrix pricing,
market models, and/or internal models or were valued based on non-binding quotes with no other observable market data. These
assets were classified as either Level 2 or Level 3, with the categorization dependent on whether there was other observable market
data. Level 3 is the lowest category of the fair value hierarchy and reflects the judgment of management regarding what market
participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities at the measurement date. Financial assets and liabilities categorized as Level 3
are generally those that are valued using unobservable inputs to extrapolate an estimated fair value.
We consider transactions in inactive or disorderly markets to be less representative of fair value. We use all available observable
inputs when measuring fair value, but when significant other unobservable inputs and adjustments are necessary, we classify these
assets or liabilities as Level 3.
As of December 31, 2009, approximately 11.6 percent of our fixed maturity securities were categorized as Level 1, 86.1 percent as
Level 2, and 2.3 percent as Level 3. During 2009, we transferred $352.4 million of fixed maturity securities into Level 3 and $363.8 million
of fixed maturity securities out of Level 3. The transfers between levels resulted primarily from a change in observability of three inputs
used to determine fair values of the securities transferred: (1) transactional data for new issuance and secondary trades, (2) broker/dealer
quotes and pricing, primarily related to changes in the level of activity in the market and whether the market was considered orderly, and
(3) comparable bond metrics from which to perform an analysis. For fair value measurements of financial instruments that were transferred
either into or out of Level 3, we reflect the transfers using the fair value at the beginning of the period. We believe this allows for greater
transparency as all changes in fair value that arise during the reporting period of the transfer are disclosed as a component of our Level 3
reconciliation as shown in Note 3 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Analysis for Investments
In determining when a decline in fair value below amortized cost of a fixed maturity security is other than temporary, we evaluate
the following factors:
• Whether we expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security.
• Whether we intend to sell the security or will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis.
• Whether the security is current as to principal and interest payments.
• The significance of the decline in value.
• The time period during which there has been a significant decline in value.
• Current and future business prospects and trends of earnings.
• The valuation of the security’s underlying collateral.
• Relevant industry conditions and trends relative to their historical cycles.
• Market conditions.
• Rating agency and governmental actions.
• Bid and offering prices and the level of trading activity.
• Adverse changes in estimated cash flows for securitized investments.
• Changes in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date.
• Any other key measures for the related security.
We evaluate available information, including the factors noted above, both positive and negative, in reaching our conclusions. In
particular, we also consider the strength of the issuer’s balance sheet, its debt obligations and near term funding requirements, cash flow
and liquidity, the profitability of its core businesses, the availability of marketable assets which could be sold to increase liquidity, its
industry fundamentals and regulatory environment, and its access to capital markets. Although all available and applicable factors are
considered in our analysis, our expectation of recovering the entire amortized cost basis of the security, whether we intend to sell the
security, whether it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, and whether the
security is current on principal and interest payments are the most critical factors in determining whether impairments are other than
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
temporary. The significance of the decline in value and the length of time during which there has been a significant decline are also important
factors, but we generally do not record an impairment loss based solely on these two factors, since often other more relevant factors will
impact our evaluation of a security.
While determining other-than-temporary impairments is a judgmental area, we utilize a formal, well-defined, and disciplined process to
monitor and evaluate our fixed income investment portfolio, supported by issuer specific research and documentation as of the end of each
period. The process results in a thorough evaluation of problem investments and the recording of losses on a timely basis for investments
determined to have an other-than-temporary impairment.
If we determine that the decline in value of an investment is other than temporary, the investment is written down to fair value, and
an impairment loss is recognized in the current period, either in earnings or in both earnings and other comprehensive income, as applicable.
For those fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss for which we have not recognized an other-than-temporary impairment, we
believe we will recover the entire amortized cost, we do not intend to sell the security, and we do not believe it is more likely than not
we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost. There have been no defaults in the repayment obligations
of any securities for which we have not recorded an other-than-temporary impairment.
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities which we intend to sell or more likely than not will be required
to sell before recovery in value are recognized in earnings and equal the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and
its fair value. For securities which we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell before recovery
in value, other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings generally represent the difference between the amortized cost of
the security and the present value of our best estimate of cash flows expected to be collected, discounted using the effective interest rate
implicit in the security at the date of acquisition. The determination of cash flows is inherently subjective, and methodologies may vary
depending on the circumstances specific to the security. The timing and amount of our cash flow estimates are developed using historical and
forecast financial information from the issuer, including its current and projected liquidity position. We also consider industry analyst reports
and forecasts, sector credit ratings, future business prospects and earnings trends, issuer refinancing capabilities, actual and/or potential
asset sales by the issuer, and other data relevant to the collectibility of the contractual cash flows of the security. We take into account the
probability of default, expected recoveries, third party guarantees, quality of collateral, and where our debt security ranks in terms of
subordination. We may use the estimated fair value of collateral as a proxy for the present value of cash flows if we believe the security is
dependent on the liquidation of collateral for recovery of our investment. For fixed maturity securities for which we have recognized an other-
than-temporary impairment loss through earnings, if through subsequent evaluation there is a significant increase in expected cash flows,
the difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected is accreted as net investment income.
We use a comprehensive rating system to evaluate the investment and credit risk of our mortgage loans and to identify specific
properties for inspection and reevaluation. Mortgage loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events,
it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. We establish
an allowance for probable losses on mortgage loans based on a review of individual loans and the overall loan portfolio, considering
the value of the underlying collateral. Mortgage loans are not reported at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets unless the
decline in value is considered to be other than temporary, in which case the reduction is recognized as a realized investment loss in
our consolidated statements of income.
There are a number of significant risks inherent in the process of monitoring our investments for impairments and determining when
and if an impairment is other than temporary. These risks and uncertainties include the following possibilities:
• The assessment of a borrower’s ability to meet its contractual obligations will change.
• The economic outlook, either domestic or foreign, may be less favorable or may have a more significant impact on the borrower
than anticipated, and as such, the investment may not recover in value.
• New information may become available concerning the security, such as disclosure of accounting irregularities, fraud, or corporate
governance issues.
• Significant changes in credit spreads may occur in the related industry.
• Significant increases in interest rates may occur and may not return to levels similar to when securities were initially purchased.
• Adverse rating agency actions may occur.
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Unum
2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
We sponsor several defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit (OPEB) plans for our employees, including non-qualified
pension plans. The U.S. pension plans comprise the majority of our total benefit obligation and pension expense. Our U.K. operation
maintains a separate defined benefit plan for eligible employees. The U.K. defined benefit pension plan was closed to new entrants on
December 31, 2002.
Our net periodic benefit costs and the value of our benefit obligations for these plans are determined based on a set of economic
and demographic assumptions that represent our best estimate of future expected experience. Major assumptions used in accounting for
these plans include the expected discount (interest) rate and the long-term rate of return on plan assets. We also use, as applicable,
expected increases in compensation levels and a weighted average annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered benefits,
which reflects a health care cost trend rate.
The assumptions chosen for our pension and OPEB plans are reviewed annually, and we use a December 31 measurement date for
each of our plans. The discount rate assumptions and expected long-term rate of return assumptions have the most significant effect on
our net periodic benefit costs associated with these plans. In addition to the effect of changes in our assumptions, the net periodic cost
or benefit obligation under our pension and OPEB plans may change due to factors such as actual experience being different from our
assumptions, special benefits to terminated employees, or changes in benefits provided under the plans.
Discount Rate Assumptions
The discount rate is an interest assumption used to convert the benefit payment stream to a present value. We set the discount rate
assumption at the measurement date for each of our retirement-related benefit plans to reflect the yield of a portfolio of high quality fixed
income debt instruments matched against the timing and amounts of projected future benefits. A lower discount rate increases the
present value of benefit obligations and increases our costs.
The discount rate we used to determine our 2010 and 2009 net periodic benefit costs for our U.S. pension plans was 6.40 percent for
both years. The discount rate used for the net periodic benefit costs for 2010 and 2009 for our U.K. pension plan was 5.70 percent and
6.40 percent, respectively. The discount rate used in the net periodic benefit cost for our OPEB plan for 2010 and 2009 was 5.90 percent
and 6.10 percent, respectively.
Reducing the discount rate assumption by 50 basis points would have resulted in an increase in our 2009 pension expense of
approximately $11.1 million, before tax, and an increase in our benefit obligation of approximately $122.3 million as of December 31,
2009, resulting in an after-tax decrease in stockholders’ equity of approximately $81.1 million as of December 31, 2009. A 50 basis point
reduction in the discount rate assumption would not change our annual OPEB costs.
Increasing the discount rate assumption by 50 basis points would have resulted in a decrease in our 2009 pension expense of
approximately $8.9 million, before tax, and a decrease in our benefit obligation of approximately $107.9 million as of December 31, 2009,
resulting in an after-tax increase in stockholders’ equity of approximately $71.5 million as of December 31, 2009. A 50 basis point increase
in the discount rate assumption would not change our annual OPEB costs.
Long-term Rate of Return Assumptions
The long-term rate of return assumption is the best estimate of the average annual assumed return that will be produced from the
pension trust assets until current benefits are paid. We use a compound interest method in computing the rate of return on pension plan
assets. The investment portfolio for our U.S. pension plans contains a diversified blend of domestic and international large cap, mid cap,
and small cap equity securities, U.S. government and corporate fixed income securities, private equity funds of funds, and hedge funds of
funds. Assets for our U.K. pension plan are invested in pooled funds, such as global equities, hedge funds, commodities, below-investment-
grade fixed income securities, and currencies, as well as a fixed-interest U.K. corporate bond fund and an index-linked U.K. government
bond fund. Assets for our OPEB plan are invested primarily in life insurance contracts. We believe our investment portfolios are well
diversified by asset class and sector, with no potential risk concentrations in any one category.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Our expectations for the future investment returns of the asset categories are based on a combination of historical market performance
and evaluations of investment forecasts obtained from external consultants and economists. The methodology underlying the return
assumption included the various elements of the expected return for each asset class such as long-term rates of return, volatility of returns,
and the correlation of returns between various asset classes. The expected return for the total portfolio is calculated based on the plan’s
strategic asset allocation. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through annual liability measurements, periodic
asset/liability studies, and quarterly investment portfolio reviews. Risk tolerance is established through consideration of plan liabilities,
plan funded status, and corporate financial condition.
The long-term rate of return on assets used in the net periodic pension costs for our U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan for
2010 and 2009 was 7.50 percent for both years. The long-term rate of return on asset assumption used for 2010 and 2009 for our U.K.
pension plan was 6.90 percent and 7.20 percent, respectively, and for our OPEB plan, 5.75 percent for both years. The actual rate of return
on plan assets is determined based on the fair value of the plan assets at the beginning and the end of the period, adjusted for contributions
and benefit payments.
Changing the expected long-term rate of return on the plan assets by +/-50 basis points would have changed our 2009 pension plan
expense by approximately $4.6 million before tax, but our OPEB plan expense would not change. A lower rate of return on plan assets
increases our expense.
Benefit Obligation and Fair Value of Plan Assets
The market-related value equals the fair value of assets, determined as of the measurement date. The expected return on assets
fully recognizes all asset gains and losses, including changes in fair value, through the measurement date.
During 2009, the fair value of our plan assets in our U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan increased $230.4 million, or approximately
35.0 percent. The fair value of plan assets for our U.K. pension plan increased £17.4 million, or approximately 21.1 percent, during 2009.
Although the effect of these increases had no impact on our 2009 net periodic pension costs, the favorable rate of return on plan assets
in 2009 has a favorable impact on our net periodic pension costs for 2010. We expect that our 2010 pension costs will be lower than our
pension costs in 2009. We believe our assumptions appropriately reflect the impact of the current economic environment.
Our pension and OPEB plans have an aggregate unrecognized net actuarial loss of $514.9 million and an unrecognized prior service
credit of $10.7 million, which together represent the cumulative liability and asset gains and losses as well as the portion of prior service
credits that have not been recognized in pension expense. As of December 31, 2009, the unrecognized net loss for these two items combined
was approximately $504.2 million. The decrease relative to 2008 is primarily due to the favorable rate of return on plan assets in 2009.
The unrecognized gains or losses are amortized as a component of the net benefit cost. Our 2009, 2008, and 2007 pension and OPEB
expense includes $40.2 million, $10.6 million, and $15.3 million, respectively, of amortization of the unrecognized net actuarial loss and
prior service credit. The higher amortization in 2009 resulted primarily from the increase in the unrecognized net actuarial loss during
2008 due to the unfavorable rate of return on plan assets for our U.S. pension plans. The unrecognized net actuarial loss for our pension
plans, which is $509.3 million at December 31, 2009, will be amortized over the average future working life of pension plan participants,
currently estimated at 11 years for U.S. participants and 15 years for U.K. participants. The unrecognized net actuarial loss of $5.6 million
for our OPEB plan will be amortized over the average future working life of OPEB plan participants, currently estimated at 8 years, to the
extent the loss is outside of a corridor established in accordance with GAAP. The corridor for the pension and OPEB plans is established
based on the greater of 10 percent of the plan assets or 10 percent of the benefit obligation. At December 31, 2009, none of the actuarial
loss was outside of the corridor for the OPEB plan.
The fair value of plan assets in our U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan was $888.5 million at December 31, 2009, compared
to $658.1 million at year end 2008. This increase in fair value of plan assets and the effect of the plan contribution during 2009 lowered
our year end deficit funding level in the plan to $143.3 million as of December 31, 2009, compared to a deficit of $266.9 million as of
December 31, 2008. During February 2010, we made a voluntary contribution of $67.0 million to our U.S. qualified defined benefit
pension plan, thereby further reducing the deficit funding level.
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 37
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Unum
2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The fair value of plan assets in our OPEB plan was $11.9 million and $12.0 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These
assets represent life insurance contracts to fund the life insurance benefit portion of our OPEB plan. Our OPEB plan represents a non-vested,
non-guaranteed obligation, and current regulations do not require specific funding levels for these benefits, which are comprised of retiree
life, medical, and dental benefits. It is our practice to use general assets to pay medical and dental claims as they come due in lieu of
utilizing plan assets for the medical and dental benefit portions of our OPEB plan. We expect to continue to receive subsidies under the
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, based on current law, to partially offset these payments. The
expected subsidy included in our consolidated balance sheets is immaterial.
Our expected return on plan assets and discount rate discussed above will not affect the cash contributions we are required to make
to our U.S. pension and OPEB plans because we have met all minimum funding requirements set forth by ERISA. We had no regulatory
contribution requirements for 2009 and 2008; however, we elected to make voluntary contributions of $70.0 million and $130.0 million,
respectively, to our U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan. As noted above, we made a voluntary contribution of $67.0 million to our
U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan in February 2010. We do not anticipate making any additional contributions during 2010.
During 2006, the federal government enacted the Pension Protection Act of 2006 which requires companies to fully fund defined
benefit pension plans over a seven year period. We have evaluated this requirement and have made estimates of amounts to be funded
in the future. Based on this assessment, we do not believe that the funding requirements of the Pension Protection Act will cause a material
adverse effect on our liquidity.
The fair value of plan assets for our U.K. pension plan was £99.5 million at December 31, 2009, compared to £82.1 million at
December 31, 2008. The U.K. pension plan has a deficit of £7.8 million at December 31, 2009, compared to £4.7 million at December 31,
2008. We contribute to the plan in accordance with a schedule of contributions which requires that we contribute to the plan at the rate of
at least 15.0 percent of employee salaries, sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirement under U.K. legislation. During 2009 and
2008, we made required contributions of £3.5 million and £4.0 million, respectively. We anticipate that we will make contributions during
2010 of approximately £3.4 million.
See Note 9 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further discussion.
Income Taxes
We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Our valuation
allowance relates primarily to assets for foreign net operating loss carryforwards and assets for our basis in certain of our foreign subsidiaries
that are not likely to be realized in the future based on our expectations using currently available evidence. In evaluating the ability to
recover deferred tax assets, we have considered all available positive and negative evidence including past operating results, the existence
of cumulative losses in the most recent years, forecasted earnings, future taxable income, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies.
In the event we determine that we most likely would not be able to realize all or part of our deferred tax assets in the future, an increase
to the valuation allowance would be charged to earnings in the period such determination is made. Likewise, if it is later determined that
it is more likely than not that those deferred tax assets would be realized, the previously provided valuation allowance would be reversed.
The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws in a multitude of
jurisdictions, both domestic and foreign. The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits in various jurisdictions, and
a material assessment by a governing tax authority could affect profitability.
GAAP prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax
positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. The evaluation of a tax position is a two step process. The first step is to
determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the
position. The second step is to measure a position that satisfies the recognition threshold at the largest amount of benefit that is greater
than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more likely than not
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
threshold but that now satisfy the recognition threshold are recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that
threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are derecognized
in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met. If a previously recognized tax position is settled
for an amount that is different from the amount initially measured, the difference will be recognized as a tax benefit or expense in the
period the settlement is effective. We believe that tax positions have been reflected in our financial statements at appropriate amounts
in conformity with GAAP.
Contingent Liabilities
On a quarterly basis, we review relevant information with respect to litigation and contingencies to be reflected in our consolidated
financial statements. An estimated loss is accrued when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be
reasonably estimated. It is possible that our results of operations or cash flows in a particular period could be materially affected by an
ultimate unfavorable outcome of pending litigation or regulatory matters depending, in part, on our results of operations or cash flows for
the particular period. See Note 14 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further discussion.
Consolidated Operating Results
(in millions of dollars)
Revenue
Premium Income
Net Investment Income
Year Ended December 31
2009
% Change
2008
% Change
2007
$ 7,475.5
(4.0)%
$7,783.3
(1.5)%
$ 7,901.1
2,346.6
(1.8)
2,389.0
(0.9)
2,409.9
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
11.7
(102.5)
(465.9)
N.M.
Other Income
Total
Benefits and Expenses
257.2
10,091.0
(6.8)
1.1
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
6,291.6
(65.2)
274.1
275.9
0.7
9,982.3
(5.1)
10,519.9
6,626.4
853.3
(5.2)
1.5
156.7
(35.2)
(590.9)
519.1
772.6
821.1
6.2
8.1
6.9
2.0
6,988.2
841.1
241.9
(556.3)
480.4
722.4
805.0
9,158.3
(3.8)
9,522.7
824.0
270.8
(17.4)
(16.6)
553.2
(17.7)
—
(100.0)
997.2
324.8
672.4
6.9
837.1
125.4
(593.6)
526.2
793.3
818.7
8,798.7
1,292.3
439.7
852.6
—
(5.1)
(1.9)
(20.0)
0.5
1.4
2.7
(0.3)
(3.9)
56.8
62.4
54.1
—
$ 852.6
54.1
$ 553.2
(18.6)
$ 679.3
Commissions
Interest and Debt Expense
Deferral of Acquisition Costs
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
Compensation Expense
Other Expenses
Total
Income from Continuing Operations
Before Income Tax
Income Tax
Income from Continuing Operations
Income from Discontinued Operations
Net Income
N.M. = not a meaningful percentage
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 39
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Unum
2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The comparability of our financial results between years is affected by the fluctuation in the British pound sterling to dollar exchange
rate. The functional currency of our U.K. operations is the British pound sterling. In periods when the pound weakens, translating pounds
into dollars decreases current period results relative to the prior period. In periods when the pound strengthens, translating pounds into
dollars increases current period results in relation to the prior period. Our weighted average pound/dollar exchange rate was 1.554, 1.871,
and 2.004 for the years ended 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. Our operating revenue and operating income by segment would have
been higher in 2009 by approximately $233.1 million and $77.0 million, respectively, and higher in 2008 by approximately $86.7 million and
$24.2 million, respectively, if the results for our U.K. operations had been translated at a constant exchange rate of 2.004, the rate for 2007.
However, it is important to distinguish between translating and converting foreign currency. Except for a limited number of transactions, we
do not actually convert pounds into dollars. As a result, we view foreign currency translation as a financial reporting issue and not a reflection
of operations or profitability in the U.K.
Consolidated premium income for both 2009 and 2008 includes premium growth, relative to the preceding years, for Unum US
supplemental and voluntary lines of business and Colonial Life. Unum US group disability and group life and accidental death and
dismemberment lines of business experienced year over year declines in premium income during 2009 and 2008 relative to the prior
years. A portion of this decline was expected and is attributable to our continued pricing discipline for our Unum US group business and
our strategy of developing a more balanced business mix. However, during 2009, premium growth for Unum US group business was also
negatively impacted by lower premium growth from existing customers due to lower salary growth and lower growth in the number of
employees covered under an existing policy. Unum UK premium income, in local currency, declined during 2009 relative to 2008 due to
lower premium growth from existing customers, similar to Unum US, and also due to a decline in the in-force block of business resulting
from lower persistency and sales in 2008 and 2007. The decline in the in-force block also unfavorably impacted Unum UK premium growth
during 2008 relative to 2007. Premium income in the Individual Disability — Closed Block segment continues to decline, as expected, in this
closed block of business.
Net investment income was lower in 2009 relative to the prior year due to several factors: (i) the weaker pound in 2009 relative to
2008 unfavorably affected translated results for net investment income, (ii) we received lower interest income during 2009 on bonds in
Unum UK for which interest income is linked to a U.K. inflation index, the impact of which was largely offset by lower claim reserves due to
lower claim payments which are also linked to inflation, (iii) during 2009 we earned lower interest rates on our floating rate invested assets,
largely offset by lower interest expense on our floating rate debt, and (iv) we received fewer bond call premiums and consent fees during
2009 compared to 2008. Somewhat mitigating the impact of these items is continued growth in the level of invested assets, an increase in
the level of prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities, and an increase in our portfolio yield due to the investment of new cash at
higher rates than that of prior periods.
Net investment income was marginally lower in 2008 relative to 2007. During 2008, we received fewer bond call premiums, and the
level of prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities declined relative to the preceding year. The weaker pound in 2008 relative to
2007 also unfavorably affected translated results for net investment income. The impact of these items was mostly offset by continued
growth in the level of invested assets and a slight increase in our portfolio yield due to the investment of new cash at higher rates.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
We recognized in earnings a net realized investment gain of $11.7 million in 2009 compared to losses of $465.9 million in 2008 and
$65.2 million in 2007. During 2009, we recognized other-than-temporary impairment losses of $215.5 million related to fixed maturity
securities, $211.8 million of which was recognized in earnings and $3.7 million in other comprehensive income. Other-than temporary
impairment losses on fixed maturity securities were $151.1 million and $53.7 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively, all of which were
recognized in earnings.
Also recognized in earnings through realized investment gains and losses was the change in the fair value of an embedded derivative
in a modified coinsurance arrangement. During 2009, changes in the fair value of this embedded derivative resulted in a realized gain of
$243.1 million compared to realized losses of $291.7 million in 2008 and $57.3 million in 2007. The gains and losses on this embedded
derivative resulted primarily from a change in credit spreads in the overall investment market.
Other income includes fees for administrative services only (ASO) products, which declined approximately 8.6 percent in 2009 relative
to the prior year. Other income in 2008 also included a refund of interest attributable to certain tax years.
The benefit ratio was 84.2 percent in 2009 compared to 85.1 percent in 2008 and 88.4 percent in 2007, with continuing improvement
in risk results in each of our business segments. See “Segment Results” as follows for discussions of line of business risk results and claims
management performance in each of our segments.
Interest and debt expense for 2009 was lower than 2008 due primarily to lower average levels of outstanding debt and lower
rates of interest on our floating rate debt. Interest and debt expense for 2008 was lower than 2007 due to lower rates of interest on
our outstanding debt, primarily as a result of the replacement of older fixed rate debt with non-recourse floating rate debt, as well as
lower cost related to early retirement of debt. The cost related to early retirement of debt was minimal in 2009 and 2008. The cost
related to early retirement of debt in 2007 was $58.8 million and was associated with our $769.5 million debt repurchase. See “Debt”
contained herein for additional information.
The deferral of acquisition costs in 2009 was generally consistent with the prior year, with continued growth in certain of our product
lines and the associated increase in deferrable expenses offsetting the lower level of deferrable costs in product lines with lower growth.
The amortization of acquisition costs was slightly higher in 2009 relative to the prior year due to the continued increase in the level of deferred
acquisition costs as well as an acceleration of amortization resulting from lower persistency in the Unum US supplemental and voluntary lines.
The deferral and amortization of deferred acquisition costs was higher in 2008 relative to the prior year due primarily to continued growth in
certain of our product lines. Amortization increased in 2008 relative to 2007 due to an increase in the amortization related to Unum US internal
replacement transactions as well as slightly elevated persistency in certain policy issue years.
Other expenses, as reported, decreased slightly in 2009 relative to 2008. Excluding the effect of the lower exchange rate for translating
Unum UK’s expenses, other expenses increased in 2009 due primarily to an increase in our pension costs. Other expenses, both as reported
and excluding the effect of the lower exchange rate, increased in 2008 compared to 2007 due to expenditures related to our investment
in brand and product promotion and an increase in product and service development costs in our core lines of business. We continue to
aggressively manage our operating expenses as we seek to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of our operating processes.
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 41
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Unum
2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Consolidated Sales Results
(in millions of dollars)
Unum US
Fully Insured Products
Administrative Services Only (ASO) Products
Total Unum US
Unum UK
Colonial Life
Year Ended December 31
2009
% Change
2008
% Change
2007
$ 709.2
1.1%
$ 701.5
11.2%
$ 631.0
7.7
716.9
123.2
343.8
6.9
1.2
23.8
1.1
7.2
708.7
99.5
340.2
—
11.0
(5.6)
1.6
7.2
638.2
105.4
334.9
3.0
Individual Disability — Closed Block
1.5
(37.5)
2.4
(20.0)
Consolidated
$1,185.4
3.0
$1,150.8
6.4
$1,081.5
Sales results shown in the preceding chart generally represent the annualized premium or annualized fee income on new sales which
we expect to receive and report as premium income or fee income during the next 12 months following or beginning in the initial quarter
in which the sale is reported, depending on the effective date of the new sale. Sales do not correspond to premium income or fee income
reported as revenue in accordance with GAAP. This is because new annualized sales premiums reflect current sales performance and what
we expect to recognize as premium or fee income over a 12 month period, while premium income and fee income reported in our financial
statements are reported on an “as earned” basis rather than an annualized basis and also include renewals and persistency of in-force
policies written in prior years as well as current new sales.
Premiums for fully insured products are reported as premium income. Fees for ASO products (those where the risk and responsibility
for funding claim payments remain with the customer and we only provide services) are included in other income. Sales, persistency of
the existing block of business, and the effectiveness of the renewal program are indicators of growth in our premium and fee income.
Trends in new sales, as well as existing market share, also indicate our potential for growth in our respective markets and the level of
market acceptance of price changes and new product offerings. Sales results may fluctuate significantly due to case size and timing of
sales submissions.
We intend to continue with our disciplined approach to pricing and also with our strategy of developing a more balanced business
mix. This strategy could result in a lower premium persistency or market share, particularly in the large case Unum US group market, but
historically the profitability of business that terminates has generally been lower than the profitability of retained business. We do not
anticipate any meaningful decline in the number of cases, or case persistency, for our Unum US group market on an aggregate basis.
We have experienced lower sales growth during 2009, particularly in the expansion of sales to existing accounts and with buyers of
our supplemental and voluntary type products, which we believe is mostly attributable to the current economic environment. We expect
this unfavorable pattern may continue in the near term if current economic conditions persist.
See “Segment Results” as follows for additional discussion of sales by segment.
42
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Segment Results
Our reporting segments are comprised of the following: Unum US, Unum UK, Colonial Life, Individual Disability — Closed Block, and
Corporate and Other. In the following segment financial data and discussions of segment results, “operating revenue” excludes net realized
investment gains and losses. “Operating income” or “operating loss” excludes net realized investment gains and losses and income tax.
These are considered non-GAAP financial measures. A non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s performance,
financial position, or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable
measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.
These non-GAAP financial measures of “operating revenue” and “operating income” or “operating loss” differ from revenue and income
(loss) from continuing operations before income tax as presented in our consolidated operating results and in income statements prepared
in accordance with GAAP due to the exclusion of before-tax realized investment gains and losses. We measure segment performance
excluding realized investment gains and losses because we believe that this performance measure is a better indicator of the ongoing
businesses and the underlying trends in the businesses. Our investment focus is on investment income to support our insurance liabilities
as opposed to the generation of realized investment gains and losses, and a long-term focus is necessary to maintain profitability over the
life of the business. Realized investment gains and losses depend on market conditions and do not necessarily relate to decisions regarding
the underlying business of our segments. However, income or loss excluding realized investment gains and losses does not replace net
income or net loss as a measure of overall profitability. We may experience realized investment losses, which will affect future earnings
levels since our underlying business is long-term in nature and we need to earn the assumed interest rates in our liabilities.
A reconciliation of total operating revenue by segment to total consolidated revenue and total operating income by segment to
consolidated net income is as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Operating Revenue by Segment
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
Revenue
Operating Income by Segment
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
Income Tax
Income from Discontinued Operations
Net Income
Year Ended December 31
2009
2008
2007
$10,079.3
$10,448.2
$10,585.1
11.7
(465.9)
(65.2)
$10,091.0
$ 9,982.3
$10,519.9
$ 1,280.6
$ 1,289.9
$ 1,062.4
11.7
439.7
—
(465.9)
270.8
—
(65.2)
324.8
6.9
$ 852.6
$ 553.2
$ 679.3
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 43
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Unum
2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Unum US Segment
The Unum US segment includes group long-term and short-term disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment
(AD&D) products, and supplemental and voluntary lines of business. The supplemental and voluntary lines of business are comprised of
recently issued disability insurance, group and individual long-term care insurance, and voluntary benefits products.
Unum US Operating Results
Shown below are financial results for the Unum US segment. In the sections following, financial results and key ratios are also presented
for the major lines of business within the segment.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios)
2009
% Change
2008
% Change
2007
Year Ended December 31
Operating Revenue
Premium Income
Net Investment Income
Other Income
Total
Benefits and Expenses
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
Commissions
Interest and Debt Expense
Deferral of Acquisition Costs
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
Other Expenses
Total
Operating Income Before Income Tax and
(1.8)%
$4,963.0
(1.0)%
$5,014.0
$4,873.1
1,200.5
118.7
(10.6)
5.6
1,136.4
132.7
6,192.3
(0.6)
6,232.1
2.0
(2.1)
(0.5)
3,855.9
516.6
(3.6)
(0.4)
3,998.4
518.6
(5.8)
3.4
2.0
(52.4)
4.2
(44.0)
(335.5)
317.2
1,061.1
5,417.3
1.8
(1.0)
2.4
(2.4)
(329.7)
320.3
1,036.2
8.4
15.6
4.3
5,548.0
(3.0)
5,721.5
1,114.0
135.6
6,263.6
4,246.4
501.5
7.5
(304.2)
277.1
993.2
Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses
$ 775.0
13.3
$ 684.1
26.2
$ 542.1
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):
Benefit Ratio (1)
Other Expense Ratio (2)
Before-tax Operating Income Ratio (3)
79.1%
21.8%
15.9%
80.6%
20.9%
13.8%
84.7%
19.8%
10.8%
(1) Included in this ratio for 2007 is a charge of $76.5 million related to the claim reassessment process. Excluding this charge, the benefit ratio for 2007 would have been 83.2%.
(2) Included in this ratio for 2007 is an expense reduction of $10.3 million related to the claim reassessment process. Excluding this item, the other expense ratio for 2007
would have been 20.0%.
(3) Included in this ratio for 2007 is a charge of $66.2 million related to the claim reassessment process. Excluding this charge, the before-tax operating income ratio for 2007
would have been 12.1%.
.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Year Ended December 31
2009
% Change
2008
% Change
2007
$182.1
83.9
184.9
18.7
469.6
51.6
22.4
3.7
161.9
239.6
709.2
7.7
$716.9
$320.6
149.0
469.6
239.6
709.2
7.7
$716.9
(4.3)%
$190.3
7.1%
$177.7
17.3
11.8
8.7
5.7
(10.9)
(30.4)
(56.0)
2.1
(6.8)
1.1
6.9
1.2
71.5
165.4
17.2
444.4
10.5
23.4
24.6
13.9
57.9
32.2
(3.0)
(1.8)
8.4
(15.2)
158.6
14.6
257.1
6.8
701.5
11.2
7.2
—
64.7
134.0
13.8
390.2
59.7
32.8
9.9
138.4
240.8
631.0
7.2
$708.7
11.0
$638.2
7.9%
$297.2
23.7%
1.2
5.7
(6.8)
1.1
6.9
1.2
147.2
(1.8)
444.4
13.9
257.1
701.5
7.2
6.8
11.2
—
$240.3
149.9
390.2
240.8
631.0
7.2
$708.7
11.0
$638.2
Unum US Sales
(in millions of dollars)
Sales by Product
Fully Insured Products
Group Disability, Group Life, and AD&D
Group Long-term Disability
Group Short-term Disability
Group Life
AD&D
Subtotal
Supplemental and Voluntary
Individual Disability — Recently Issued
Group Long-term Care
Individual Long-term Care
Voluntary Benefits
Subtotal
Total Fully Insured Products
ASO Products
Total Sales
Sales by Market Sector
Group Disability, Group Life, and AD&D
Core Market (< 2,000 lives)
Large Case Market
Subtotal
Supplemental and Voluntary
Total Fully Insured Products
ASO Products
Total Sales
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 45
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Unum
2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2008
Total sales for Unum US increased 1.2 percent in 2009 compared to 2008. Sales in our group core market segment, which we define for
Unum US as employee groups with fewer than 2,000 lives, increased 7.9 percent over the prior year, with higher group short-term disability and
group life core market sales partially offset by a decline in group long-term disability core market sales. The number of new accounts in our core
market segment increased 6.5 percent in 2009 relative to 2008. Sales in the group large case market segment increased 1.2 percent compared
to the prior year. Our sales mix is approximately 68 percent core market and 32 percent large case market, in line with our targeted 60 percent
core/40 percent large case market distribution mix.
Our supplemental and voluntary sales have been negatively impacted by the current economic conditions, including lower new account
sales as well as lower sales to existing accounts. Sales of voluntary benefits increased by 2.1 percent, and the number of new accounts
increased by 19.5 percent compared to 2008. Sales for our individual disability line of business, of which approximately 90 percent are in the
multi-life market, decreased 10.9 percent compared to 2008, and sales of group long-term care decreased 30.4 percent. We discontinued
selling individual long-term care during 2009.
During 2010 we will continue our focus on the group core market segment and the voluntary products market. We will also seek
disciplined growth in our group large case, individual disability, and group long-term care markets.
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2007
Unum US sales increased 11.0 percent in 2008 compared to 2007. Our group core market segment had a sales increase of 23.7 percent
over 2007, and the number of new accounts increased 16.4 percent. We had a sales mix of approximately 67 percent core market and 33
percent large case market in 2008, and a sales mix of approximately 62 percent core market and 38 percent large case market in 2007. Our
supplemental and voluntary sales increased 6.8 percent in 2008 compared to 2007, with a 14.6 percent increase in voluntary sales
offsetting the expected decrease in sales of individual long-term care.
Sales in the group large case market segment declined 1.8 percent in 2008 compared to 2007. Sales for our individual disability line of
business, of which approximately 91 percent are in the multi-life market, decreased slightly during 2008 compared to 2007.
46
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Unum US Group Disability Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for Unum US group disability.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios)
2009
% Change
2008
% Change
2007
Year Ended December 31
Operating Revenue
Premium Income
Group Long-term Disability
Group Short-term Disability
Total Premium Income
Net Investment Income
Other Income
Total
Benefits and Expenses
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
Commissions
Interest and Debt Expense
Deferral of Acquisition Costs
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
Other Expenses
Total
Operating Income Before Income Tax and Net
$1,726.9
(6.1)%
$1,838.5
(3.0)%
$1,895.7
432.8
2,159.7
629.4
88.9
(0.5)
(5.0)
(0.3)
(11.3)
435.1
(10.4)
2,273.6
631.3
100.2
(4.5)
(2.7)
0.1
(4.0)
2,878.0
(4.2)
3,005.1
1,862.8
162.2
(8.9)
(2.2)
2,043.9
(10.3)
2,277.4
165.9
(1.1)
2.0
(52.4)
4.2
(44.0)
(62.5)
67.3
572.6
5.2
(12.3)
—
(59.4)
76.7
572.4
(1.7)
15.9
1.9
2,604.4
(7.1)
2,803.7
(7.2)
3,020.0
485.6
2,381.3
648.7
100.1
3,130.1
167.7
7.5
(60.4)
66.2
561.6
Realized Investment Gains and Losses
$ 273.6
35.8
$ 201.4
82.9
$ 110.1
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):
Benefit Ratio (1)
Other Expense Ratio (2)
Before-tax Operating Income Ratio (3)
Premium Persistency:
Group Long-term Disability
Group Short-term Disability
Case Persistency:
Group Long-term Disability
Group Short-term Disability
86.3%
26.5%
12.7%
86.9%
86.8%
87.4%
86.5%
89.9%
25.2%
8.9%
87.8%
82.1%
89.2%
88.2%
95.6%
23.6%
4.6%
85.1%
74.0%
88.4%
87.4%
(1) Included in this ratio for 2007 is a charge of $76.5 million related to the claim reassessment process. Excluding this charge, the benefit ratio for 2007 would have been 92.4%.
(2) Included in this ratio for 2007 is an expense reduction of $10.3 million related to the claim reassessment process. Excluding this item, the other expense ratio for 2007
would have been 24.0%.
(3) Included in this ratio for 2007 is a charge of $66.2 million related to the claim reassessment process. Excluding this charge, the before-tax operating income ratio for 2007
would have been 7.4%.
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 47
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Unum
2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2008
Premium income for group disability declined in 2009 relative to the prior year, a portion of which was expected and is attributable
to our pricing, renewal, and risk selection strategy. Premium income for our Unum US group business, both disability and life, was also
negatively impacted by lower premium growth from existing customers due to lower salary growth and lower growth in the number of
employees covered under an existing policy. Premium persistency increased for group short-term disability in both the core and large case
segments. Premium persistency for group long-term disability increased in the core market segment but decreased in the large case
segment, resulting in an overall persistency decline for group long-term disability. Case persistency declined due to a higher number of
terminated cases in the smaller size case market within the core segment. These terminations did not affect premium persistency negatively
to the degree they affected case persistency due to a lower average premium per terminated case. Net investment income was consistent
in 2009 relative to 2008, with an increase in the level of assets offset by lower interest rates on floating rate assets. Other income includes
ASO fees of $59.2 million and $64.8 million for 2009 and 2008, respectively.
The benefit ratio for 2009 was lower than the benefit ratio for the prior year due primarily to a higher rate of claim recoveries for
group long-term disability and a decrease in the paid claim incidence rates for group short-term disability. Paid claim incidence rates for
group long-term disability were higher in 2009 relative to 2008, but the average size of new claims was lower.
Interest and debt expense related to the debt issued by Tailwind Holdings decreased in 2009 relative to the prior year due to a decrease
in the variable rate of interest during 2009 and a decrease in the amount of outstanding debt resulting from principal repayments.
The deferral of acquisition costs increased in comparison to 2008 due to a higher level of deferrable expenses partially resulting from
increased group short-term disability sales. Amortization was lower in 2009 relative to the prior year due to a decrease in amortization
related to internal replacement transactions. These transactions are accounted for as an extinguishment of the original policy and the
issuance of a new policy.
The other expense ratio increased in 2009 compared to the prior year due primarily to the decline in premium income and an increase
in policy maintenance expenses associated with the change in the mix of in-force policies from the large case market to the core market
segment. Included in 2008 other expenses was $4.4 million related to a 2008 broker compensation settlement agreement.
During 2009, Unum America entered into a quota share reinsurance agreement with RGA Americas Reinsurance Company, Ltd. under
which Unum America will cede a closed block of group long-term disability claims. The reinsurance transaction does not meet the conditions
for reinsurance accounting and is therefore accounted for as a deposit. As such, there is no effect on reported premium income or benefits.
The only impact on the income statement is the risk charge paid to the reinsurer.
