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FY2012 Annual Report · Unum Group
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2012ANNUALREPORT

Financial Highlights
Unum Group









Income Per Share(2)

After-taxOperatingIncome(3)

NetRealizedInvestmentGain(Loss)

Non-operatingRetirement-relatedLoss

DeferredAcquisitionCostsandReserveCharges



forClosedBlock

SpecialTaxItems

Net Income

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

AsAdjusted(1)

$  3.15

$ 2.98

$ 2.73

$ 2.64

$ 2.54

 0.13

 (0.11)

(0.01)

(0.07)

 0.05

(0.06)

 —

(0.09)

(0.89)

(0.03)

 —

 —

(2.04)

 0.08

 —

(0.03)

 —

 —

 —

 —

$  3.17

$ 0.94

$ 2.69

$ 2.55

$ 1.62

Book Value Per Share

TotalStockholders’Equity

NetUnrealizedGain(Loss)onSecurities

NetGainonCashFlowHedges

ForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustment

UnrecognizedPensionandPostretirementBenefitCosts

$ 31.87

$27.91

$26.80

$24.25

$17.94

 3.23

 1.48

  (0.26)

  (2.13)

 2.11

 1.39

(0.41)

(1.51)

 1.31

 1.14

(0.34)

(1.00)

 1.16

 1.12

(0.23)

(1.00)

(2.53)

 1.38

(0.52)

(1.23)

Total Stockholders’ Equity, As Adjusted(3)

$ 29.55

$26.33

$25.69

$23.20

$20.84

(1)EffectiveJanuary1,2012,weadoptedanaccountingstandardsupdateregardingthecapitalizationofcostsassociatedwiththeacquisitionof

insurancecontractsandappliedtheamendmentsretrospectively.Priorperiodresultshavebeenadjustedtoreflectourretrospectiveadoption.
Seepages101and102ofthisAnnualReportforfurtherdiscussion.

(2)Pershareamountsforoperatingstatementdataassumedilution.

(3)Weanalyzeourperformanceusingnon-GAAPfinancialmeasureswhichexcludecertainitemsandtherelatedtaxthereonfromnetincome.
Webelieve“After-taxOperatingIncome,”whichisanon-GAAPfinancialmeasureandexcludesrealizedinvestmentgainsandlossesand
non-operatingretirement-relatedgainsandlosses,whicharerecurring,andcertainotheritemsasspecified,isabetterperformancemeasure
andabetterindicatoroftheprofitabilityandunderlyingtrendsinourbusiness.Realizedinvestmentgainsandlossesdependonmarket
conditionsanddonotnecessarilyrelatetodecisionsregardingourunderlyingbusiness.Certaincomponentsofthenetperiodicbenefitcost
forourpensionsandotherpostretirementbenefitplans,namelytheamortizationofpriorperiodactuarialgainsorlosses,areprimarilydriven
bymarketperformanceandarenotindicativeoftheoperationalresultsofourbusinesses.Theexclusionofcertainotheritemsspecified
abovealsoenhancestheunderstandingandcomparabilityofourperformanceandtheunderlyingfundamentalsinouroperations,butthis
exclusionisnotanindicationthatsimilaritemsmaynotrecur.Wealsobelievethatbookvaluepercommonshareexcludingaccumulated
othercomprehensiveincomeorloss(AOCI),whichalsotendstofluctuatedependingonmarketconditionsandgeneraleconomictrends,isan
importantmeasure.Seepages42,43,163and164ofthisAnnualReportforadditionalnon-GAAPfinancialmeasurereconciliations.

D 

 UNUM 

  2012 ANNUAL REPORT

 
To Our 
Shareholders, 
Customers and 
Colleagues

Thomas R. Watjen
President and  
Chief Executive Officer

I’m pleased to report that 2012 was another very good year 

for our company. Our continued focus on the disciplined 

execution of our business plan resulted in strong operating 

and financial performance as we grew the businesses 

we targeted for growth, generated strong profitability in 

our core businesses and maintained a solid financial 

foundation — while delivering on our commitments to  

customers and shareholders, and finishing the year  

well-positioned for the future. 

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

 1

 
Our performance over the last several years affirms that 

•  Pre-tax operating income of $1.2 billion, with record 

operating with discipline and focus can produce favorable 

earnings in both Unum US and Colonial Life;

results, even in the most challenging of times. Soft  

economic conditions, overly aggressive competitors and 

low interest rates can tempt some to stretch for business 

and investment returns. We’ve not succumbed to that 

temptation, but instead have stayed true to the principles 

that have contributed to our past success — principles that 

•  Operating earnings per share of $3.15, a 5.7 percent  

increase over last year and the seventh consecutive  

year of growth for the company;

•  Return on equity for our active businesses of 14.1 percent 

and a total company return on equity of 12.3 percent; and 

will continue to serve us well as we execute our strategies to 

•  Book value per share** of $29.55, a 12.2 percent 

grow our businesses in a sound and sustainable manner, 

increase over last year. 

and, in doing so, create value for our shareholders. 

OUR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 

In 2012, we continued to benefit from the actions we took 

a decade ago to instill greater discipline in all that we do. 

That has led to more balance across our reporting segments 

and generally more consistency in our results, which has 

allowed us to steadily return capital to our shareholders. 

I was generally pleased with the financial and operating 

results we produced in 2012. We performed well across 

most of the company and, while there are certainly areas 

for improvement, it was by any measure another strong 

year. I am very proud of my nearly 10,000 colleagues at 

the company who stand behind these results.

Among the year’s highlights:*

Since the fourth quarter of 2007, 
we have repurchased approximately 
$2.2 billion in stock, or 26 percent of  
our outstanding shares, and increased 
our dividend by 73 percent.

Make no mistake, there are things we could have done 

better in 2012, and I’m especially disappointed in our 

profitability in the U.K. While this is our smallest business, 

it is an important market for us. We allowed the profitability 

of one product line — group life — to deteriorate, and we will 

learn from this experience. The good news is that we have 

a much more diverse base of earnings today than in prior 

years, and the shortfall in Unum UK was offset by solid 

performance around the rest of the company.

•  Revenues of $10.5 billion, a 2.3 percent year-over-year 

We continued to create value for investors through  

increase driven by premium growth in all our  

a combination of operating performance and capital  

active businesses;

management, and both are powerful value creators.  

•  Net investment income of $2.5 billion, which while 

essentially flat with last year, is a strong showing in this 

economic and interest rate environment;

This requires, though, that we maintain operating  

discipline, which leads to a strong balance sheet and  

capital position, and predictable cash flow. It also gives  

  * In analyzing performance, the company sometimes uses non-GAAP financial measures that differ from what is reported under GAAP.  Refer to the Financial Highlights and 
pages 42, 43, 163 and 164 for reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures used in this report, including operating income, operating revenue, operating earnings 
per share, return on equity and book value per share (excluding AOCI), to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

2 

** Excludes AOCI.

 
 
us a great deal of flexibility, which last year was used to 

repurchase $500 million of our stock and increase our 

dividend by 24 percent. Since the fourth quarter of 2007, 

we have repurchased approximately $2.2 billion in stock, 

or 26 percent of our outstanding shares, and increased 

our dividend by 73 percent. 

While I was not satisfied with our stock’s performance last 

year, I am very confident that the approach we have taken 

to managing the business can continue to create long-term 

value for shareholders. Over the last five years, our total 

return to shareholders has significantly outperformed our 

industry. Steady, profitable growth is something not only 

important to investors but also to our rating agencies, 

and I am obviously very pleased that both Moody’s and 

Standard & Poor’s had the confidence in our company to 

upgrade our financial strength ratings in 2012.

Operating Earnings Per Share

9 . 3 %   C A G R

$2.64 $2.73

$2.54

$2.25

$1.85

$1.69

$3.15

$2.98

2005

2006 

2007

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012

 CAGR – Compound Annual Growth Rate.