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2007
Premium income for group disability decreased in 2008 relative to 2007 due primarily to our pricing, renewal, and risk selection strategy
as well as the termination of one large case group in September 2007. However, premium persistency and case persistency both improved
in 2008 over 2007 in both the core and large case markets. Net investment income declined in 2008 in comparison to 2007 primarily due to
a lower yield on assets supporting this line of business resulting from the investment of new cash at a lower yield than that of the existing
portfolio and also due to a decrease in bond call premiums. The decline in yield and bond call premiums was partially offset by an increase
in the level of assets in the portfolio. ASO fees were $64.8 million and $65.2 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively.
The benefit ratio for 2008 was lower than the benefit ratio for 2007, excluding the 2007 revision to our estimate for the claim reassessment
costs, due primarily to a higher rate of claim recoveries in group long-term disability and lower paid claims in short-term disability. Claim
incidence rates for both group long-term and short-term disability were slightly lower in 2008 than 2007.
Interest and debt expense was lower in 2008 compared to the prior year due to a lower variable rate of interest and a decrease in the
amount of outstanding debt resulting from principal repayments.
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs was higher in 2008 relative to 2007 due to an increase in amortization related to internal
replacement transactions.
The other expense ratio increased in 2008 compared to 2007 due primarily to the decline in premium income and an increase in policy
maintenance expenses and product service and development costs. Also contributing to the increase in the other expense ratio was $4.4
million of expense related to the broker compensation settlement.
48
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Unum US Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for Unum US group life and accidental death and dismemberment.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios)
2009
% Change
2008
% Change
2007
Year Ended December 31
Operating Revenue
Premium Income
Group Life
$1,057.7
(0.5)%
$1,062.8
(4.0)%
$1,107.4
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
104.9
(17.8)
127.6
Total Premium Income
Net Investment Income
Other Income
Total
Benefits and Expenses
1,162.6
126.5
(2.3)
0.4
1.9
(17.4)
1,190.4
126.0
2.3
1,291.0
(2.1)
1,318.7
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
Commissions
Deferral of Acquisition Costs
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
Other Expenses
Total
Operating Income Before Income Tax and Net
815.5
85.4
(48.1)
45.9
197.6
1,096.3
(1.5)
—
19.4
(16.5)
9.7
(1.0)
827.6
85.4
(40.3)
55.0
180.1
(2.6)
(3.9)
(6.6)
(4.2)
(4.1)
(8.2)
(3.7)
11.6
39.6
9.2
131.0
1,238.4
134.9
2.4
1,375.7
901.6
88.7
(36.1)
39.4
164.9
1,107.8
(4.4)
1,158.5
Realized Investment Gains and Losses
$ 194.7
(7.7)
$ 210.9
(2.9)
$ 217.2
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):
Benefit Ratio
Other Expense Ratio
Before-tax Operating Income Ratio
Premium Persistency:
Group Life
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Case Persistency:
Group Life
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
70.1%
17.0%
16.7%
86.9%
88.1%
87.2%
87.2%
69.5%
15.1%
17.7%
83.8%
86.4%
89.1%
89.2%
72.8%
13.3%
17.5%
78.8%
80.8%
87.7%
88.0%
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 49
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Unum
2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2008
Premium income for group life and accidental death and dismemberment decreased in 2009 relative to 2008, a portion of which was
expected and is due to our pricing, renewal, and risk selection strategy. Consistent with the decline in premium income for group disability,
premium growth for group life and accidental death and dismemberment has also been negatively impacted by lower premium growth
from existing customers. Premium income for accidental death and dismemberment declined in part due to a reinsurance agreement
entered into, effective January 1, 2009, to cede an $8.0 million annualized premium in-force block of business. In both product lines,
premium persistency improved, but case persistency declined in comparison to the prior year due to a higher number of terminated cases
in the fewer than 100 lives market segment. Net investment income was consistent in 2009 relative to 2008, with an increase in the
level of assets offset by lower interest rates on floating rate assets.
The benefit ratio in 2009 was higher than the prior year as a result of a higher average paid claim size in group life which was only
partially offset by a lower rate of paid claim incidence.
The deferral of acquisition costs increased in 2009 compared to 2008 due primarily to an increase in the level of deferrable expenses
resulting from the increase in sales. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs was lower in 2009 relative to the prior year due to a decrease
in amortization related to internal replacement transactions.
The other expense ratio increased in 2009 in comparison to the prior year due to the decline in premium income as well as an increase
in policy acquisition-related costs associated with increased sales and an increase in policy maintenance expenses associated with the
change in the mix of in-force policies from the large case market to the core market segment.
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2007
Premium income for group life decreased in 2008 relative to 2007 due primarily to our pricing, renewal, and risk selection strategy.
Premium persistency and case persistency both improved in 2008 in comparison to 2007. The decrease in net investment income in 2008
relative to 2007 resulted from a decline in the level of assets supporting these lines of business and from a lower yield on the portfolio due
to the investment of new cash at a lower yield than that of the existing portfolio.
The benefit ratio decreased in 2008 due primarily to lower paid claim incidence rates for both group life and the accidental death and
dismemberment lines of business.
The deferral of acquisition costs increased in 2008 due primarily to increased sales in the group core market segment. Amortization of
deferred acquisition costs was higher in 2008 relative to 2007 due to an increase in amortization related to internal replacement transactions.
The other expense ratio increased in 2008 in comparison to 2007 due primarily to the decline in premium income as well as an increase
in policy maintenance expenses and product and service development costs.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Unum US Supplemental and Voluntary Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for Unum US supplemental and voluntary product lines.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios)
2009
% Change
2008
% Change
2007
Year Ended December 31
Operating Revenue
Premium Income
Individual Disability — Recently Issued
$ 463.7
(1.7)%
$ 471.5
3.2%
$ 456.7
Long-term Care
Voluntary Benefits
Total Premium Income
Net Investment Income
Other Income
Total
Benefits and Expenses
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
Commissions
Deferral of Acquisition Costs
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
Other Expenses
Total
Operating Income Before Income Tax and Net
594.7
492.4
1,550.8
444.6
27.9
2,023.3
1,177.6
269.0
(224.9)
204.0
290.9
1,716.6
2.4
10.2
3.5
17.3
(7.6)
6.0
4.5
0.6
(2.2)
8.2
2.5
4.9
580.7
446.8
1,499.0
379.1
30.2
9.0
10.4
7.5
14.7
(8.8)
532.9
404.7
1,394.3
330.4
33.1
1,908.3
8.6
1,757.8
1,126.9
267.3
(230.0)
188.6
283.7
1,636.5
5.6
9.1
10.7
10.0
6.4
6.1
1,067.4
245.1
(207.7)
171.5
266.7
1,543.0
Realized Investment Gains and Losses
$ 306.7
12.8
$ 271.8
26.5
$ 214.8
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):
Benefit Ratios
Individual Disability — Recently Issued
Long-term Care
Voluntary Benefits
Other Expense Ratio
Before-tax Operating Income Ratio
Interest Adjusted Loss Ratios:
Individual Disability — Recently Issued
Long-term Care
Premium Persistency:
Individual Disability — Recently Issued
Long-term Care
Voluntary Benefits
51.4%
111.6%
56.0%
18.8%
19.8%
32.5%
76.5%
89.6%
95.1%
79.9%
53.3%
106.1%
58.0%
18.9%
18.1%
35.9%
75.5%
90.7%
95.5%
80.4%
56.7%
106.0%
60.1%
19.1%
15.4%
40.0%
77.7%
90.6%
95.4%
79.4%
Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2008
Premium income increased in 2009 relative to the prior year due primarily to sales growth, particularly in the voluntary benefits product line,
partially offset by a slight decline in premium persistency. Net investment income increased relative to the prior year due to higher investment
income related to growth in the level of assets supporting these lines of business, an increased level of prepayment income on mortgage-
backed securities, and a higher yield on the portfolio due to the investment of new cash at higher yields than that of the existing portfolio.
The interest adjusted loss ratio for the individual disability — recently issued line of business declined in 2009 relative to the prior year due
primarily to a more favorable claim recovery rate and a lower number of reopened claims, partially offset by an increase in the paid incidence
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 51
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Unum
2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
rate. The interest adjusted loss ratio for long-term care increased in 2009 relative to the prior year due primarily to an increase in paid claim
incidence rates. The benefit ratio for voluntary benefits decreased in 2009 as compared to 2008 due primarily to an increase in premium income,
partially offset by an increase in the paid claim incidence rate for the voluntary disability product line.
The deferral of acquisition costs decreased in 2009 as compared to 2008 due to the decrease in acquisition-related expenses resulting
from lower sales. The amortization of acquisition costs was higher in 2009 due to an acceleration of amortization resulting from lower
persistency in certain of the product lines. The other expense ratio in 2009 was consistent with the prior year.
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2007
Premium income increased in 2008 relative to 2007 due to sales growth in our supplemental and voluntary product lines, the impact of
premium rate increases implemented for individual long-term care, and overall stable persistency. Net investment income increased in 2008
relative to 2007 primarily from growth in the level of assets supporting these lines of business.
The decrease in the interest adjusted loss ratio for the individual disability — recently issued line of business for 2008 relative to 2007 is
due primarily to a decrease in paid claim incidence rates, partially offset by a lower claim recovery rate. The interest adjusted loss ratio for
long-term care was lower in 2008 than in 2007 due primarily to higher premium income, partially offset by an increase in claim incidence
rates. The benefit ratio for voluntary benefits decreased in 2008 as compared to 2007, due primarily to a lower rate of paid claim incidence
for the disability line of business and a lower mortality rate for the life line of business.
The increase in commissions and the deferral and amortization of acquisition costs in 2008 relative to 2007 is due primarily to growth
in these lines of business. The other expense ratio decreased slightly in 2008 in comparison to 2007 due to a higher rate of premium growth
relative to expense growth.
Segment Outlook
During 2009, we experienced an unfavorable impact on premium growth which we believe was caused by the uncertain economic
environment. Our 2009 sales were also negatively impacted by the economy, particularly sales to existing accounts. Opportunities for premium
and sales growth are expected to re-emerge as the economy improves and employment growth resumes. We expect continued volatility
in net investment income during 2010 as a result of fluctuations in bond calls and other types of miscellaneous net investment income. We
intend to manage our expense levels relative to premium levels through operating effectiveness and performance management. Unum
US has goodwill of approximately $190.0 million at year end 2009, none of which is currently believed to be at risk for future impairment.
Periods of economic downturns have historically affected disability claim incidence rates and, to a lesser extent, disability claim recovery
rates in certain sectors of the market. Certain risks and uncertainties are inherent in disability business. Components of claims experience,
such as incidence and recovery rates, may be worse than we expect. Disability claim incidence and claim recovery rates may be influenced
by, among other factors, the rate of unemployment and consumer confidence. Within the group disability market, pricing and renewal
actions can be taken to react to higher claim rates, but these actions take time to implement, and there is a risk that the market will not
sustain increased prices. In addition, changes in economic and external conditions may not manifest themselves in claims experience for an
extended period of time. The current economic downturn may lead to a higher rate of claim incidence or lower levels of claim recoveries.
We have previously taken steps to improve our risk profile, including reducing our exposure to volatile business segments through diversification
by market size, product segment, and industry segment. We believe our claims management organization is positioned for stable and
sustainable performance levels. Although we did not experience significantly higher levels of disability claims incidence during 2009, we
did experience slightly elevated levels in the second half of 2009. We are uncertain as to whether the higher claim incidence is due to the
normal volatility that occurs in our group disability business or is related to the economy. We continuously monitor key indicators to assess
our risk to the economic slowdown and attempt to adjust our business plans accordingly.
We believe our Unum US growth strategy is sound. We continue to see future growth opportunity based on employee choice, defined
employer funding, simple administration, and effective communication. Our strategies for growth focus on (i) delivering product choice
through an integrated, easy-to-manage, and flexible platform, (ii) providing communications to employees with a focus on education and
enrollment efficiencies, (iii) continued expansion and improvement in distribution, and (iv) developing strong capabilities to cross-sell,
re-enroll, and retain customers.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
During 2010, we will continue to embed our culture of risk management while maintaining our operating effectiveness, with a focus
on talent development across our businesses. We believe we are well-positioned strategically in our markets and that opportunities for
growth exist in our group core market segment and in the voluntary markets. We will continue to manage our value businesses, which we
define as the group large case market, individual disability, and long-term care product lines, in a disciplined manner for profitability. While
the recession impacted our ability to grow premium income during 2009, we expect to achieve a slight increase in premium income during
2010. We anticipate that the benefit ratio in our group disability product line will begin to level out during 2010. We think future margin
improvement is achievable, although at a slower rate of growth than was achieved for 2008 and 2009, driven primarily by our ongoing
product mix shift and the growth of our voluntary benefits product line.
Unum UK Segment
Unum UK includes insurance for group long-term disability, group life, and individual disability products sold primarily in the United
Kingdom through field sales personnel and independent brokers and consultants.
Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for the Unum UK segment.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios)
2009
% Change
2008
% Change
2007
Year Ended December 31
Operating Revenue
Premium Income
Group Long-term Disability
Group Life
Individual Disability
Total Premium Income
Net Investment Income
Other Income
Total
Benefits and Expenses
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
Commissions
Deferral of Acquisition Costs
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
Other Expenses
Total
Operating Income Before Income Tax and Net
$503.1
147.8
35.2
686.1
124.5
2.4
813.0
373.6
46.7
(29.1)
30.5
141.7
563.4
(25.6)%
$ 675.9
(10.2)%
$ 752.6
(15.3)
(9.3)
(22.8)
(31.6)
20.0
(24.2)
(26.9)
(20.8)
(22.2)
(5.9)
(22.9)
(24.8)
174.6
38.8
889.3
181.9
(1.6)
1.3
(8.2)
(2.9)
2.0
(35.5)
177.4
38.3
968.3
187.4
3.1
1,073.2
(7.4)
1,158.8
511.4
59.0
(37.4)
(11.0)
(11.9)
(9.2)
32.4
(34.4)
183.8
0.2
749.2
(10.1)
574.3
67.0
(41.2)
49.4
183.5
833.0
Realized Investment Gains and Losses
$249.6
(23.0)
$ 324.0
(0.6)
$ 325.8
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):
Benefit Ratio
Other Expense Ratio
Before-tax Operating Income Ratio
Premium Persistency:
Group Long-term Disability
Group Life
Individual Disability
54.5%
20.7%
36.4%
88.6%
80.1%
87.6%
57.5%
20.7%
36.4%
87.4%
74.9%
87.6%
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 53
59.3%
19.0%
33.6%
88.0%
70.5%
89.4%
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Unum
2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency of Unum UK is the British pound sterling. Unum UK’s premiums, net investment income, claims, and expenses
are received or paid in pounds, and we hold pound-denominated assets to support Unum UK’s pound-denominated policy reserves and
liabilities. We translate Unum UK’s pound-denominated financial statement items into dollars for our consolidated financial reporting. We
translate income statement items using an average exchange rate for the reporting period, and we translate balance sheet items using the
exchange rate at the end of the period. We report unrealized foreign currency translation gains and losses in accumulated other
comprehensive income in our consolidated balance sheets.
Fluctuations in the pound to dollar exchange rate have an effect on Unum UK’s reported financial results and our consolidated financial
results. In periods when the pound weakens relative to the preceding period, as occurred in 2009 and in 2008, translating pounds into dollars
decreases current periods’ results relative to the prior period. In periods when the pound strengthens, translating into dollars increases current
periods’ results in relation to the prior periods.
(in millions of pounds, except ratios)
2009
% Change
2008
% Change
2007
Year Ended December 31
Operating Revenue
Premium Income
Group Long-term Disability
£322.2
(11.6)%
£364.4
(3.1)%
£375.9
Group Life
Individual Disability
Total Premium Income
Net Investment Income
Other Income
Total
Benefits and Expenses
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
Commissions
Deferral of Acquisition Costs
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
Other Expenses
Total
94.1
22.4
438.7
79.6
1.6
519.9
238.3
29.8
(18.5)
19.5
90.2
0.9
7.2
(8.3)
(19.2)
33.3
(10.1)
(13.6)
(6.6)
(8.0)
8.9
(9.4)
93.3
20.9
478.6
98.5
5.4
9.4
(1.0)
5.3
1.2
(25.0)
578.3
(0.1)
275.8
31.9
(20.1)
(3.8)
(4.8)
(2.4)
17.9
(27.5)
99.6
8.7
359.3
(11.3)
405.1
(2.6)
Operating Income Before Income Tax and Net
Realized Investment Gains and Losses
£160.6
(7.3)
£173.2
6.5
Weighted Average Pound/Dollar Exchange Rate
1.554
1.871
88.5
19.1
483.5
93.5
1.6
578.6
286.8
33.5
(20.6)
24.7
91.6
416.0
£162.6
2.004
Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2008
Premium income declined in 2009 relative to the prior year due to lower premium growth from existing customers and also due to a
decline in the in-force block of group long-term disability business resulting from lower persistency and lower sales during 2008 and 2007.
Also contributing to the comparative decline was an increase in group long-term disability premium income of £2.8 million in 2008 relating
to a non-recurring reinsurance premium on a previously acquired claims block. The decline in group long-term disability premium income
was partially offset by increases in premium income for group life due to higher sales and improved persistency.
Net investment income decreased in 2009 relative to the prior year due primarily to a reduction in inflation which reduced the return
on bonds for which interest income is linked to a U.K. inflation index. These index-linked bonds match the claim reserves associated with
certain of our group long-term disability policies that provide for inflation-linked increases in disability benefits. The decrease in 2009 net
investment income attributable to these index-linked bonds was generally offset by a decrease in the reserves for future claims payments
54
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
related to the inflation index-linked group long-term disability policies. Although over the intermediate-term the investment return from
index-linked bonds generally matches the index-linked claim payments and reserves, the effect on investment income from the inflation
index-linked bonds may not be completely offset by lower claim payments and reserves. The benefits reset to a higher payment when the
rate of inflation increases but are not reset to a lower payment due to a decrease in the rate of inflation, whereas investment income on the
inflation index-linked bonds can fluctuate either positively or negatively depending on the movement in the inflation rate.
The lower benefit ratio in 2009 in comparison to the prior year was primarily due to a decline in the level of claim incidence for group
long-term disability as well as the impact of lower inflation on claim reserves associated with group long-term disability policies containing
an inflation-linked benefit increase feature. Partially offsetting these items is an increase in claim incidence for the group life line of business.
Claim recoveries for group long-term disability were generally consistent with the prior year.
The deferral of acquisition costs in 2009 decreased in comparison to the prior year due primarily to a lower level of deferrable expenses
resulting from the reduction in the overall expense level as well as a change in the mix of sales. The increase in amortization of acquisition
costs in 2009 relative to the prior year is due primarily to an increase in amortization related to internal replacement transactions that are
accounted for as an extinguishment of the original policy and the issuance of a new policy.
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2007
Premium income decreased in 2008 relative to 2007 due primarily to a decline in group long-term disability resulting from lower
persistency levels and lower sales. This decline was partially offset by increases in premium income for group life due to higher sales and
improved persistency and to individual disability due to the continued growth in the in-force block from higher levels of sales during 2008
and 2007. A decrease in group life ceded premiums as a result of a modification, in the fourth quarter of 2007, of a quota share reinsurance
arrangement relating to new group life sales also contributed to the increase in group life premiums in 2008 compared to 2007. Net investment
income increased in 2008 relative to 2007 due primarily to the growth in the level of assets supporting these lines of business and a higher
yield on the portfolio due to the investment of new cash at a higher yield than that of the existing portfolio.
The lower benefit ratio in 2008 in comparison to 2007 was primarily due to an increased rate of claim recoveries for group long-
term disability.
The decrease in amortization of acquisition costs in 2008 relative to 2007 is due primarily to a decrease in amortization related to
internal replacement transactions. The other expense ratio increased during 2008 in comparison with 2007 due primarily to expenses of
£4.4 million related to the implementation of the disciplined cost management process during the fourth quarter of 2008.
During 2008, Unum UK became responsible for the ongoing administration and management of a closed block of group long-term
disability claims through a reinsurance arrangement with Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited. At the time of the transaction,
Unum UK received cash of £24.5 million, recorded £0.4 million in accrued premiums receivable, assumed reserves of £22.2 million, and
recorded a deferred gain of £2.7 million. The transaction did not materially impact operating results.
Sales
Shown below are sales results in dollars and in pounds for the Unum UK segment.
(in millions)
Group Long-term Disability
Group Life
Individual Disability
Total Sales
Year Ended December 31
2009
% Change
2008
% Change
2007
$ 63.8
(12.2)%
$72.7
(13.9)%
$ 84.4
53.8
5.6
174.5
(22.2)
19.6
7.2
$123.2
23.8
$99.5
48.5
(7.7)
(5.6)
13.2
7.8
$105.4
Group Long-term Disability
£ 40.9
3.0%
£39.7
(5.7)%
£ 42.1
Group Life
Individual Disability
Total Sales
33.4
3.6
£ 77.9
206.4
(7.7)
42.9
10.9
3.9
65.2
—
6.6
3.9
£54.5
3.6
£ 52.6
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 55
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Unum
2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Sales in Unum UK increased in 2009 compared to 2008, aided by the exit of another large insurance provider from the U.K. group risk
market. Excluding the sales related to this exit of this provider, Unum UK sales increased 8.6 percent in 2009 compared to the prior year.
The sales growth in group life was attributable to sales growth in both the core market, which we define for Unum UK as employee groups
with fewer than 500 lives, and in the large case market. Group disability also had sales increases in both market segments. Sales of group
long-term disability and group life were both unfavorably impacted during 2009 by lower sales to existing accounts.
Sales in Unum UK increased in 2008 compared to 2007 primarily due to growth in group life sales offset partially by a decrease in
sales for group long-term disability. In the U.K., legislative changes that removed discrimination by employers on the basis of age, therefore
encouraging the extension of insurance coverage, became effective in October 2006. During 2007, Unum UK took advantage of the
opportunities offered by age equality legislation, with £7.4 million of additional sales during 2007 compared to only £2.0 million in 2008.
Excluding sales related to the change in age equality legislation, Unum UK achieved underlying sales growth of approximately 16 percent
in 2008 as compared to 2007.
Segment Outlook
During 2009, we experienced an unfavorable impact on sales to existing customers and premium growth, and we expect this may
continue in the near term if current economic conditions persist. Our sales and premium growth could also be further impacted by a
prolonged competitive pricing environment in the U.K. We have thus far not experienced any significant deterioration in disability claims
incidence or claim recoveries, but similar to Unum US, disability claim incidence and claim recovery rates may be influenced by the current
economic environment. Unum UK has an immaterial amount of goodwill recorded on its balance sheet at year end 2009, none of which is
currently believed to be at risk for future impairment. We continuously monitor key indicators to assess our risk to the economic slowdown
and attempt to adjust our business plans accordingly. Continued fluctuations in the U.S. dollar relative to the British pound sterling impact
our reported operating results.
Our current growth strategy focuses on generating organic growth and expanding our role as the leading provider of group disability
insurance in the U.K. Our strategy for future growth combines optimizing the performance of our existing business while developing new
market opportunities. We intend to optimize performance of the existing business by (i) improving customer service, (ii) expanding our
broker market capabilities and sales effectiveness, and (iii) building on and adapting our existing products to meet emerging customer
needs. We intend to develop new market opportunities for employee paid workplace solutions by offering a broader integrated product
with simpler, defined choices and flexible funding options through a streamlined and efficient platform with online capabilities matched to
broker and employer needs.
During 2010, we will continue our commitment to our risk management culture as we focus on the achievement of sustainable and
profitable growth through disciplined pricing, premium persistency, risk selection, and claims management. We expect to maintain our
strong leadership position in the U.K. during 2010. In the current competitive market and economic environment, we continue to have a
cautious outlook for premium growth, but we believe we will be able to achieve overall premium growth during 2010 through improved
persistency and increased sales to existing and new customers. Due to the disciplined cost management process we have implemented,
we intend to continue to align our operating expenses with premium growth through the implementation of expense efficiencies. During
2010, we expect our margins to continue at the favorable level maintained during 2009 and 2008.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Colonial Life Segment
The Colonial Life segment includes insurance for accident, sickness, and disability products, life products, and cancer and critical illness
products issued primarily by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company and marketed to employees at the workplace through an agency
sales force and brokers.
Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for the Colonial Life segment.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios)
2009
% Change
2008
% Change
2007
Year Ended December 31
Operating Revenue
Premium Income
Accident, Sickness, and Disability
$ 625.8
3.1%
$ 606.9
7.1%
$ 566.6
Life
Cancer and Critical Illness
Total Premium Income
Net Investment Income
Other Income
Total
Benefits and Expenses
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
Commissions
Deferral of Acquisition Costs
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
Other Expenses
Total
Operating Income Before Income Tax and Net
165.6
223.7
1,015.1
114.3
0.5
1,129.9
480.6
215.3
(229.0)
178.5
203.6
849.0
5.2
5.0
3.9
8.1
25.0
4.3
3.6
1.7
2.3
7.3
3.4
4.1
157.4
213.0
977.3
105.7
9.7
8.1
7.7
5.8
0.4
(55.6)
143.5
197.1
907.2
99.9
0.9
1,083.4
7.5
1,008.0
464.0
211.8
(223.8)
166.4
196.9
815.3
6.0
5.1
6.1
8.1
9.5
7.0
437.8
201.6
(210.9)
153.9
179.8
762.2
Realized Investment Gains and Losses
$ 280.9
4.8
$ 268.1
9.1
$ 245.8
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):
Benefit Ratio
Other Expense Ratio
Before-tax Operating Income Ratio
Premium Persistency:
Accident, Sickness, and Disability
Life
Cancer and Critical Illness
47.3%
20.1%
27.7%
74.4%
84.7%
83.8%
47.5%
20.1%
27.4%
75.8%
84.7%
84.0%
48.3%
19.8%
27.1%
75.9%
83.8%
84.1%
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 57
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Unum
2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2008
The lower level of premium growth in 2009 compared to the 2008 growth rate was attributable primarily to lower sales during the first
half of 2009 and lower persistency in the accident, sickness, and disability product line. The lower persistency primarily relates to the loss of a
few large policyholder accounts. We believe our lower premium growth was partially due to the current economic conditions which affected
the buying patterns of employees and caused employers to defer introduction of new plans. Net investment income increased in 2009 in
comparison to the prior year due to growth in the level of assets, an increased level of prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities,
and a higher yield on the portfolio due to the investment of new cash at a higher yield than that of the existing portfolio.
The overall benefit ratio for this segment remained stable in 2009 relative to the prior year, with a lower benefit ratio in the life and
cancer and critical illness lines of business partially offset by a slightly higher benefit ratio in the accident, sickness, and disability line of
business. The life product line reported a lower benefit ratio in 2009 relative to the prior year due to a change in the mix of life business
and the resulting lower change in the active life reserve. The cancer and critical illness product line reported a lower benefit ratio in 2009
relative to the prior year due primarily to a release of active life reserves, partially offset by an increase in disabled life reserves associated
with the older cancer products. The increase in the benefit ratio in the accident, sickness and disability line of business resulted primarily
from a slight increase in the claim incidence rates relative to the favorable experience of last year.
The amortization of deferred acquisition costs was higher in 2009 due to the continued increase in the level of deferred acquisition
costs as well as the fluctuation in amortization related to certain of our interest-sensitive policies.
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2007
Growth in premium income for 2008 compared to 2007 was attributable primarily to stable persistency and an increase in sales
during 2008 and 2007. Net investment income increased in 2008 in comparison to 2007 due to growth in the level of assets and a higher
yield on the portfolio.
The benefit ratio decreased in 2008 in comparison to 2007 due primarily to favorable risk experience in the accident, sickness,
and disability line of business, offset somewhat by higher benefit ratios in the life and cancer and critical illness lines of business. The
improvement in the accident, sickness, and disability line of business resulted from favorable experience related to several new products
introduced between 2002 and 2004. The life line of business benefit ratio was higher in 2008 relative to 2007 due to a higher level of death
claims and a higher average claim cost. The cancer and critical illness product line reported a higher benefit ratio in 2008 relative to 2007
due primarily to unfavorable claim experience associated with the older cancer products.
The other expense ratio for 2008 increased in comparison to 2007 due primarily to field expansion and development.
Sales
(in millions of dollars)
2009
% Change
2008
% Change
2007
Accident, Sickness, and Disability
$221.1
(0.5)%
$222.1
5.1%
$211.3
Life
Cancer and Critical Illness
Total Sales
68.3
54.4
$343.8
6.7
0.6
1.1
64.0
54.1
$340.2
(4.0)
(4.9)
1.6
66.7
56.9
$334.9
Year Ended December 31
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Colonial Life’s sales in 2009 increased 1.1 percent relative to last year, with 7.2 percent growth in new account sales and a decline of
2.3 percent in existing account sales. We experienced sales growth of 11.8 percent in the public sector market and a slight increase in sales
in the commercial market segment with more than 500 lives. These sales increases were partially offset by a sales decline of 2.6 percent in
the commercial core market segment, which we define for Colonial Life as employee groups with fewer than 500 lives. The number of new
accounts in 2009 increased relative to 2008, while the new account annualized sales premium per case sold declined.
Colonial Life’s 2008 sales increased in the commercial core market segment as compared to 2007 sales levels. Partially offsetting this
increase was a decrease in sales in the commercial market segment for employee groups with more than 500 lives and a decrease in the
public sector markets for state and federal governments. The number of new accounts and the new account annualized sales premium per
case sold both increased in 2008 over 2007.
Segment Outlook
During 2009, economic conditions had an unfavorable impact on existing account sales and on premium growth, and we expect this
trend may continue in the near term if current economic conditions persist and continue to affect employment growth, the buying patterns
of employees, and the deferral by employers of the introduction of new employee benefit plans. Periods of economic downturns have
historically had minimal impact on the risk results of Colonial Life, due primarily to a diversified product portfolio that is designed with short
duration, indemnity benefits. During 2009, we did not experience a significant increase in claim incidence levels in the aggregate or in any
particular market sector. We continuously monitor key indicators to assess our risk to an economic slowdown or recession and attempt to
adjust our business plans accordingly.
Given the general stability and consistency of our risk results, we intend to continue to concentrate on developing our agency
distribution system and implementing marketing strategies to accelerate sales growth. We believe our value proposition, through which we
serve as benefits counselors for employers and employees and as a single source for benefits communication, voluntary insurance products,
and enrollment services, is well positioned for changes in the voluntary market. Our 2010 growth strategy will focus on (i) distribution
expansion and effectiveness, (ii) benefits communication, primarily through one-to-one enrollment, (iii) targeted marketing programs to
accelerate new account growth and better penetrate existing accounts, and (iv) balanced growth in our market segments.
During 2010, we will continue with our commitment to fostering our risk management culture while we seek to further expand our
market opportunities. While we expect sales and premium growth to be modest in the near term, strong profit margins are expected to
continue. We believe sales and premium growth will reaccelerate as the economy improves and employment growth resumes.
Individual Disability — Closed Block Segment
The Individual Disability — Closed Block segment generally consists of those individual disability policies in-force before the substantial
changes in product offerings, pricing, distribution, and underwriting, which generally occurred during the period 1994 through 1998. A small
amount of new business continued to be sold after these changes, but we stopped selling new policies in this segment at the beginning of
2004 other than update features contractually allowable on existing policies.
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2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for the Individual Disability — Closed Block segment.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios)
2009
% Change
2008
% Change
2007
Year Ended December 31
Operating Revenue
Premium Income
Net Investment Income
Other Income
Total
Benefits and Expenses
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
1,489.6
Commissions
Interest and Debt Expense
Other Expenses
Total
58.1
16.6
141.3
1,705.6
$ 898.5
(5.6)%
$ 952.3
(5.7)%
$1,009.9
740.6
100.8
1,739.9
(3.5)
2.2
(4.3)
(3.6)
(7.3)
(52.7)
(4.6)
(4.8)
767.5
98.6
1,818.4
1,544.8
62.7
35.1
148.1
(7.3)
(4.9)
(6.3)
(4.3)
(9.3)
N.M.
5.9
827.6
103.7
1,941.2
1,614.5
69.1
8.3
139.8
1,790.7
(2.2)
1,831.7
Operating Income Before Income Tax and Net
Realized Investment Gains and Losses
$ 34.3
23.8
$ 27.7
(74.7)
$ 109.5
Interest Adjusted Loss Ratio (1)
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):
Other Expense Ratio (2)
Before-tax Operating Income Ratio (3)
Premium Persistency
N.M. = not a meaningful percentage
81.6%
15.7%
3.8%
93.2%
82.2%
15.6%
2.9%
93.8%
84.1%
13.8%
10.8%
94.3%
(1) Included in this ratio for 2007 is a credit of $10.7 million related to the claim reassessment process. Excluding this credit, the interest adjusted loss ratio for 2007 would
have been 85.2%.
(2) Included in this ratio for 2007 is an expense reduction of $2.5 million related to the claim reassessment process. Excluding this item, the other expense ratio for 2007
would have been 14.1%.
(3) Included in this ratio for 2007 is a credit of $13.2 million related to the claim reassessment process. Excluding this credit, the before-tax operating income ratio for 2007
would have been 9.5%.
Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2008
The decrease in premium income for 2009 relative to the prior year is due to the expected run-off of this block of closed business due to
lower persistency and policy maturities. Net investment income decreased in 2009 relative to the prior year due to lower interest rates on
floating rate assets as well as a lower level of assets supporting this closed block of business, partially offset by an increased level of prepayment
income on mortgage-backed securities. We also received fewer bond call premiums and consent fees during 2009 compared to 2008.
Other income, which includes the underlying results of certain blocks of reinsured business and the net investment income of portfolios
held by those ceding companies to support the block we have reinsured, increased slightly compared to the prior year due to favorable
experience in the reinsured blocks.
The interest adjusted loss ratio for 2009 declined slightly relative to the prior year due to higher claim recoveries. Interest and debt
expense decreased from the prior year due to lower rates of interest on our floating rate debt issued by Northwind Holdings and a decrease
in the amount of outstanding debt resulting from principal repayments.
The other expense ratio increased slightly in 2009 when compared to 2008 due primarily to the decline in premium income. Included
in 2008 other expenses is a $4.7 million litigation settlement.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2007
The decrease in premium income for 2008 relative to 2007 is due to the expected run-off of this block of closed business due to persistency
and policy maturities. Net investment income decreased in 2008 compared to 2007 due to a decrease in bond call premiums, a lower level
of assets, and a decline in the portfolio yield for this segment. During the fourth quarter of 2007, we entered into an intercompany reinsurance
transaction which allowed us to release excess statutory capital previously supporting this reinsured closed block of business. As a result,
the capital allocated to our Individual Disability — Closed Block segment declined, with a resulting decrease in net investment income due
to the lower asset levels needed to support allocated capital. Because this is an intercompany reinsurance arrangement, reported results
remain unchanged for this segment other than the lower net investment income.
Other income declined in 2008 relative to 2007, primarily due to a lower level of assets and the resulting lower level of net investment
income on certain blocks of business we have reinsured.
The interest adjusted loss ratio was lower in 2008 compared to 2007, excluding the decrease in our claim reassessment reserve estimate,
due primarily to lower average size of new claims and fewer reopened claims.
Interest and debt expense on the debt issued in the fourth quarter of 2007 is higher in 2008 because it represents a full year of expense
compared to a partial year of expense in 2007.
The other expense ratio is higher for 2008 relative to 2007 due to a $4.7 million litigation settlement as well as higher legal fees related
to two pending cases.
Segment Outlook
We expect that this segment may experience volatility in net investment income due to the variability in interest rates on floating rate
assets and also due to a reduced level of bond call premiums relative to historical levels. A portion of the volatility in interest income will be
offset by commensurate changes in the interest expense on our floating rate debt.
We expect that operating revenue and income will continue to decline over time as this closed block of business winds down. We believe
that the interest adjusted loss ratio for this block of business will be relatively flat over the long term, but the segment may experience
quarterly volatility. Claim resolution rates, which measure the resolution of claims from recovery, deaths, settlements, and benefit expirations,
are very sensitive to operational and environmental changes and can be volatile. Our claim resolution rate assumption used in determining
reserves is our expectation of the resolution rate we will experience over the life of the block of business and will vary from actual experience
in any one period. It is possible that variability in our reserve assumptions could result in a material impact on our reserve levels.
Corporate and Other Segment
The Corporate and Other segment includes investment income on corporate assets not specifically allocated to a line of business,
interest expense on corporate debt other than non-recourse debt, and certain other corporate income and expense not allocated to a
line of business. Corporate and Other also includes results from certain Unum US insurance products not actively marketed, including
individual life and corporate-owned life insurance, reinsurance pools and management operations, group pension, health insurance, and
individual annuities. We expect operating revenue and income resulting from these insurance products to decline over time as these
business lines wind down.
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2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Operating Results
(in millions of dollars)
Operating Revenue
Premium Income
Net Investment Income
Other Income
Total
Benefits and Expenses
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
Commissions
Interest and Debt Expense
Other Expenses
Total
Operating Loss Before Income Tax and Net
Year Ended December 31
2009
% Change
2008
% Change
2007
$ 2.7
92.9%
$ 1.4
(17.6)%
$ 1.7
166.7
34.8
204.2
91.9
0.4
106.8
64.3
263.4
(15.6)
(17.5)
(15.3)
(14.7)
(66.7)
(9.0)
124.0
3.3
197.5
42.2
241.1
107.8
1.2
117.4
28.7
9.1
37.0
12.9
(6.4)
(36.8)
(48.1)
(7.7)
255.1
(31.8)
181.0
30.8
213.5
115.2
1.9
226.1
31.1
374.3
Realized Investment Gains and Losses
$ (59.2)
N.M.
$ (14.0)
91.3
$(160.8)
N.M. = not a meaningful percentage
Non-Insurance Product Results
Operating revenue was $71.1 million in 2009 compared to $106.0 million and $74.9 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively. Operating
losses were $91.9 million in 2009 compared to $30.6 million and $178.3 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively.
The decrease in operating revenue in 2009 compared to 2008 is due primarily to a decrease in net investment income resulting from
lower interest rates on short-term investments. Operating revenue in 2008 included $7.6 million of other income received during 2008
related to a refund of interest primarily attributable to tax years 1986 through 1996. Operating revenue in 2008 was also favorable to the
level of 2007 due to an increase in net investment income resulting from higher asset levels.
Interest and debt expense declined in 2009 relative to 2008 due primarily to lower average levels of outstanding debt. Interest expense
declined in 2008 relative to 2007 due to the replacement, in the fourth quarter of 2007, of older fixed rate debt held in Corporate and Other
with non-recourse debt issued in conjunction with the securitization of our closed block of individual disability reserves and held in the
Individual Disability — Closed Block segment. Costs related to early retirement of debt were $58.8 million in 2007 and minimal in the other
periods presented. See “Debt” contained herein for further discussion.
Other expenses were $56.2 million in 2009 compared to $19.2 million and $27.1 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase in
other expenses for 2009 is due primarily to increased pension costs of approximately $42.0 million. Included in the 2007 other expenses is
a securities litigation settlement accrual of $11.6 million.
Insurance Product Results
Operating revenue for our insurance products was $133.1 million in 2009, compared to $135.1 million and $138.6 million in 2008 and
2007, respectively. These closed lines of business had operating income of $32.7 million in 2009, compared to $16.6 million and $17.5 million
in 2008 and 2007, respectively.
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Segment Outlook
The general economic outlook for corporate bond defaults continues to be high relative to historical levels. We have tested whether
our capital plans have sufficient cushion to absorb possible losses. We believe the current level of cash and marketable securities at our
holding companies as well as the level of our statutory risk-based capital position us well for the current economic environment. It is possible,
however, that defaults in our investment portfolio will result in realized investment losses, reduced net investment income, and lower
statutory capital. Depending on the magnitude of defaults, it is possible that we would need to seek external financing.
During 2010, we will continue our disciplined approach to growth and risk management. We expect our capital to continue to
build as we take a conservative approach to capital deployment and seek to retain significant financial flexibility. Interest and debt
expense will be higher in 2010 as compared to 2009 due to the issuance of debt on September 30, 2009, as previously discussed.
We expect that 2010 pension costs will be approximately $15.0 million lower than the level of 2009.
Discontinued Operations
During the first quarter of 2007, we completed the sale of GENEX and recognized an after-tax gain on the transaction of approximately
$6.2 million. This gain is included with income from discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of income. Also included in
discontinued operations is after-tax income for GENEX of $0.7 million in 2007. See Note 2 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”
for additional information.
Investments
Overview
Our investment portfolio is well diversified by type of investment and industry sector. We have established an investment strategy that
we believe will provide for adequate cash flows from operations and allow us to hold our securities through periods where significant
decreases in fair value occur. We believe our portfolio is positioned to moderate the potential impact on our financial position and operating
results from a continuing economic slowdown.
We have no exposure to subprime mortgages, “Alt-A” loans, or collateralized debt obligations in our asset-backed or mortgage-backed
securities portfolios. At December 31, 2009, we held $17.1 million fair value ($17.0 million amortized cost) of collateralized debt obligations
within our public bond portfolio. We had $175.4 million fair value ($185.7 million amortized cost) of exposure to investments for which the
payment of interest and principal is guaranteed under a financial guaranty insurance policy. The weighted average rating of the underlying
securities, absent the guaranty insurance policy, is A2. We held $363.4 million fair value ($410.7 million amortized cost) of perpetual
debentures, or “hybrid” securities, that generally have no fixed maturity date. Interest on these securities due on any payment date may be
deferred by the issuer. The interest payments are generally deferrable only to the extent that the issuer has suspended dividends or other
distributions or payments to any of its shareholders or any other perpetual debt instrument.
Below is a summary of our formal investment policy, including the overall quality and diversification objectives:
• The majority of investments are in high quality publicly traded securities to ensure the desired liquidity and preserve the capital value
of our portfolios.
• The long-term nature of our insurance liabilities also allows us to invest in less liquid investments to obtain superior returns. A maximum
of 10 percent of the total investment portfolio may be invested in below-investment-grade securities, 2 percent in equity type
instruments, up to 35 percent in private placements, and 10 percent in commercial mortgage loans. The remaining assets can be held in
publicly traded investment-grade corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities, bank loans, asset-backed securities, government and
government agencies, and municipal securities.
• We intend to manage the risk of losses due to changes in interest rates by matching asset duration with liabilities, in the aggregate, to
within a range of +/- ten percent of the liability duration.
• The weighted average credit quality rating of the portfolio should be Baa1 or higher.
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2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
• The maximum investment per issuer group is limited based on internal limits reviewed by the finance committee of Unum Group’s board
of directors and approved by the boards of directors of our insurance subsidiaries and is more restrictive than the five percent limit generally
allowed by the state insurance departments which regulate the type of investments our insurance subsidiaries are allowed to own.
These internal limits are as follows:
Rating
AAA/A
BBB+
BBB
BBB-
BB+
BB
BB-
B
Internal Limit
($ in millions)
$200
175
100
80
80
60
50
20
• The portfolio is to be diversified across industry classification and geographic lines.
• Derivative instruments may be used to replicate permitted asset classes, hedge interest rate risk and foreign currency risk, and match
liability duration and cash flows consistent with the plan reviewed by the finance committee of Unum Group’s board of directors and
approved by the boards of directors of our insurance subsidiaries.
• Asset mix guidelines and limits are established by us, reviewed by the finance committee of Unum Group’s board of directors, and
approved by the boards of directors of our insurance subsidiaries.
• The allocation of assets and the selection and timing of the acquisition and disposition of investments are subject to ratification,
on a weekly basis, by an investment subcommittee appointed by the boards of directors of our insurance subsidiaries. These actions
are also reviewed by the finance committee of Unum Group’s board of directors on a quarterly basis.
• We review these investment policies and guidelines annually, or more frequently if deemed necessary, and recommend adjustments,
as appropriate. Any revisions are reviewed by the finance committee of Unum Group’s board of directors and must be approved by
the boards of directors of our insurance subsidiaries.
See “Critical Accounting Estimates” contained herein for further discussion of our valuation of investments.
Investment Results
Net investment income was $2,346.6 million in 2009, a decrease of 1.8 percent relative to 2008. The weaker pound in 2009 relative to 2008
unfavorably affected translated results for net investment income. During 2009, we also received lower investment income on bonds in Unum
UK for which interest income is linked to a U.K. inflation index, as compared to the prior year. This decrease in net investment income was largely
offset by lower claim reserves due to lower claim payments which are also linked to inflation. In addition, we earned lower interest rates on our
floating rate invested assets during 2009, largely offset by lower interest expense on our floating rate debt. We also received fewer bond call
premiums and consent fees during 2009 compared to the prior year. Somewhat mitigating the impact of these items is continued growth in the
level of invested assets, an increase in the level of prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities, and an increase in our portfolio yield due
to the investment of new cash at higher rates than that of the prior year.
Net investment income was $2,389.0 million in 2008, a decrease of 0.9 percent relative to 2007. The level of invested assets was higher
in 2008 compared to 2007, but we received fewer bond call premiums during 2008. The weaker British pound in 2008 relative to 2007 also
unfavorably affected translated results for net investment income. Our portfolio yield increased slightly in 2008 over 2007 due to the investment
of new cash at higher rates than that of prior periods.
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The duration weighted book yield on the fixed income securities in our investment portfolio was 6.74 percent as of December 31,
2009, and the weighted average credit rating was A3. This compares to a yield of 6.72 percent as of December 31, 2008 and a weighted
average credit rating of A2. At December 31, 2009, the weighted average duration of our policyholder liability portfolio was approximately
8.23 years, and the weighted average duration of our investment portfolio supporting those policyholder liabilities was approximately
7.08 years. The difference between the asset and liability durations is outside our investment policy guidelines. We are currently reviewing
our investment strategy as well as our tolerance levels.
Realized investment gains and losses, before tax, are as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Fixed Maturity Securities
Gross Gains on Sales
Gross Losses on Sales
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Loss
Mortgage Loans and Other Invested Assets
Gross Gains on Sales
Gross Losses on Sales
Impairment Loss
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement
Other Derivatives
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
Year Ended December 31
2009
2008
2007
$ 48.6
(83.5)
(211.8)
11.5
(0.4)
(8.1)
243.1
12.3
$ 64.9
(80.8)
(151.1)
13.5
(3.8)
(15.0)
(291.7)
(1.9)
$ 56.0
(29.1)
(53.7)
49.8
(8.3)
(22.5)
(57.3)
(0.1)
$ 11.7
$(465.9)
$(65.2)
Realized Investment Losses $10.0 Million or Greater from Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
• During 2009, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $33.3 million on securities issued by a U.S. media
conglomerate. The company reported mixed fourth quarter 2008 operating results as its outdoor advertising weakened
significantly. During the first quarter of 2009, the company borrowed $1.6 billion against its lines of credit and completed a
tender/exchange offer to improve its near term debt maturity profile. Continued signs that the company’s operations weakened
materially in the first quarter 2009, as well as the continued weakness in the economy at that time, led us to believe that
covenant violations could occur in the near future. At the time of the impairment loss, these securities had been in an unrealized
loss position for a period of greater than three years.
• During 2009, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $32.9 million on securities issued by a U.K. financial
institution. The decline in value of the securities is primarily the result of the global credit crisis and the slowdown in the
economy. In addition, this financial institution made a major acquisition during the peak of the past credit cycle. The financial
institution then had to recognize impairments on loans and other assets held by the acquired company, resulting in the need
for additional capital. This capital was initially provided by shareholders and others, but as the economic environment further
deteriorated, the financial institution participated in the government guarantee of senior debt, capital injections, and an asset
protection scheme. At the time of the impairment loss, these securities had been in an unrealized loss position for a period of
greater than three years.
• During 2009, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $23.9 million on securities issued by a U.S. automotive
parts company. Due to the weak economy, automobile production had decreased dramatically, with the expectation of further
production reductions at the time of the impairment loss. Declining earnings caused the company to be out of compliance
with covenants in certain of its debt issues. The company eventually obtained waivers on these covenants, the terms of which
precluded the company from making interest payments on certain of its other debt issues. The company was unable to cure
this default within the grace period and ultimately was forced to file for bankruptcy. At the time of the impairment loss, these
securities had been in an unrealized loss position for a period of greater than three years.
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2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
• During 2009, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $23.7 million on principal protected equity linked trust
certificates representing our investment in a trust which held forward contracts to purchase shares of a Vanguard S&P 500 index
mutual fund. We recognized the other-than-temporary impairment loss because we intended to sell the security. At the time of the
impairment loss, these securities had been in an unrealized loss position for a period of greater than one year but less than two years.
• During 2009, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $20.1 million on securities issued by a large specialty
chemical company. The company reported fourth quarter 2008 earnings that were weaker than expected, which limited its
prospects of refinancing its 2009 debt maturities. The company had been pursuing asset sales to raise cash but was unable to
do so in time to avoid a financial restructuring. During the first quarter of 2009, the company filed for bankruptcy protection. At
the time of the impairment loss, these securities had been in an unrealized loss position for a period of greater than two years
but less than three years.
• During 2009, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $19.5 million on securities issued by a U.S. automotive
parts company. The majority of the company’s revenues are generated by sales to a single domestic automobile manufacturer.
Due to the weak economy, automobile production had decreased dramatically, with the expectation of further production cuts.
The U.S. government made available a $5 billion credit facility to several automotive parts companies to help maintain automotive
supplier liquidity. However, with their largest customer likely to undergo a major financial restructuring and/or bankruptcy filing, the
company faced increased challenges. In March 2009 its external auditors stated there was “substantial doubt” about the company’s
ability to continue as a going concern if the automotive industry’s financial problems were not resolved soon. At the time of the
impairment loss, these securities had been in an unrealized loss position for a period of greater than three years.
• During 2009, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $17.5 million on securities issued by a U.K. financial institution.
During 2008, a significant decrease in funding liquidity ultimately required the U.K. government to nationalize this institution. In this
process, the government provided guarantees on deposits, senior debt, and loans. Since 2008, the company initiated several programs
to improve its liquidity and to repay the loans to the government. In the first quarter of 2009, the company announced it had developed
a plan for a legal and capital restructuring of the company, which it expected to complete in the second half of 2009. During the second
quarter of 2009, the company submitted its plan to the European Commission (EC) and requested permission to begin the program
under EC competition rules. The EC released various aspects of the company’s restructuring plan, which included splitting the company
into multiple entities. It appeared we would be unable to recover the entire cost basis of our securities, which are subordinate to the
government’s debt as well as other creditors. At the time of the impairment loss, these securities had been in an unrealized loss position
for a period of greater than two years but less than three years.
• During 2008, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $39.3 million on a principal protected equity linked note
which contained an embedded forward contract to purchase shares of a Vanguard S&P 500 index mutual fund. The note also provided
principal protection through the substitution of highly rated bonds in place of the underlying S&P 500 index mutual fund, should a
specified trigger event occur. At the time of the impairment loss, the decline in the S&P 500 index had not been significant enough
to trigger the substitution of the highly rated bonds, but due to the then recent steep decline in the S&P 500 index, we could no
longer conclude that the value of the underlying S&P 500 index mutual fund would equate to or exceed the par value of the security
at maturity. At the time of the impairment loss, these securities had been in an unrealized loss position for a period of greater than
three years.
• During 2008, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $32.0 million on securities issued by a U.S. based automobile
manufacturer and its captive finance subsidiary. The company experienced a decline in profitability and cash flow due to the weak
economic environment. Although at the time of the impairment loss the company had not yet received government bailout money,
the probability of receiving some form of government financial aid had significantly increased. Other U.S. automakers that had received
bailout money were expected to request their bondholders to accept a significant reduction in principal. In order for this company to
stay competitive with other U.S. automakers, it was likely that it, too, would seek debt relief from its bondholders and that we would
not recover our entire principal for these securities. At the time of the impairment loss, these securities had been in an unrealized loss
position for a period of greater than three years.
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• During 2008, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $27.8 million on securities issued by a large investment
banking firm. The company experienced a rapid deterioration in its credit and derivatives portfolio, which made it impossible for
the firm to raise additional capital or to sell assets to increase liquidity. The inability to raise capital forced the company to file for
bankruptcy protection in the third quarter of 2008. The firm was rated A2 by Moody’s and A by S&P at the time of the bankruptcy
filing. At the time of the impairment loss, these securities had been in an unrealized loss position for a period of greater than two
years but less than three years.
• During 2008, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $21.6 million on securities issued by a large publisher of
yellow page advertising. The outlook for this industry had continued to worsen due to the secular change impacting the industry and
due to weak economic conditions. The company’s third quarter 2008 earnings were down significantly as compared to prior periods,
and bad debt expense and financial leverage increased significantly. These financial results increased the likelihood that the company
might violate bank covenants and seek waivers from its bondholders. Additionally, the company had hired external consultants to
advise it on potential capital restructuring alternatives. These events increased the likelihood that the company would seek to tender
its bonds at a discounted value and that our bonds would not fully recover in value. At the time of the impairment loss, these
securities had been in an unrealized loss position for a period of greater than one year but less than two years.
• During 2008, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $12.9 million on securities issued by a large international
chemical company. The company’s third quarter 2008 operating results were weak due to recessionary industry conditions and the
negative impact of hurricane activity on its oil refinery operations. Due to these factors, the company experienced a significant decline
in its liquidity. In late December 2008, lenders denied the company’s request to obtain additional funding from its existing line of
credit. As a result, the company’s liquidity was insufficient to fund required cash outflows, and the company hired external consultants
to advise it on potential capital restructuring alternatives. At the time of the impairment loss, these securities had been in an
unrealized loss position for a period of greater than one year but less than two years.
• During 2008, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $12.1 million on securities issued by a large newspaper
publishing company. The outlook for this industry had continued to deteriorate due to the secular change away from newspaper
advertising and weak economic conditions. The company reported poor third quarter 2008 operating results. The increase in leverage
and lower cash flows increased the likelihood that the company might violate its bank covenants. The company had attempted to sell
non-core assets to reduce its debt, but it had been unable to execute a sale. As a result, it was likely that our bonds would not fully
recover in value. At the time of the impairment loss, these securities had been in an unrealized loss position for a period of greater
than two years but less than three years.
• During 2007, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $15.0 million on bonds issued by a large media company.
The company was the subject of a leveraged buyout that placed a large amount of debt on the balance sheet during 2007. Because of
our outlook for the future business prospects of this issuer, the length of time these securities had been in an unrealized loss position,
and a change in our intent to retain the security for a sufficient period of time for it to recover, we determined that an other-than-
temporary impairment had occurred. These securities were investment-grade at the time of purchase but were downgraded to
below-investment-grade in the second quarter of 2006. At the time of the impairment, these securities had been in an unrealized
loss position for a period of greater than two years.
• During 2007, we recognized losses of $18.4 million related to the decline in fair value below amortized cost for certain securities for
which it was determined during the third quarter of 2007 that we no longer had the intent to hold to recovery or maturity due to
anticipated changes in our capital requirements resulting from the reinsurance transactions involving our Individual Disability — Closed
Block segment business and the related issuance of $800.0 million of notes, as well as our capital redeployment plans.
• During 2007, we recorded an adjustment to the book values and related unrealized loss of two securitized asset trusts acquired in
2001 to reflect the values that would have been present had we recorded the investment income as dividends rather than interest
accretion. The book value adjustment of $20.2 million was recognized as a realized investment loss. Because the investments no
longer satisfied our investment objectives, we subsequently sold the trusts in 2007 and recognized a realized investment gain of
$24.9 million on the sale.
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Unum
2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Realized Investment Losses $10.0 Million or Greater from Sale of Fixed Maturity Securities
• During 2009, we recognized a loss of $14.2 on the sale of securities issues by a large publisher of yellow page advertising. The
company had suffered from deterioration in print directories’ advertising as well as a significant rise in bad debt expenses due to
the impact of the recession on small business customers. The company maintained significant amounts of available cash and was
still generating free cash flows despite the weakening economy. However, during the first quarter of 2009, the company announced
that it had hired a financial adviser to review its capital structure alternatives regarding debt payments due in 2010. At the time of
disposition, these securities had been in an unrealized loss position for a period of greater than three years.
• During 2008, we recognized a loss of $16.2 million on the sale of securities, issued by a large investment banking firm, for which we
had recorded an impairment loss in 2008, as previously discussed.
• During 2008, we recognized a loss of $10.1 million on the disposition of the principal protected equity linked note as previously
discussed. The note’s substitution clause was triggered in the fourth quarter of 2008 due to the continued decline in the S&P 500
index. At the time of the triggering event, we made the decision to take ownership in the underlying Vanguard S&P 500 index
mutual fund shares rather than accept the zero coupon bonds issued by the financial services company. At the time of disposition,
this note had been continuously in an unrealized loss position for a period of less than ninety days.
We had no individual realized investments losses $10.0 million or greater from the sale of fixed maturity securities during 2007.
Embedded Derivative in a Modified Coinsurance Arrangement
We report changes in the fair value of an embedded derivative in a modified coinsurance arrangement as realized investment gains and
losses, as required under the provisions of GAAP. GAAP requires us to include in our realized investment gains and losses a calculation intended
to estimate the value of the option of our reinsurance counterparty to cancel the reinsurance contract with us. However, neither party can
unilaterally terminate the reinsurance agreement except in extreme circumstances resulting from regulatory supervision, delinquency
proceedings, or other direct regulatory action. Cash settlements or collateral related to this embedded derivative are not required at any time
during the reinsurance contract or at termination of the reinsurance contract, and any accumulated embedded derivative gain or loss reduces
to zero over time as the reinsured business winds down. We therefore view the effect of realized gains and losses recognized for this
embedded derivative as a reporting requirement that will not result in a permanent change in assets or stockholders’ equity.
The changes in fair value of this embedded derivative recognized as realized gains and losses during 2009, 2008 and 2007 resulted
primarily from a change in credit spreads in the overall investment market. The fair value of this embedded derivative was $(117.4) million at
December 31, 2009 compared to $(360.5) million at December 31, 2008 and is reported in other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
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Fixed Maturity Securities
The fair value composition by internal industry classification of our fixed maturity security portfolio and the associated unrealized gains
and losses are as follows:
Fixed Maturity Securities — By Industry Classification
As of December 31, 2009
(in millions of dollars)
Classification
Basic Industry
Capital Goods
Communications
Consumer Cyclical
Consumer Non-cyclical
Energy (Oil & Gas)
Financial Institutions
Mortgage/Asset-backed
Sovereigns
Technology
Transportation
Fair Value of
Fixed Maturity
Securities
with Gross
Net
Unrealized
Gain (Loss) Unrealized Loss
Gross
Unrealized
Loss
Fair Value of
Fixed Maturity
Securities
with Gross
Unrealized Gain
Gross
Unrealized
Gain
Fair Value
$ 2,077.1
$ 46.2
$ 558.3
$ 62.5
$ 1,518.8
$ 108.7
3,365.4
2,376.1
1,299.9
4,873.7
3,033.3
3,045.3
3,723.1
1,491.5
809.9
900.4
209.1
208.4
5.9
307.2
301.4
684.2
360.5
537.2
861.7
281.4
32.3
30.4
59.4
35.5
13.2
(60.6)
1,611.1
132.0
309.5
133.7
56.6
89.0
(17.5)
283.9
75.9
171.0
95.6
918.4
3.6
1.3
5.0
5.2
101.4
109.1
2.2
2,681.2
2,015.6
762.7
4,012.0
2,751.9
1,434.2
3,439.2
1,415.6
638.9
804.8
1,177.7
241.4
238.8
65.3
342.7
314.6
71.4
313.1
135.0
61.6
94.2
83.9
6,882.5
531.1
20.3
0.3
U.S. Government Agencies and Municipalities
2,096.1
Utilities
8,781.7
422.0
1,899.2
Redeemable Preferred Stocks
40.9
(1.9)
20.6
Total
$37,914.4
$2,009.0
$8,359.0
$593.1
$29,555.4
$2,602.1
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Unum
2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following two tables show the length of time our investment-grade and below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities had been
in a gross unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2009 and at the end of the prior four quarters. The relationships of the current fair value
to amortized cost are not necessarily indicative of the fair value to amortized cost relationships for the securities throughout the entire time
that the securities have been in an unrealized loss position nor are they necessarily indicative of the relationships after December 31, 2009.
The elevated level of unrealized losses at the end of 2008 and continuing into the early part of 2009 resulted primarily from the significant
widening of credit spreads that occurred in the overall market.
Unrealized Loss on Investment-Grade Fixed Maturity Securities
Length of Time in Unrealized Loss Position
(in millions of dollars)
December 31
September 30
June 30
March 31
December 31
2009
2008
Fair Value < 100% >= 70% of Amortized Cost
$ 62.7
$ 5.5
$ 19.8
$ 95.2
$ 171.3
4.5
2.3
3.7
84.2
105.4
160.6
423.4
—
—
—
—
16.5
0.2
2.4
19.1
—
—
—
0.5
0.5
1.7
0.2
2.1
132.6
155.9
170.3
468.3
—
—
—
2.7
—
2.2
0.4
5.3
—
—
—
0.6
0.6
30.2
47.2
133.4
367.4
303.2
435.0
107.7
321.8
270.2
598.8
247.7
455.9
342.3
271.8
292.9
461.4
198.1
404.2
1,336.2
2,097.3
2,142.0
—
—
3.0
—
87.1
94.8
39.2
224.1
—
—
—
0.6
0.6
4.1
2.1
29.3
71.0
197.6
172.9
275.3
752.3
—
43.8
61.7
13.2
118.7
—
8.6
76.6
76.4
261.2
69.9
187.9
680.6
6.3
31.3
22.9
0.6
61.1
$443.0
$474.2
$1,560.9
$2,968.3
$2,883.7
<= 90 Days
> 90 <= 180 Days
> 180 <= 270 Days
> 270 Days <= 1 Year
> 1 Year <= 2 Years
> 2 Years <= 3 Years
> 3 Years
Sub-total
Fair Value < 70% >= 40% of Amortized Cost
<= 90 Days
> 90 <= 180 Days
> 180 <= 270 Days
> 270 Days <= 1 Year
> 1 Year <= 2 Years
> 2 Years <= 3 Years
> 3 Years
Sub-total
Fair Value < 40%
> 270 Days <= 1 Year
> 1 Year <= 2 Years
> 2 Years <= 3 Years
> 3 Years
Sub-total
Total
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Unrealized Loss on Below-Investment-Grade Fixed Maturity Securities
Length of Time in Unrealized Loss Position
(in millions of dollars)
December 31
September 30
June 30
March 31
December 31
2009
2008
Fair Value < 100% >= 70% of Amortized Cost
<= 90 Days
> 90 <= 180 Days
> 180 <= 270 Days
> 270 Days <= 1 Year
> 1 Year <= 2 Years
> 2 Years <= 3 Years
> 3 Years
Sub-total
Fair Value < 70% >= 40% of Amortized Cost
> 90 <= 180 Days
> 180 <= 270 Days
> 270 Days <= 1 Year
> 1 Year <= 2 Years
> 2 Years <= 3 Years
> 3 Years
Sub-total
Fair Value < = 40%
> 180 <= 270 Days
> 270 Days <= 1 Year
> 1 Year <= 2 Years
> 2 Years <= 3 Years
> 3 Years
Sub-total
Total
$ 0.1
$ —
$ 1.4
$ 0.7
$ 25.6
—
0.1
—
48.0
45.7
24.3
118.2
—
—
—
10.9
1.3
19.7
31.9
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.4
0.1
14.9
80.8
64.2
21.3
181.7
—
—
7.1
48.4
25.2
48.9
129.6
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.7
25.9
23.1
121.9
59.5
34.2
266.7
—
8.8
9.7
121.0
38.7
74.1
252.3
—
—
—
12.1
—
12.1
18.5
37.9
36.9
62.5
7.0
20.7
48.7
42.2
16.3
39.8
0.4
26.6
184.2
199.6
23.1
16.8
37.9
197.7
36.1
29.3
340.9
—
2.7
73.2
28.8
91.4
17.5
32.3
18.4
160.8
28.1
67.5
324.6
6.2
15.3
39.7
37.1
45.5
196.1
143.8
$150.1
$311.3
$531.1
$721.2
$668.0
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2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following table shows our fixed maturity securities with a gross unrealized loss of $10.0 million or greater, by industry type.
Gross Unrealized Losses $10.0 Million or Greater on Fixed Maturity Securities
As of December 31, 2009
(in millions of dollars)
Classification
Investment-Grade
U.S. Government Agencies and Municipalities
Financial Institutions
Consumer Cyclical
Total
Below-Investment-Grade
Basic Industry
Financial Institutions
Total
Gross
Unrealized
Loss
Number
of Issuers
$59.7
27.5
10.6
$97.8
$15.6
10.1
$25.7
2
3
1
6
1
1
2
Fair Value
$541.8
168.4
22.6
$732.8
$ 24.9
23.5
$ 48.4
We held one security at December 31, 2009 with a gross unrealized loss of $20.0 million or greater. The security, which was issued by
the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, had a fair value of $511.0 million and a gross unrealized loss of $49.7 million. The security
has been in a loss position for a period of greater than three years. The security was rated AAA by S&P as of December 31, 2009, with no
negative outlook by any major rating agencies. The decline in the fair value of this security relates to changes in interest rates subsequent
to purchase of the security as well as concerns related to the overall mortgage market. We believe the decline in fair value of this security
is temporary. We do not intend to sell this security or believe it is more likely than not we will be required to sell this security before
recovery of the amortized cost. See “Critical Accounting Estimates” contained herein and Note 4 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements” for a discussion of the process we use to monitor and evaluate our fixed maturity securities for determining other-than-
temporary impairments.
At December 31, 2009, our mortgage/asset-backed securities had an average life of 5.66 years, effective duration of 4.61 years, and a
weighted average credit rating of AAA. The mortgage/asset-backed securities are valued on a monthly basis using valuations supplied by
the brokerage firms that are dealers in these securities as well as independent pricing services. The primary risk involved in investing in
mortgage/asset-backed securities is the uncertainty of the timing of cash flows from the underlying loans due to prepayment of principal
with the possibility of reinvesting the funds in a lower interest rate environment. We use models which incorporate economic variables
and possible future interest rate scenarios to predict future prepayment rates. The timing of prepayment cash flows may also cause
volatility in our recognition of investment income. We recognize investment income on these securities using a constant effective yield
based on projected prepayments of the underlying loans and the estimated economic life of the securities. Actual prepayment experience
is reviewed periodically, and effective yields are recalculated when differences arise between prepayments originally projected and the
actual prepayments received and currently projected. The effective yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis, and the adjustment is
reflected in net investment income.
We have not invested in mortgage-backed derivatives, such as interest-only, principal-only, or residuals, where market values can be
highly volatile relative to changes in interest rates. All of our mortgage-backed securities have fixed rate coupons. The credit quality of our
mortgage-backed securities portfolio has not been negatively impacted by the recent issues in the market concerning subprime mortgage
loans. The change in value of our mortgage-backed securities portfolio has moved in line with that of prime agency-backed mortgage-
backed securities.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
As of December 31, 2009, the amortized cost and fair value of our below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities was
$2,671.8 million and $2,589.8 million, respectively. Below-investment-grade securities are inherently more risky than investment-grade
securities since the risk of default by the issuer, by definition and as exhibited by bond rating, is higher. Also, the secondary market for
certain below-investment-grade issues can be highly illiquid. Additional downgrades may occur, but we do not anticipate any liquidity
problems resulting from our investments in below-investment-grade securities, nor do we expect these investments to adversely affect
our ability to hold our other investments to maturity.
Mortgage Loans
Our mortgage loan portfolio was $1,404.0 million and $1,274.8 million on an amortized cost basis at December 31, 2009 and 2008,
respectively. Our mortgage loan portfolio is comprised entirely of commercial mortgage loans. We expect that we will continue to add
investments in this category either through the secondary market or through loan originations. We believe our mortgage loan portfolio is
well diversified geographically and among property types. The incidence of problem mortgage loans and foreclosure activity continues to
be low. Due to conservative underwriting, we expect the level of problem loans to remain low relative to the industry. At December 31, 2009,
we held one mortgage loan which was delinquent more than 30 days as to interest or principal payments and which we consider impaired.
This loan is carried at the estimated net realizable value of $2.0 million, net of a valuation allowance of $3.2 million. At December 31, 2008,
impaired mortgage loans totaled $5.2 million. We had no valuation allowance for mortgage loans at December 31, 2008.
See Note 4 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further discussion of our investments.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We use derivative financial instruments primarily to manage reinvestment risk, duration, and currency risk. Historically, we have utilized
current and forward interest rate swaps and options on forward interest rate swaps, current and forward currency swaps, interest rate
forward contracts, forward treasury locks, currency forward contracts, and forward contracts on specific fixed income securities. Our current
credit exposure on derivatives, which is limited to the value of those contracts in a net gain position less collateral held, was $7.0 million
at December 31, 2009. The carrying value of fixed maturity securities posted as collateral to our counterparties was $123.1 million at
December 31, 2009. We believe that our credit risk is mitigated by our use of multiple counterparties, all of whom are rated A or better by both
Moody’s and S&P. See Note 5 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further discussion of our derivative financial instruments.
Other
Our exposure to non-current investments, defined as foreclosed real estate and invested assets which are delinquent as to interest
and/or principal payments, totaled $35.5 million and $11.8 million on a fair value basis at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our liquidity requirements are met primarily by cash flows provided from operations, principally in our insurance subsidiaries.
Premium and investment income, as well as maturities and sales of invested assets, provide the primary sources of cash. Debt and/or
securities offerings provide an additional source of liquidity. Cash is applied to the payment of policy benefits, costs of acquiring new
business (principally commissions), operating expenses, and taxes, as well as purchases of new investments.
We have established an investment strategy that we believe will provide for adequate cash flows from operations. We attempt to
match our asset cash flows and durations with expected liability cash flows and durations to meet the funding requirements of our business.
However, deterioration in the credit market may delay our ability to sell our positions in certain of our fixed maturity securities in a timely
manner, which may negatively impact our cash flows. Furthermore, if we experience defaults on securities held in the investment portfolios
of our insurance subsidiaries, this will negatively impact statutory capital, which could reduce our insurance subsidiaries’ capacity to pay
dividends to our holding companies. A reduction in dividends to our holding companies could force us to seek external financing to avoid
impairing our ability to pay our stockholder dividends or meet our debt and other payment obligations.
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2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Our policy benefits are primarily in the form of claim payments, and we have minimal exposure to the policy withdrawal risk associated
with deposit products such as individual life policies or annuities. A decrease in demand for our insurance products or an increase in the
incidence of new claims or the duration of existing claims could negatively impact our cash flows from operations. However, our historical
pattern of benefits paid to revenues is consistent, even during cycles of economic downturns, which serves to minimize liquidity risk.
We have met all minimum pension funding requirements set forth by ERISA. We made a voluntary contribution of $67.0 million to our
U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan in February 2010. We do not anticipate making any additional contributions during 2010. We have
estimated our future funding requirements under the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and do not believe that the funding requirements will
cause a material adverse effect on our liquidity.
We also contribute to our U.K. pension plan sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirement under U.K. legislation. We anticipate
that we will make a contribution of approximately £3.4 million during 2010.
We issued $350.0 million of senior notes against our open shelf registration on September 30, 2009. In the near term, we expect
that our need for external financing is small, but changes in our business as noted above could increase our need. We previously had a
$250.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility that expired in December 2009. We believe our cash resources are sufficient to meet
our liquidity requirements for the next 12 months and that our current level of holding company liquidity can be utilized to mitigate
potential losses from defaults.
During 2010, we intend to retain a level of capital in our traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries such that we maintain a weighted average
RBC well above capital adequacy requirements. We also expect Unum Limited to operate above FSA capital adequacy requirements and
minimum solvency margins.
Consolidated Cash Flows
Our cash flows from discontinued operations are combined with cash flows from continuing operations within each cash flow statement
category in our 2007 consolidated statement of cash flows. The absence of cash flows from discontinued operations did not materially affect
liquidity and capital resources.
Operating Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,237.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $1,326.1 million
and $1,750.3 million for the comparable periods of 2008 and 2007, respectively. Operating cash flows are primarily attributable to the
receipt of premium and investment income, offset by payments of claims, commissions, expenses, and income taxes. Premium income
growth is dependent not only on new sales, but on renewals of existing business, renewal price increases, and stable persistency.
Investment income growth is dependent on the growth in the underlying assets supporting our insurance reserves and on the level of
portfolio yield rates. The level of commissions and operating expenses is attributable to the level of sales and the first year acquisition
expenses associated with new business as well as the maintenance of existing business. The level of paid claims is due partially to the
growth and aging of the block of business and also to the general economy, as previously discussed in the operating results by segment.
Operating cash flows for 2009, 2008, and 2007 include pension contributions of approximately $79.7 million, $140.9 million, and $124.8
million, respectively. We also had increased cash inflows of approximately $211.4 million in 2007 due to the reinsurance recapture of a
small block of individual disability business.
The fluctuation in the income tax adjustment to reconcile 2009 and 2008 net income to net cash provided by operating activities
was due primarily to changes in the deferred tax asset related to the change in the fair value of an embedded derivative in a modified
coinsurance arrangement. The decrease in the “Other, Net” adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities in 2008 compared to 2007 is due primarily to the 2007 reclassification of costs related to early retirement of debt to cash flows
from financing activities.
Investing Cash Flows
Investing cash inflows consist primarily of the proceeds from the sales and maturities of investments. Investing cash outflows consist
primarily of payments for purchases of investments. Net cash used by investing activities was $1,213.9 million for the year ended December 31,
2009 compared to $424.7 million and $1,855.0 million for the comparable periods of 2008 and 2007, respectively.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities in 2009 were lower than 2008 primarily due to lower sales of fixed
maturity securities, a decrease in bond maturities and bonds that were called at par, and the translation of investment proceeds from our U.K.
operations at lower exchange rates. Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities in 2008 were consistent with the level of
2007 primarily due to an increase in bond maturities and bonds that were called at par, offset by a decrease in sales of fixed maturity securities,
a lower level of proceeds from mortgage-backed securities prepayments, and the translation of investment proceeds from our U.K. operations
at lower exchange rates.
Proceeds from sales and maturities of other investments increased in 2009 primarily due to an increase in sales of other long-term
investments and an increase in proceeds from terminations of derivatives within our cash flow hedging programs. This increase was partially
offset by a decline in proceeds from commercial mortgage loan maturities and prepayments. Proceeds from sales and maturities of other
investments decreased in 2008 relative to 2007 primarily due to lower proceeds from the sale of common stock investments and a reduction
in commercial mortgage loan maturities and prepayments. The reduction in cash flows received from sales and maturities of other investments
was partially offset by higher proceeds in 2008 from terminations of derivatives within our cash flow hedging programs.
Purchases of available-for-sale securities decreased during 2009 relative to 2008. This decrease resulted from fewer funds available for
reinvestment as compared to the prior year due to the lower level of proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities and from the lower
exchange rate for translation of purchases within our U.K. operations. Purchases of available-for-sale securities decreased during 2008 relative
to 2007 due to the lower exchange rate for translation of purchases within our U.K. operations and to investing more heavily in short-term
investments rather than fixed maturity securities during the last half of 2008. During the first half of 2008, we invested more heavily in fixed
maturity securities as we continued to transition out of short-term investments into floating rate fixed maturity securities to support the
floating rate debt issued during the fourth quarter of 2007. Purchases of available for sale securities in 2007 included the investing of the net
cash inflows of $98.8 million from the sale of GENEX and the $211.4 million in cash inflows from the reinsurance recapture.
Purchases of other investments primarily relate to mortgage loans.
Net sales of short-term investments decreased during 2009 relative to 2008 due to the sale of investments during 2008 to help fund
the $700.0 million accelerated share repurchase agreements executed one half in each of January and August 2008, as well as the 2008
transition to floating rate fixed maturity securities in lieu of short-term investments. This decrease in proceeds was partially offset by the
transition of our portfolio out of short-term investments into fixed maturity securities during 2009.
Net sales of short-term investments increased during 2008 due to the sale of investments to fund the $700.0 million accelerated
share repurchase agreements executed during 2008 and due to the transition to floating rate fixed maturity securities in lieu of short-term
investments during the first half of 2008. Short-term investment activity in 2007 included the investment of a portion of the proceeds from
the issuance of 17.7 million shares of common stock. During 2007, we issued $800.0 million of debt and invested the proceeds in floating
rate bonds and short-term investments. Short-term investments were used as an interim investment as we sought suitable floating rate
investments to support the floating rate debt.
Proceeds from the acquisition of business in 2008 relate to the Unum UK acquisition of a group long-term disability claims portfolio.
Proceeds from the disposition of business in 2007 relate to the sale of GENEX.
Financing Cash Flows
Financing cash flows consist primarily of borrowings and repayments of debt, issuance or repurchase of common stock, and dividends
paid to stockholders. Net cash used by financing activities was $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to net cash
used of $1,049.5 million and net cash provided of $181.2 million for the comparable periods of 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Net short-term debt repayments in 2009 consist of the purchase and retirement of the remaining $132.2 million of our 5.859% notes
and the repayment of $58.3 million of reverse repurchase agreements outstanding at December 31, 2008. Net short-term debt repayments
in 2008 are comprised of the purchase and retirement of the remaining $175.0 million of our 5.997% senior notes and $17.8 million of our
5.859% notes, less the issuance of $58.3 million of reverse repurchase agreements.
During 2009, we received proceeds of $350.0 million, less debt issuance costs of $3.2 million, from the issuance of $350.0 million of
7.125% senior notes. During 2007, we received proceeds of $800.0 million, less debt issuance costs of $15.1 million, from the issuance of
$800.0 million aggregate principal amount of debt by Northwind Holdings.
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2009
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Long-term debt repayments include the 2009, 2008, and 2007 principal payments of $10.0 million, $10.0 million, and $17.5 million,
respectively, on Tailwind Holdings’ floating rate, senior secured non-recourse notes. Debt repayments in 2009 and 2008 include principal
payments of $48.0 million and $59.3 million, respectively, on Northwind Holdings’ floating rate, senior secured non-recourse notes. Long-
term debt repayments also include the purchase and retirement of $1.2 million aggregate principal of our 7.19% medium-term notes and
$0.6 million aggregate principal of our 6.75% notes in 2009 as well as $36.6 million of our 6.85% notes in 2008. During 2007, we also
repurchased and/or made principal payments of an additional $752.0 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt and paid
debt repurchase costs of $34.2 million.
During 2007, we received proceeds of approximately $300.0 million and issued 17.7 million shares of common stock upon the
settlement of the common stock purchase contract element of the adjustable conversion-rate equity security units issued in 2004.
During 2008, we completed a $700.0 million authorized share repurchase program by purchasing 29.9 million shares.
See “Debt” contained herein for further information.
Cash Available from Subsidiaries
Unum Group and certain of its intermediate holding company subsidiaries depend on payments from subsidiaries to pay dividends to
stockholders, to pay debt obligations, and/or to pay expenses. These payments by our insurance and non-insurance subsidiaries may take
the form of interest payments on loans from the parent to a subsidiary, operating and investment management fees, and/or dividends.
During 2008, Unum Group received $100.0 million from an insurance subsidiary for the repayment of a surplus debenture issued to
Unum Group in 1997 with a maturity date of October 2027.
Restrictions under applicable state insurance laws limit the amount of ordinary dividends that can be paid to a parent company from its
insurance subsidiaries in any 12-month period without prior approval by regulatory authorities. For life insurance companies domiciled in the
United States, that limitation generally equals, depending on the state of domicile, either ten percent of an insurer’s statutory surplus with
respect to policyholders as of the preceding year end or the statutory net gain from operations, excluding realized investment gains and
losses, of the preceding year.