Although there are still challenges ahead and more we 

wish to accomplish, we were pleased with our performance 

this past year and are well-positioned for 2013. Each year 

brings its own unique challenges and changes, but what 

A CEO’s Perspective on the 
Value of Financial Protection
A Message from Tom Watjen

The need for financial protection benefits has 
steadily grown as financial foundations have 
shifted, government resources have been strained, 
and costs have climbed.

When people need them most, benefits such 
as disability, accident, critical illness and life 
insurance protect against financial hardships that 
can derail the stability of individuals and families.

Few people understand that the average worker 
has a one in three chance of becoming disabled 
from illness or injury for six months or more 
during his or her working life. Most of us are 
unprepared for the consequences of losing an 
income, even for a short period of time.

In fact, 40 percent of working Americans live 
paycheck-to-paycheck. Half of all households could 
not raise $2,000 within a month if they needed to, 
according to the Bureau of Economic Research. 

The need for and the value of financial protection 
benefits are growing topics of conversation. Over 
the last two years, Unum has worked to quantify  
the tangible value of disability benefits in particular 
and, in the process, built partnerships that can move 
us toward the goal of protecting the financial 
security of working people and families.

Our industry must continue to do its part by 
helping educate consumers about the need 
for financial protection and by seeking ways to 
simplify our products and make them more 

Continued on page 5

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

  3

 
 
will not change is our commitment to staying disciplined, 

•  Our corporate reputation, particularly as viewed by our 

maintaining our financial flexibility and continuing to return 

customers, improved again last year to the highest level 

excess capital to shareholders.

ever for the company; and

OUR BRAND

In last year’s Annual Report, I said that our success goes 

well beyond just financial results, and that we strive to be 

a company viewed not just for its financial performance 

but as a leader in our industry, in our communities and with 

our employees. That continues to ring true today, and in 

many respects defines our brand more than anything 

else we do. From that standpoint, 2012 was perhaps the 

strongest year we have had since I became CEO in 2003. 

Consider that among other things:

•  Our claimant satisfaction remains very high, and again 

this past year we backed our commitment to customers 

by paying more than $6 billion in benefits;

•  Our customer and broker satisfaction results continue to 

•  Our community and social responsibility efforts increased 

again in 2012, including financial support, volunteerism 

and sustainability initiatives. 

Also, while it’s often difficult to measure, I believe that 

we have elevated our stature as a leading voice for our 

industry — both in the media as well as with our policy-

makers in the U.S. and U.K. These activities are important 

if we are to further promote the value of the financial 

protection benefits we offer in the workplace — not just 

for the value they bring to individuals and their families 

during their time of need, but also the impact private 

financial protection insurance can have on the public  

policy debates in both of our markets, as you will see  

on the adjoining pages. 

be extremely strong — indicating our close connection 

Nothing, though, is more important to our brand than our 

to the marketplace;

people. They deliver on our commitments to our customers, 

Book Value Per Share*
9 .1 %   C A G R

set a standard for giving back to our communities, and 

of course deliver the financial results I touched on earlier. 

I can’t thank them enough for what they have done, not just 

$29.55

in 2012, but consistently each and every year to support 

$25.69

$26.33

the needs of all our stakeholders. Our people define our 

$23.20

$20.84

brand and are our competitive advantage, and I am very 

confident that, through their efforts, we can maintain the 

momentum we have worked so hard to build at this 

company and continue to deliver on our commitments to 

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

all our key stakeholders. 

* Excludes AOCI.

4 

 UNUM 

  2012 ANNUAL REPORT

 
  
 
 
In my opinion the needs have never  
been greater for the things that we do. 
Why? Seventy percent of Americans 
and ninety percent of Britons lack 
disability insurance coverage and,  
to a lesser extent, the other basic 
financial protections we offer. 