The payment of ordinary dividends to a parent company from its insurance subsidiaries is generally further limited to the amount of
statutory surplus as it relates to policyholders. Although it is unlikely we will utilize the entire amount of available dividends, based on the
restrictions under current law, $719.7 million is available during 2010 for the payment of ordinary dividends to Unum Group from its traditional
U.S. insurance subsidiaries, excluding Northwind Reinsurance Company (Northwind Re) and Tailwind Reinsurance Company (Tailwind Re).
Northwind Holdings’ and Tailwind Holdings’ ability to meet their debt payment obligations will be dependent upon the receipt of dividends
from Northwind Re and Tailwind Re, respectively. The ability of Northwind Re and Tailwind Re to pay dividends to their respective parent
companies will depend on their satisfaction of applicable regulatory requirements and on the performance of the reinsured business.
Unum Group and/or certain of its intermediate holding company subsidiaries may also receive dividends from its United Kingdom-based
affiliate, Unum Limited, subject to applicable insurance company regulations and capital guidance in the United Kingdom. Approximately
£198.5 million is available for the payment of dividends from Unum Limited during 2010, subject to regulatory approval. However, in order to
preserve Unum Limited’s capital at a reasonable level, it is unlikely that we will utilize the entire amount available during 2010.
The amount available during 2009 for the payment of ordinary dividends from Unum Group’s traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries was
$653.3 million, of which $90.0 million was declared and paid. The traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries also paid extraordinary dividends of
$110.0 million in 2009. The amount available during 2009 from Unum Limited was £145.5 million, of which £28.5 million was declared and
paid. During 2009, Northwind Re received regulatory approval from the insurance department of its state of domicile to pay dividends of
$32.7 million to Northwind Holdings, and Tailwind Re received regulatory approval from the insurance department of its state of domicile to
pay dividends of $14.2 million to Tailwind Holdings. The payment of dividends to the parent company from our subsidiaries also requires the
approval of the individual subsidiary’s board of directors.
The ability of Unum Group and certain of its intermediate holding company subsidiaries to continue to receive dividends from their insurance
subsidiaries without regulatory approval generally depends on the level of earnings of those insurance subsidiaries as calculated under law.
In addition to regulatory restrictions, the amount of dividends that may be paid by insurance subsidiaries will depend on additional factors,
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such as RBC ratios, funding growth objectives at an affiliate level, and maintaining appropriate capital adequacy ratios to support desired
ratings. Insurance regulatory restrictions do not limit the amount of dividends available for distribution from non-insurance subsidiaries
except where the non-insurance subsidiaries are held directly or indirectly by an insurance subsidiary and only indirectly by Unum Group.
Unum Group’s RBC ratio for its traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries, calculated on a weighted average basis using the NAIC Company Action
Level formula, was approximately 382 percent at the end of 2009, with the individual RBC ratios for Unum Group’s principal traditional U.S.
insurance subsidiaries all in excess of 300 percent. The individual RBC ratios for Northwind Re and Tailwind Re, our special purpose financial
captive insurance companies, are calculated using the NAIC Company Action Level formula and have target levels of 200 percent. The RBC
ratios for Northwind Re and Tailwind Re each exceeded the 200 percent target level at the end of 2009. The individual RBC ratio for each of
our insurance subsidiaries is above the range that would require state regulatory action.
Debt
At December 31, 2009, we had long-term debt, including senior secured notes and junior subordinated debt securities, totaling
$2,549.6 million. We had no short-term debt at December 31, 2009. Our leverage ratio, when calculated excluding the non-recourse debt
and associated capital of Tailwind Holdings and Northwind Holdings, was 20.5 percent at December 31, 2009 compared to 21.5 percent at
December 31, 2008. Our leverage ratio, when calculated using consolidated debt to total consolidated capital, was 24.8 percent at December 31,
2009 compared to 26.6 percent at December 31, 2008.
We monitor our compliance with our debt covenants. There are no significant financial covenants associated with any of our outstanding
debt obligations. During 2009, Moody’s issued a ratings downgrade from A2 to Baa1 on the debt rating of the non-recourse debt issued by
Northwind Holdings, which will cause an increase in the fee paid to the third party guarantor on Northwind Holdings’ debt. The increase in
this fee is not material to our earnings on a consolidated basis or to earnings for the Individual Disability - Closed Block segment. Also during
2009, Moody’s confirmed the Baa1 debt rating of the non-recourse debt issued by Tailwind Holdings. Any further ratings downgrade from
either S&P or Moody’s with respect to non-recourse debt issued by Tailwind Holdings or Northwind Holdings could cause additional increases
in the fees paid to the third party guarantor on those debt issuances but would not cause a breach. We remain in compliance with all debt
covenants and have not observed any current trends that would cause a breach of any debt covenants.
Purchases and Retirement of Debt
In 2009, we purchased and retired the remaining $132.2 million of our 5.859% senior notes due May 2009, $1.2 million aggregate
principal of our 7.19% medium-term notes due 2028, and $0.6 million aggregate principal of our 6.75% notes due 2028. We also repaid
$58.3 million of reverse repurchase agreements outstanding at December 31, 2008.
In 2008, we retired the remaining $175.0 million of our 5.997% senior notes due May 2008. We also purchased and retired $36.6 million
of our 6.85% senior debentures due 2015 and $17.8 million of our 5.859% senior notes due May 2009.
In 2007, we purchased and retired $17.5 million of our outstanding 6.75% notes scheduled to mature in 2028. Pursuant to a cash tender
offer, we purchased and retired $23.5 million aggregate liquidation amount of the 7.405% junior subordinated debt securities due 2038;
$99.9 million aggregate principal amount of the 7.625% notes due 2011; $210.5 million aggregate principal amount of the 7.375% notes
due 2032; and $66.1 million aggregate principal amount of the 6.75% notes due 2028. We also called and retired all $150.0 million principal
amount of our outstanding 7.25% notes scheduled to mature in 2032. Also in 2007, in open market transactions, we purchased $34.5 million
of our outstanding 6.85% notes due 2015.
In 2009 and 2008, we made principal payments of $48.0 million and $59.3 million on Northwind Holdings’ floating rate, senior secured
non-recourse notes due 2037. During 2009, 2008, and 2007, we made principal payments of $10.0 million, $10.0 million, and $17.5 million,
respectively, on Tailwind Holdings’ floating rate, senior secured non-recourse notes due 2036.
In February 2007, the scheduled remarketing of the senior note element of the 2004 units occurred, as stipulated by the terms of the
original offering, and we reset the interest rate of $300.0 million of senior notes due in 2009 to 5.859%. We purchased $150.0 million of the
senior notes in the remarketing which were subsequently retired. In May 2007, we settled the purchase contract element of the units by
issuing 17.7 million shares of common stock. We received proceeds of approximately $300.0 million from the transaction.
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Issuance of Debt
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
In 2009, Unum Group issued $350.0 million of unsecured senior notes in a public offering. These notes, due in 2016, pay semi-annual
interest at a fixed rate of 7.125%. The notes are callable at or above par and rank equally in right of payment with all of our other unsecured
and unsubordinated debt.
In 2007, Northwind Holdings issued $800.0 million floating rate, insured, senior, secured notes, due 2037, in a private offering. Recourse
for the payment of principal, interest, and other amounts due on the notes will be limited to the assets of Northwind Holdings, consisting
primarily of the stock of its sole subsidiary Northwind Re, a Vermont special purpose financial captive insurance company. Northwind Holdings’
ability to meet its payment obligations under the notes will be dependent principally upon its receipt of dividends from Northwind Re. The
ability of Northwind Re to pay dividends to Northwind Holdings will depend on its satisfaction of applicable regulatory requirements and on
the performance of the reinsured claims of Provident, Paul Revere and Unum America (the ceding insurers) reinsured by Northwind Re. None
of Unum Group, the ceding insurers, Northwind Re or any other affiliate of Northwind Holdings is an obligor or guarantor on the notes. The
balance outstanding on these notes was $692.7 million at December 31, 2009.
In 2006, Tailwind Holdings issued $130.0 million floating rate, insured, senior, secured notes, due 2036, in a private offering. Recourse
for the payment of principal, interest, and other amounts due on the notes will be limited to the assets of Tailwind Holdings, consisting
primarily of the stock of its sole subsidiary Tailwind Re, a South Carolina special purpose financial captive insurance company. Tailwind
Holdings’ ability to meet its payment obligations under the notes will be dependent principally upon its receipt of dividends from Tailwind
Re. The ability of Tailwind Re to pay dividends to Tailwind Holdings will depend on its satisfaction of applicable regulatory requirements and
on the performance of the reinsured claims of Unum America reinsured by Tailwind Re. None of Unum Group, Unum America, Tailwind Re
or any other affiliate of Tailwind Holdings is an obligor or guarantor on the notes. The balance outstanding on these notes was $92.5 million
at December 31, 2009.
In 2005, Unum Group repatriated $454.8 million in unremitted foreign earnings from its U.K. subsidiaries, and as part of its repatriation
plan, UnumProvident Finance Company plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unum Group, issued $400.0 million of 6.85% senior debentures,
due 2015, in a private offering. The debentures are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Unum Group. The aggregate principal amount
outstanding was $296.7 million at December 31, 2009.
In 2002, Unum Group completed two long-term offerings, issuing $250.0 million of 7.375% senior debentures due 2032 and $150.0 million
of 7.25% public income notes due 2032. The public income notes were called and retired in 2007 as previously discussed. The 7.375% notes
have an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $39.5 million at December 31, 2009.
In 2001, Unum Group issued $575.0 million of 7.625% senior notes due 2011. The aggregate principal amount outstanding was
$225.1 million at December 31, 2009.
In 1998, Unum Group completed public offerings of $200.0 million of 7.25% senior notes due 2028, $200.0 million of 7.0% senior notes
due 2018, and $250.0 million of 6.75% senior notes due 2028. None of these amounts have been reduced other than the 6.75% notes, which
have an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $165.8 million at December 31, 2009.
In 1998, Provident Financing Trust I (the trust) issued $300.0 million of 7.405% capital securities in a public offering. These capital
securities, which mature in 2038, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Unum Group, have a liquidation value of $1,000 per capital
security, and have a mandatory redemption feature under certain circumstances. Unum Group issued 7.405% junior subordinated deferrable
interest debentures, which mature in 2038, to the trust in connection with the capital securities offering. The securities issued by the trust
have an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $226.5 million at December 31, 2009.
Unum Group has debt securities with an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $60.8 million which were initially issued in three
separate series in 1990, 1993, and 1996, pursuant to an indenture dated September 15, 1990. The notes are fixed maturity rate notes with
fixed maturity dates ranging between nine months to thirty years from the issuance date.
Interest and Debt Expense
Interest paid on long-term and short-term debt and related securities during 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $122.0 million, $157.3 million, and
$184.1 million, respectively. The cost related to early retirement of debt during 2008 and 2007 was $0.4 million and $58.8 million, respectively.
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Shelf Registration
We have a shelf registration, which became effective in December 2008, with the Securities and Exchange Commission to issue
various types of securities, including common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depository shares, stock purchase contracts, units and
warrants, or preferred securities of wholly-owned finance trusts. As stated previously, we issued $350.0 million of senior notes against our
open shelf registration on September 30, 2009. The shelf registration enables us to raise funds from the offering of any individual security
covered by the shelf registration as well as any combination thereof, subject to market conditions and our capital needs.
See Note 8 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.
Commitments
The following table summarizes contractual obligations and our reinsurance recoverable by period as of December 31, 2009
(in millions of dollars).
Payments Due
Long-term Debt
Policyholder Liabilities
Total
In 1 Year
or Less
After 1 Year
After 3 Years
up to 3 Years
up to 5 Years
After 5 Years
$ 4,373.2
$ 137.5
$ 468.7
$ 240.6
$ 3,526.4
39,947.3
4,386.9
6,520.0
4,939.6
24,100.8
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
2,058.1
91.3
151.4
126.8
1,688.6
Payable for Collateral Under Derivative
Financial Instruments
Miscellaneous Liabilities
Operating Leases
Purchase Obligations
Total
Receipts Due
24.9
642.4
102.2
92.8
24.9
586.9
25.7
91.7
—
13.5
36.5
1.1
—
10.6
20.4
—
—
31.4
19.6
—
$47,240.9
$5,344.9
$7,191.2
$5,338.0
$29,366.8
Reinsurance Recoverable
$ 7,602.7
$ 282.7
$ 550.6
$ 465.1
$ 6,304.3
Excluded from the preceding table are tax liabilities of approximately $166.7 million for which we are unable to make reasonably reliable
estimates of the period of potential cash settlements, if any, with taxing authorities. It is possible that during 2010 we will reach a final
settlement with the Internal Revenue Service concerning audit adjustments for certain tax years, but we are unable to estimate a reasonably
reliable amount for the potential cash settlement. See Note 7 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.
Long-term debt includes contractual principal and interest payments and therefore exceeds the amount shown in the consolidated
balance sheets. See Note 8 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.
Policyholder liability maturities and the related reinsurance recoverable represent the projected payout of the current in-force policyholder
liabilities and the expected cash inflows from reinsurers for liabilities ceded and therefore incorporate uncertainties as to the timing and
amount of claim payments. We utilize extensive liability modeling to project future cash flows from the in-force business. The primary
assumptions used to project future cash flows are claim incidence rates for mortality and morbidity, claim resolution rates, persistency rates,
and interest rates. These cash flows are discounted to determine the current value of the projected claim payments. The timing and amount
of payments on policyholder liabilities may vary significantly from the projections above. See our previous discussion of asset/liability
management under “Investments” contained herein.
Pensions and other postretirement benefit obligations include our defined benefit pension and postretirement plans for our employees,
including non-qualified pension plans. Pension plan obligations, other than the non-qualified plans, represent our contributions to the
pension plans. Amounts in the one year or less category equal our planned contributions within the next 12 months. The remaining years’
contributions are projected based on the expected future contributions as required under ERISA. Non-qualified pension plan and other
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
postretirement benefit obligations represent the expected benefit payments related to these plans, discounted with respect to interest and
reflecting expected future service, as appropriate. See Note 9 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” and “Critical Accounting
Estimates” contained herein for additional information.
Payable for collateral represents the obligation to return unrestricted cash collateral received from our counterparties in derivative
transactions. The timing of the return of the collateral is uncertain and is therefore included in the one year or less category. See Note 5 of
the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.
Miscellaneous liabilities include commissions due and accrued, deferred compensation liabilities, state premium taxes payable, amounts
due to reinsurance companies, accounts payable, fair value of derivative obligations, and various other liabilities that represent contractual
obligations. Obligations where the timing of the payment was uncertain are included in the one year or less category.
Operating leases include noncancelable obligations on certain office space and equipment.
Purchase obligations include commitments of $53.1 million to fund certain of our investments in private placement securities and
partnerships. These are shown in the preceding table based on the expiration date of the commitments. The funds will be due upon
satisfaction of contractual notice from the partnership trustee or issuer of the private placement securities. The amounts may or may not be
funded. Also included are noncancelable obligations with outside parties for computer data processing services and related functions and
software maintenance agreements. The aggregate obligation remaining under these agreements was $25.2 million at December 31, 2009.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As noted in the preceding discussion, we have operating lease commitments and purchase obligations totaling $102.2 million and
$92.8 million, respectively, at December 31, 2009.
As part of our regular investing strategy, we receive collateral from unaffiliated third parties through transactions which include both
securities lending and also short-term agreements to purchase securities with the agreement to resell them at a later specified date. For both
types of transactions, we require that a minimum of 102 percent of the fair value of the securities loaned or securities purchased under repurchase
agreements be maintained as collateral. Generally, cash is received as collateral under these agreements. In the event that securities are
received as collateral, we are not permitted to sell or re-post them. We also post our fixed maturity securities as collateral to unaffiliated third
parties through transactions including both securities lending and also short-term agreements to sell securities with the agreement to repurchase
them at a later specified date. At December 31, 2009, we had no fixed maturity securities posted as collateral to third parties under these programs.
To help limit the credit exposure of the derivatives, we enter into master netting agreements with our counterparties whereby contracts
in a gain position can be offset against contracts in a loss position. We also typically enter into bilateral, cross-collateralization agreements
with our counterparties to help limit the credit exposure of the derivatives. These agreements require the counterparty in a loss position to
submit acceptable collateral with the other counterparty in the event the net loss position meets or exceeds an agreed upon amount. Our
current credit exposure on derivatives, which is limited to the value of those contracts in a net gain position less collateral held, was $7.0 million
at December 31, 2009. We post fixed maturity securities as collateral to our counterparties rather than cash. The carrying value of fixed maturity
securities posted as collateral to our counterparties was $123.1 million at December 31, 2009.
Our derivatives counterparties have posted non-cash collateral in various segregated custody accounts to which we have a security
interest in the event of counterparty default. This collateral, which is not reflected in the preceding table, had a market value of $22.4 million
at December 31, 2009.
Ratings
AM Best, Fitch, Moody’s, and S&P are among the third parties that assign issuer credit ratings to Unum Group and financial strength
ratings to our insurance subsidiaries. Issuer credit ratings reflect an agency’s opinion of the overall financial capacity of a company to meet
its senior debt obligations. Financial strength ratings are specific to each individual insurance subsidiary and reflect each rating agency’s
view of the overall financial strength (capital levels, earnings, growth, investments, business mix, operating performance, and market
position) of the insuring entity and its ability to meet its obligations to policyholders. Both the issuer credit ratings and financial strength
ratings incorporate quantitative and qualitative analyses by rating agencies and are routinely reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis.
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We compete based in part on the financial strength ratings provided by rating agencies. A downgrade of our financial strength ratings
can be expected to adversely affect us and could potentially, among other things, adversely affect our relationships with distributors of our
products and services and retention of our sales force, negatively impact persistency and new sales, particularly large case group sales and
individual sales, and generally adversely affect our ability to compete. A downgrade in the issuer credit rating assigned to Unum Group can
be expected to adversely affect our cost of capital or our ability to raise additional capital.
The table below reflects the issuer credit ratings for Unum Group and the financial strength ratings for each of our traditional insurance
subsidiaries as of the date of this filing.
Issuer Credit Ratings
Financial Strength Ratings
Provident Life & Accident
Provident Life & Casualty
Unum Life of America
First Unum Life
Colonial Life & Accident
Paul Revere Life
Paul Revere Variable
Unum Limited
AM Best
Fitch
Moody’s
S&P
bbb- (Good)
BBB (Good)
Ba1 (Speculative)
BBB- (Good)
A- (Excellent)
A (Strong)
Baa1 (Adequate)
A- (Strong)
A- (Excellent)
A (Strong)
Not Rated
Not Rated
A- (Excellent)
A (Strong)
Baa1 (Adequate)
A- (Strong)
A- (Excellent)
A (Strong)
Baa1 (Adequate)
A- (Strong)
A- (Excellent)
A (Strong)
Baa1 (Adequate)
A- (Strong)
A- (Excellent)
A (Strong)
Baa1 (Adequate)
A- (Strong)
A- (Excellent)
A (Strong)
Baa1 (Adequate)
Not Rated
Not Rated
Not Rated
Not Rated
A- (Strong)
We maintain an ongoing dialogue with the four rating agencies that evaluate us in order to inform them of progress we are making
regarding our strategic objectives and financial plans, as well as other pertinent issues. A significant component of our communications
involves our annual review meeting with each of the four agencies. We hold other meetings throughout the year regarding our business,
including, but not limited to, quarterly updates.
On March 13, 2009, AM Best affirmed its ratings of Unum Group and its operating subsidiaries, maintaining the outlook for the Company
as “stable.” On June 9, 2009, Moody’s affirmed its ratings of Unum Group and its operating subsidiaries, also maintaining the outlook for the
Company as “stable.” On September 25, 2009, S&P affirmed its ratings of Unum Group and its operating subsidiaries, maintaining the outlook
for the Company as “stable.” On December 23, 2009, at our request, AM Best withdrew its rating for Unum Limited and will no longer provide
a rating for that subsidiary. On February 12, 2010, Fitch upgraded its ratings of Unum Group and its operating subsidiaries to BBB and A,
respectively, and changed the outlook for the Company to “stable.”
There have been no other changes in any of the rating agencies’ outlook statements or ratings during 2009 or prior to the date of this filing.
Agency ratings are not directed toward the holders of our securities and are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold our securities.
Each rating is subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization, and each rating should be regarded as an
independent assessment, not conditional on any other rating. Given the dynamic nature of the ratings process, changes by these or other
rating agencies may or may not occur in the near-term. Based on our ongoing dialogue with the rating agencies concerning our improved
insurance risk profile, our financial flexibility, our operating performance, and the quality of our investment portfolio, we do not expect any
negative actions from any of the four rating agencies related to either Unum Group’s current issuer credit ratings or the financial strength
ratings of its insurance subsidiaries. However, in the event that we are unable to meet the rating agency specific guideline values to maintain
our current ratings, including but not limited to maintenance of our capital management metrics at the threshold values stated and maintenance
of our financial flexibility and operational consistency, we could be placed on a negative credit watch, with a potential for a downgrade to
both our issuer credit ratings and our financial strength ratings.
See “Ratings” contained in Item 1 and “Risk Factors” contained in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2009 for further discussion.
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2009
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
About Market Risk
We are subject to various market risk exposures, including interest rate risk and foreign exchange rate risk. The following discussion
regarding our risk management activities includes forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. Estimates of future
performance and economic conditions are reflected assuming certain changes in market rates and prices were to occur (sensitivity analysis).
Caution should be used in evaluating our overall market risk from the information presented below, as actual results may differ. See
“Investments” contained herein and Notes 3, 4, and 5 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further discussions of the
qualitative aspects of market risk, including derivative financial instrument activity.
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to interest rate changes results from our holdings of financial instruments such as fixed rate investments, derivatives, and
interest-sensitive liabilities. Fixed rate investments include fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans, policy loans, and short-term investments.
Fixed maturity securities include U.S. and foreign government bonds, securities issued by government agencies, corporate bonds, mortgage-
backed securities, and redeemable preferred stock, all of which are subject to risk resulting from interest rate fluctuations. Certain of our
financial instruments, fixed maturity securities and derivatives, are carried at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of
these financial instruments may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates. A rise in interest rates may increase the net unrealized loss
related to these financial instruments, but may improve our ability to earn higher rates of return on new purchases of fixed maturity securities.
Conversely, a decline in interest rates may decrease the net unrealized loss, but new securities may be purchased at lower rates of return.
Although changes in fair value of fixed maturity securities and derivatives due to changes in interest rates may impact amounts reported in our
consolidated balance sheets, these changes will not cause an economic gain or loss unless we sell investments, terminate derivative positions,
determine that an investment is other than temporarily impaired, or determine that a derivative instrument is no longer an effective hedge.
Other fixed rate investments, such as mortgage loans and policy loans, are carried at amortized cost and unpaid balances, respectively,
rather than fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. These investments may have fair values substantially higher or lower than the
carrying values reflected in our balance sheets. A change in interest rates could impact our financial position if we sold our mortgage loan
investments at times of low market value. A change in interest rates would not impact our financial position at repayment of policy loans, as
ultimately the cash surrender values or death benefits would be reduced for the carrying value of any outstanding policy loans. Carrying
amounts for short-term investments approximate fair value, and we believe we have minimal interest rate risk exposure from these investments.
We believe that the risk of being forced to liquidate investments or terminate derivative positions is minimal, primarily due to the level
of capital at our insurance subsidiaries, the level of cash and marketable securities at our holding companies, and our investment strategy
which we believe provides for adequate cash flows to meet the funding requirements of our business. We may in certain circumstances,
however, need to sell investments due to changes in regulatory or capital requirements, changes in tax laws, rating agency decisions, and/
or unexpected changes in liquidity needs.
Although the majority of our liabilities related to insurance contracts are not interest rate sensitive and we therefore have minimal exposure
to policy withdrawal risk, the fair values of liabilities under all insurance contracts are taken into consideration in our overall management of
interest rate risk, which minimizes exposure to changing interest rates through the matching of investment cash flows with amounts due under
insurance contracts. Changes in interest rates and individuals’ behavior affect the amount and timing of asset and liability cash flows. We actively
manage our asset and liability cash flow match and our asset and liability duration match to mitigate interest rate risk. We model and test asset
and liability portfolios to improve interest rate risk management and net yields. Testing the asset and liability portfolios under various interest
rate and economic scenarios allows us to choose what we believe to be the most appropriate investment strategy, as well as to prepare for
disadvantageous outcomes. This analysis is the precursor to our activities in derivative financial instruments. We use current and forward interest
rate swaps and options on forward interest rate swaps, interest rate forward contracts, forward treasury locks, and forward contracts on specific
fixed income securities to hedge interest rate risks and to match asset durations and cash flows with corresponding liabilities.
Short-term and long-term debt are not carried at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. If we modify or replace existing short-
term or long-term debt instruments at current market rates, we may incur a gain or loss on the transaction. We believe our debt-related risk
to changes in interest rates is relatively minimal. In the near term, we expect that our need for external financing is small, but changes in
our business could increase our need.
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We measure our financial instruments’ market risk related to changes in interest rates using a sensitivity analysis. This analysis estimates
potential changes in fair values as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 based on a hypothetical immediate increase of 100 basis points in interest
rates from year end levels. The selection of a 100 basis point immediate parallel change in interest rates should not be construed as our
prediction of future market events, but only as an illustration of the potential effect of such an event.
The hypothetical potential changes in fair value of our financial instruments at December 31, 2009 and 2008 are shown as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Assets
Fixed Maturity Securities (1)
Mortgage Loans
Policy Loans, Net of Reinsurance Ceded
Liabilities
Unrealized Adjustment to Reserves,
Net of Reinsurance Ceded and Other (2)
Long-term Debt
Derivatives (1)
Swaps
Forwards
Embedded Derivative in Modified
Coinsurance Arrangement
(in millions of dollars)
Assets
Fixed Maturity Securities (1)
Mortgage Loans
Policy Loans, Net of Reinsurance Ceded
Liabilities
Unrealized Adjustment to Reserves,
Net of Reinsurance Ceded and Other (2)
Short-term Debt
Long-term Debt
Derivatives (1)
Swaps
Forwards
Embedded Derivative in Modified
Coinsurance Arrangement
December 31, 2009
Notional
Hypothetical
Amount of Derivatives
Fair Value
FV + 100 BP
Change in FV
$37,914.4
$34,930.8
$(2,983.6)
1,402.5
232.0
1,336.4
219.9
(66.1)
(12.1)
$ (1,541.7)
$ 113.3
$ 1,655.0
(2,296.0)
(2,204.1)
91.9
$1,615.9
4.8
$ (63.1)
$ (87.9)
$ (24.8)
(0.4)
(0.2)
0.2
(117.4)
(121.5)
(4.1)
December 31, 2008
Notional
Hypothetical
Amount of Derivatives
Fair Value
FV + 100 BP
Change in FV
$32,134.1
$29,719.2
$(2,414.9)
1,224.4
255.4
1,158.6
242.4
(65.8)
(13.0)
$ 809.8
$ 1,921.9
$ 1,112.1
(188.9)
(1,677.4)
(188.5)
(1,614.4)
0.4
63.0
$ 242.2
$ 156.2
$ (86.0)
60.2
65.0
(360.5)
(330.3)
4.8
30.2
$2,265.8
266.3
(1) These assets and liabilities are carried at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. Changes in fair value resulting from changes in interest rates may affect the fair
value at which the item is reported in our consolidated balance sheets with a corresponding offsetting change reported in other comprehensive income or loss, net of
deferred taxes.
(2) The adjustment to reserves and other for unrealized investment gains and losses reflects the adjustments to deferred acquisition costs and policyholder liabilities that
would be necessary if the unrealized investment gains and losses related to the fixed maturity securities and derivatives had been realized. Changes in this adjustment
are also reported as a component of other comprehensive income or loss, net of deferred taxes.
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 83
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2009
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
About Market Risk
The effect of a change in interest rates on asset prices was determined using a duration implied methodology for corporate bonds and
government and government agency securities whereby the duration of each security was used to estimate the change in price for the
security assuming an increase of 100 basis points in interest rates. The effect of a change in interest rates on the mortgage-backed securities
was estimated using a mortgage analytic system which takes into account the impact of changing prepayment speeds resulting from a 100
basis point increase in interest rates on the change in price of the mortgage-backed securities. These hypothetical prices were compared to
the actual prices for the period to compute the overall change in market value. The changes in the fair values shown in the chart above for
all other items were determined using discounted cash flows analyses. Because we actively manage our investments and liabilities, actual
changes could be less than those estimated above.
Foreign Currency Risk
The functional currency of our U.K. operations is the British pound sterling. We are exposed to foreign currency risk arising from
fluctuations in the British pound sterling to U.S. dollar exchange rates primarily as they relate to the translation of the financial results of our
U.K. operations. Fluctuations in the pound to dollar exchange rate have an effect on our reported financial results. We do not hedge against
the possible impact of this risk. Because we do not actually convert pounds into dollars except for a limited number of transactions, we
view foreign currency translation as a financial reporting issue and not a reflection of operations or profitability in the U.K.
Assuming the pound to dollar exchange rate decreased 10 percent from the December 31, 2009 and 2008 levels, stockholders’ equity
as reported in U.S. dollars as of and for the periods then ended would have been lower by approximately $98.6 million and $72.8 million,
respectively. Assuming the pound to dollar average exchange rate decreased 10 percent from the actual average exchange rates for 2009
and 2008, segment operating income, which excludes net realized investment gains and losses and income tax, as reported in U.S. dollars
would have decreased approximately $27.1 million and $33.5 million, respectively, for the years then ended.
Dividends paid by Unum Limited are generally held at our U.K. finance subsidiary. If these funds are repatriated to our U.S. holding
company, we would at that time be subject to foreign currency risk as the value of the dividend, when converted into U.S. dollars, would be
dependent upon the foreign exchange rate at the time of conversion.
We are also exposed to foreign currency risk related to certain foreign investment securities denominated in local currencies and U.S.
dollar-denominated debt issued by one of our U.K. subsidiaries. We use current and forward currency swaps and currency forward contracts
to hedge or minimize the foreign exchange risk associated with these instruments.
See “Unum UK Segment” contained herein for further information concerning foreign currency translation.
Risk Management
As an insurer, we are in the business of risk management. Effectively taking and managing risks is essential to the success of our
Company. To facilitate this effort, we have an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program. Our ERM program strives to:
• Identify, measure, mitigate, and report on our risk positions and exposures, including notable risk events;
• Assess material risks, including how they affect us, how individual risks interrelate, and how management addresses these risks;
• Practice strong risk management, including diversification across and within business units and systematic limit monitoring;
• Identify emerging risks and analyze how material future risks might affect us; and
• Fulfill regulatory, rating agency, and governance objectives.
Through adherence to these objectives, we believe we are better positioned to fulfill our corporate mission, improve and protect
stockholder value, and reduce reputational risk.
Our approach to risk management is defined by these fundamental principles:
• Our risk management strategy begins with our business strategy. We are a specialty insurance carrier focused on providing benefits
through employer-sponsored plans. We have market leadership positions in the product lines we offer and more than 160 years of
experience. This combination of focused expertise and deep experience is the foundation of our approach to risk management.
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• Risk management cannot be successful in a vacuum; it needs to be embedded in daily decision-making throughout the organization.
Unum Group’s board members and our senior leaders clearly acknowledge that risk management is critical to our Company’s long-
term success, and this theme cascades through the work of risk committees and the management team. Additionally, we believe the
individual and collective decisions of our employees play a key role in successfully managing our overall risk profile.
• We closely monitor emerging risks, adjust our strategies as appropriate, and hold capital levels which provide financial flexibility. We
use qualitative and quantitative approaches to identify emerging risks and develop mitigating strategies to limit our exposure to
existing and potential risks.
We utilize stress testing and scenario analysis to shape our business, financial, and strategic planning activities. For example, stress
testing of our capital and liquidity management strategies enables us to identify areas of high exposure, assess mitigating actions, develop
contingency plans, and guide decisions around our capital and liquidity levels. In addition, scenario analysis is used as input in the
development of our business and strategic planning processes.
Risk Committee Structure and Role
We have a “pyramid” risk committee structure in place to govern our ERM process.
Unum Group’s board of directors has broad responsibility for risk management, with the audit committee having principal oversight of the
risk management program. Our chief risk officer regularly reports to the audit committee and also to the full board of directors, as appropriate.
An executive risk management committee is responsible for overseeing our enterprise-wide risk management program. The chief risk
officer, who is a member of the executive risk management committee, has primary responsibility for our ERM program and is supported
by a corporate risk committee and by the risk committees of the three primary operating segments that comprise Unum Group.
Operating segment risk committees for Unum US, Unum UK, and Colonial Life oversee risk specific to their business. These committees
are responsible for identifying, measuring, reporting, and managing insurance and operational risks within their respective areas, consistent
with corporate guidance.
The corporate risk committee oversees the operational, investment, and capital management subcommittees and reviews risk on a
corporate level. Market and credit risk are jointly managed by the investment committee. The capital management committee is responsible
for monitoring and planning capital allocation, financing, and liquidity.
In addition to the formal communication channels included in the risk committee structure, we provide ways for employees to report
risk directly to the chief risk officer, and we educate employees on Company risks.
Governance, Risk, and Compliance
We employ a decentralized risk management model under which risk-based decisions are made daily on a local level. To achieve long-
term success, we believe risk management must be the responsibility of all employees. We strive for a culture of accountability, risk
management, and strict compliance, and we believe these values allow our employees to feel comfortable identifying issues as well as
taking ownership for addressing potential problems.
The recent recession and financial sector problems have reinforced the importance of effective governance, risk management, and
compliance. We rely on four complementary functions.
• Internal controls provide reasonable assurance that there are controls in place to prevent and detect a material misstatement in our
financial reporting;
• Internal audits assess the effectiveness of controls for operational business processes and monitor compliance with internal policies
and procedures;
• Our compliance organization seeks to ensure compliance with laws and regulations and is responsible for directing our ethics
program and privacy efforts; and
• The ERM program serves as an umbrella and takes a holistic view of risks and risk management efforts across the enterprise.
These groups work closely together to align their plans, activities, and efforts toward the common goal of effective governance, risk,
and compliance.
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 85
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2009
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in millions of dollars)
Assets
Investments
December 31
2009
2008
Fixed Maturity Securities — at fair value (amortized cost: $35,905.4; $34,407.6)
$37,914.4
$32,134.1
Mortgage Loans
Policy Loans
Other Long-term Investments
Short-term Investments
Total Investments
Other Assets
Cash and Bank Deposits
Accounts and Premiums Receivable
Reinsurance Recoverable
Accrued Investment Income
Deferred Acquisition Costs
Goodwill
Property and Equipment
Deferred Income Tax
Other Assets
1,404.0
2,878.0
233.5
865.5
1,274.8
2,753.8
520.1
1,183.1
43,295.4
37,865.9
71.6
1,732.4
4,996.9
642.5
2,482.5
201.6
443.5
—
610.6
49.9
1,784.8
4,974.2
605.6
2,472.4
200.5
409.4
438.8
615.9
Total Assets
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
$54,477.0
$49,417.4
86
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(in millions of dollars)
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities
Policy and Contract Benefits
Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits
Unearned Premiums
Other Policyholders’ Funds
Income Tax Payable
Deferred Income Tax
Short-term Debt
Long-term Debt
Other Liabilities
Total Liabilities
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities — Note 14
Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock, $0.10 par
Authorized: 725,000,000 shares
Issued: 363,638,314 and 362,949,412 shares
Additional Paid-in Capital
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Not Other-Than-Temporarily Impaired
Net Unrealized Gain on Securities Other-Than-Temporarily Impaired
Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs
Retained Earnings
Treasury Stock — at cost: 31,829,067 shares
Total Stockholders’ Equity
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Unum 2009 Annual Report
December 31
2009
2008
$ 1,736.9
$ 1,769.5
37,740.8
34,581.5
452.0
1,662.3
114.5
273.2
—
2,549.6
1,447.6
463.9
1,675.6
115.5
—
190.5
2,259.4
1,963.6
45,976.9
43,019.5
36.4
36.3
2,587.4
2,546.9
376.6
3.0
370.8
(78.7)
(330.7)
6,289.5
(754.2)
(832.6)
—
458.5
(177.6)
(406.5)
5,527.1
(754.2)
8,500.1
6,397.9
$54,477.0
$49,417.4
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Unum
2009
Consolidated Statements of Income
(in millions of dollars, except share data)
Revenue
Premium Income
Net Investment Income
Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
Year Ended December 31
2009
2008
2007
$ 7,475.5
$7,783.3
$ 7,901.1
2,346.6
2,389.0
2,409.9
Total Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Loss on Fixed Maturity Securities
(215.5)
(151.1)
(53.7)
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Loss Recognized in
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net Impairment Loss Recognized in Earnings
Other Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
Other Income
Total Revenue
Benefits and Expenses
3.7
(211.8)
223.5
11.7
257.2
—
(151.1)
(314.8)
(465.9)
275.9
—
(53.7)
(11.5)
(65.2)
274.1
10,091.0
9,982.3
10,519.9
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
6,291.6
6,626.4
6,988.2
Commissions
Interest and Debt Expense
Deferral of Acquisition Costs
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
Compensation Expense
Other Expenses
Total Benefits and Expenses
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Tax
Income Tax (Benefit)
Current
Deferred
Total Income Tax
Income from Continuing Operations
Discontinued Operations — Note 2
Income Before Income Tax
Income Tax
Income from Discontinued Operations
Net Income
Earnings Per Common Share
Basic
Income from Continuing Operations
Net Income
Assuming Dilution
Income from Continuing Operations
Net Income
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
88
837.1
125.4
(593.6)
526.2
793.3
818.7
853.3
156.7
(590.9)
519.1
772.6
821.1
841.1
241.9
(556.3)
480.4
722.4
805.0
8,798.7
9,158.3
9,522.7
1,292.3
824.0
997.2
377.9
61.8
439.7
852.6
—
—
—
340.9
(70.1)
270.8
553.2
—
—
—
264.2
60.6
324.8
672.4
17.8
10.9
6.9
$ 852.6
$ 553.2
$ 679.3
$ 2.57
$ 1.62
$ 1.90
$ 2.57
$ 1.62
$ 1.92
$ 2.57
$ 1.62
$ 1.89
$ 2.57
$ 1.62
$ 1.91
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Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Unum 2009 Annual Report
(in millions of dollars)
Common Stock
Balance at Beginning of Year
Common Stock Activity
Balance at End of Year
Additional Paid-in Capital
Balance at Beginning of Year
Common Stock Activity
Balance at End of Year
Year Ended December 31
2009
2008
2007
$ 36.3
$ 36.3
$ 34.4
0.1
36.4
—
36.3
1.9
36.3
2,546.9
2,516.9
40.5
30.0
2,587.4
2,546.9
2,200.0
316.9
2,516.9
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at Beginning of Year
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Principle Change — Note 1
(958.2)
(14.3)
All Other Changes During Year
Balance at End of Year
Retained Earnings
Balance at Beginning of Year
Net Income
Dividends to Stockholders (per common share: $0.315; $0.30; $0.30)
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Principle Changes — Note 1
Balance at End of Year
Treasury Stock
Balance at Beginning of Year
Purchases of Treasury Stock
Balance at End of Year
Total Stockholders’ Equity at End of Year
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
463.5
612.8
—
—
(149.3)
463.5
1,313.5
(1,421.7)
341.0
(958.2)
5,527.1
5,077.4
4,925.8
852.6
(104.5)
14.3
553.2
(103.5)
—
679.3
(105.2)
(422.5)
6,289.5
5,527.1
5,077.4
(754.2)
—
(754.2)
(54.2)
(700.0)
(754.2)
(54.2)
—
(54.2)
$8,500.1
$6,397.9
$8,039.9
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Unum
2009
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in millions of dollars)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net Income
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Change in Receivables
Change in Deferred Acquisition Costs
Change in Insurance Reserves and Liabilities
Change in Income Taxes
Change in Other Accrued Liabilities
Non-cash Adjustments to Net Investment Income
Net Realized Investment (Gain) Loss
Depreciation
Cash Received from Reinsurance Recapture
Other, Net
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Proceeds from Sales of Available-for-Sale Securities
Proceeds from Maturities of Available-for-Sale Securities
Proceeds from Sales and Maturities of Other Investments
Purchase of Available-for-Sale Securities
Purchase of Other Investments
Net Sales (Purchases) of Short-term Investments
Acquisition of Business
Disposition of Business
Other, Net
Net Cash Used by Investing Activities
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Maturities and Benefit Payments from Policyholder Accounts
Net Short-term Debt Repayments
Issuance of Long-term Debt
Long-term Debt Repayments
Cost Related to Early Retirement of Debt
Issuance of Common Stock
Dividends Paid to Stockholders
Purchases of Treasury Stock
Other, Net
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities
Effect of Foreign Exchange Rate Changes on Cash
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Bank Deposits
Cash and Bank Deposits at Beginning of Year
Cash and Bank Deposits at End of Year
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
90
Year Ended December 31
2009
2008
2007
$ 852.6
$ 553.2
$ 679.3
113.9
(67.4)
441.2
59.2
(18.4)
(239.8)
(11.7)
74.5
—
32.9
77.2
(71.8)
717.5
(84.3)
(93.5)
(306.7)
465.9
68.8
—
(0.2)
235.5
(75.9)
887.2
114.8
(119.8)
(363.6)
65.2
66.2
211.4
50.0
1,237.0
1,326.1
1,750.3
1,427.2
1,132.5
250.5
2,066.1
1,288.0
205.6
2,179.3
1,171.4
312.9
(3,848.8)
(4,083.7)
(4,205.2)
(267.7)
199.0
—
—
(106.6)
(291.2)
432.8
48.8
—
(91.1)
(488.8)
(836.2)
—
98.8
(87.2)
(1,213.9)
(424.7)
(1,855.0)
(1.5)
(190.5)
346.8
(59.8)
—
8.0
(104.5)
—
—
(10.2)
(134.5)
—
(105.9)
(0.4)
4.4
(103.5)
(700.0)
0.6
(1.5)
(1,049.5)
0.1
21.7
49.9
(1.1)
(149.2)
199.1
(5.7)
—
800.0
(769.5)
(34.2)
307.8
(105.2)
—
(12.0)
181.2
1.3
77.8
121.3
$ 71.6
$ 49.9
$ 199.1
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 90
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Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(in millions of dollars)
Net Income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Change in Net Unrealized Gains and Losses on Securities
Before Reclassification Adjustment:
Unum 2009 Annual Report
Year Ended December 31
2009
2008
2007
$ 852.6
$ 553.2
$ 679.3
Change in Net Unrealized Gains and Losses on Securities Not Other-Than-Temporarily
Impaired (net of tax expense (benefit) of $1,375.9; $(1,274.2); $(134.6))
2,593.1
(2,394.5)
(248.8)
Change in Net Unrealized Gains and Losses on Securities Other-Than-Temporarily
Impaired (net of tax expense of $9.3; $— ; $—)
17.3
—
—
Total Change in Net Unrealized Gains and Losses on Securities Before Reclassification
Adjustment (net of tax expense (benefit) of $1,385.2; $(1,274.2); $(134.6))
2,610.4
(2,394.5)
(248.8)
Reclassification Adjustment for Net Realized Investment Loss
(net of tax benefit of $79.0; $59.5; $0.2)
Change in Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges
151.0
114.8
0.3
(net of tax expense (benefit) of $(45.3); $139.0; $(6.0))
(87.7)
276.0
(11.7)
Change in Adjustment to Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits, Net of
Reinsurance and Other (net of tax expense (benefit) of $(816.6); $578.1; $34.0)
(1,534.9)
Change in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
98.9
1,091.0
(301.0)
69.8
7.4
Change in Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs
(net of tax expense (benefit) of $42.0; $(112.4); $16.7)
75.8
(208.0)
33.7
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
1,313.5
(1,421.7)
(149.3)
$ 2,166.1
$ (868.5)
$ 530.0
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2009
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Unum Group and its subsidiaries (the Company) have
been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Such accounting principles differ from statutory
accounting principles (see Note 15). Intercompany transactions have been eliminated. In connection with our preparation of the consolidated
financial statements, we evaluated events that occurred subsequent to December 31, 2009, for recognition or disclosure in our financial
statements and notes to our financial statements.
In March 2007, we closed the sale of our wholly-owned subsidiary GENEX Services, Inc. (GENEX). The financial results of GENEX are
reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. Except where noted, the information presented in the notes
to the consolidated financial statements excludes GENEX. See Note 2 for further discussion.
Description of Business: We are the largest provider of group and individual disability products in the United States and the United
Kingdom. We also provide a complementary portfolio of other insurance products, including long-term care insurance, life insurance,
employer- and employee-paid group benefits, and other related services. We market our products primarily to employers interested in
providing benefits to their employees.
We have three major business segments: Unum US, Unum UK, and Colonial Life. Our other reporting segments are the Individual
Disability — Closed Block segment and the Corporate and Other segment. See Note 13 for further discussion of our operating segments.
Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions
that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Such estimates and assumptions could change in the
future as more information becomes known, which could impact the amounts reported and disclosed herein.
Many factors influence the assumptions upon which reserves for policy and contract benefits are based, including historical trends in
our experience and expected deviations from historical experience. Considerable judgment is required to interpret actual historical
experience and to assess the future factors that are likely to influence the ultimate cost of settling existing claims. Given that insurance
products contain inherent risks and uncertainties, the ultimate liability may be more or less than such estimates indicate.
Fixed Maturity Securities: Fixed maturity securities include bonds and redeemable preferred stocks. Fixed maturity securities not
bought and held for the purpose of selling in the near term but for which we do not have the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity
are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value. Changes in the fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities, except
for amounts related to other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings, are reported as a component of other comprehensive
income. These amounts are net of income tax and valuation adjustments to deferred acquisition costs and reserves for future policy and
contract benefits which would have been recorded had the related unrealized gain or loss on these securities been realized.
Interest income is recorded as part of net investment income when earned, using an effective yield method giving effect to amortization
of premium and accretion of discount. Included within fixed maturity securities are mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. We
recognize investment income on these securities using a constant effective yield based on projected prepayments of the underlying loans
and the estimated economic life of the securities. Actual prepayment experience is reviewed periodically, and effective yields are recalculated
when differences arise between prepayments originally projected and the actual prepayments received and currently projected. The effective
yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis, and the adjustment is reflected in net investment income. For fixed maturity securities on
which collection of investment income is uncertain, we discontinue the accrual of investment income and recognize investment income
when interest and dividends are received. Payment terms specified for fixed maturity securities may include a prepayment penalty for
unscheduled payoff of the investment. Prepayment penalties are recognized as investment income when received.
In determining when a decline in fair value below amortized cost of a fixed maturity security is other than temporary, we evaluate
available information, both positive and negative, in reaching our conclusions. Although all available and applicable factors are considered
in our analysis, our expectation of recovering the entire amortized cost basis of the security, whether we intend to sell the security, whether
we more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, and whether the security is current on
principal and interest payments are the most critical factors in determining whether impairments are other than temporary. The significance
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of the decline in value and the length of time during which there has been a significant decline are also important factors, but we generally
do not record an impairment loss based solely on these two factors, since often other more relevant factors will impact our evaluation of a
security. See also Note 3.
Mortgage Loans: Mortgage loans are generally carried at amortized cost less an allowance for probable losses. Interest income
is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan’s contractual interest rate. For mortgage loans on which collection of
investment income is uncertain, we discontinue the accrual of investment income and recognize investment income when interest is
received. Payment terms specified for mortgage loans may include a prepayment penalty for unscheduled payoff of the investment.
Prepayment penalties are recognized as investment income when received. We use a comprehensive rating system to evaluate the
investment and credit risk of our mortgage loans and to identify specific properties for inspection and reevaluation. Mortgage loans are
considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due
according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. We establish an allowance for probable losses on mortgage loans based on
a review of individual loans and the overall loan portfolio, considering the value of the underlying collateral.
Policy Loans: Policy loans are presented at unpaid balances directly related to policyholders. Interest income is accrued on the principal
amount of the loan based on the loan’s contractual interest rate. Included in policy loans are $2,675.7 million and $2,555.6 million of policy
loans ceded to reinsurers at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Other Long-term Investments: Other long-term investments are comprised primarily of freestanding derivatives with a net positive
fair value and private equity fund limited partnerships. Freestanding derivatives are more fully described in the derivatives accounting
policy which follows. Private equity fund limited partnerships are accounted for using the equity or cost method, depending on the level
of ownership and the degree of influence over partnership operating and financial policies.
Short-term Investments: Short-term investments are carried at cost. Short-term investments include investments maturing within
one year, such as corporate commercial paper and U.S. Treasury bills, bank term deposits, and other cash accounts and cash equivalents
earning interest.
Cash and Bank Deposits: Cash and bank deposits include cash on hand and non-interest bearing cash and deposit accounts.
Derivative Financial Instruments: Derivative financial instruments (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts)
are recognized as either assets or liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets and are reported at fair value. The accounting for changes in
fair value of a derivative depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship, and further, on
the type of hedging relationship. To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging transaction, we formally document the
risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as the designation of the hedge as either a fair
value hedge or a cash flow hedge. Included in this documentation is how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated
risk(s) related to the specific assets or liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific forecasted transactions as well as a description of the
method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness and the method that will be
used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting
the designated risk(s) of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and periodically throughout the life of the
designated hedging relationship, using qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative methods include comparison of critical terms of
the derivative to the hedged item. Quantitative methods include regression or other statistical analysis of changes in fair value or cash
flows associated with the hedge relationship. For those derivatives that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, the derivative
is designated, based upon the exposure being hedged, as one of the following:
Fair value hedge. Changes in the fair value of the derivative as well as the offsetting change in fair value on the hedged item
attributable to the risk being hedged are recognized in current earnings as a component of net realized investment gain or loss during
the period of change in fair value. The gain or loss on the termination of an effective fair value hedge is recognized in current earnings
as a component of net realized investment gain or loss.
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Cash flow hedge. To the extent it is effective, changes in the fair value of the derivative are reported in other comprehensive income
and reclassified into earnings and reported on the same income statement line item as the hedged item and in the same period or
periods during which the hedged item affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the hedge, if any, is recognized in current earnings
as a component of net realized investment gain or loss during the period of change in fair value. The gain or loss on the termination
of an effective cash flow hedge is reported in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings and reported on the same
income statement line item as the hedged item and in the same period or periods during which the hedged item affects earnings.
Gains or losses on the termination of ineffective hedges are reported in current earnings as a component of net realized investment
gain or loss. In the event a hedged item is disposed of or the anticipated transaction being hedged is no longer likely to occur, we will
terminate the related derivative and recognize the gain or loss on termination in current earnings as a component of net realized investment
gain or loss. In the event a hedged item is disposed of subsequent to the termination of the hedging transaction, we reclassify any remaining
gain or loss on the cash flow hedge out of accumulated other comprehensive income into current earnings as a component of the same
income statement line item wherein we report the gain or loss on disposition of the hedged item.
Our freestanding derivatives all qualify as hedges and have been designated as either cash flow hedges or fair value hedges. We do
not have any speculative positions in our freestanding derivatives. For a derivative not designated as a hedging instrument, the change in
fair value is recognized in earnings during the period of change. Changes in the fair values of certain embedded derivatives are reported
as realized investment gains and losses during the period of change.
In our consolidated balance sheets, we do not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty
under a master netting agreement and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash
collateral arising from those master netting agreements.
Fair Value Measurement: All of our fixed maturity securities are reported at fair value. Our derivative financial instruments, including
certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, are reported as either assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. We hold
an immaterial amount of equity securities, which are also reported at fair value. We define fair value as the price that would be received to
sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value represents
an exit price, not an entry price. The exit price objective applies regardless of our intent and/or ability to sell the asset or transfer the liability
at the measurement date.
Valuation techniques used for assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value are generally categorized into three types: the market
approach, the income approach, and the cost approach. We use valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for
which sufficient data are available. In some cases, a single valuation technique will be appropriate. In other cases, multiple valuation
techniques will be appropriate. If we use multiple valuation techniques to measure fair value, we evaluate and weigh the results, as
appropriate, considering the reasonableness of the range indicated by those results. A fair value measurement is the point within that
range that is most representative of fair value in the circumstances.
The selection of the valuation method(s) to apply considers the definition of an exit price and depends on the nature of the asset or
liability being valued. For assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value, we generally use valuation techniques consistent with the market
approach, and to a lesser extent, the income approach. Inputs to valuation techniques refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants
use in pricing assets or liabilities, including assumptions about risk, for example, the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to
measure fair value and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable
inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market
data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions market
participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.
We prioritize the inputs to fair valuation techniques and use unobservable inputs to the extent that observable inputs are not available.
We categorize our assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value into a three-level hierarchy, based on the priority of the inputs.
The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to inputs which are unadjusted and represent quoted prices in active markets for identical
assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). See also Note 3.
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Realized Investment Gains and Losses: Realized investment gains and losses are reported as a component of revenue in the
consolidated statements of income and are based upon specific identification of the investments sold. If we determine that the decline in
value of an investment is other than temporary, the investment is written down to fair value, and an impairment loss is recognized in the
current period, either in earnings or in both earnings and other comprehensive income, as applicable. Other-than-temporary impairment
losses on fixed maturity securities which we intend to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell before recovery in value are
recognized in earnings and equal the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. For securities which
we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell before recovery in value, other-than-temporary
impairment losses recognized in earnings generally represent the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the present
value of our best estimate of cash flows expected to be collected, discounted using the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the
date of acquisition. For fixed maturity securities for which we have recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss through earnings,
if through subsequent evaluation there is a significant increase in expected cash flows, the difference between the new amortized cost
basis and the cash flows expected to be collected is accreted as net investment income.
Reinsurance Recoverable: We routinely cede reinsurance to other insurance companies. For ceded reinsurance agreements wherein
we are not relieved of our legal liability to our policyholders, we report assets and liabilities on a gross basis. Our reinsurance recoverable
includes the balances due from reinsurers under the terms of these reinsurance agreements for ceded policy and contract benefits, ceded
future policy and contract benefits, and ceded unearned premiums, less ceded policy loans.
Deferred Acquisition Costs: Certain costs of acquiring new business that vary with and are primarily related to the production of new
business have been deferred. Such costs include commissions, other agency compensation, certain selection and policy issue expenses,
and certain field expenses. Acquisition costs that do not vary with the production of new business, such as commissions on group products
which are generally level throughout the life of the policy, are excluded from deferral. Deferred acquisition costs are subject to recoverability
testing at the time of policy issue and loss recognition testing in subsequent years.
Deferred acquisition costs related to traditional policies are amortized over the premium paying period of the related policies in
proportion to the ratio of the present value of annual expected premium income to the present value of total expected premium income.
Such amortization is adjusted quarterly to reflect the actual policy persistency as compared to the anticipated experience.
Deferred acquisition costs related to interest-sensitive policies are amortized over the lives of the policies in relation to the present
value of estimated gross profits from surrender charges, mortality margins, investment returns, and expense margins. Adjustments are
made quarterly to reflect actual experience for assumptions which deviate significantly compared to anticipated experience.
Internal replacement transactions wherein the modification does not substantially change the policy are accounted for as continuations
of the replaced contracts. Unamortized deferred acquisition costs from the original policy continue to be amortized over the expected life
of the new policy, and the costs of replacing the policy are accounted for as policy maintenance costs and expensed as incurred. Internal
replacement transactions, principally on group contracts, that result in a policy that is substantially changed are accounted for as an
extinguishment of the original policy and the issuance of a new policy. Unamortized deferred acquisition costs on the original policy that
was replaced are immediately expensed, and the costs of acquiring the new policy are capitalized and amortized in accordance with our
accounting policies for deferred acquisition costs.
Loss recognition is generally performed on an annual basis. Insurance contracts are grouped for each major product line within a
segment when we perform the loss recognition tests. If loss recognition testing indicates that deferred acquisition costs are not recoverable,
the deficiency is charged to expense. The assumptions used in loss recognition testing represent our best estimates of future experience.
Goodwill: Goodwill is the excess of the amount paid to acquire a business over the fair value of the net assets acquired. We review the
carrying amount of goodwill for impairment during the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount might not be recoverable. Goodwill impairment testing compares the fair value of a reporting unit with
its carrying amount, including goodwill. The fair values of the reporting units are determined using discounted cash flow models. The critical
estimates necessary in determining fair value are projected earnings and the discount rate. We set our discount rate assumption based on
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an expected risk adjusted cost of capital. If the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill relates is less than the carrying amount
of the unamortized goodwill, the carrying amount is reduced with a corresponding charge to expense.
Property and Equipment: Property and equipment is reported at cost less accumulated depreciation, which is calculated on the
straight-line method over the estimated useful life. The accumulated depreciation for property and equipment was $619.7 million and
$563.7 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Value of Business Acquired: Value of business acquired represents the present value of future profits recorded in connection with the
acquisition of a block of insurance policies. The asset is amortized based upon expected future premium income for traditional insurance
policies and estimated future gross profits for interest-sensitive insurance policies. The value of business acquired, which is included in other
assets in our consolidated balance sheets, was $46.2 million and $50.5 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The accumulated
amortization for value of business acquired was $108.2 million and $92.2 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
The amortization of value of business acquired, which is included in other expenses in the consolidated statements of income, was
$7.8 million, $7.8 million, and $7.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. We periodically review the
carrying amount of value of business acquired using the same methods used to evaluate deferred acquisition costs.
Policy and Contract Benefits: Policy and contract benefits represent amounts paid and expected to be paid based on reported losses
and estimates of incurred but not reported losses for traditional life and accident and health products. For interest-sensitive products,
benefits are the amounts paid and expected to be paid on insured claims in excess of the policyholders’ policy fund balances.
Policy and Contract Benefits Liabilities: Policy reserves represent future policy and contract benefits for claims not yet incurred.
Policy reserves for traditional life and accident and health products are determined using the net level premium method. The reserves are
calculated based upon assumptions as to interest, persistency, morbidity, and mortality that were appropriate at the date of issue. Interest
rate assumptions are based on actual and expected net investment returns. Persistency assumptions are based on our actual historical
experience adjusted for future expectations. Morbidity and mortality assumptions are based on actual experience or industry standards
adjusted as appropriate to reflect our actual experience and future expectations. The assumptions vary by plan, year of issue, and policy
duration and include a provision for adverse deviation.
Policy reserves for group single premium annuities have been provided on a net single premium method. The reserves are calculated
based on assumptions as to interest, mortality, and retirement that were appropriate at the date of issue. Mortality assumptions are based upon
industry standards adjusted as appropriate to reflect our actual experience and future expectations. The assumptions vary by year of issue.
Policy reserves for interest-sensitive products are principally policyholder account values.
We perform loss recognition tests on our policy reserves annually, or more frequently if appropriate, using best estimate assumptions
as of the date of the test, without a provision for adverse deviation. We group the policy reserves for each major product line within a
segment when we perform the loss recognition tests. If the policy reserves determined using these best estimate assumptions are higher
than our existing policy reserves net of any deferred acquisition cost balance, the existing policy reserves are increased or deferred
acquisition costs are reduced to immediately recognize the deficiency.
Claim reserves represent future policy and contract benefits for claims that have been incurred or are estimated to have been incurred
but not yet reported to us. Our claim reserves relate primarily to disability policies and are calculated based on assumptions as to interest
and claim resolution rates that are currently appropriate. Claim resolution rate assumptions are based on our actual experience. The interest
rate assumptions used for discounting claim reserves are based on projected portfolio yield rates, after consideration for defaults and
investment expenses, for the assets supporting the liabilities for the various product lines. Unlike policy reserves, claim reserves are subject
to revision as current claim experience and projections of future experience change.
Policyholders’ Funds: Policyholders’ funds represent customer deposits plus interest credited at contract rates. We control interest rate
risk by investing in quality assets which have an aggregate duration that closely matches the expected duration of the liabilities.
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Income Tax: Deferred taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities
for financial statement purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred taxes have been measured using enacted statutory
income tax rates and laws that are currently in effect. We record deferred tax assets for tax positions taken in the U.S. and other tax jurisdictions
based on our assessment of whether a position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based solely on its technical
merits. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that an amount will not be realized.
Short-term and Long-term Debt: Short-term and long-term debt are carried at the unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized
discount or premium. Original issue discount or premium as well as debt issue costs are recognized as a component of interest expense
over the period the debt is expected to be outstanding. Short-term debt is debt due within the next twelve months, including that portion
of debt otherwise classified as long-term.
Deferred Gain or Loss on Reinsurance: Where applicable, gains or losses on reinsurance transactions are deferred and amortized into
earnings based upon expected future premium income for traditional insurance policies and estimated future gross profits for interest-sensitive
insurance policies. The deferred gain on reinsurance included in other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2009
and 2008 was $123.1 million and $150.0 million, respectively.
Treasury Stock: Treasury stock is reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity at cost.
Revenue Recognition: Traditional life and accident and health products are long-duration contracts, and premium income is recognized
as revenue when due from policyholders. If the contracts are experience rated, the estimated ultimate premium is recognized as revenue
over the period of the contract. The estimated ultimate premium, which is revised to reflect current experience, is based on estimated
claim costs, expenses, and profit margins.
For interest-sensitive products, the amounts collected from policyholders are considered deposits, and only the deductions during the
period for cost of insurance, policy administration, and surrenders are included in revenue. Policyholders’ funds represent funds deposited
by contract holders and are not included in revenue.
Premium Tax Expense: Premium tax expense is included in other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income. For the
years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, premium tax expense was $130.2 million, $133.2 million, and $130.8 million, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation: The cost of stock-based compensation is measured based on the grant date fair value of the award. We
use the Black-Scholes options valuation model for estimating the fair value of stock options and stock purchased through participation in
our employee stock purchase plan and the Monte-Carlo model for estimating the fair value of our performance restricted stock units. All
other currently outstanding stock awards are valued based on the market value of common stock at the grant date. Stock-based awards
that do not require future service are expensed immediately, and stock-based awards that require future service are amortized over the
relevant service period, with an offsetting increase to additional paid-in capital in stockholders’ equity.
Earnings Per Share: We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares
outstanding for the period plus the shares representing the dilutive effect of stock-based awards and adjustable conversion-rate equity
security units.
Translation of Foreign Currency: Revenues and expenses of our foreign operations are translated at average exchange rates. Assets
and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange on the balance sheet dates. The translation gain or loss is generally reported in
accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred tax.
Accounting for Participating Individual Life Insurance: Participating policies issued by one of our subsidiaries prior to its 1986
conversion from a mutual to a stock life insurance company will remain participating as long as the policies remain in-force. A Participation
Fund Account (PFA) was established for the benefit of all such individual participating life and annuity policies and contracts. The assets of
the PFA provide for the benefit, dividend, and certain expense obligations of the participating individual life insurance policies and annuity
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contracts. The assets of the PFA were $359.8 million and $391.2 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and represented
approximately 0.7 and 0.8 percent, respectively, of consolidated assets.
Accounting Updates Adopted in 2009:
Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 105 “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” In June 2009, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (FASB) established the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (Codification) as the source of authoritative accounting
principles to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) rules and interpretive releases, which may not be included in their entirety within the Codification, will remain
as authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. We adopted Codification effective July 1, 2009. The adoption of Codification had no effect on our
financial position or results of operations.
ASC 320 “Investments — Debt and Equity Securities.” In April 2009, the FASB issued a new accounting standard, now included in
ASC 320, which amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance for debt securities and expands and increases the frequency of
previously existing disclosures for other-than-temporary impairments. The measure of impairment remains fair value. Under the standard,
an other-than-temporary impairment must be recognized in earnings for a debt security in an unrealized loss position when an entity either
(a) has the intent to sell the debt security or (b) more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery.
The amount of impairment recognized is equal to the difference between amortized cost and fair value. For all debt securities in
unrealized loss positions that do not meet either of these two criteria, the standard requires that an entity analyze its ability to recover the
amortized cost by comparing the present value of cash flows with the amortized cost of the security. If the present value of our best estimate
of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the security, an other-than-temporary impairment is recorded. The
impairment loss is separated into two components, the portion of the impairment related to credit and the portion related to factors other
than credit. The credit-related portion of an other-than-temporary impairment, which is the difference between the amortized cost of the
security and the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, is recognized in earnings. Other-than-temporary impairments related
to factors other than credit are charged to earnings if it is unlikely that the fair value of the security will recover prior to its disposal. Otherwise,
non-credit-related other-than-temporary impairments are charged to other comprehensive income, net of tax. We adopted this standard
effective April 1, 2009. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of this standard increased the April 1, 2009 opening balance of
retained earnings $14.3 million, net of tax of $7.7 million, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
ASC 715 “Compensation — Retirement Benefits.” In December 2008, the FASB issued a new accounting standard, now included in
ASC 715, to provide guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. We
adopted this standard effective December 31, 2009. This standard expanded our disclosures but had no effect on our financial position or
results of operations.
ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging.” In March 2008, the FASB issued a new accounting standard, now included in ASC 815, to provide
additional guidance intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities. This standard requires
enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their effects on an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash
flows. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2009. This standard expanded our disclosures but had no effect on our financial position
or results of operations.
ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” In April 2009, the FASB issued a new accounting standard, now included in ASC 820,
to provide additional guidance for estimating fair value but reemphasized that the objective of fair value measurement remained an exit
price. This standard provides guidance for determining whether there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity in
the market and provides factors for companies to consider in identifying transactions that are not orderly. The standard also discusses the
necessity of adjustments to transaction or quoted prices to estimate fair value when it is determined that there has been a significant
decrease in the volume and level of activity or that the transaction is not orderly. We adopted this standard effective April 1, 2009. This
standard expanded our disclosures but did not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
In August 2009, the FASB issued an update to provide clarification concerning fair value measurements and disclosures for liabilities
and, in particular, for circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for an identical liability is not available. We adopted this
update effective December 31, 2009. The adoption of this update had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.
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In September 2009, the FASB issued an update to permit a reporting entity to measure the fair value of an investment on the basis
of net asset value per share if the net asset value is calculated in a manner consistent with the measurement principles of U.S. GAAP for
investment companies. This update also requires disclosures by major category of investments about the attributes of investments, such
as the nature of any restrictions on the investor’s ability to redeem its investments, any unfunded commitments, and the investment
strategies of the investees. We adopted this update effective December 31, 2009. The adoption of this update had no effect on our financial
position or results of operations.
ASC 825 “Financial Instruments.” In April 2009, the FASB issued a new accounting standard, now included in ASC 825, which requires
companies to disclose the fair value of certain financial instruments in interim financial statements. This standard also requires companies
to disclose the method or methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments and to discuss
changes, if any, in those methods or assumptions during the period. We adopted this standard effective April 1, 2009. This standard expanded
our disclosures but had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.
ASC 855 “Subsequent Events.” In May 2009, the FASB issued a new accounting standard, now included in ASC 855, to provide subsequent
events guidance. This topic was previously addressed only in the auditing literature, and is largely similar to the auditing guidance with
limited exceptions which are not intended to result in significant changes in practice. We adopted this standard effective June 30, 2009. The
FASB issued an update in February 2010 to remove the requirement, for certain entities, to disclose the date through which subsequent
events have been evaluated. This standard and update had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Accounting Updates Adopted in 2008:
ASC 325 “Investments — Other.” In January 2009, the FASB issued a new accounting standard, now included in ASC 325, to amend
the impairment guidance on purchased beneficial interests and beneficial interests that continue to be held by a transferor in securitized
financial assets to achieve more consistent determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. This standard
retains and emphasizes the objective of an other-than-temporary impairment assessment and the related disclosure requirements for
certain investments in debt and equity securities. We adopted this standard effective December 31, 2008. The adoption of this standard
did not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” In September 2006, the FASB issued a new accounting standard, now included
in ASC 820, to define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value, and expand disclosures about fair value measurements.
We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2008. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our financial position
or results of operations.
Accounting Updates Adopted in 2007:
ASC 740 “Income Taxes.” In June 2006, the FASB issued an interpretation to provide authoritative accounting guidance, now included
in ASC 740, for income tax positions. This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an
enterprise’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition
and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Additionally, this interpretation provides guidance on
derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. We adopted this interpretation
effective January 1, 2007. The cumulative effect of adopting this interpretation, effective January 1, 2007, increased our 2007 opening
balance of retained earnings $22.7 million.
ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging.” In February 2006, the FASB issued a new accounting standard, now included in ASC 815, to amend
previous guidance for certain hybrid financial instruments. This standard (a) permits fair value remeasurement for any hybrid financial
instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation; (b) clarifies which interest-only strips and
principal-only strips are not subject to the requirements of ASC 815; (c) establishes a requirement to evaluate beneficial interests in securitized
financial assets to identify interests that are freestanding derivatives or that are hybrid financial instruments that contain an embedded
derivative requiring bifurcation; (d) clarifies that concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives;
and; (e) eliminates restrictions on a qualifying special-purpose entity’s ability to hold passive derivative financial instruments that pertain
to beneficial interests that are or contain a derivative financial instrument. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2007. The adoption
of this standard did not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
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Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
ASC 944 “Financial Services — Insurance.” In September 2005, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants modified GAAP
to provide accounting guidance, now included in ASC 944, for modifications or exchanges of certain insurance contracts. This modification
provides guidance on accounting by insurance enterprises for deferred acquisition costs on internal replacements of certain insurance and
investment contracts. An internal replacement is defined as a modification in product benefits, features, or coverages that occurs by the
exchange or replacement of an existing insurance policy for a new policy. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2007. The cumulative
effect of applying the provisions of this guidance decreased our 2007 opening balance of retained earnings $445.2 million.
Accounting Updates Outstanding:
ASC 810 “Consolidation.” In June 2009, the FASB issued an update to require a qualitative rather than a quantitative analysis to determine
the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and require enhanced disclosures about an enterprise’s involvement with a variable
interest entity. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2009. The adoption of this update will
have no material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” In January 2010, the FASB issued an update to require a number of additional
disclosures regarding fair value measurements. Specifically, the update requires a reporting entity to disclose the amounts of significant
transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the three tier fair value hierarchy and the reasons for these transfers, as well as the reasons for
any transfers in or out of Level 3, effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2009. The update also requires
information in the reconciliation of recurring Level 3 measurements about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis,
effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this update will have no effect on our financial
position or results of operations.
ASC 860 “Transfers and Servicing.” In June 2009, the FASB issued an update to eliminate the exceptions for qualifying special-purpose
entities from the consolidation guidance and eliminate the exception that permitted sale accounting for certain mortgage securitizations
when a transferor has not surrendered control over the transferred financial assets. In addition, this update clarifies certain requirements
for financial assets that are eligible for sale accounting and requires enhanced disclosures about the risks that a transferor continues to be
exposed to because of its continuing involvement in transferred financial assets. This update is effective for annual and interim periods
beginning after November 15, 2009. The adoption of this update will have no material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Note 2. Discontinued Operations
As discussed in Note 1, the sale of GENEX closed effective March 1, 2007, and we recognized an after-tax gain of $6.2 million on the
sale, which is included in income from discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of income. We intend to continue to purchase
certain disability management services for a period of up to five years from the effective date of the sale. The cost of the services to be
purchased was negotiated in an arm’s-length transaction and is not significant to our results of operations. The intercompany amount paid
to GENEX for these types of services was $2.3 million for the two months ended February 28, 2007.
The results of GENEX are reported as discontinued operations and excluded from segment results. For the year ended December 31,
2007, results related to GENEX include revenue of $47.2 million and basic and diluted earnings per common share of $0.02.
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Note 3. Fair Values of Financial Instruments
Presented as follows are the carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments. The carrying values of financial instruments
such as short-term investments, cash and bank deposits, accounts and premiums receivable, and accrued investment income approximate
fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments. As such, these financial instruments are not included in the following chart.
December 31
2009
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
2008
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
$37,914.4
$37,914.4
$32,134.1
$32,134.1
1,404.0
2,878.0
1,402.5
2,907.7
1,274.8
2,753.8
1,224.4
2,811.0
81.1
1.5
150.9
81.1
1.5
150.9
381.8
35.6
102.7
381.8
35.6
102.7
(in millions of dollars)
Assets
Fixed Maturity Securities
Mortgage Loans
Policy Loans
Other Long-term Investments
Derivatives
Equity Securities
Miscellaneous Long-term Investments
Liabilities
Policyholders’ Funds
Deferred Annuity Products
$ 684.0
$ 684.0
$ 746.4
$ 746.4
Supplementary Contracts Without Life Contingencies
Short-term Debt
Long-term Debt
Other Liabilities
Derivatives
Embedded Derivative in Modified
Coinsurance Arrangement
445.6
—
445.6
—
2,549.6
2,296.0
402.5
190.5
2,259.4
402.5
188.9
1,677.4
144.6
144.6
79.4
79.4
117.4
117.4
360.5
360.5
The methods and assumptions used to estimate fair values of financial instruments are discussed as follows.
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Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Fair Value Measurements for Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value
Mortgage Loans: Fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses and interest rates currently being offered for similar loans
to borrowers with similar credit ratings and maturities. Loans with similar characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations.
Policy Loans: Fair values for policy loans, net of reinsurance ceded, are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses and interest
rates currently being offered to policyholders with similar policies. The carrying amounts of ceded policy loans of $2,675.7 million and
$2,555.6 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, are reported on a gross basis in our consolidated balance sheets and
approximate fair value.
Miscellaneous Long-term Investments: Carrying amounts approximate fair value.
Policyholders’ Funds: Policyholders’ funds are comprised primarily of deferred annuity products and supplementary contracts without
life contingencies. The carrying amounts approximate fair value.
Fair values for insurance contracts other than investment contracts are not required to be disclosed. However, the fair values of
liabilities under all insurance contracts are taken into consideration in our overall management of interest rate risk, which minimizes
exposure to changing interest rates through the matching of investment maturities with amounts due under insurance contracts.
Short-term and Long-term Debt: Fair values are obtained from independent pricing services or discounted cash flow analyses based
on current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
Fair Value Measurements for Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value
We report fixed maturity securities, derivative financial instruments, and equity securities at fair value in our consolidated balance
sheets. The degree of judgment utilized in measuring the fair value of financial instruments generally correlates to the level of pricing
observability. Financial instruments with readily available active quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted
prices in active markets generally have more pricing observability and less judgment utilized in measuring fair value. An active market for a
financial instrument is a market in which transactions for an asset or a similar asset occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide
pricing information on an ongoing basis. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and should be
used to measure fair value whenever available. Conversely, financial instruments rarely traded or not quoted have less observability and
are measured at fair value using valuation techniques that require more judgment. Pricing observability is generally impacted by a number
of factors, including the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new to the market and not yet established, the
characteristics specific to the transaction, and overall market conditions.
Valuation techniques used for assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value are generally categorized into three types. The market
approach uses prices and other relevant information from market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The income
approach converts future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount, or a discounted amount. The cost approach is
based upon the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset, or the current replacement cost.
We use valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available that can be obtained
without undue cost and effort. In some cases, a single valuation technique will be appropriate (for example, when valuing an asset or
liability using quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities). In other cases, multiple valuation techniques will be
appropriate. If we use multiple valuation techniques to measure fair value, we evaluate and weigh the results, as appropriate, considering
the reasonableness of the range indicated by those results. A fair value measurement is the point within that range that is most
representative of fair value in the circumstances.
The selection of the valuation method(s) to apply considers the definition of an exit price and depends on the nature of the asset or
liability being valued. For assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value, we generally use valuation techniques consistent with the market
approach, and to a lesser extent, the income approach. We believe the market approach valuation technique provides more observable
data than the income approach, considering the type of investments we hold. Our fair value measurements could differ significantly based
on the valuation technique and available inputs. When markets are less active, brokers may rely more on models with inputs based on the
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information available only to the broker. In weighing a broker quote as an input to fair value, we place less reliance on quotes that do not
reflect the result of market transactions. We also consider the nature of the quote, particularly whether the quote is a binding offer. If prices
in an inactive market do not reflect current prices for the same or similar assets, adjustments may be necessary to arrive at fair value.
When relevant market data is unavailable, which may be the case during periods of market uncertainty, the income approach can, in
suitable circumstances, provide a more appropriate fair value. During 2009, we have applied valuation techniques on a consistent basis to
similar assets and liabilities and consistent with those techniques used at year end 2008. Because of market conditions existing during
2009 and 2008, the mix and availability of observable inputs for valuation techniques have been volatile, and the risk inherent in the inputs
is elevated relative to prior years.
We use observable and unobservable inputs in measuring the fair value of our financial instruments. Inputs that may be used include
the following:
• Broker market maker prices and price levels
• Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE) pricing
• Prices obtained from external pricing services
• Benchmark yields (Treasury and interest rate swap curves)
• Transactional data for new issuance and secondary trades
• Security cash flows and structures
• Recent issuance/supply
• Sector and issuer level spreads
• Security credit ratings/maturity/capital structure/optionality
• Corporate actions
• Underlying collateral
• Prepayment speeds/loan performance/delinquencies/weighted average life/seasoning
• Public covenants
• Comparative bond analysis
• Derivative spreads
• Relevant reports issued by analysts and rating agencies
We review all prices obtained to ensure they are consistent with a variety of observable market inputs and to verify the validity of a
security’s price. The overall valuation process for determining fair values may include adjustments to valuations obtained from our pricing
sources when they do not represent a valid exit price. These adjustments may be made when, in our judgment and considering our
knowledge of the financial conditions and industry in which the issuer operates, certain features of the financial instrument require that an
adjustment be made to the value originally obtained from our pricing sources. These features may include the complexity of the financial
instrument, the market in which the financial instrument is traded, counterparty credit risk, credit structure, concentration, or liquidity.
Additionally, an adjustment to the price derived from a model typically reflects our judgment of the inputs that other participants in the
market for the financial instrument being measured at fair value would consider in pricing that same financial instrument.
The parameters and inputs used to validate a price on a security may be adjusted for assumptions about risk and current market
conditions on a quarter to quarter basis, as certain features may be more significant drivers of valuation at the time of pricing. Changes to
inputs in valuations are not changes to valuation methodologies; rather, the inputs are modified to reflect direct or indirect impacts on asset
classes from changes in market conditions.
Fair values for derivatives other than embedded derivatives in modified coinsurance arrangements are based on market quotes or
pricing models and represent the net amount of cash we would have paid or received if the contracts had been settled or closed as of the
last day of the period. We analyze credit default swap spreads relative to the average credit spread embedded within the London Interbank
Offered Rate (LIBOR) setting syndicate in determining the effect of credit risk on our derivatives’ fair values. If counterparty credit risk for a
derivative asset is determined to be material and is not adequately reflected in the LIBOR-based fair value obtained from our pricing sources,
we adjust the valuations obtained from our pricing sources. In regard to our own credit risk component, we adjust the valuation of derivative
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Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
liabilities wherein the counterparty is exposed to our credit risk when the LIBOR-based valuation of our derivatives obtained from pricing
sources does not effectively include an adequate credit component for our own credit risk.
Fair values for our embedded derivative in a modified coinsurance arrangement are estimated using internal pricing models and
represent the hypothetical value of the duration mismatch of assets and liabilities, interest rate risk, and third party credit risk embedded
in the modified coinsurance arrangement.
Certain of our investments do not have readily determinable market prices and/or observable inputs or may at times be affected by
the lack of market liquidity. For these securities, we use internally prepared valuations combining matrix pricing with vendor purchased
software programs, including valuations based on estimates of future profitability, to estimate the fair value. Additionally, we may obtain
prices from independent third-party brokers to aid in establishing valuations for certain of these securities. Key assumptions used by us to
determine fair value for these securities include risk free interest rates, risk premiums, performance of underlying collateral (if any), and
other factors involving significant assumptions which may or may not reflect those of an active market.