None of us have a crystal ball to predict the future, but 

having a track record of delivering on our commitments 

and a team here at Unum that is engaged in the business 

gives me great confidence in our future.

OUR OUTLOOK

As we look to 2013, despite our confidence in our future, 

we are still maintaining a generally cautious view of the 

environment. While there are early signs that the general 

economy and employment picture are improving, the 

pace of improvement is slow. We are therefore maintain-

ing a guarded outlook until we are more certain of the 

strength of the recovery.

The most challenging headwind for us continues to be 

persistently low interest rates. I mentioned in last year’s 

letter to you that low rates are very harmful to savers,  

as well as to financial institutions serving consumers  

of all income levels. These comments stand today.

A CEO’s Perspective
Continued from page 3

affordable to all workers. But government can also  
play an important role by helping to raise 
awareness with consumers, employers and others.

Financial protection benefits are  
affordable. In fact, disability  
coverage is often as low as  
$20 to $30 per month. Yet  
roughly 70 percent of private  
sector employees lack  
long term disability  
coverage, according to the  
Bureau of Labor Statistics.  
And life insurance ownership  
is at its lowest level since  
World War II.

The most widespread income protections — 
workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability 
Insurance and personal savings — are useful but 
often insufficient. The average Social Security 
Disability Insurance benefit is only $1,100 a month 
and is reserved for disabilities expected to last 
for at least a year or result in death. Seventy 
percent of initial applications are rejected, and 
the appeals process can take years.

When an employee is sidelined by injury or 
illness, disability benefits replace on average 
60 percent of the employee’s income, helping 
families avoid real financial hardship. Employers 
also benefit from the role the coverage can play in 
recruiting and retaining a talented workforce.

And the value of these benefits extends to 
taxpayers and the government.

In 2011, Unum commissioned a study by Charles 
River Associates to assess the economic value 
of employee benefits with a specific focus on 
disability insurance provided in the workplace.

The study found that private, employer-sponsored 
disability insurance saves U.S. taxpayers up to 
$4.5 billion per year and helps as many as 

Continued on page 7

Continued on page 7

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

  5

 
Despite what I would continue to characterize as a tough 

environment for our business, the principles that have 

served us so well in the past will continue to serve us in 

Return on Equity

the future — especially maintaining discipline in our pricing, 

in our investments, and in the management of our balance 

13.8%

12.2%

16.8%

Total
2012
 12.3%

sheet and capital position. These have been hallmarks of 

this company, and have served us well, and there’s no 

reason to change now. 

While this may sound like we will be playing defense in 

Unum US

Unum UK

Colonial 
Life

2.8%

Closed 
Block

2013, that couldn’t be further from the truth. As I mentioned 

we offer. It’s unlikely that the public sector can fill this void 

earlier, although we will always seek ways to improve 

considering the funding issues affecting those programs in 

our business, we are clearly operating from a position of 

the U.S. and U.K. At the same time, the vast majority of life 

strength, and are seeking ways to profitably expand the 

and disability insurance is purchased in the workplace — 

market for our financial protection products and services. 

which is our focus. 

In my opinion the needs have never been greater for the 

The result is that I continue to believe we are in a long-

things that we do. Why? Seventy percent of Americans and  

term growth business. With our singular focus on this 

ninety percent of Britons lack disability insurance coverage 

business, the strength of our brand, the investments  

and, to a lesser extent, the other basic financial protections 

we are making in the business and our strong financial 

Dividends & Shares Repurchased

to profitably grow our market and further leverage this 

Share Repurchases

Dividends

unique platform, we’ll find them.

platform, I am confident that if there are opportunities  

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

$700 million

—

$356 million

$620 million

$500 million

—

+10%

+12%

+14%

+24%

TOTAL

$2,176 million

$578 million

As I noted earlier, my confidence in our ability to build 

from the success we have had comes from our people. 

They are highly engaged in the business, dedicated to 

doing the right thing, deliver on our commitments each 

day, and are focused on the future. I can’t express enough 

how much I appreciate all they do for this company and 

its customers, communities and shareholders.  

6 

 UNUM 

  2012 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
Finally, I would like to share my appreciation for our Board 

of Directors and my management team for the exceptional 

leadership they have brought to this company. In this 

environment, it is often difficult to “stick to the plan” 

and remain focused on the fundamentals. Our Board and 

leadership team have had the courage to stay with the 

principles that have been so important to our past success 

and will certainly serve as the guiding principles in creating 

sustainable success well into our future.

We will continue to take the actions needed to meet our 

customers’ needs, while delivering strong financial results 

for our shareholders. On behalf of all of us at Unum, 

thank you for your continued support of our company.

Regards,

Thomas R. Watjen

President and Chief Executive Officer

A CEO’s Perspective
Continued from page 5

575,000 families avoid impoverishment and the 
need to rely on public assistance programs. The 
report also suggests that poverty among working 
adults who become disabled during their careers 
could be virtually eliminated if all workers had some 
form of employer-sponsored disability insurance.

Private, employer-sponsored disability 
insurance saves taxpayers up to  
$4.5 billion per year.

Clearly, employer-sponsored benefits can play a 
major role in addressing the growing need for 
financial protection for families and individuals 
and in taking pressure off government resources.

Our partnership with Demos, an independent 
think-tank, is part of an innovative campaign in the 
U.K. to widen awareness of the value of group 
income protection to individuals, employers and 
to society as a whole. Additionally, a study last 
year by the Centre for Economics and Business 
research in the U.K. revealed that a typical 
business with more than 500 employees incurs 
long-term absence costs of £620,000 annually.

And research released last year by the Consumer 
Federation of America in partnership with Unum 
shows that individuals in the U.S. need and want 
disability coverage — and that they would be 
willing to pay for it if their employers offered 
them the opportunity.

This research is already helping our industry 
drive conversations that aim to increase the 
availability of disability benefits.

Protecting individuals and families against the 
financial impact of illness, injury or loss is a critical 
step in creating a safety net for all workers. The 
private sector, government and advocacy organiza-
tions can and must work together to increase the 
awareness of the need for employer-sponsored 
benefits and to make these valuable benefits 
more accessible to individuals and families.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

  7

 
DISCIPLINED OPERATING   
PERFORMANCE

The generally strong results we’ve produced in spite of a difficult environment have 

been possible because we continued to follow the playbook we established many 

years ago.

It starts with a solid business plan and a relentless focus on 

business. In 2012, premium income in these markets 

executing that plan well. We refine our plans on a regular 

increased nearly five percent.

basis to ensure our company is well positioned to meet the 

needs of our customers and take advantage of opportunities 

This growth has not come at the cost of sound business 

that may exist in the market. We also foster a culture that 

principles — or our customer service. We apply rigorous 

encourages employees to maintain focus on execution 

underwriting and expense management practices to ensure 

every day by delivering on our service commitments to 

we minimize risk for our customers and our shareholders, 

our policyholders.

and continue to improve the way we do business. As a 

result of our disciplined underwriting, for instance, we’ve 

The steps we’ve taken to diversify our business and take a 

seen our benefit ratios decline or remain stable over the 

more disciplined approach to pricing and underwriting have 

past seven years for Unum US and Colonial Life. And our 

served us well. A decade ago, our business was heavily 

expense ratios have improved over the last three years as 

focused in the disability and life markets. Today, group 

we’ve analyzed our operations to find ways to work smarter. 

disability accounts for less than a third of our business. A full 

All the while, our already high customer satisfaction scores 

31 percent of our 2012 earnings came from voluntary benefits 

have continued to climb even higher as we consistently 

through our Colonial Life and Unum US businesses. Our focus 

deliver the quality service that customers expect from us.

on geographic and product diversity have helped us become 

a more versatile benefits provider for our customers and 

By consistently executing on our operating plan, we delivered 

have better positioned us for any economic environment.