At December 31, 2009, approximately 11.6 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued using active trades from TRACE pricing
or broker market maker prices for which there was current market activity in that specific security (comparable to receiving one binding
quote). The prices obtained were not adjusted, and the assets were classified as Level 1, the highest category of the three-level fair value
hierarchy classification wherein inputs are unadjusted and represent quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
The remaining 88.4 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on non-binding quotes or other observable or
unobservable inputs, as discussed below.
• Approximately 72.7 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on prices from pricing services that generally use
observable inputs such as prices for securities or comparable securities in active markets in their valuation techniques. These assets
were classified as Level 2. Level 2 assets or liabilities are those valued using inputs (other than prices included in Level 1) that are
either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability through correlation with market data at the measurement date and
for the duration of the instrument’s anticipated life.
• Approximately 5.8 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on one or more non-binding broker price levels, if
validated by observable market data, or on TRACE prices for identical or similar assets absent current market activity. When only one
price is available, it is used if observable inputs and analysis confirm that it is appropriate. These assets, for which we were able to
validate the price using other observable market data, were classified as Level 2.
• Approximately 9.9 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on prices of comparable securities, matrix pricing,
market models, and/or internal models or were valued based on non-binding quotes with no other observable market data. These
assets were classified as either Level 2 or Level 3, with the categorization dependent on whether there was other observable market
data. Level 3 is the lowest category of the fair value hierarchy and reflects the judgment of management regarding what market
participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities at the measurement date. Financial assets and liabilities categorized as Level 3
are generally those that are valued using unobservable inputs to extrapolate an estimated fair value.
We consider transactions in inactive or disorderly markets to be less representative of fair value. We use all available observable
inputs when measuring fair value, but when significant other unobservable inputs and adjustments are necessary, we classify these assets
or liabilities as Level 3.
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The categorization of fair value measurements by input level is as follows:
December 31, 2009
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
or Liabilities
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
(in millions of dollars)
Assets
Fixed Maturity Securities
United States Government and
Government Agencies and Authorities
$ —
$ 1,473.2
$ —
$ 1,473.2
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions
Foreign Governments
Public Utilities
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
All Other Corporate Bonds
Redeemable Preferred Stocks
Total Fixed Maturity Securities
Other Long-term Investments
Derivatives
Equity Securities
Liabilities
Other Liabilities
Derivatives
Embedded Derivative in Modified
Coinsurance Arrangement
75.6
—
940.4
—
547.3
1,491.5
7,577.0
3,718.4
3,370.6
17,830.5
5.5
15.0
4,392.1
32,652.9
—
—
81.1
—
—
—
264.3
4.7
580.0
20.4
869.4
—
1.5
622.9
1,491.5
8,781.7
3,723.1
21,781.1
40.9
37,914.4
81.1
1.5
$ —
$ 144.6
$ —
$ 144.6
—
—
117.4
117.4
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Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
or Liabilities
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
(in millions of dollars)
Assets
Fixed Maturity Securities
United States Government and
Government Agencies and Authorities
$ 195.8
$ 1,530.6
$ —
$ 1,726.4
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions
Foreign Governments
Public Utilities
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
All Other Corporate Bonds
Redeemable Preferred Stocks
Total Fixed Maturity Securities
Other Long-term Investments
Derivatives
Equity Securities
Liabilities
Other Liabilities
Derivatives
Embedded Derivative in Modified
Coinsurance Arrangement
16.5
—
427.0
—
144.5
1,146.6
6,329.7
3,940.9
2,376.9
15,080.1
9.8
190.2
3,026.0
28,362.6
—
33.6
381.8
0.5
—
28.0
114.5
4.6
590.3
8.1
745.5
—
1.5
161.0
1,174.6
6,871.2
3,945.5
18,047.3
208.1
32,134.1
381.8
35.6
$ —
$ 79.4
$ —
$ 79.4
—
—
360.5
360.5
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Changes in assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) are as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2009
Total Realized and
Unrealized Investment
Gains (Losses) Included in
Other
Net
Beginning
Comprehensive
Purchases
Level 3 Transfers
End
of Year
Earnings
Income or Loss
and Sales
Into
Out of
of Year
$ 28.0
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ (28.0)
$ —
(in millions of dollars)
Fixed Maturity Securities
Foreign Governments
Public Utilities
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
114.5
4.6
—
—
All Other Corporate Bonds
590.3
(5.5)
Redeemable Preferred Stocks
Total Fixed Maturity Securities
Equity Securities
Embedded Derivative in Modified
8.1
745.5
1.5
—
(5.5)
(0.5)
Coinsurance Arrangement
(360.5)
243.1
39.8
0.3
85.3
12.3
137.7
—
—
60.2
(0.2)
(56.9)
—
3.1
—
138.4
(88.6)
264.3
—
—
4.7
214.0
(247.2)
580.0
—
—
20.4
352.4
(363.8)
869.4
0.5
—
1.5
—
—
—
(117.4)
Year Ended December 31, 2008
Total Realized and
Unrealized Investment
Gains (Losses) Included in
Other
Net
Beginning
Comprehensive
Purchases
Level 3 Transfers
End
of Year
Earnings
Income or Loss
and Sales
Into
Out of
of Year
$ 30.5
$ —
$ (2.5)
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ 28.0
(17.7)
(0.8)
(134.4)
(14.9)
(170.3)
0.1
11.5
112.0
(43.7)
114.5
—
—
—
4.6
(27.0)
537.7
(116.3)
590.3
—
22.9
—
8.1
(15.5)
672.6
(160.0)
745.5
1.1
—
—
(0.1)
1.5
—
(360.5)
(in millions of dollars)
Fixed Maturity Securities
Foreign Governments
Public Utilities
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
52.4
5.4
—
—
All Other Corporate Bonds
332.6
(2.3)
Redeemable Preferred Stocks
Total Fixed Maturity Securities
Equity Securities
Embedded Derivative in Modified
0.1
421.0
1.5
—
(2.3)
(1.1)
Coinsurance Arrangement
(68.8)
(291.7)
—
—
Realized and unrealized investment gains and losses presented in the preceding tables represent gains and losses only for the time
during which the applicable financial instruments were classified as Level 3. The transfers between levels resulted primarily from a change
in observability of three inputs used to determine fair values of the securities transferred: (1) transactional data for new issuance and
secondary trades, (2) broker/dealer quotes and pricing, primarily related to changes in the level of activity in the market and whether the
market was considered orderly, and (3) comparable bond metrics from which to perform an analysis. For fair value measurements of
financial instruments that were transferred either into or out of Level 3, we reflect the transfers using the fair value at the beginning of the
period. Gains (losses) for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 which are included in earnings and are attributable to the change
in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets or liabilities valued using significant unobservable inputs and still held at each year end were
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Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
$243.1 million and $(291.7) million, respectively. These amounts relate entirely to the changes in fair value of an embedded derivative
associated with a modified coinsurance arrangement which are reported as realized investment gains and losses.
Note 4. Investments
Fixed Maturity Securities
The amortized cost and fair values of securities by security type are shown as follows. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified
by security type to conform to current year presentation.
December 31, 2009
Gross
Gross
Amortized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Cost
Gain
Loss
Fair
Value
Other-Than-
Temporary
Impairments
in AOCI (1)
(in millions of dollars)
Available-for-Sale Securities
United States Government and
Government Agencies and Authorities
$ 1,473.5
$ 64.0
$ 64.3
$ 1,473.2
$ —
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions
Foreign Governments
Public Utilities
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
All Other Corporate Bonds
Redeemable Preferred Stocks
640.1
1,357.8
8,359.7
3,413.6
19.9
135.0
531.1
313.1
37.1
1.3
109.1
3.6
622.9
1,491.5
8,781.7
3,723.1
20,617.9
1,538.7
375.5
21,781.1
42.8
0.3
2.2
40.9
—
—
—
—
8.3
—
Total Fixed Maturity Securities
$35,905.4
$2,602.1
$593.1
$37,914.4
$8.3
(1) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(in millions of dollars)
Available-for-Sale Securities
United States Government and
December 31, 2008
Gross
Gross
Amortized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Cost
Gain
Loss
Fair
Value
Government Agencies and Authorities
$ 1,594.6
$ 194.9
$ 63.1
$ 1,726.4
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions
Foreign Governments
Public Utilities
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
All Other Corporate Bonds
Redeemable Preferred Stocks
Total Fixed Maturity Securities
162.7
1,069.3
7,554.5
3,691.7
19,949.1
385.7
3.5
117.8
115.8
308.9
537.3
5.2
12.5
799.1
55.1
161.0
1,174.6
6,871.2
3,945.5
2,439.1
18,047.3
—
177.6
208.1
$34,407.6
$1,278.2
$3,551.7
$32,134.1
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The following charts indicate the length of time our fixed maturity securities had been in a gross unrealized loss position.
(in millions of dollars)
Available-for-Sale Securities
United States Government and
December 31, 2009
Less Than 12 Months
12 Months or Greater
Gross
Unrealized
Gross
Unrealized
Fair Value
Loss
Fair Value
Loss
Government Agencies and Authorities
$ 158.9
$14.9
$ 476.7
$ 49.4
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions
Foreign Governments
Public Utilities
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
All Other Corporate Bonds
Redeemable Preferred Stocks
Total Fixed Maturity Securities
(in millions of dollars)
Available-for-Sale Securities
United States Government and
156.6
64.0
914.3
29.9
1,465.4
15.0
6.0
1.1
22.2
0.4
28.7
0.1
126.2
11.9
984.9
254.0
3,695.6
5.6
31.1
0.2
86.9
3.2
346.8
2.1
$2,804.1
$73.4
$5,554.9
$519.7
December 31, 2008
Less Than 12 Months
12 Months or Greater
Gross
Unrealized
Gross
Unrealized
Fair Value
Loss
Fair Value
Loss
Government Agencies and Authorities
$ 343.5
$ 29.4
$ 300.6
$ 33.7
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions
Foreign Governments
Public Utilities
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
All Other Corporate Bonds
Redeemable Preferred Stocks
Total Fixed Maturity Securities
87.7
346.7
3,023.5
124.7
6,969.0
102.1
5.2
12.5
365.6
14.2
979.2
62.6
—
11.0
1,972.3
221.4
5,024.7
103.7
—
—
433.5
40.9
1,459.9
115.0
$10,997.2
$1,468.7
$7,633.7
$2,083.0
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Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
The following is a distribution of the maturity dates for fixed maturity securities. The maturity dates have not been adjusted for
possible calls or prepayments.
(in millions of dollars)
Available-for-Sale Securities
December 31, 2009
Total
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized Gain Position
Unrealized Loss Position
Gross Gain
Fair Value
Gross Loss
Fair Value
1 Year or Less
$ 634.6
$ 10.8
$ 520.7
$ 1.3
$ 123.4
Over 1 Year Through 5 Years
Over 5 Years Through 10 Years
Over 10 Years
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
4,142.2
9,833.4
17,881.6
32,491.8
3,413.6
271.4
612.5
1,394.3
2,289.0
313.1
3,725.9
8,378.8
13,490.8
26,116.2
3,439.2
27.4
127.3
433.5
589.5
3.6
660.3
1,939.8
5,351.6
8,075.1
283.9
Total Fixed Maturity Securities
$35,905.4
$2,602.1
$29,555.4
$593.1
$8,359.0
(in millions of dollars)
Available-for-Sale Securities
December 31, 2008
Total
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized Gain Position
Unrealized Loss Position
Gross Gain
Fair Value
Gross Loss
Fair Value
1 Year or Less
$ 365.8
$ 4.8
$ 251.2
$ 3.2
$ 116.2
Over 1 Year Through 5 Years
Over 5 Years Through 10 Years
Over 10 Years
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
3,889.9
9,232.0
17,228.2
30,715.9
3,691.7
85.2
143.2
736.1
969.3
308.9
1,657.5
1,856.7
6,138.4
9,903.8
3,599.4
222.3
1,149.7
2,121.4
3,496.6
55.1
2,095.3
6,368.8
9,704.5
18,284.8
346.1
Total Fixed Maturity Securities
$34,407.6
$1,278.2
$13,503.2
$ 3,551.7
$18,630.9
At December 31, 2009, the fair value of investment-grade fixed maturity securities was $35,324.6 million, with a gross unrealized gain
of $2,534.0 million and a gross unrealized loss of $443.0 million. The gross unrealized loss on investment-grade fixed maturity securities was
74.7 percent of the total gross unrealized loss on fixed maturity securities. Unrealized losses on investment-grade fixed maturity securities
principally relate to changes in interest rates or changes in market or sector credit spreads which occurred subsequent to the acquisition of
the securities.
At December 31, 2009, the fair value of below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities was $2,589.8 million, with a gross unrealized
gain of $68.1 million and a gross unrealized loss of $150.1 million. The gross unrealized loss on below-investment-grade fixed maturity
securities was 25.3 percent of the total gross unrealized loss on fixed maturity securities. Generally, below-investment-grade fixed maturity
securities are more likely to develop credit concerns than investment-grade securities. At December 31, 2009, the unrealized losses in our
below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities were generally due to credit spreads in certain industries or sectors and, to a lesser extent,
credit concerns related to specific securities. For each specific security in an unrealized loss position, we believe that there are positive
factors which mitigate credit concerns and that the securities for which we have not recorded an other-than-temporary impairment will
recover in value.
As of December 31, 2009, we held 307 individual investment-grade fixed maturity securities and 82 individual below-investment-grade
fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position, of which 188 investment-grade fixed maturity securities and 80 below-
investment-grade fixed maturity securities had been in an unrealized loss position continuously for over one year.
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In determining when a decline in fair value below amortized cost of a fixed maturity security is other than temporary, we evaluate
the following factors:
• Whether we expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security.
• Whether we intend to sell the security or will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis.
• Whether the security is current as to principal and interest payments.
• The significance of the decline in value.
• The time period during which there has been a significant decline in value.
• Current and future business prospects and trends of earnings.
• The valuation of the security’s underlying collateral.
• Relevant industry conditions and trends relative to their historical cycles.
• Market conditions.
• Rating agency and governmental actions.
• Bid and offering prices and the level of trading activity.
• Adverse changes in estimated cash flows for securitized investments.
• Changes in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date.
• Any other key measures for the related security.
We evaluate available information, including the factors noted above, both positive and negative, in reaching our conclusions. In
particular, we also consider the strength of the issuer’s balance sheet, its debt obligations and near term funding requirements, cash flow
and liquidity, the profitability of its core businesses, the availability of marketable assets which could be sold to increase liquidity, its
industry fundamentals and regulatory environment, and its access to capital markets. Although all available and applicable factors are
considered in our analysis, our expectation of recovering the entire amortized cost basis of the security, whether we intend to sell the
security, whether it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, and whether
the security is current on principal and interest payments are the most critical factors in determining whether impairments are other
than temporary. The significance of the decline in value and the length of time during which there has been a significant decline are also
important factors, but we generally do not record an impairment loss based solely on these two factors, since often other more relevant
factors will impact our evaluation of a security.
While determining other-than-temporary impairments is a judgmental area, we utilize a formal, well-defined, and disciplined process
to monitor and evaluate our fixed income investment portfolio, supported by issuer specific research and documentation as of the end of
each period. The process results in a thorough evaluation of problem investments and the recording of losses on a timely basis for investments
determined to have an other-than-temporary impairment.
If we determine that the decline in value of an investment is other than temporary, the investment is written down to fair value, and
an impairment loss is recognized in the current period, either in earnings or in both earnings and other comprehensive income, as applicable.
For those fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss for which we have not recognized an other-than-temporary impairment, we
believe we will recover the entire amortized cost, we do not intend to sell the security, and we do not believe it is more likely than not we
will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost. There have been no defaults in the repayment obligations of any
securities for which we have not recorded an other-than-temporary impairment.
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities which we intend to sell or more likely than not will be required
to sell before recovery in value are recognized in earnings and equal the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and
its fair value. For securities which we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell before recovery
in value, other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings generally represent the difference between the amortized cost of
the security and the present value of our best estimate of cash flows expected to be collected, discounted using the effective interest rate
implicit in the security at the date of acquisition. The determination of cash flows is inherently subjective, and methodologies may vary
depending on the circumstances specific to the security. The timing and amount of our cash flow estimates are developed using historical
and forecast financial information from the issuer, including its current and projected liquidity position. We also consider industry analyst
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reports and forecasts, sector credit ratings, future business prospects and earnings trends, issuer refinancing capabilities, actual and/or
potential asset sales by the issuer, and other data relevant to the collectibility of the contractual cash flows of the security. We take into
account the probability of default, expected recoveries, third-party guarantees, quality of collateral, and where our debt security ranks
in terms of subordination. We may use the estimated fair value of collateral as a proxy for the present value of cash flows if we believe
the security is dependent on the liquidation of collateral for recovery of our investment. For fixed maturity securities for which we have
recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss through earnings, if through subsequent evaluation there is a significant increase in
expected cash flows, the difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected is accreted as net
investment income.
The following table presents the before-tax credit-related portion of other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
still held as of the dates shown for which a portion of the other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in other comprehensive income.
(in millions of dollars)
Balance at Beginning of Period
Credit Losses Remaining in Retained Earnings Related to the Adoption of Accounting Standard
Impairment Recognized in the Period on Securities not Previously Impaired
Additional Impairment Recognized in the Period on Securities Previously Impaired
Sales or Maturities of Securities in the Period
Reduction for Credit Loss Impairments Previously Recognized due to Change in Intent to Sell
Balance at End of Year
Special Purpose Entities
Period from April 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009
$ —
30.8
38.4
4.4
(38.3)
(17.0)
$ 18.3
We are the sole beneficiary of a special purpose entity which is consolidated under the provisions of GAAP. The entity is a securitized
asset trust containing a highly rated bond for principal protection, non-redeemable preferred stock, and several partnership equity investments.
The entity does not hold investments in our common stock or debt. We contributed the bond and partnership investments into the trust at
the time it was established. The purpose of this trust is to allow us to maintain our investment in the partnerships while at the same time
protecting the principal of the investment. There are no restrictions on the assets held in this trust, and the trust is free to dispose of the
assets at any time. Because the assets in the trust are not liquid investments, we periodically provide funding to the underlying partnerships
in the trust upon satisfaction of contractual notice from the partnerships. At December 31, 2009, we had commitments to fund approximately
$1.8 million to the underlying partnerships. These amounts may or may not be funded during the life of the partnerships. The amount of
funding provided to the partnerships was de minimis in 2009, 2008, and 2007. The fair values of the bond, non-redeemable preferred
stock, and partnerships were $86.6 million, $0.1 million, and $9.2 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2009. The bonds are reported
as fixed maturity securities, and the non-redeemable preferred stock and partnerships are reported as other long-term investments in
our consolidated balance sheets.
We previously were the sole beneficiary of a special purpose entity that was a securitized asset trust holding forward contracts to
purchase unrelated equity securities. The trust also held a defeasance swap contract for highly rated bonds to provide principal protection
for the investments. There were no restrictions on the assets held in this trust, and the trust was free to dispose of the assets at any time.
The fair values of the underlying forward and swap contracts, together with the debt host instrument, equaled $50.3 million as of
December 31, 2008, and were reported as fixed maturity securities in our consolidated balance sheets. Because we intended to sell the
investment, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $23.7 million during the third quarter of 2009 and subsequently
sold the investment in the following quarter for a realized investment gain of $2.1 million.
At December 31, 2008, we had a significant investment in, but were not the primary beneficiary of, a special purpose entity which
was a collateralized bond obligation asset trust (CBO) in which we held interests in several of the tranches and for which we acted as
investment manager of the underlying securities. The securities were fully redeemed by the trust during 2009. Prior to redemption, our
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investment in this entity was reported at fair value with fixed maturity securities in our consolidated balance sheets. The fair value and
amortized cost of this investment were $2.5 million and $2.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2008. We recognized no gain or loss
on disposition of these securities.
Mortgage Loans
At December 31, 2009, mortgage loans were collateralized by office buildings (39.9 percent), industrial buildings (29.5 percent), retail
stores (19.9 percent), and other properties (10.7 percent). Our mortgage loan portfolio is geographically dispersed within the United States,
with the largest concentrations in California (12.3 percent) and Pennsylvania (11.0 percent).
At December 31, 2009, we held one mortgage loan which was delinquent more than 30 days as to interest or principal payments
and which we consider impaired. This loan is carried at the estimated net realizable value of $2.0 million, net of a valuation allowance of
$3.2 million. At December 31, 2008, impaired mortgage loans totaled $5.2 million. We had no valuation allowance for mortgage loans
at December 31, 2008 and no activity in the allowance during 2008. Activity in the valuation allowance during 2009 was comprised of
additions of $5.5 million and deductions of $2.3 million.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At December 31, 2009, we had commitments of approximately $53.1 million to fund certain of our private placement securities,
including the previously disclosed $1.8 million commitment to fund a special purpose entity. The funds are due upon satisfaction of
contractual notice from the issuer. These amounts may or may not be funded during the term of the securities.
At December 31, 2009, we had no commitments for commercial mortgage loan originations.
In the normal course of business, we receive collateral from unaffiliated third parties through transactions which include both securities
lending and also short-term agreements to purchase securities with the agreement to resell them at a later, specified date. For both types
of transactions, we require that a minimum of 102 percent of the fair value of the securities loaned or securities purchased under repurchase
agreements be maintained as collateral. Generally, cash is received as collateral under these agreements. In the event that securities are
received as collateral, we are not permitted to sell or re-post them. We also post our fixed maturity securities as collateral to unaffiliated
third parties through transactions including both securities lending and also short-term agreements to sell securities with the agreement to
repurchase them at a later, specified date. At December 31, 2009, we had no fixed maturity securities posted as collateral to third parties
under these programs. See Note 5 for discussion of collateral posted to our derivatives counterparties.
Net Investment Income
Sources for net investment income are as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Fixed Maturity Securities
Derivative Financial Instruments
Mortgage Loans
Policy Loans
Other Long-term Investments
Short-term Investments
Gross Investment Income
Less Investment Expenses
Less Investment Income on PFA Assets
Net Investment Income
Year Ended December 31
2009
2008
2007
$2,268.5
$2,277.0
$2,297.4
13.5
81.0
12.4
11.5
6.9
15.1
72.0
13.0
15.5
40.7
17.8
64.3
12.7
7.3
49.5
2,393.8
2,433.3
2,449.0
29.2
18.0
25.8
18.5
17.0
22.1
$2,346.6
$2,389.0
$2,409.9
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Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Realized Investment Gain and Loss
Realized investment gains and losses reported in our consolidated statements of income are as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Fixed Maturity Securities
Gross Gains on Sales
Gross Losses on Sales
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Loss
Mortgage Loans and Other Invested Assets
Gross Gains on Sales
Gross Losses on Sales
Impairment Loss
Embedded Derivative in Modified
Coinsurance Arrangement
Other Derivatives
Year Ended December 31
2009
2008
2007
$ 48.6
(83.5)
(211.8)
11.5
(0.4)
(8.1)
243.1
12.3
$ 64.9
(80.8)
(151.1)
13.5
(3.8)
(15.0)
(291.7)
(1.9)
$ 56.0
(29.1)
(53.7)
49.8
(8.3)
(22.5)
(57.3)
(0.1)
$(65.2)
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
$ 11.7
$(465.9)
Note 5. Derivative Financial Instruments
Purpose of Derivatives
We are exposed to certain risks relating to our ongoing business operations. The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments
are interest rate risk, risk related to matching duration for our assets and liabilities, and foreign currency risk. Historically, we have utilized
current and forward interest rate swaps and options on forward interest rate swaps, current and forward currency swaps, interest rate
forward contracts, forward treasury locks, currency forward contracts, and forward contracts on specific fixed income securities. Almost
all hedging transactions are associated with our individual and group long-term care and individual and group disability products. All
other product portfolios are periodically reviewed to determine if hedging strategies would be appropriate for risk management purposes.
Our cash flow hedging programs are as follows:
• Interest rate swaps are used to hedge interest rate risks and to improve the matching of assets and liabilities. An interest rate swap is
an agreement in which we agree with other parties to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate and variable
rate interest amounts. The purpose of these swaps is to hedge the anticipated purchase of long-term bonds thereby protecting us
from the potential adverse impact of declining interest rates on the associated policy reserves. We also use interest rate swaps to
hedge the potential adverse impact of rising interest rates in anticipation of issuing fixed rate long-term debt.
• Foreign currency interest rate swaps are used to hedge the currency risk of certain foreign currency-denominated long-term bonds
owned for portfolio diversification and to hedge the currency risk associated with certain of the interest payments and debt repayments
of the U.S. dollar-denominated debt issued by one of our U.K. subsidiaries. For long-term bonds, we agree to pay, at specified intervals,
fixed rate foreign currency-denominated principal and interest payments in exchange for fixed rate payments in the functional
currency of the operating segment. For debt issued, we agree to pay, at specified intervals, fixed rate foreign currency-denominated
principal and interest payments to the counterparty in exchange for fixed rate U.S. dollar-denominated interest payment.
• Options on forward interest rate swaps are used to hedge the interest rate risk on certain insurance liabilities with minimum interest
rate guarantees. By purchasing options on interest rate swaps, we are able to lock in the minimum investment yields needed to
meet the required interest rate guarantee on the insurance liabilities.
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• Forward treasury locks are used to minimize interest rate risk associated with the anticipated purchase or disposal of fixed maturity
securities. A forward treasury lock is a derivative contract without an initial investment where we and the counterparty agree to
purchase or sell a specific U.S. Treasury bond at a future date at a pre-determined price.
• Foreign currency forward contracts are used to minimize foreign currency risks. A foreign currency forward is a derivative without
an initial investment where we and the counterparty agree to exchange a specific amount of currencies, at a specific exchange rate,
on a specific date. We use these forward contracts to hedge the foreign currency risk associated with certain of the debt repayments
of the U.S. dollar-denominated debt issued by one of our U.K. subsidiaries and to hedge the currency risk of certain foreign currency-
denominated long-term bonds owned for diversification purposes.
Our fair value hedging program is as follows:
• Interest rate swaps are used to effectively convert certain of our fixed rate securities into floating rate securities which are used
to fund our floating rate long-term debt. Under these swap agreements, we receive a variable rate of interest and pay a fixed rate
of interest.
Derivative Risks
The basic types of risks associated with derivatives are market risk (that the value of the derivative will be adversely impacted by
changes in the market, primarily the change in interest and exchange rates) and credit risk (that the counterparty will not perform
according to the terms of the contract). The market risk of the derivatives should generally offset the market risk associated with the
hedged financial instrument or liability.
To help limit the credit exposure of the derivatives, we enter into master netting agreements with our counterparties whereby
contracts in a gain position can be offset against contracts in a loss position. We also typically enter into bilateral, cross-collateralization
agreements with our counterparties to help limit the credit exposure of the derivatives. These agreements require the counterparty in a
loss position to submit acceptable collateral with the other counterparty in the event the net loss position meets or exceeds an agreed
upon amount. Our current credit exposure on derivatives, which is limited to the value of those contracts in a net gain position less
collateral held, was $7.0 million at December 31, 2009. We held cash collateral of $24.9 million and $174.3 million from our counterparties
as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. This unrestricted cash collateral is included in short-term investments and the associated
obligation to return the collateral to our counterparties is included in other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. We post fixed
maturity securities as collateral to our counterparties rather than cash. The carrying value of fixed maturity securities posted as collateral
to our counterparties was $123.1 million at December 31, 2009.
The majority of our derivative instruments contain provisions that require us to maintain specified issuer credit ratings and financial
strength ratings. Should our ratings fall below these specified levels, we would be in violation of the provisions, and our derivatives
counterparties could terminate our contracts and request immediate payment. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with
credit risk-related contingent features that are in a liability position as of December 31, 2009 is $144.6 million.
During 2008, we terminated certain of our outstanding derivatives when the credit ratings of the counterparty fell below our
internal investment policy guidelines. At the time of termination, the contracts were in a loss position of $39.1 million. Consistent with our
collateralization agreement, we had previously posted securities as collateral. During 2009, after further discussion with the counterparty it
was determined that we would not receive the value of our collateral or pay the termination amount due to the counterparty. As a result,
we were relieved of our previous liability and recorded a net realized investment loss of $2.3 million on the disposal of the securities posted
as collateral.
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Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Hedging Activity
The table below summarizes by notional amounts the activity for each category of derivatives.
(in millions of dollars)
Receive
Swaps
Receive
Variable/Pay
Fixed/Pay
Fixed
Fixed
Receive
Fixed/Pay
Variable
Forwards
Options
Total
Balance at December 31, 2006
$ —
$1,026.2
$2,185.0
$392.9
$170.0
$3,774.1
Additions
Terminations
Balance at December 31, 2007
Additions
Terminations
Balance at December 31, 2008
Additions
Terminations
—
—
—
174.0
—
174.0
—
—
—
80.6
945.6
224.0
237.8
931.8
70.9
340.8
407.5
947.5
1,645.0
742.0
1,227.0
1,160.0
—
380.0
179.5
257.3
315.1
35.0
83.8
266.3
5.9
267.4
230.0
320.0
80.0
—
80.0
—
—
—
817.0
1,605.4
2,985.7
1,175.0
1,628.6
2,532.1
76.8
988.2
Balance at December 31, 2009
$174.0
$ 661.9
$ 780.0
$ 4.8
$ —
$1,620.7
The following table summarizes the timing of anticipated settlements of interest rate swaps outstanding under our cash flow hedging
programs at December 31, 2009, whereby we receive a fixed rate and pay a variable rate. The weighted average interest rates assume
current market conditions.
(in millions of dollars)
Notional Value
Weighted Average Receive Rate
Weighted Average Pay Rate
Cash Flow Hedges
2010
2011
2012
2013
Total
$240.0
$205.0
$185.0
$150.0
$780.0
5.67%
0.25%
5.87%
0.25%
6.49%
0.25%
6.34%
0.25%
6.05%
0.25%
We have executed a series of cash flow hedges for certain of our long-term product portfolios using forward starting interest rate swaps.
We plan to terminate these forward interest rate swaps and forward contracts at the time the projected cash flows are used to purchase fixed
income securities. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had $780.0 million and $1,160.0 million, respectively, notional amount of the
forward starting interest rate swaps outstanding under this program.
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had $666.7 million and $634.9 million, respectively, notional amount of open current and forward
foreign currency swaps and foreign currency forwards to hedge fixed income foreign currency-denominated securities.
As of December 31, 2008, we had $296.9 million notional amount of currency swaps and $216.3 million notional amount of forward
currency contracts to hedge the foreign currency risk associated with the U.S. dollar-denominated debt issued by one of our U.K. subsidiaries.
During 2009, we terminated these hedges due in part to the improbability of the original forecasted transactions occurring during the time
period originally anticipated and, for those transactions still anticipated to occur as originally forecasted, to reduce our counterparty exposure.
We recognized a gain of $56.3 million on the termination of these hedges, $42.0 million of which was recognized in other comprehensive
income and $14.3 million in earnings. The debt associated with this hedge continues to be outstanding as of December 31, 2009.
We previously owned principal protected equity linked trust certificates that contained an embedded derivative with a notional amount
of $50.0 million as of December 31, 2008. This embedded derivative represented forward contracts that were accounted for as cash flow
hedges. The purpose of these forward contracts was to hedge the risk of changes in cash flows related to the anticipated purchase of certain
equity securities. The equity linked trust certificates were sold during 2009.
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For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, we reclassified $12.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, of net gains into earnings
as a result of the discontinuance of cash flow hedges due to the improbability of the original forecasted transactions occurring during the
time period originally anticipated. During 2009 and 2008, no component of the derivative instruments’ gain or loss was excluded from the
assessment of hedge effectiveness.
As of December 31, 2009, we expect to amortize approximately $28.5 million of net deferred gains on derivative instruments during the
next twelve months. This amount will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings and reported on the same
income statement line item as the hedged item. The income statement line items that will be affected by this amortization are net investment
income, other income, and/or interest and debt expense. The estimated amortization includes the impact of certain derivative contracts that
have not yet been terminated as of December 31, 2009. Fluctuations in fair values of these derivatives between December 31, 2009 and the
date of termination will vary our projected amortization. Amounts that will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
into earnings to offset the earnings impact of foreign currency translation of hedged items are not estimable.
As of December 31, 2009, we are hedging the variability of future cash flows associated with forecasted transactions through the year 2038.
Fair Value Hedges
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had $174.0 million notional amount of receive variable, pay fixed interest rate swaps to hedge
the changes in fair value of certain fixed rate securities held. These swaps effectively convert the associated fixed rate securities into floating
rate securities, which are used to fund our floating rate long-term debt. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the $15.3 million loss on the
hedged fixed maturity securities attributable to the hedged benchmark interest rate was offset by a gain of $15.3 million on the related
interest rate swaps.
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, there was no material ineffectiveness related to our fair value hedges, and no
component of the derivative instruments’ gain or loss was excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. There were no instances
wherein we discontinued fair value hedge accounting due to a hedged firm commitment no longer qualifying as a fair value hedge.
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
We have an embedded derivative in a modified coinsurance arrangement for which we include in our realized investment gains and
losses a calculation intended to estimate the value of the option of our reinsurance counterparty to cancel the reinsurance contract with us.
However, neither party can unilaterally terminate the reinsurance agreement except in extreme circumstances resulting from regulatory
supervision, delinquency proceedings, or other direct regulatory action. Cash settlements or collateral related to this embedded derivative are
not required at any time during the reinsurance contract or at termination of the reinsurance contract. There are no credit-related counterparty
triggers, and any accumulated embedded derivative gain or loss reduces to zero over time as the reinsured business winds down.
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Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Locations and Amounts of Derivative Financial Instruments
The following table summarizes the location and fair values of derivative financial instruments, as reported in our consolidated balance
sheets at December 31, 2009.
(in millions of dollars)
Designated as Hedging Instruments
Interest Rate Swaps
Foreign Exchange Contracts
Total
Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Balance Sheet
Balance Sheet
Location
Fair Value
Location
Fair Value
Other L-T Investments
$81.1
Other Liabilities
$ 17.0
Other L-T Investments
—
Other Liabilities
127.6
$81.1
$144.6
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement
Other Liabilities
$117.4
The following table summarizes the location of and gains and losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging
instruments, as reported in our consolidated statements of income and consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the year ended
December 31, 2009.
(in millions of dollars)
Interest Rate Swaps
Interest Rate Swaps
Interest Rate Swaps
Foreign Exchange Contracts
Foreign Exchange Contracts
Foreign Exchange Contracts
Total
Year Ended December 31, 2009
Gain (Loss) Recognized
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from
Gain (Loss) Recognized
in OCI on Derivatives
Accumulated OCI into
in Income on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
Income (Effective Portion)
(Ineffective Portion)
$ 87.7
—
—
(2.1)
(83.1)
42.0
$ 44.5
$ 24.9 (1)
8.1 (2)
(0.1) (4)
(2.8) (1)
(73.4) (2)
1.7 (3)
$(41.6)
$ —
—
—
—
(2.0)(2)
14.3 (2)
$12.3
(1) Gain (loss) recognized in net investment income
(2) Gain (loss) recognized in net realized investment gain (loss)
(3) Gain recognized in interest and debt expense
(4) Loss recognized in other income
The following table summarizes the location of and gain on our embedded derivative in a modified coinsurance arrangement, as
reported in our consolidated statements of income.
(in millions of dollars)
Year Ended December 31, 2009
Gain Recognized in Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
$243.1
118
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Note 6. Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses
Changes in the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses are as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Balance at January 1
Less Reinsurance Recoverable
Net Balance at January 1
Acquisition or Recapture of Business — Note 12
Incurred Related to
Current Year
Prior Years
Interest
Incurred for Claim Reassessment Process
All Other Incurred
Foreign Currency
Total Incurred
Paid Related to
Current Year
Prior Years
Total Paid
Net Balance at December 31
Plus Reinsurance Recoverable
Balance at December 31
2009
2008
2007
$24,419.0
$24,790.0
$24,324.4
2,226.3
2,249.8
2,257.3
22,192.7
22,540.2
—
44.2
22,067.1
204.3
4,433.3
4,569.4
4,836.9
1,285.4
1,281.2
1,199.9
—
(34.7)
206.7
—
144.7
(697.0)
65.8
174.3
33.7
5,890.7
5,298.3
6,310.6
(1,451.6)
(4,225.4)
(1,412.8)
(4,277.2)
(5,677.0)
(5,690.0)
22,406.4
2,179.3
22,192.7
2,226.3
(1,460.5)
(4,581.3)
(6,041.8)
22,540.2
2,249.8
$24,585.7
$24,419.0
$24,790.0
The majority of the net balances are related to disability claims with long-tail payouts on which interest earned on assets backing
liabilities is an integral part of pricing and reserving. Interest accrued on prior year reserves has been calculated on the opening reserve
balance less one-half year’s cash payments at our average reserve discount rate used during 2009, 2008, and 2007.
Our “Incurred Related to Prior Years” for 2007 includes adjustments to reserves for our claim reassessment process. We entered into
settlement agreements with various state insurance regulators during 2004 and 2005. In connection with these settlement agreements,
we increased our disability claim reserves $65.8 million in 2007 to reflect our revised estimate for costs associated with the claim
reassessment process. “Paid Related to Prior Years” includes $248.0 million in 2007 for these reserve charges.
“Incurred Related to Prior Years — All Other Incurred” declined in 2009 relative to the prior two years. The decrease relates primarily to
an increased rate of claim recoveries for our group long-term disability and individual disability — recently issued lines of business in Unum
US and in our Individual Disability — Closed Block segment. Claim resolution rates are very sensitive to operational and environmental
changes and can be volatile over short periods of time. During 2009, we continued to improve the operating effectiveness of our Unum US
segment and Individual Disability — Closed Block segment claims management performance. Our claims management performance during
2009 for Unum US group long-term disability exceeded our long-term assumptions in regard to claim resolution rates. For the Unum US
individual disability — recently issued line of business and the Individual Disability — Closed Block segment, the claims management
performance in 2009 improved relative to 2008. Our claim resolution rate assumption used in determining reserves is our expectation of
the resolution rate we will experience over the life of the block of business and will vary from actual experience in any one period, both
favorably and unfavorably.
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Unum
2009
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
A reconciliation of policy and contract benefits and reserves for future policy and contract benefits as reported in our consolidated
balance sheets to the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses is as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Policy and Contract Benefits
Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits
Total
Less:
2009
December 31
2008
$ 1,736.9
$ 1,769.5
37,740.8
34,581.5
2007
$ 1,979.7
35,828.0
39,477.7
36,351.0
37,807.7
Life Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits
Accident and Health Active Life Reserves
Unrealized Adjustment to Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits
7,247.5
5,999.8
1,644.7
7,128.4
5,606.7
(803.1)
6,937.2
5,221.2
859.3
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses
$24,585.7
$24,419.0
$24,790.0
The unrealized adjustment to reserves for future policy and contract benefits reflects the changes that would be necessary to
policyholder liabilities if the unrealized investment gains and losses related to the available-for-sale securities had been realized. Changes
in these adjustments are reported as a component of other comprehensive income or loss.
Note 7. Income Tax
Total income tax expense (benefit) is allocated as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Income from Continuing Operations
Income from Discontinued Operations
Stockholders’ Equity — Additional Paid-in Capital Stock-Based Compensation
Stockholders’ Equity — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Change in Net Unrealized Gains and Losses on Securities
Year Ended December 31
2009
2008
2007
$ 439.7
$ 270.8
$ 324.8
—
1.5
—
(0.6)
10.9
(5.8)
Not Other-Than-Temporarily Impaired
1,454.9
(1,214.7)
(134.4)
Change in Net Unrealized Gains and Losses on Securities
Other-Than-Temporarily Impaired
Change in Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges
Change in Adjustment to Reserves for Future Policy
and Contract Benefits, Net of Reinsurance and Other
Change in Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs
Stockholders’ Equity — Retained Earnings
Adoption of ASC 320 Update — Note 1
Adoption of ASC 944 Update — Note 1
Adoption of ASC 740 Update — Note 1
Total
120
1.6
(45.3)
(816.6)
42.0
7.7
—
—
—
139.0
578.1
(112.4)
—
—
—
—
(6.0)
34.0
16.7
—
(232.9)
(22.7)
$1,085.5
$ (339.8)
$ (15.4)
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
A reconciliation of the income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income from continuing operations before income tax, computed
at U.S. federal statutory tax rates, to the income tax expense (benefit) as included in our consolidated statements of income, is as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Statutory Income Tax
Foreign Items
Other Items, Net
Effective Tax
Our deferred income tax asset and liability consists of the following:
Year Ended December 31
2009
35.0%
(0.8)
(0.2)
34.0%
2008
35.0%
(2.0)
(0.1)
32.9%
2007
35.0%
(1.2)
(1.2)
32.6%
(in millions of dollars)
Deferred Tax Liability
Deferred Acquisition Costs
Unrealized Gains and Losses
Other
Gross Deferred Tax Liability
Deferred Tax Asset
Invested Assets
Unrealized Gains and Losses
Employee Benefits
Other
Gross Deferred Tax Asset
Less Valuation Allowance
Net Deferred Tax Asset
December 31
2009
2008
$309.5
$ 297.9
382.5
145.0
837.0
329.8
—
210.9
27.3
568.0
4.2
563.8
—
99.5
397.4
349.4
212.0
233.4
45.5
840.3
4.1
836.2
Total Net Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability
$273.2
$(438.8)
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Unum
2009
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Our consolidated statements of income include amounts subject to both domestic and foreign taxation. The income and related tax
expense (benefit) are as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Income Before Tax
United States — Federal
Foreign
Total
Current Tax Expense
United States — Federal
Foreign
Total
Deferred Tax Expense (Benefit)
United States — Federal
Foreign
Total
Total
Year Ended December 31
2009
2008
2007
$1,065.2
227.1
$1,292.3
$ 531.3
292.7
$ 824.0
$ 703.9
311.1
$1,015.0
$ 283.7
$ 297.2
$ 214.0
94.2
377.9
91.4
(29.6)
61.8
43.7
340.9
(106.2)
36.1
(70.1)
72.9
286.9
38.6
10.2
48.8
$ 439.7
$ 270.8
$ 335.7
During 2007, the U.K. enacted a tax rate decrease from 30 percent to 28 percent. The tax benefit recognized in 2007 operations as
a result of this decrease was $1.7 million. We consider the unremitted earnings of our foreign operations to be permanently invested.
The determination of a tax liability related to these earnings is not practicable.
The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of the accounting interpretation, now included in ASC 740, which clarified the
accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements resulted in a $22.7 million decrease in our
liability for unrecognized tax benefits, net of associated deferred tax assets, as of January 1, 2007. Our consolidated statements of income
include the following changes in unrecognized tax benefits:
(in millions of dollars)
Balance at Beginning of Year
Tax Positions Related to Prior Years
Additions
Subtractions
Balance at End of Year
Less Tax Attributable to Temporary Items Included Above
December 31
2009
2008
$ 149.8
$ 161.0
8.5
(11.5)
146.8
(131.6)
0.3
(11.5)
149.8
(134.6)
Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits that if Recognized Would Affect the Effective Tax Rate
$ 15.2
$ 15.2
Included in the balance at December 31, 2009 and 2008 are $131.6 million and $134.6 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax
benefits for tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such
deductibility. Other than potential interest and penalties, the disallowance of the shorter deductibility period would not affect our results
of operations but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority to an earlier period.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
We recognize interest expense and penalties, if applicable, related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense net of federal income tax.
The total amounts of accrued interest and penalties in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 are $19.9 million
and $13.4 million, respectively. We recognized interest related to unrecognized tax expense in our consolidated statements of income of
$6.5 million, $5.9 million, and $2.0 million during 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. There were no changes to our uncertain tax positions
as a result of settlements or lapses in statutes of limitations during 2009 or 2008.
We file federal and state income tax returns in the United States and in foreign jurisdictions. We are under continuous examination
by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with regard to our U.S. federal income tax returns. The current IRS examination covers our tax years
2005 and 2006. During 2008, the IRS completed its examination of tax years 2002 through 2004 and issued its revenue agent’s report (RAR).
We filed a protest to the RAR in 2008 with respect to all significant adverse proposed adjustments.
During 2009, we had an appeals conference with the IRS with respect to our appeal of IRS audit adjustments for the years 1999 to
2004. Though we have not yet reached a final settlement with the IRS for these years, it is reasonably possible that this appeal will be
resolved in whole or in part within 12 months and that statutes of limitations may expire in multiple jurisdictions within that same period.
As a result, it is reasonably possible that our liability for unrecognized tax benefits could decrease within 12 months by $0 to $40.0 million.
We believe sufficient provision has been made for all uncertain tax positions and that any adjustments by tax authorities with respect to
such positions would not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.
Tax years subsequent to 2006 remain subject to examination by tax authorities in the U.S. Tax years subsequent to 2007 remain subject
to examination in major foreign jurisdictions. We believe sufficient provision has been made for all proposed and potential adjustments for
years that are not closed by the statute of limitations in all major tax jurisdictions and that any such adjustments would not have a material
adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations. However, it is possible that the resolution of income tax matters
could produce quarterly volatility in our results of operations in future periods.
Included in 2009 operating results is a refund of interest of $0.3 million before tax and $0.2 million after tax attributable to tax year
1998. Included in 2008 operating results is a refund of interest of $7.6 million before tax and $4.9 million after tax primarily attributable to
tax years 1986 through 1996.
As of December 31, 2009, we had no net operating loss carryforward in the U.S. We held a valuation allowance of $4.2 million related
to basis differences in foreign subsidiaries and net operating loss carryforwards in foreign jurisdictions because, in our judgment, we will
most likely not realize a tax benefit for these amounts. The $0.1 million increase in the valuation allowance during 2009 is due to the
fluctuation in the British pound sterling to dollar exchange rate.
Total income taxes paid during 2009, 2008, and 2007 were $381.6 million, $369.0 million, and $189.9 million, respectively.
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Unum
2009
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 8. Debt
Long-term and short-term debt consists of the following:
(in millions of dollars)
December 31
2009
2008
Senior Secured Notes, variable due 2037, callable at or above par
$ 692.7
$ 740.7
Senior Secured Notes, variable due 2036, callable at or above par
Notes @ 7.375% due 2032, callable at or above par
Notes @ 6.75% due 2028, callable at or above par
Notes @ 7.25% due 2028, callable at or above par
Notes @ 7.125% due 2016, callable at or above par
Notes @ 6.85%, due 2015, callable at or above par
Notes @ 7.625% due 2011, callable at or above par
Notes @ 7.0% due 2018, non-callable
Medium-term Notes @ 7.0% to 7.2% due 2023 to 2028, non-callable
Junior Subordinated Debt Securities @ 7.405% due 2038
Long-term Debt
Notes @ 5.859% due 2009
Repurchase Agreements, Weighted Average @ 2.71% due 2009
Short-term Debt
Total
92.5
39.5
165.8
200.0
350.0
296.7
225.1
200.0
60.8
226.5
102.5
39.5
166.4
200.0
—
296.7
225.1
200.0
62.0
226.5
2,549.6
2,259.4
—
—
—
132.2
58.3
190.5
$2,549.6
$2,449.9
Collateralized debt, which consists of the senior secured notes, ranks highest in priority, followed by unsecured notes, which consists of
notes and medium-term notes, followed by junior subordinated debt securities. The junior subordinated debt securities due 2038 are callable
under limited, specified circumstances. The remaining callable debt may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time.
The aggregate contractual principal maturities are $225.1 million in 2011 and $2,324.7 million in 2015 and thereafter.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Senior Secured Notes
In 2007, Northwind Holdings, LLC (Northwind Holdings), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unum Group, issued $800.0 million of insured,
senior, secured notes due 2037 (the Northwind notes) in a private offering. The Northwind notes bear interest at a floating rate equal to the
three-month LIBOR plus 0.78%.
Northwind Holdings’ ability to meet its obligations to pay principal, interest, and other amounts due on the Northwind notes will be
dependent principally on its receipt of dividends from Northwind Reinsurance Company (Northwind Re), the sole subsidiary of Northwind
Holdings. Northwind Re reinsured the risks attributable to specified individual disability insurance policies issued by or reinsured by Provident
Life and Accident Insurance Company, Unum Life Insurance Company of America (Unum America), and The Paul Revere Life Insurance
Company (collectively, the ceding insurers) pursuant to separate reinsurance agreements between Northwind Re and each of the ceding
insurers. The ability of Northwind Re to pay dividends to Northwind Holdings will depend on its satisfaction of applicable regulatory
requirements and the performance of the reinsured policies.
Recourse for the payment of principal, interest, and other amounts due on the Northwind notes is limited to the collateral for the
Northwind notes and the other assets, if any, of Northwind Holdings. The collateral consists of a first priority, perfected security interest in
(a) the debt service coverage account (Northwind DSCA) that Northwind Holdings is required to maintain in accordance with the indenture
pursuant to which the Northwind notes were issued (the Northwind indenture), (b) the capital stock of Northwind Re and the dividends and
distributions on such capital stock, and (c) Northwind Holdings’ rights under the transaction documents related to the Northwind notes to
which Northwind Holdings is a party. At December 31, 2009 the amount in the Northwind DSCA was $11.9 million. None of Unum Group, the
ceding insurers, Northwind Re, or any other affiliate of Northwind Holdings is an obligor or guarantor with respect to the Northwind notes.
Northwind Holdings is required to repay a portion of the outstanding principal under the Northwind notes at par on the quarterly
scheduled payment dates under the Northwind notes in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) a targeted amortization amount as defined
in the Northwind indenture and (ii) the amount of the remaining available funds in the Northwind DSCA minus an amount equal to the
minimum balance that is required to be maintained in the Northwind DSCA under the Northwind indenture, provided that Northwind
Holdings has sufficient funds available to pay its other expenses, including interest payments on the Northwind notes, and to maintain the
minimum balance in the Northwind DSCA as required under the Northwind indenture. During 2009 and 2008, Northwind Holdings made
principal payments of $48.0 million and $59.3 million, respectively, on the Northwind notes.
In 2006, Tailwind Holdings, LLC (Tailwind Holdings), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unum Group, issued $130.0 million of insured, senior,
secured notes due 2036 (the Tailwind notes) in a private offering. The Tailwind notes bear interest at a floating rate equal to the three-month
LIBOR plus 0.35%.
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Unum
2009
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Tailwind Holdings’ ability to meet its obligations to pay principal, interest, and other amounts due on the Tailwind notes will be dependent
principally on its receipt of dividends from Tailwind Reinsurance Company (Tailwind Re), the sole subsidiary of Tailwind Holdings. Tailwind
Re reinsured Unum America’s liability with respect to certain specified long-term disability claims incurred between January 1, 1999 and
December 31, 2001 that were in payment status on January 1, 2006 pursuant to a reinsurance agreement between Tailwind Re and Unum
America. The ability of Tailwind Re to pay dividends to Tailwind Holdings will depend on its satisfaction of applicable regulatory requirements
and the performance of the reinsured claims.
Recourse for the payment of principal, interest, and other amounts due on the Tailwind notes is limited to the collateral for the Tailwind
notes and the other assets, if any, of Tailwind Holdings. The collateral consists of a first priority, perfected security interest in (a) the debt
service coverage account (Tailwind DSCA) that Tailwind Re is required to maintain in accordance with the indenture pursuant to which the
Tailwind notes were issued (the Tailwind indenture), (b) the capital stock of Tailwind Re and the dividends and distributions on such capital
stock, and (c) Tailwind Holdings’ rights under the transaction documents related to the Tailwind notes to which Tailwind Holdings is a party.
At December 31, 2009 the amount in the Tailwind DSCA was $12.7 million. None of Unum Group, Unum America, Tailwind Re, or any other
affiliate of Tailwind Holdings is an obligor or guarantor with respect to the Tailwind notes.
Tailwind Holdings is required to repay a portion of the outstanding principal under the Tailwind notes at par on the quarterly scheduled
payment dates under the Tailwind notes in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) a targeted amortization amount as defined in the Tailwind
indenture and (ii) the amount of the remaining available funds in the Tailwind DSCA minus an amount equal to the minimum balance that
is required to be maintained in the Tailwind DSCA under the Tailwind indenture, provided that Tailwind Holdings has sufficient funds available
to pay its other expenses, including interest payments on the Tailwind notes, and to maintain the minimum balance in the Tailwind DSCA
as required under the Tailwind indenture. During 2009, 2008, and 2007, Tailwind Holdings made principal payments of $10.0 million,
$10.0 million, and $17.5 million, respectively, on the Tailwind notes.
Unsecured Notes
In September 2009, we issued $350.0 million of unsecured senior notes in a public offering. In 2009, we purchased and retired $1.2 million
aggregate principal of our 7.19% medium-term notes due 2028 and $0.6 million aggregate principal of our 6.75% notes due 2028.
In 2008 and 2007, $36.6 million and $34.5 million, respectively, of the 6.85% senior debentures due 2015 were redeemed. These
debentures were issued by UnumProvident Finance Company plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unum Group, and are fully and unconditionally
guaranteed by Unum Group.
In 2007, we purchased and retired $99.9 million aggregate principal amount of the 7.625% notes due 2011; $210.5 million aggregate
principal amount of the 7.375% notes due 2032; and $83.6 million of our outstanding 6.75% notes scheduled to mature in 2028. We also
called and retired all $150.0 million principal amount of our outstanding 7.25% notes scheduled to mature in 2032.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Adjustable Conversion-Rate Equity Security Units
In 2004, Unum Group issued 12.0 million 8.25% adjustable conversion-rate equity security units (units) in a private offering for
$300.0 million. We subsequently registered the privately placed securities for resale by the private investors. Each unit had a stated amount
of $25 and consisted of (a) a contract pursuant to which the holder agrees to purchase, for $25, shares of Unum Group common stock on
May 15, 2007 and which entitled the holder to contract adjustment payments at the annual rate of 3.165 percent, payable quarterly, and
(b) a 1/40 or 2.5 percent ownership interest in a senior note issued by Unum Group due May 15, 2009 with a principal amount of $1,000, on
which we paid interest at the initial annual rate of 5.085 percent, payable quarterly. The scheduled remarketing of the senior note element
of these units occurred in February 2007, as stipulated by the terms of the original offering, and we reset the interest rate on $300.0 million
of senior notes due May 15, 2009 to 5.859%. We purchased $150.0 million of the senior notes in the remarketing which were subsequently
retired. In May 2007, we settled the purchase contract element of the units by issuing 17.7 million shares of common stock. We received
proceeds of approximately $300.0 million from the transaction.
Junior Subordinated Debt Securities
In 1998, Provident Financing Trust I (the trust) issued $300.0 million of 7.405% capital securities in a public offering. These capital
securities, which mature in 2038, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Unum Group, have a liquidation value of $1,000 per capital
security, and have a mandatory redemption feature under certain circumstances. Unum Group issued 7.405% junior subordinated deferrable
interest debentures to the trust in connection with the capital securities offering. The debentures mature in 2038. The sole assets of the
trust are the junior subordinated debt securities. In 2007, $23.5 million of these debentures were redeemed.
Short-term Debt
In 2009, we purchased and retired the remaining $132.2 million of our outstanding 5.859% notes and repaid $58.3 million of reverse
repurchase agreements outstanding at December 31, 2008. In 2008, we purchased and retired $17.8 million of our outstanding 5.859%
notes and $175.0 million of our 5.997% notes.
Interest and Debt Expense
Interest paid on long-term and short-term debt and related securities during 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $122.0 million, $157.3 million,
and $184.1 million, respectively.
The cost related to early retirement of debt during 2008 and 2007 decreased income approximately $0.4 million and $58.8 million,
respectively, before tax, or $0.3 million and $38.3 million, respectively, after tax.
Shelf Registration
We have a shelf registration, which became effective in December 2008, with the Securities and Exchange Commission to issue
various types of securities, including common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depository shares, stock purchase contracts, units and
warrants, or preferred securities of wholly-owned finance trusts. The shelf registration enables us to raise funds from the offering of any
individual security covered by the shelf registration as well as any combination thereof, subject to market conditions and our capital needs.
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Unum
2009
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 9. Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
We sponsor several defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit (OPEB) plans for our employees, including non-qualified
pension plans. The U.S. plans comprise the majority of our total benefit obligation and benefit cost. We maintain a separate defined benefit
plan for eligible employees in our U.K. operation. The U.K. defined benefit pension plan was closed to new entrants on December 31, 2002.
The following tables provide the changes in the benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets and statements of the funded status
of the plans.
Pension Benefits
U.S. Plans
Non U.S. Plans
OPEB
(in millions of dollars)
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year
$1,009.3
$ 904.8
$127.0
$187.9
$192.6
$189.4
Service Cost
Interest Cost
Plan Participant Contributions
Actuarial (Gain) Loss
Benefits and Expenses Paid
Plan Amendments
Prior Service Cost
Change in Foreign Exchange Rates
29.6
64.0
—
44.7
(24.0)
—
—
—
28.7
58.2
—
37.7
(20.1)
—
—
—
4.9
8.7
—
24.1
(5.8)
—
0.2
14.4
7.8
10.3
—
(28.8)
(3.9)
—
—
(46.3)
2.9
11.3
3.2
(0.6)
(14.4)
(4.4)
—
—
3.3
11.5
3.2
(0.9)
(13.9)
—
—
—
Benefit Obligation at End of Year
$1,123.6
$1,009.3
$173.5
$127.0
$190.6
$192.6
Accumulated Benefit Obligation at
December 31
$1,031.6
$ 952.2
$163.4
$110.8
N/A
N/A
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets
at Beginning of Year
$ 658.1
$ 784.3
$120.1
$186.2
$ 12.0
$ 12.0
Actual Return on Plan Assets
Employer Contributions
Plan Participant Contributions
180.2
74.2
—
(239.7)
133.6
—
Benefits and Expenses Paid
(24.0)
(20.1)
Change in Foreign Exchange Rates
—
—
27.5
5.5
—
(5.8)
13.5
(25.2)
7.3
—
(3.9)
(44.3)
0.7
10.4
3.2
(14.4)
—
0.3
10.4
3.2
(13.9)
—
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year
$ 888.5
$ 658.1
$160.8
$120.1
$ 11.9
$ 12.0
Unfunded Liability
$ 235.1
$ 351.2
$ 12.7
$ 6.9
$178.7
$180.6
128
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
The amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheets for our pension and OPEB plans at December 31, 2009 and 2008 are
as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Current Liability
Noncurrent Liability
Unfunded Liability
Unrecognized Pension and
Postretirement Benefit Costs
Pension Benefits
U.S. Plans
Non U.S. Plans
OPEB
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
$ 4.0
$ 3.5
$ —
$ —
$ 14.0
231.1
347.7
12.7
6.9
164.7
$ 14.3
166.3
$ 235.1
$ 351.2
$ 12.7
$ 6.9
$178.7
$180.6
Net Actuarial Loss
$(454.5)
$(578.5)
$(54.8)
$(47.2)
$ (5.6)
$ (6.2)
Prior Service Credit (Cost)
0.8
1.4
Deferred Income Tax Asset (Liability)
Total Included in Accumulated Other
(453.7)
159.6
(577.1)
203.1
(0.2)
(55.0)
15.5
—
(47.2)
13.2
10.1
4.5
(1.6)
8.5
2.3
(0.8)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
$(294.1)
$(374.0)
$(39.5)
$(34.0)
$ 2.9
$ 1.5
The following table provides the changes recognized in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.
(in millions of dollars)
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss) at Beginning of Year
$(374.0)
$(161.9)
$(34.0)
$(40.0)
$ 1.5
$ 3.4
Pension Benefits
U.S. Plans
Non U.S. Plans
OPEB
Net Actuarial Loss
Amortization
All Other Changes
Prior Service Credit
Amortization
All Other Changes
Transition Asset
Amortization
41.1
82.8
(0.5)
—
13.9
(337.2)
2.4
(10.2)
(2.2)
—
—
—
2.3
5.9
—
—
—
0.6
(2.8)
4.4
—
0.5
(3.4)
—
—
—
—
(0.2)
—
—
Change in Deferred Income
Tax Asset (Liability)
(43.5)
113.4
2.3
(2.0)
(0.8)
1.0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss) at End of Year
$(294.1)
$(374.0)
$(39.5)
$(34.0)
$ 2.9
$ 1.5
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Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Unum
2009
Plan Assets
The objective of our pension and OPEB plans is to maximize long-term return, within acceptable risk levels, in a manner that is consistent
with the fiduciary standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), while maintaining sufficient liquidity to pay current
benefits and expenses.
The investment portfolio for our U.S. pension plans contain a diversified blend of domestic and international large cap, mid cap, and
small cap equity securities, U.S. government and corporate fixed income securities, private equity funds of funds, and hedge funds of funds.
The domestic large cap, mid cap, and small cap equity securities are mainly comprised of equity index funds that are designed to track the
Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500, S&P 400 Mid Cap Index, and Russell 2000 indices, respectively. International equity investments and emerging
market equity investments consist of equity index funds that track the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Europe Australasia Far
East Index and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, respectively. Corporate fixed income securities consist of investment-grade and below-
investment-grade corporate bonds. Alternative investments, which include private equity funds of funds and hedge funds of funds, utilize
proprietary strategies that tend to have a low correlation to the U.S. stock market. The target allocations for invested assets are 60 percent
equity securities, 30 percent fixed income securities, and 10 percent alternative investments. Prohibited investments include, but are not
limited to, unlisted securities, futures contracts, options, short sales, and investments in securities issued by the Company or its affiliates.
Assets for our U.K. pension plan are primarily invested in a pooled fund consisting of diversified growth assets. The remaining assets
in the U.K. plan are invested in a fixed-interest U.K. corporate bond fund and an index-linked U.K. government bond fund. The diversified
growth fund is designed to generate a return that matches the U.K. Retail Price Index plus five percent over a five to seven year period. This
fund is comprised primarily of domestic (U.K.) and international equity securities, emerging market fixed income securities, and a blend of
investment-grade and below-investment-grade fixed income securities. Investment in fixed-interest U.K. corporate bonds is achieved through
the ownership of a fund that primarily invests in corporate bonds with maturity dates greater than 10 years. Investment in U.K. index-linked
bonds is achieved through ownership of a fund that traces the Financial Times Stock Exchange 5 year Index-linked Index. The target allocation
for the assets is 60 percent equity securities and 40 percent fixed income securities. There are no categories of investments that are
specifically prohibited by the U.K. plan, but there are general guidelines that ensure prudent investment action is taken. Such guidelines
include the prevention of the plan from using derivatives for speculative purposes and limiting the concentration of risk in any one type
of investment.
Assets for life insurance benefits payable to certain former retirees covered under the OPEB plan are invested in life insurance contracts
issued by one of our insurance subsidiaries. The terms of these contracts are consistent in all material respects with those the subsidiary
offers to unaffiliated parties that are similarly situated. There are no categories of investments specifically prohibited by the OPEB plan.
We believe our investment portfolios are well diversified by asset class and sector, with no potential risk concentrations in any one category.
130
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
The categorization of fair value measurements by input level for the invested assets in our U.S. pension plans is as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Invested Assets
Equity Securities:
U.S. Large Cap
U.S. Mid Cap
U.S. Small Cap
International
Emerging Markets
Fixed Income Securities:
U.S. Government
Corporate
Alternative Investments:
Private Equity Funds of Funds
Hedge Funds of Funds
Cash Equivalents
Total
December 31, 2009
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
or Liabilities
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
$ —
$198.4
$ —
$198.4
—
76.0
—
—
68.1
56.1
—
—
6.9
82.1
65.7
125.9
41.0
—
119.6
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
8.2
37.8
—
82.1
141.7
125.9
41.0
68.1
175.7
8.2
37.8
6.9
$207.1
$632.7
$46.0
$885.8
Level 1 equity and fixed income securities consist of individual holdings and funds that are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices
from active markets for identical securities. Level 2 equity and fixed income securities consist of funds that are valued based on the net
asset value (NAV) of the underlying holdings.
Alternative investments are valued based on the NAV of the underlying holdings in a period ranging from one month to one quarter
in arrears. We evaluate the need for adjustments to the NAV based on market conditions and discussions with fund managers in the period
subsequent to the valuation date and prior to issuance of the financial statements. We made no adjustments to the NAV for 2009.
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Unum
2009
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Changes in our U.S. pension plans’ assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
during the year ended December 31, 2009 are as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Private Equity Funds of Funds
Hedge Funds of Funds
Total
Year Ended December 31, 2009
Beginning
Unrealized
Net
Level 3 Transfers
End
of Year
$ 4.7
26.2
$30.9
Gains
$1.9
3.7
$5.6
Purchases
Into
Out of
of Year
$1.6
$ —
$—
$ 8.2
—
$1.6
7.9
$7.9
—
37.8
$—
$46.0
The categorization of fair value measurements by input level for the assets in our U.K. pension plan is as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Plan Assets
Diversified Growth Assets
U.K. Fixed-interest Corporate Bonds
U.K. Index-linked Government Bonds
Cash Equivalents
Total Plan Assets
December 31, 2009
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
or Liabilities
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
$ —
$ 95.9
—
—
0.3
$0.3
56.8
7.8
—
$160.5
$—
—
—
—
$—
Total
$ 95.9
56.8
7.8
0.3
$160.8
Level 2 assets consist of funds that are valued based on the NAV of the underlying holdings.
The categorization of fair value measurements by input level for the assets in our OPEB plan is as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Assets
Life Insurance Contracts
December 31, 2009
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
or Liabilities
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
$—
$—
$11.9
$11.9
132
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
The fair value is represented by the actuarial present value of future cash flows of the contracts.
Changes in our OPEB plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the
year ended December 31, 2009 are as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Life Insurance Contracts
Measurement Assumptions
Year Ended December 31, 2009
Beginning of
Actual Return
Net Benefits and
Year
on Plan Assets
Expenses Paid
$12.0
$0.7
$(0.8)
End of
Year
$11.9
We use a December 31 measurement date for each of our plans. The weighted average assumptions used in the measurement of our
benefit obligations as of December 31 and our net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
Benefit Obligations
Discount Rate
Rate of Compensation Increase
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Discount Rate
Expected Return on Plan Assets
Rate of Compensation Increase
Pension Benefits
U.S. Plans
Non U.S. Plans
OPEB
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
6.40%
4.00%
6.40%
7.50%
4.00%
6.40%
4.70%
6.50%
7.50%
4.70%
5.70%
4.50%
6.40%
7.20%
5.10%
6.40%
5.10%
5.80%
6.90%
5.30%
5.90%
—
6.10%
5.75%
—
6.10%
—
6.30%
5.75%
—
We set the discount rate assumption annually for each of our retirement-related benefit plans at the measurement date to reflect the
yield of a portfolio of high quality fixed income debt instruments matched against the projected cash flows for future benefits.
Our long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption is an estimate, based on statistical analysis, of the average annual assumed
return that will be produced from the plan assets until current benefits are paid. Our expectations for the future investment returns of the
asset categories were based on a combination of historical market performance and evaluations of investment forecasts obtained from
external consultants and economists.
The methodology underlying the return assumption included the various elements of the expected return for each asset class such
as long-term rates of return, volatility of returns, and the correlation of returns between various asset classes. The expected return for the
total portfolio was calculated based on the plan’s strategic asset allocation. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing
basis through annual liability measurements, periodic asset/liability studies, and quarterly investment portfolio reviews. Risk tolerance is
established through consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition.
The expected return assumption for the life insurance reserve for our OPEB plan was 5.75 percent, which was based on full investment
in fixed income securities with an average book yield of 6.21 percent and 6.30 percent for 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Our rate of compensation increase assumption is generally based on periodic studies of compensation trends.
For measurement purposes at December 31, 2009 and 2008, the annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered postretirement
health care benefits assumed for the next calendar year was 9.00 percent for benefits payable to retirees prior to Medicare eligibility and
9.80 percent for benefits payable to Medicare eligible retirees. The rate was assumed to change gradually to 5.00 percent by the end of
2018 and remain at that level thereafter.
The medical and dental premium used to determine the per retiree employer subsidy are capped. If the cap is not reached by the year
2015, the caps are then set equal to the year 2015 premium. Certain of the current retirees and all future retirees are subject to the cap.
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 133
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Unum
2009
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The following table provides the components of the net periodic benefit cost for the plans described above for the years ended
December 31.
(in millions of dollars)
2009
2008
2007
2009
2008
2007
2009
Pension Benefits
U.S. Plans
Non U.S. Plans
OPEB
2008
2007
Service Cost
Interest Cost
$ 29.6
$ 28.7
$ 31.9
$ 4.9
$ 7.8
$ 9.2
$ 2.9
$ 3.3
$ 3.6
64.0
58.2
54.2
8.7
10.3
9.7
11.3
11.5
11.0
Expected Return on Plan Assets
(52.8)
(59.7)
(58.5)
(9.4)
(12.0)
(12.2)
(0.7)
(0.7)
(0.7)
Amortization of:
Net Actuarial Loss
Prior Service Credit
Transition Asset
Settlement Cost
Curtailment
Total
41.1
13.9
19.2
2.4
2.3
3.0
—
—
—
(0.5)
(2.2)
(3.1)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.2
—
—
—
—
—
—
(2.8)
(3.4)
(3.8)
(0.2)
(0.2)
—
—
0.3
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
$ 81.4
$ 38.9
$ 43.9
$ 6.6
$ 8.2
$ 9.8
$10.7
$10.7
$10.1
The 2007 settlement cost and curtailment loss shown in the preceding chart relate to pension plan benefits for employees of our former
Canadian branch operation and our previously owned subsidiary GENEX. These benefits were either terminated or frozen.
A one percent increase or decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate at December 31, 2009 would have increased (decreased)
the service cost and interest cost by $0.5 million and $(0.4) million, respectively, and the postretirement benefit obligation by $4.3 million
and $(3.5) million, respectively.
Our OPEB plan currently receives a subsidy from the federal government under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and
Modernization Act of 2003 (the Medicare Act). This act allows an employer to choose whether to coordinate prescription drug benefits
under a retiree medical plan with the Medicare prescription drug benefit or to keep the company plan design as it is and receive a subsidy
from the federal government. When the Medicare Act became effective in 2006, we initially elected to receive the subsidy from the federal
government with plans to defer our coordination with the new prescription drug benefit until a later date. This anticipated change was
reflected in the net periodic benefit cost. In 2009, we amended the plan design to stop the deferral of coordination of benefits and elected
to continue receiving the existing subsidy from the federal government. This election resulted in a $4.4 million prior service credit that will
begin amortization in 2010. We received subsidy payments of $1.2 million during each of 2009 and 2008. Our expected benefit payments
in future years have been reduced by the amount of subsidy payments we expect to receive.
The unrecognized net actuarial loss, prior service credit, and transition asset included in accumulated other comprehensive income and
expected to be amortized and included in net periodic pension cost during 2010 is $31.8 million before tax and $20.8 million after tax. The
prior service credit expected to be amortized and included as a reduction to net periodic cost for our OPEB plan during 2010 is $2.6 million
before tax and $1.7 million after tax.
134
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Benefit Payments
The following table provides expected benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate.
(in millions of dollars)
Gross
Subsidy Payments
Net
Pension Benefits
U.S. Plans
Non U.S. Plans
OPEB
Year
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015 – 2019
Funding Policy
$ 23.9
$ 6.6
$16.5
$ 1.7
$14.8
26.4
29.6
33.4
38.2
282.6
7.1
7.6
8.4
9.2
64.8
17.2
17.6
17.9
17.9
88.3
1.8
2.0
2.1
2.3
13.8
15.4
15.6
15.8
15.6
74.5
The funding policy for our U.S. qualified defined benefit plan is to contribute annually an amount at least equal to the minimum annual
contribution required under ERISA and other applicable laws, but generally not greater than the maximum amount that can be deducted for
federal income tax purposes. We had no regulatory contribution requirements for 2009 and 2008; however, we elected to make voluntary
contributions of $70.0 million and $130.0 million, respectively. We made a voluntary contribution of $67.0 million to our U.S. qualified defined
benefit pension plan in February 2010. We do not anticipate making any additional contributions during 2010. The funding policy for our
U.S. non-qualified defined benefit pension plan is to contribute the amount of the benefit payments made during the year. We contribute to
our U.K. plan in accordance with a schedule of contributions which requires us to contribute to the plan at the rate of at least 15.0 percent of
employee salaries sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirement under U.K. legislation. We made contributions of $5.5 million and
$7.3 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively, or approximately £3.5 million and £4.0 million. We expect to make contributions of £3.4 million
during 2010.
Our OPEB plan represents a non-vested, non-guaranteed obligation, and current regulations do not require specific funding levels for
these benefits, which are comprised of retiree life, medical, and dental benefits. It is our practice to use general assets to pay medical and
dental claims as they come due in lieu of utilizing plan assets for the medical and dental benefit portions of our OPEB plan.
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Unum
2009
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 10. Stockholders’ Equity and Earnings Per Common Share
Common Stock
During 2007, Unum Group’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $700.0 million of Unum Group common stock. In
January 2008, we repurchased approximately 14.0 million shares for $350.0 million, using an accelerated share repurchase agreement.
Under the terms of the repurchase agreement, we were to receive, or be required to pay, a price adjustment based on the volume weighted
average price of Unum Group common stock during the term of the agreement. Any price adjustment payable to us was to be settled in
shares of Unum Group common stock. Any price adjustment we would have been required to pay was to be settled, at our option, in either
cash or common stock. A 30 percent partial acceleration of the agreement, 4.2 million shares, occurred on March 26, 2008 and settled on
March 28, 2008, with the price adjustment resulting in the delivery to us of approximately 0.5 million additional shares of Unum Group
common stock. The remaining 9.8 million shares settled on May 29, 2008, with the price adjustment resulting in the delivery to us of
approximately 0.9 million additional shares.
During August 2008, we repurchased approximately 12.5 million shares for $350.0 million, using an accelerated share repurchase
agreement with terms similar to the earlier agreement. A 50 percent partial acceleration of the agreement, 6.25 million shares, occurred
on October 7, 2008 and settled on October 10, 2008, with the price adjustment resulting in the delivery to us of approximately 1.0 million
additional shares of Unum Group common stock. The remaining 6.25 million shares settled on October 14, 2008, with the price adjustment
resulting in the delivery to us of approximately 1.0 million additional shares.
In total, we repurchased 29.9 million shares of Unum Group common stock under the share repurchase program. These shares are
reflected as treasury stock in our consolidated balance sheets.
We settled the purchase contract element of the 2004 units in May 2007 by issuing 17.7 million shares of common stock. See Note 8
for further discussion.
Preferred Stock
Unum Group has 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized with a par value of $0.10 per share. No preferred stock has been
issued to date.
Earnings Per Common Share
Net income per common share is determined as follows:
(in millions of dollars, except share data)
Numerator
Net Income
Denominator (000s)
Year Ended December 31
2009
2008
2007
$852.6
$553.2
$679.3
Weighted Average Common Shares — Basic
331,266.2
341,022.8
352,969.1
Dilution for the Purchase Contract Element of the
Adjustable Conversion-Rate Equity Security Units
Dilution for Assumed Exercises of Stock Options
—
—
1,673.0
and Nonvested Stock Awards
870.0
537.5
1,134.4
Weighted Average Common Shares — Assuming Dilution
332,136.2
341,560.3
355,776.5
Net Income Per Common Share
Basic
Assuming Dilution
136
$ 2.57
$ 2.57
$ 1.62
$ 1.62
$ 1.92
$ 1.91
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
We use the treasury stock method to account for the effect of the purchase contract element of the units, outstanding stock options,
nonvested stock awards, and performance restricted stock units on the computation of dilutive earnings per share. Under this method,
these potential common shares will each have a dilutive effect, as individually measured, when the average market price of Unum Group
common stock during the period exceeds the threshold appreciation price of the purchase contract element of the units or the exercise
price of the stock options, the grant price of the nonvested stock awards, and/or the threshold stock price of performance restricted stock
units. For further discussion of the purchase contract element of the units and stock-based awards see Note 8 and Note 11, respectively.
The purchase contract element of the units issued in 2004 had a threshold appreciation price of $16.95 per share. The outstanding
stock options have exercise prices ranging from $11.37 to $58.56, the nonvested stock awards have grant prices ranging from $10.59 to
$26.25, and the performance restricted stock units have a threshold stock price of $26.00.
In computing earnings per share assuming dilution, only potential common shares that are dilutive (those that reduce earnings per
share) are included. Potential common shares not included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share because their impact would
be antidilutive, based on current market prices, approximated 7.1 million, 8.3 million, and 6.2 million shares of common stock for the years
ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.
Note 11. Stock-Based Compensation
Description of Stock Plans
Under the stock incentive plan of 2007, up to 35.00 million shares of common stock are available for awards to our employees, officers,
consultants, and directors. Awards may be in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units,
performance units, and other stock-based awards. Each full value award, defined as any award other than a stock option or stock appreciation
right, is counted as 2.7 shares.
The exercise price for stock options issued cannot be less than the fair market value of the underlying common stock as of the grant
date. Stock options have a maximum term of ten years after the date of grant and generally vest after three years. At December 31, 2009,
approximately 23.44 million shares were available for future grants.
Under the broad-based stock plan of 2002, up to 2.39 million shares of common stock were available for stock option awards to our
employees, officers, consultants, and brokers, excluding certain senior officers and directors. The plan was terminated in February 2004 for
purposes of any further grants. The stock options have a maximum term of ten years after the date of grant and generally vest after three years.
Under the broad-based stock plan of 2001, up to 2.00 million shares of common stock were available for stock option awards to our
employees, officers, consultants, and brokers, excluding certain senior officers and directors. The plan was terminated in December 2007 for
purposes of any further grants, other than reload grants, for which 20,000 shares were available at December 31, 2009. The stock options
have a maximum term of ten years after the date of grant and generally vest after three years.
Under the stock plan of 1999, comprised of the Provident Companies, Inc. stock plan of 1999 and the UnumProvident Corporation stock
plan of 1999, an aggregate of up to 17.50 million shares of common stock were available for awards to our employees, officers, brokers, and
directors. Awards could be in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, dividend equivalent awards, or any other
right or interest relating to stock. The plan was terminated in May 2007 for purposes of any further grants, other than reload grants, for
which 250,000 shares were available at December 31, 2009. Stock options have a maximum term of ten years after the date of grant and
generally vest after three years.
Substantially all of our employees are eligible to participate in an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP). Under the plan, up to 3.46 million
shares of common stock are authorized for issuance, of which approximately 1.23 million remain available for issuance at December 31, 2009.
Stock may be purchased at the end of each financial quarter at a purchase price of 85 percent of the market price.
We issue new shares of common stock for nonvested stock grants, exercise of stock options, and purchase of ESPP shares.
72441_G-73975_FIN.indd 137
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Unum
2009
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Nonvested Stock Awards
Nonvested share activity is summarized as follows:
Nonvested at December 31, 2008
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested at December 31, 2009
Shares (000s)
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
1,488
1,763
(808)
(23)
2,420
$22.77
12.32
21.62
15.14
15.62
Stock awards vest over a one to three year service period, beginning at the date of grant, and the compensation cost is recognized
ratably during the vesting period. Compensation cost for stock awards subject to accelerated vesting upon retirement is recognized over the
implicit service period. Forfeitable dividend equivalents on nonvested stock awards are accrued in the form of additional restricted stock
units. The weighted average grant date fair values per share for nonvested stock awards granted during 2009, 2008, and 2007 were $12.32,
$23.66, and $21.99, respectively.
The total fair value of shares vested during 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $17.5 million, $11.3 million, and $20.6 million, respectively.
At December 31, 2009, we had $14.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock awards that will be
recognized over a weighted average period of 1.0 year.
Performance Restricted Stock Units (PRSUs)
PRSU activity is summarized as follows:
PRSUs at December 31, 2008
Dividends
Forfeited
PRSUs at December 31, 2009
Shares (000s)
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
1,210
24
(62)
1,172
$16.06
15.95
16.05
16.06
In September 2007, we issued approximately 1.25 million PRSUs with a grant date fair value of $15.99. Vesting for this grant is
contingent upon meeting various company threshold performance and stock price conditions. Forfeitable dividend equivalents on PRSUs are
accrued in the form of additional restricted stock units. The weighted average grant date fair values per share for PRSU grants and dividends
during 2009, 2008, and 2007 were $15.95, $19.08, and $16.02, respectively. All PRSUs outstanding at December 31, 2009 were nonvested.
At December 31, 2009, we had $2.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to PRSUs that will be recognized over a
weighted average period of 0.6 years. The PRSU expense and unrecognized compensation cost assume the performance goals are attained
at 100 percent. Actual performance may result in zero to 100 percent of the units ultimately being earned. We use the accelerated method
of amortization for recognizing compensation expense, which treats each of the three vesting tranches as a separate award over the
expected life of the unit.
We estimated the fair value on the date of initial grant using the Monte-Carlo model. The following assumptions were used to value
the grant:
• Expected volatility of 29 percent, based on our historical daily stock prices.
• Expected life of 4.4 years, which equals the maximum term.
• Expected dividend yield of 1.24 percent, based on the dividend rate at the date of grant.
• Risk free interest rate of 3.97 percent, based on the yield of treasury bonds at the date of grant.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Stock Options
Stock option activity is summarized as follows:
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
Granted
Exercised
Expired
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
Exercisable at December 31, 2009
Shares
(000s)
7,441
464
(372)
(1,860)
5,673
4,877
Remaining
Intrinsic
Weighted Average
Contractual
Exercise Price
Term
Value
(000s)
$31.28
11.37
13.69
50.14
24.21
$25.42
1.8 years
$7,641
1.0 year
$4,102
All outstanding stock options at December 31, 2009 are expected to vest. Stock options vest over a three year service period, beginning
at the date of grant, and the compensation cost is recognized ratably during the vesting period. The total intrinsic value of options exercised
during 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $2.6 million, $1.0 million, and $3.9 million, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested during
2009 and 2008 was $2.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively. No stock options vested in 2007. At December 31, 2009, we had $0.5 million
of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options that will be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.9 years.
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $4.45, $8.84, and $8.61, respectively.
We estimated the fair value on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The following assumptions were used to value
the 2009, 2008, and 2007 grants:
• Expected volatility of 50 percent, 43 percent, and 44 percent, respectively, based on our historical daily stock prices.
• Expected life of 5.0 years, based on historical average years to exercise.
• Expected dividend yield of 1.68 percent, 1.30 percent, and 1.57 percent, respectively, based on the dividend rate at the date of grant.
• Risk free interest rate of 1.89 percent, 2.93 percent, and 4.67 percent, respectively, based on the yield of treasury bonds at the date
of grant.
ESPP
ESPP activity is summarized as follows:
Number of Shares Sold
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Year Ended December 31
2009
232,962
$14.94
$ 4.13
2008
148,490
$20.44
$ 5.72
2007
114,420
$24.32
$ 5.18
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Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Unum
2009
Expense
Compensation expense for the stock plans, as reported in our consolidated statements of income, is as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Nonvested Stock Awards
Performance Restricted Stock Units
Stock Options
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Total Compensation Expense, Before Income Tax
Total Compensation Expense, Net of Income Tax
Year Ended December 31
2009
$22.4
6.8
3.7
1.0
$33.9
$22.0
2008
$18.3
6.7
2.9
0.9
$28.8
$18.7
2007
$10.7
2.0
0.5
0.5
$13.7
$ 8.9
Cash received under all share-based payment arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $8.0 million,
$4.4 million, and $7.8 million, respectively.
Note 12. Reinsurance
In the normal course of business, we assume reinsurance from and cede reinsurance to other insurance companies. The primary
purpose of ceded reinsurance is to limit losses from large exposures. However, if the assuming reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations,
we remain contingently liable. We evaluate the financial condition of reinsurers and monitor concentration of credit risk to minimize this
exposure. We may also require assets in trust, letters of credit, or other acceptable collateral to support reinsurance recoverable balances.
The reinsurance recoverable at December 31, 2009 relates to 89 companies. Fourteen major companies account for approximately
92 percent of the reinsurance recoverable at December 31, 2009, and are all companies rated A or better by A.M. Best Company (AM Best)
or are fully securitized by letters of credit or investment-grade fixed maturity securities held in trust. Of the remaining reinsurance recoverable,
approximately seven percent relates to business reinsured either with companies rated A- or better by AM Best, with overseas entities with
equivalent ratings or backed by letters of credit or trust agreements, or through reinsurance arrangements wherein we retain the assets in
our general account. Approximately one percent of the reinsurance recoverable is held by companies either rated below A- by AM Best or
not rated.
Reinsurance activity is accounted for on a basis consistent with the terms of the reinsurance contracts and the accounting used for the
original policies issued. Premium income and benefits and change in reserves for future benefits are presented in our consolidated statements
of income net of reinsurance ceded.
Reinsurance data is as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Direct Premium Income
Reinsurance Assumed
Reinsurance Ceded
Net Premium Income
Year Ended December 31
2009
2008
2007
$7,494.7
$7,817.1
$7,997.5
239.5
(258.7)
264.4
(298.2)
289.6
(386.0)
$7,475.5
$7,783.3
$7,901.1
Ceded Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
$ 604.2
$ 737.2
$ 947.8
During 2008, we entered into a reinsurance arrangement for the ongoing administration and management of a closed block of group
long-term disability claims in our Unum UK segment. As a result of the assumption, we received cash of £24.5 million, recorded £0.4 million in
accrued premiums receivable, assumed reserves of £22.2 million (approximately $44.2 million), and recorded a deferred gain of £2.7 million.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
During 2007, we recaptured a closed block of individual disability business in our Individual Disability — Closed Block segment, with
approximately $204.3 million in reserves and $7.0 million of annual premium. The recapture had an immaterial effect on operating results.
During 2000, we reinsured substantially all of the individual life and corporate-owned life insurance blocks of business, which are now
reported in our Corporate and Other segment. The gain on these reinsurance transactions was deferred and is being amortized into income.
A portion of the ceded corporate-owned life insurance block of business surrendered during 2007. The termination of this fully ceded business
had no impact on our operating results and will not materially affect the amortization of the deferred gain. The termination resulted in a
balance sheet only decrease in reserves for future policy and contract benefits of $1,094.0 million and policy loans of $1,013.7 million, with
corresponding offsets to each in the reinsurance recoverable. The termination of this fully ceded business had no impact on our cash flows.
Note 13. Segment Information
Our reporting segments are comprised of the following: Unum US, Unum UK, Colonial Life, Individual Disability — Closed Block, and
Corporate and Other.
The Unum US segment includes group long-term and short-term disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment
products, and supplemental and voluntary lines of business, comprised of individual disability — recently issued, group and individual
long-term care, and brokerage voluntary benefits products. These products are marketed through our field sales personnel who work in
conjunction with independent brokers and consultants. We discontinued selling individual long-term care insurance effective in 2009.
The Unum UK segment includes group long-term disability insurance, group life products, and individual disability products sold primarily
in the United Kingdom through field sales personnel and independent brokers and consultants.
The Colonial Life segment includes insurance for accident, sickness, and disability products, life products, and cancer and critical illness
products marketed primarily to employees at the workplace through an agency sales force and brokers.
The Individual Disability — Closed Block segment generally consists of those individual disability policies that were designed to be
distributed to individuals in a non-workplace setting and which were primarily in-force prior to the substantial changes in product offerings,
pricing, distribution, and underwriting which generally occurred during the period 1994 through 1998. A minimal amount of new business
continued to be sold subsequent to these changes, but we stopped selling new policies in this segment at the beginning of 2004 other
than update features contractually allowable on existing policies.
The Corporate and Other segment includes investment income on corporate assets not specifically allocated to a line of business,
interest expense on corporate debt other than non-recourse debt, and certain other corporate income and expense not allocated to a line of
business. The Corporate and Other segment also includes results from certain Unum US insurance products not actively marketed, including
individual life and corporate-owned life insurance, reinsurance pools and management operations, group pension, health insurance, and
individual annuities.
In the following segment financial data, “operating revenue” excludes net realized investment gains and losses. “Operating income” or
“operating loss” excludes net realized investment gains and losses, income tax, and results of discontinued operations. These are considered
non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures of “operating revenue” and “operating income” or “operating loss” differ
from revenue and income from continuing operations before income tax as presented in our consolidated statements of income prepared
in accordance with GAAP due to the exclusion of before-tax realized investment gains and losses. We measure segment performance
excluding realized investment gains and losses because we believe that this performance measure is a better indicator of the ongoing
businesses and the underlying trends in the businesses. Our investment focus is on investment income to support our insurance liabilities
as opposed to the generation of realized investment gains and losses, and a long-term focus is necessary to maintain profitability over the
life of the business.
Realized investment gains and losses depend on market conditions and do not necessarily relate to decisions regarding the underlying
business of our segments. However, income or loss excluding realized investment gains and losses does not replace net income or net
loss as a measure of overall profitability. We may experience realized investment losses, which will affect future earnings levels since our
underlying business is long-term in nature and we need to earn the assumed interest rates in our liabilities.
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Unum
2009
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
A reconciliation of total operating revenue and operating income by segment to revenue and net income as reported in our consolidated
statements of income follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Operating Revenue by Segment
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
Revenue
Operating Income by Segment
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
Income Tax
Income from Discontinued Operations
Net Income
Year Ended December 31
2009
2008
2007
$10,079.3
$10,448.2
$10,585.1
11.7
(465.9)
(65.2)
$10,091.0
$ 9,982.3
$10,519.9
$ 1,280.6
$ 1,289.9
$ 1,062.4
11.7
439.7
—
(465.9)
270.8
—
(65.2)
324.8
6.9
$ 852.6
$ 553.2
$ 679.3
Premium income by major line of business within each of our segments is presented as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Unum US
Group Disability
Group Long-term Disability
Group Short-term Disability
Group Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Group Life
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Supplemental and Voluntary
Individual Disability — Recently Issued
Long-term Care
Voluntary Benefits
Unum UK
Group Long-term Disability
Group Life
Individual Disability
Colonial Life
Accident, Sickness, and Disability
Life
Cancer and Critical Illness
Individual Disability — Closed Block
Corporate and Other
Total
142
Year Ended December 31
2009
2008
2007
$1,726.9
$1,838.5
432.8
435.1
$1,895.7
485.6
1,057.7
104.9
1,062.8
127.6
1,107.4
131.0
463.7
594.7
492.4
471.5
580.7
446.8
456.7
532.9
404.7
4,873.1
4,963.0
5,014.0
503.1
147.8
35.2
686.1
625.8
165.6
223.7
1,015.1
898.5
2.7
675.9
174.6
38.8
889.3
606.9
157.4
213.0
977.3
952.3
1.4
752.6
177.4
38.3
968.3
566.6
143.5
197.1
907.2
1,009.9
1.7
$7,475.5
$7,783.3
$7,901.1
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Selected operating statement data by segment is presented as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Unum US
Unum UK
Colonial Life
Closed Block
Individual
Disability —
Corporate
and Other
Total
Year Ended December 31, 2009
Total Premium Income
Net Investment Income
Other Income
$4,873.1
$ 686.1
$1,015.1
$ 898.5
$ 2.7
$ 7,475.5
1,200.5
118.7
124.5
2.4
114.3
0.5
740.6
100.8
Operating Revenue
$6,192.3
$ 813.0
$1,129.9
$1,739.9
Operating Income (Loss)
$ 775.0
$ 249.6
$ 280.9
$ 34.3
Interest and Debt Expense
$ 2.0
$ —
$ —
$ 16.6
166.7
34.8
$ 204.2
$ (59.2)
$ 106.8
2,346.6
257.2
$10,079.3
$ 1,280.6
$ 125.4
Depreciation and Amortization
$ 369.9
$ 42.4
$ 192.0
$ 4.4
$ 1.6
$ 610.3
Year Ended December 31, 2008
Total Premium Income
Net Investment Income
Other Income
$4,963.0
$ 889.3
$ 977.3
$ 952.3
$ 1.4
$ 7,783.3
1,136.4
132.7
181.9
2.0
105.7
0.4
767.5
98.6
197.5
42.2
2,389.0
275.9
Operating Revenue
$6,232.1
$1,073.2
$1,083.4
$1,818.4
$ 241.1
$10,448.2
Operating Income (Loss)
$ 684.1
$ 324.0
$ 268.1
$ 27.7
$ (14.0)
$ 1,289.9
Interest and Debt Expense
$ 4.2
$ —
$ —
$ 35.1
$ 117.4
$ 156.7
Depreciation and Amortization
$ 368.9
$ 43.1
$ 177.3
$ 4.3
$ 3.1
$ 596.7
Year Ended December 31, 2007
Total Premium Income
Net Investment Income
Other Income
$5,014.0
$ 968.3
$ 907.2
$1,009.9
$ 1.7
$ 7,901.1
1,114.0
135.6
187.4
3.1
99.9
0.9
827.6
103.7
181.0
30.8
2,409.9
274.1
Operating Revenue
$6,263.6
$1,158.8
$1,008.0
$1,941.2
$ 213.5
$10,585.1
Operating Income (Loss)
$ 542.1
$ 325.8
$ 245.8
$ 109.5
$(160.8)
$ 1,062.4
Interest and Debt Expense
$ 7.5
$ —
$ —
$ 8.3
$ 226.1
$ 241.9
Depreciation and Amortization
$ 326.9
$ 61.6
$ 162.9
$ 3.2
$ 5.2
$ 559.8
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Unum
2009
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table provides the changes in deferred acquisition costs by segment:
(in millions of dollars)
Year Ended December 31, 2009
Beginning of Year
Capitalized
Amortization
Foreign Currency and Other
End of Year
Year Ended December 31, 2008
Beginning of Year
Capitalized
Amortization
Foreign Currency and Other
End of Year
Year Ended December 31, 2007
Beginning of Year
Unum US
Unum UK
Colonial Life
Total
$1,661.8
$ 54.7
$ 755.9
$2,472.4
335.5
(317.2)
(17.7)
29.1
(30.5)
5.6
229.0
(178.5)
(45.2)
593.6
(526.2)
(57.3)
$1,662.4
$ 58.9
$ 761.2
$2,482.5
$1,642.5
$ 69.6
$ 669.8
$2,381.9
329.7
(320.3)
9.9
37.4
(32.4)
(19.9)
223.8
(166.4)
28.7
590.9
(519.1)
18.7
$1,661.8
$ 54.7
$ 755.9
$2,472.4
$2,205.2
$165.1
$ 612.8
$2,983.1
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Principle Change — Note 1
(589.8)
Capitalized
Amortization
Foreign Currency and Other
End of Year
Assets by segment are as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
By Segment
Unum US
Unum UK
Colonial Life
Individual Disability — Closed Block
Corporate and Other
Total
304.2
(277.1)
—
(88.3)
41.2
(49.4)
1.0
—
210.9
(153.9)
—
(678.1)
556.3
(480.4)
1.0
$1,642.5
$ 69.6
$ 669.8
$2,381.9
December 31
2009
2008
$23,339.9
$20,440.9
3,280.7
2,805.7
15,238.8
9,811.9
2,865.4
2,446.9
14,353.0
9,311.2
$54,477.0
$49,417.4
Revenue is primarily derived from sources in the United States and the United Kingdom. There are no material revenues or assets
attributable to foreign operations other than those reported in our Unum UK segment.
We report goodwill in our Unum US segment and in our Unum UK segment, which are the segments expected to benefit from the
originating business combinations. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, goodwill was $201.6 million and $200.5 million, respectively, with
$190.0 million attributable to Unum US and the remainder attributable to Unum UK. The increase during 2009 is due entirely to the
fluctuation in the British pound sterling to dollar exchange rate.
Stockholders’ equity is allocated to the operating segments on the basis of an internal allocation formula that reflects the volume and
risk components of each operating segment’s business and aligns allocated equity with our target capital levels for regulatory and rating
agency purposes. We modify this formula periodically to recognize changes in the views of capital requirements.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Note 14. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Commitments
We have noncancelable lease obligations on certain office space and equipment. As of December 31, 2009, the aggregate net minimum
lease payments were $102.2 million payable as follows: $25.7 million in 2010, $20.2 million in 2011, $16.3 million in 2012, $11.5 million in
2013, $8.9 million in 2014, and $19.6 million thereafter. Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was
$30.1 million, $34.5 million, and $35.7 million, respectively.
Contingent Liabilities
We are a defendant in a number of litigation matters. In some of these matters, no specified amount is sought. In others, very large or
indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are asserted. There is a wide variation of pleading practice permitted in the
United States courts with respect to requests for monetary damages, including some courts in which no specified amount is required and
others which allow the plaintiff to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of that court. Further, some
jurisdictions permit plaintiffs to allege damages well in excess of reasonably possible verdicts. Based on our extensive experience and that
of others in the industry with respect to litigating or resolving claims through settlement over an extended period of time, we believe that
the monetary damages asserted in a lawsuit or claim bear little relation to the merits of the case, or the likely disposition value. Therefore,
the specific monetary relief sought is not stated.
Unless indicated otherwise in the descriptions below, reserves have not been established for litigation and contingencies. An estimated
loss is accrued when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.
In the disclosures that follow about litigation, we refer to the name of the company specified in the original complaint, following the
practice in the courts. Therefore, references to UnumProvident Corporation should be understood as references to Unum Group.
Claims Handling Matters
Multidistrict Litigation
Between November 22, 2002 and March 11, 2003 five purported derivative actions were filed in state and federal courts in Tennessee.
The defendants removed each of the actions that were filed in Tennessee state court to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of
Tennessee, and the cases were consolidated. The plaintiffs then filed a single consolidated amended complaint, which purports to assert
claims on behalf of the Company against certain current and past members of our board of directors and certain executive officers alleging
breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of law by establishing or permitting to be established an unlawful policy of denying legitimate
disability claims and improper financial reporting, and that certain defendants engaged in insider trading.
On August 27, 2008, the parties entered into a stipulation of settlement to resolve the litigation. Under the terms of the settlement,
which was subject to approval of the court, we agreed to implement or continue certain corporate governance measures and pay plaintiffs’
attorneys’ fees in an amount to be determined by the court. In January 2010, the court approved this settlement and awarded an immaterial
amount of attorneys’ fees.
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Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Unum
2009
Other Claim Litigation
We and our insurance subsidiaries, as part of our normal operations in managing disability claims, are engaged in claim litigation
where disputes arise as a result of a denial or termination of benefits. Most typically these lawsuits are filed on behalf of a single claimant
or policyholder, and in some of these individual actions punitive damages are sought, such as claims alleging bad faith in the handling of
insurance claims. For our general claim litigation, we maintain reserves based on experience to satisfy judgments and settlements in the
normal course. We expect that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to general claim litigation, after consideration of the reserves
maintained, will not be material to our consolidated financial condition. Nevertheless, given the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is
possible that an adverse outcome in certain claim litigation involving punitive damages could, from time to time, have a material adverse
effect on our consolidated results of operations in a period, depending on the results of operations for the particular period.
On June 13, 2005, following a trial in the U.S. District Court of Nevada in the matter of G. Clinton Merrick vs. UnumProvident Corporation,
Paul Revere Life Insurance Company, et al., judgment was entered in plaintiff’s favor on his breach of contract and bad faith claims, and the
plaintiff was awarded contract, emotional distress, and punitive damages, as well as attorneys’ fees. We appealed that judgment. The Ninth
Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that portion of the judgment that awarded attorneys’ fees and punitive damages award and remanded
for a new trial on the issue of punitive damages that should be awarded, if any. We thereafter paid the portion of the verdict that had been
upheld and proceeded to a second trial on the limited issue of the amount of punitive damages to be awarded against Unum Group and
one of our insurance subsidiaries, if any. A second jury verdict was entered on July 3, 2008, in the amount of $24.0 million as to one of our
insurance subsidiaries and $36.0 million as to Unum Group. Following post trial motions, the trial court affirmed the judgment as to our
insurance subsidiary and reduced the judgment as to Unum Group to $26.4 million. We have appealed the amended judgment to the Ninth
Circuit. We believe that we have strong legal arguments to raise on appeal that create significant uncertainty regarding the ultimate outcome
of this matter. However, since our efforts to reduce or overturn this award are at an early stage in the appeals process, an estimate of the
liability to resolve this matter was established in 2008. The accrual was not material to our operating results.
From time to time class action allegations are pursued where the claimant or policyholder purports to represent a larger number of
individuals who are similarly situated. Since each insurance claim is evaluated based on its own merits, there is rarely a single act or series
of actions, which can properly be addressed by a class action. Nevertheless, we monitor these cases closely and defend ourselves
appropriately where these allegations are made.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Broker Compensation, Quoting Process, and Other Matters
Examinations and Investigations
Beginning in 2004, several of our insurance subsidiaries’ insurance regulators requested information relating to the subsidiaries’ policies
and practices on one or more aspects of broker compensation, quoting insurance business, and related matters. Additionally, we have
responded to investigations about certain of these same matters by state attorneys general and the U.S. Department of Labor. The National
Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has undertaken to provide a uniform Compensation Disclosure Amendment to the Producer
Licensing Model Act that can be adopted by states in an effort to provide uniform guidance to insurers, brokers, and customers relating to
disclosure of broker compensation. We expect there may be continued uncertainty surrounding this matter until clearer regulatory guidelines
are established.
In November 2009, we were contacted by Florida state insurance regulators to discuss a resolution of their investigation of our
compliance with state and federal laws with respect to producer compensation, solicitation activities, policies sold to state or municipal
entities, and information regarding compensation arrangements with brokers. This investigation had been commenced in 2005, and, until
this most recent contact, we had received no communications from the regulators regarding this matter since December 2007.
Broker-Related Litigation
We and certain of our subsidiaries, along with many other insurance brokers and insurers, have been named as defendants in a series
of putative class actions that have been transferred to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey for coordinated or consolidated
pretrial proceedings as part of multidistrict litigation (MDL) No. 1663, In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation. The plaintiffs in MDL
No. 1663 filed a consolidated amended complaint in August 2005, which alleges, among other things, that the defendants violated federal
and state antitrust laws, the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), ERISA, and various state common law requirements by
engaging in alleged bid rigging and customer allocation and by paying undisclosed compensation to insurance brokers to steer business to
defendant insurers. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint on November 29, 2005. On April 5, 2007, defendants’ motion to dismiss
was granted without prejudice as to all counts except the ERISA counts. Plaintiffs were granted a last opportunity to file an amended complaint,
and they did so on May 22, 2007.
On August 31, 2007 and September 28, 2007, plaintiffs’ federal antitrust and RICO claims were dismissed with prejudice. Defendants’
motion for summary judgment on the ERISA counts was granted on January 14, 2008. All pending state law claims were dismissed without
prejudice. Plaintiffs have filed an appeal with the Third Circuit Court of Appeals of the order dismissing their federal antitrust and RICO claims.
We are a defendant in an action styled, Palm Tree Computers Systems, Inc. v. ACE USA, et al., which was filed in the Florida state Circuit
Court on February 16, 2005. The complaint contains allegations similar to those made in the multidistrict litigation referred to above. The
case was removed to federal court and, on October 20, 2005, the case was transferred to the District of New Jersey multidistrict litigation.
Plaintiffs recently renewed a motion to remand the case to the state court in Florida, and that motion was denied without prejudice.
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Unum
2009
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Miscellaneous Matters
In September 2003, United States of America ex. rel. Patrick J. Loughren v. UnumProvident Corporation and GENEX Services, Inc.
(GENEX) was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. This is a qui tam action to recover damages and civil
penalties on behalf of the United States of America alleging violations of the False Claims Act by us and our former GENEX subsidiary. In
accordance with the False Claims Act, the action was originally filed under seal to provide the government the opportunity to investigate
the allegations and prosecute the action if they believed that the case had merit and warranted their attention. The government declined
to prosecute the case, and the case became a matter of public record on December 23, 2004. The complaint alleged that we defrauded the
government by inducing and or assisting disability claimants to apply for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA)
when we allegedly knew that the claimants were not disabled under SSA criteria. Relator identified 95 individual claims that he alleged to
be false and sought to present expert testimony from a statistician who would say that each of those claims found to be false could be
extrapolated to support a finding of a much larger number of false claims. We filed a motion for summary judgment which was denied on
September 15, 2008. The case proceeded to trial at which seven out of the 95 claims were adjudicated. We prevailed on four of the claims,
the Relator prevailed on two of the claims, and the jury could not reach a verdict on one of the claims. The jury awarded the Relator $850 in
damages which was trebled. The court also assessed a penalty of $11,000 for each of the two claims. On February 24, 2009, the court also
ruled that the testimony of the Relator’s expert in support of extrapolation would be excluded. The court has since granted our request that
it enter a final and separate judgment on the two claims decided against us, and we have filed an appeal with the First Circuit Court of
Appeals. The District Court has stayed further trial of the remaining claims pending the outcome of our appeal.
In May 2007, Roy Mogel, Todd D. Lindsay and Joseph R. Thorley individually and on behalf of those similarly situated v. Unum Life
Insurance Company, was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. This is a putative class action alleging that
we breached fiduciary duties owed to certain beneficiaries under certain group life insurance policies when we paid life insurance proceeds
by establishing interest-bearing retained asset accounts rather than by mailing checks. Plaintiffs seek to represent a class of beneficiaries
under group life insurance contracts that were employee welfare benefit plans under ERISA and under which we paid death benefits pursuant
to a retained asset account. Plaintiffs seek to recover on behalf of the class the difference between the interest paid to them and amounts
alleged to have been realized by us through our investment of the retained assets. On February 4, 2008, the court granted our motion to
dismiss all claims, but on November 6, 2008 the First Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the District Court’s order. Our petition for rehearing
in the First Circuit Court of Appeals was denied on January 21, 2009, and the case was remanded to the District Court. On August 19, 2009,
the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for class certification under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 23(b)(2). Plaintiffs filed a motion
for leave to file an amended complaint and to file a renewed motion for class certification under Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 23(b)(3). On
December 16, 2009, the court denied plaintiffs’ motion. Summary judgment motions are pending on plaintiffs’ remaining claims.
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
On May 16, 2008, we were added as a party to a case styled, Public Service Company of Colorado; P.S.R. Investments, Inc.; and Xcel
Energy, Inc. v. Theodore J. Mallon; Transfinancial Corporation; and Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company, filed in the District Court,
County of Boulder, State of Colorado, alleging among other things breach of contract, unjust enrichment, breach of duty of good faith and
fair dealing, fraudulent concealment, negligent misrepresentation and non-disclosure, fraud, civil conspiracy, violation of the Colorado
Consumer Protection Act (CCPA), violation of the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, and conspiracy to violate the Colorado Organized
Crime Control Act. These claims arise from the sale of corporate-owned life insurance policies to Public Service Company of Colorado by
Mallon in 1984 and 1985. These policies were reinsured to Reassure America Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Swiss Reinsurance
Company, as of July 2000. In response to the complaint, we filed a motion to dismiss all counts of the complaint asserted against us.
On October 22, 2008, the District Court granted in part and denied in part our motion to dismiss, thereby dismissing all claims against
us for violation of the CCPA, violation of the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, and conspiracy to violate the Colorado Organized Crime
Control Act. The plaintiffs filed a third amended complaint to cure the defects in their CCPA claim. We filed another motion to dismiss the
plaintiffs’ CCPA claims, which was denied.
On September 24, 2009, pursuant to a settlement agreement, several counts were dismissed with prejudice as to all the defendants.
In addition, Mr. Mallon and Transfinancial Corporation were dismissed from this action. On November 6, 2009, plaintiffs filed a fourth amended
complaint that added a claim for exemplary damages. On November 20, 2009, additional counts were dismissed with prejudice, Xcel Energy,
Inc. was dismissed from the action, and all claims asserted by Xcel Energy, Inc. were dismissed with prejudice. The court has issued interim
rulings on discovery and merits issues, and the case is set for trial commencing August 16, 2010. We deny the remaining allegations in the
fourth amended complaint and plan to vigorously contest them.
In September 2008, we received service of a complaint, in an adversary proceeding in connection with the bankruptcy case In re
Quebecor World (USA) Inc., et al. entitled Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Quebecor World (USA) Inc., et al., v. American United
Life Insurance Company, et al., filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaint alleges that
we received preference payments relating to notes held by certain of our insurance subsidiaries and seeks to avoid and recover such payments
plus interest and cost of the action. We deny the allegations in the complaint and will vigorously contest them.
Summary
Various lawsuits against us, in addition to those discussed above, have arisen in the normal course of business. Further, state insurance
regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning our compliance
with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations.
Given the complexity and scope of our litigation and regulatory matters, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending
investigations or legal proceedings or provide reasonable estimates of potential losses, except where noted in connection with specific
matters. It is possible that our results of operations or cash flows in a particular period could be materially affected by an ultimate unfavorable
outcome of pending litigation or regulatory matters depending, in part, on our results of operations or cash flows for the particular period.
We believe, however, that the ultimate outcome of all pending litigation and regulatory matters, after consideration of applicable reserves
and rights to indemnification, should not have a material adverse effect on our financial position.
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Unum
2009
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 15. Statutory Financial Information
Statutory Net Income, Capital and Surplus, and Dividends
Statutory net income for U.S. life insurance companies is reported in conformity with statutory accounting principles prescribed by the
NAIC and adopted by applicable domiciliary state laws. The commissioners of the states of domicile have the right to permit other specific
practices that may deviate from prescribed practices. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 or 2007, none of the states of domicile
for our U.S. insurance subsidiaries had adopted accounting practices that differed materially from statutory accounting principles prescribed
by the NAIC.
The statutory operating results of our traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries, which exclude Tailwind Re and Northwind Re, as well as
the statutory results for these two special purpose financial captive U.S. insurance subsidiaries, are as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Combined Net Income (Loss)
U.S. Traditional Insurance Subsidiaries
Tailwind Re and Northwind Re
Combined Net Gain (Loss) from Operations
U.S. Traditional Insurance Subsidiaries
Tailwind Re and Northwind Re
Statutory capital and surplus is as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Combined Capital and Surplus
U.S. Traditional Insurance Subsidiaries
Tailwind Re and Northwind Re
Year Ended December 31
2009
2008
2007
$639.2
$ 87.2
$540.8
$ 79.8
$ 530.8
$(111.5)
$741.2
$ 87.2
$682.0
$ 81.2
$ 589.1
$(111.9)
December 31
2009
2008
$3,286.9
$1,300.0
$2,756.0
$1,300.5
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Restrictions under applicable state insurance laws limit the amount of ordinary dividends that can be paid to a parent company
from its insurance subsidiaries without prior approval by regulatory authorities. For life insurance companies domiciled in the United States,
that limitation typically equals, depending on the state of domicile, either ten percent of an insurer’s statutory surplus with respect to
policyholders as of the preceding year end or the statutory net gain from operations, excluding realized investment gains and losses, of the
preceding year. The payment of ordinary dividends to a parent company from its insurance subsidiaries is further limited to the amount of
statutory surplus as it relates to policyholders. Based on the restrictions under current law, $719.7 million is available for the payment of
ordinary dividends from our U.S. insurance subsidiaries, excluding Tailwind Re and Northwind Re, during 2010. The ability of Tailwind Re and
Northwind Re to pay dividends to their parent companies, Tailwind Holdings and Northwind Holdings, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Unum
Group, will depend on their satisfaction of applicable regulatory requirements and on the performance of the business reinsured by Tailwind
Re and Northwind Re.
We also have the ability to draw a dividend from our United Kingdom insurance subsidiary, Unum Limited. Such dividends are limited
based on insurance company legislation in the United Kingdom, which requires a minimum solvency margin. The amount available under
current law for payment of dividends from Unum Limited during 2010 is approximately £198.5 million, subject to regulatory approval.
Regulatory restrictions do not limit the amount of dividends available for distribution from our non-insurance subsidiaries. The payment of
dividends to the parent company from any of our subsidiaries requires the approval of the individual subsidiary’s board of directors.
Deposits
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, our U.S. insurance subsidiaries had on deposit with U.S. regulatory authorities securities with a book
value of $292.1 million and $293.7 million held for the protection of policyholders.
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Unum
2009
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 16. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of our unaudited quarterly results of operations for 2009 and 2008:
(in millions of dollars, except share data)
4th
3rd
2nd
1st
2009
Premium Income
Net Investment Income
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
Total Revenue
Income Before Income Tax
Net Income
Net Income Per Common Share
Basic
Assuming Dilution
$1,865.7
$1,861.1
$1,875.9
$1,872.8
595.7
(25.9)
579.6
14.9
597.6
87.3
573.7
(64.6)
2,496.6
2,517.5
2,628.0
2,448.9
295.9
199.4
0.60
0.60
334.6
221.1
0.67
0.66
411.2
267.2
0.81
0.80
250.6
164.9
0.50
0.50
(in millions of dollars, except share data)
4th
3rd
2nd
1st
2008
Premium Income
Net Investment Income
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
Total Revenue
Income Before Income Tax
Net Income
Net Income Per Common Share
Basic
Assuming Dilution
$1,917.7
$1,946.5
$1,968.6
$1,950.5
589.8
(257.7)
2,323.7
52.5
41.8
0.13
0.13
594.7
(165.8)
2,442.7
159.8
108.0
0.32
0.32
613.1
26.1
2,675.3
367.0
240.3
0.70
0.69
591.4
(68.5)
2,540.6
244.7
163.1
0.47
0.46
152
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Report of Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Unum Group
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Unum Group and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008,
and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, cash flows, and comprehensive income (loss) for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 2009. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Unum Group and subsidiaries at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, Unum Group changed its method of accounting for impairment of debt
securities as of April 1, 2009 in accordance with the adoption of ASC 320-10-65.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Unum Group
and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 26, 2010
expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
February 26, 2010
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Unum
2009
Management’s Annual Report on
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as
defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting
encompasses the processes and procedures management has established to (i) maintain records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and
fairly reflect the Company’s transactions and dispositions of assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as
necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; (iii) provide
reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures are appropriately authorized; and (iv) 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. In addition,
any projection of the evaluation of effectiveness to future periods is 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.
We assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, based on criteria established in Internal Control –
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and concluded that, as of
December 31, 2009, we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting.
154
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Unum 2009 Annual Report
Report of Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Unum Group
We have audited Unum Group and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on
criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (the COSO criteria). Unum Group and subsidiaries’ 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 conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
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 included obtaining an understanding of internal control
over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary
in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
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.
In our opinion, Unum Group and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
the consolidated balance sheets of Unum Group and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated
statements of income, stockholders’ equity, cash flows, and comprehensive income (loss) for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2009, and our report dated February 26, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
February 26, 2010
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Unum
2009
Cautionary Statement Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” to encourage companies to provide prospective information,
as long as those statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. Certain information contained
in this Annual Report or in any other written or oral statements made by us in communications with the financial community or contained in
documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), may be considered forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are
those not based on historical information, but rather relate to future operations, strategies, financial results, or other developments and speak
only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to update these statements, even if made available on our website or otherwise. These
statements may be made directly in this document or may be made part of this document by reference to other documents filed by us with
the SEC, a practice which is known as “incorporation by reference.” You can find many of these statements by looking for words such as “will,”
“may,” “should,” “could,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “projects,” “goals,” “objectives,” or similar expressions in
this document or in documents incorporated herein.
These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our
control. We caution readers that the following factors, in addition to other factors mentioned from time to time, may cause actual results
to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements:
• Unfavorable economic or business conditions, both domestic and foreign, including the continued financial market disruption.
• Legislative, regulatory, or tax changes, both domestic and foreign, including the effect of potential legislation and increased
regulation in the current political environment.
• Sustained periods of low interest rates.
• Changes in claim incidence and recovery rates due to, among other factors, the rate of unemployment and consumer confidence, the
emergence of new diseases, epidemics, or pandemics, new trends and developments in medical treatments, and the effectiveness
of claims management operations.
• Fluctuation in insurance reserve liabilities.
• Investment results, including but not limited to, realized investment losses resulting from impairments that differ from our
assumptions and historical experience.
• Changes in interest rates, credit spreads, and securities prices.
• Increased competition from other insurers and financial services companies due to industry consolidation or other factors.
• Changes in our financial strength and credit ratings.
• Rating agency actions, state insurance department market conduct examinations and other inquiries, other governmental
investigations and actions, and negative media attention.
• Effectiveness in supporting new product offerings and providing customer service.
• Actual experience in pricing, underwriting, and reserving that deviates from our assumptions.
• Lower than projected persistency and lower sales growth.
• Changes in accounting standards, practices, or policies.
• Effectiveness of our risk management program.
• The level and results of litigation.
• Currency exchange rates.
• Ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends as a result of regulatory restrictions.
• Ability and willingness of reinsurers to meet their obligations.
• Changes in assumptions related to intangible assets such as deferred acquisition costs, value of business acquired, and goodwill.
• Events or consequences relating to terrorism and acts of war, both domestic and foreign.
• Ability to recover our systems and information in the event of a disaster or unanticipated event.
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly
qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section.
156
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Shareholder Information
prINCIpAL OFFICeS
1 Fountain Square
Chattanooga, TN 37402
423 294 1011
2211 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04122
207 575 2211
1200 Colonial Life Blvd.
Columbia, SC 29210
803 798 7000
Milton Court
Dorking, Surrey RH4 3LZ
England
011 44 1306 887766
18 Chestnut Street
Worcester, MA 01608
774 437 4441
655 N. Central Avenue
Suite 900
Glendale, CA 91203
800 424 2008
prINCIpAL SubSIdIArIeS
CONTACT INFOrMATION
unum Life Insurance
Company of America
Portland, Maine
provident Life and
Accident Insurance Company
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Colonial Life & Accident
Insurance Company
Columbia, South Carolina
unum Limited
Dorking, England
The paul revere Life
Insurance Company
Worcester, Massachusetts
First unum Life Insurance Company
New York, New York
Investor relations
Thomas A.H. White
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
1 Fountain Square
Chattanooga, TN 37402
423 294 8996
Corporate Information
Susan N. Roth
Corporate Secretary
1 Fountain Square
Chattanooga, TN 37402
800 718 8824
Transfer Agent
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 43078
Providence, RI 02940-3078
800 446 2617
COMMON STOCk INFOrMATION
Common stock of Unum Group is traded
on the New York Stock Exchange.
The stock symbol is UNM.
STOCk perFOrMANCe
The following graph shows a five year comparison of cumulative total returns for
our common stock’s historical performance, the S&P 500 Index, and the Insurance
Index (non-weighted average of “total returns” from the S&P Life & Health Index
and the S&P Multi-line Index). Past performance is not an indication of future results.
$175
150
125
100
75
50
25
Unum Group
S&P 500
2004
$100.00
$100.00
Insurance Index
$100.00
2005
$128.91
$104.91
$115.65
2006
$119.62
$121.48
$129.88
2007
$138.70
$128.16
$130.19
2008
$110.01
$ 80.74
$ 46.72
2009
$117.59
$102.11
$ 55.19
As of February 24, 2010, there were 14,915 registered holders of common stock.
Quarterly market prices and dividends declared and
paid per share of common stock are as follows:
Market Price
High
Low
Dividend
2009
1st Quarter
$20.51
$ 7.61
$0.0750
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
18.94
23.25
22.78
11.80
14.37
18.48
0.0750
0.0825
0.0825
2008
1st Quarter
$24.50
$19.22
$0.0750
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
24.99
27.50
26.20
20.40
19.43
9.33
0.0750
0.0750
0.0750
72441_G-73975_NAR.indd 21
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© 2010 Unum Group. All rights reserved. Unum is a registered trademark and
marketing brand of Unum Group and its insuring subsidiaries.
All the paper used in this annual report is Elemental Chlorine Free. The papers used
for the cover and pages 1-16 of this book contain 10% Post Consumer Waste.
unum Group
1 Fountain Square
Chattanooga, TN 37402
www.unum.com
G-73975 (3-10)
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