on our commitments to shareholders too. With 2012’s 

In addition to growth in voluntary benefits, we’ve seen 

capped seven consecutive years of operating EPS growth. 

positive trends in other markets we have targeted for 

Return on equity for 2012 was also a solid 12.3 percent, a 

growth, such as our Unum US core market (under 2,000 

key indicator that our business continues to deliver value 

lives cases) and our Unum UK group income protection 

for our investors. 

operating earnings per share growth of 5.7 percent, we 

8 

 UNUM 

  2012 ANNUAL REPORT

 
Growth Trends in Premium Income
6.0%

4.0%

2.0%

0.0%

-2.0%

-4.0%

-6.0%

4Q09

1Q10 2Q10 3Q10 4Q10 1Q11 2Q11 3Q11 4Q11 1Q12 2Q12 3Q12 4Q12

Growth Markets
Total Company

Before-tax Operating Earnings by Segment*

Full Year 2002

Full Year 2012

Closed Block
16%

Unum UK
7%

Colonial Life
13%

Unum US 
Supplemental & Voluntary
16%

Unum US 
Group Disability
27%

Unum US 
Group Life & AD&D
21%

Closed Block
7%

Unum UK
10%

Colonial Life
20%

Unum US 
Supplemental & Voluntary
25%

Unum US 
Group Disability
22%

Unum US 
Group Life & AD&D
16%

Full-year 2002 excludes certain items. See reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures in the Appendix on page 164. 

*Excludes Corporate segment. 

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

 9

 
 
In many ways, we are in the business of trust. Our policyholders trust that we’ll provide 

the financial protection they need when illness, injury or the death of a loved one occurs. 

And our shareholders trust that we’ll deliver attractive returns on their investment. 

That’s why we work so hard to maintain a solid financial foundation.

Strong Credit Quality — Defaults by Year 
(in percent)

At the heart of our efforts is an unwavering commitment 

to effective risk management. Here at Unum, we believe 

that risk management is everyone’s responsibility. After all, 

2.63

2.12

Unum
Industry Average

we’re in the business of managing risk for others and we 

apply the same rigorous standards to our own operations. 

0.64

0.45

0.12

0.00

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.02

0.05

0.05

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Although we constantly refine our plans to meet changing 

business needs and financial market realities, what doesn’t 

change is our long-term perspective. We’ve been around 

for 165 years, and we know that policyholders count on us 

to be there for them 20, 30 and 40 years from now, so we 

must manage our resources well.

Managing our resources starts with maintaining a strong 

investment portfolio, balance sheet and capital position. 

With more than $50 billion under active management, 

our investment portfolio is designed to match the long-term 

nature of our business, and has enabled us to continue 

10 

 UNUM 

  2012 ANNUAL REPORT

 
PRUDENT FINANCIAL 
STEWARDSHIP

building on our strong capital position. The high quality of 

our investments means we have a significantly lower default 

experience than the market average and low exposure to 

problem areas like the Euro Zone.

Our continued outstanding operating performance and the 

strength of our investment portfolio and capital position not 

only support our business and growth needs, but create 

the opportunity to return excess capital to shareholders 

through dividend increases and share buybacks. 

In 2012, we repurchased $500 million of stock, bringing to 

$2.2 billion the value of share repurchases we have made 

over the last five years. We’ve also increased dividends 

annually since 2008, including a 24 percent increase last year.

RETURNEDVALUE:

$2.8 billion

Rating agencies have taken notice. Upgrades in our financial 

strength ratings from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s in 2012 

were just the latest in a string of positive actions. We also 

received ratings upgrades from Fitch in 2010 and from  

A.M. Best in 2011, in recognition of our favorable operating 

results, strong capitalization, and our success in navigating 

a challenging economic environment.

Our commitment to prudent financial stewardship makes 

it possible for us to be there now and in the future for 

policyholders, shareholders and all of our constituents.

Inthelastfiveyears,Unum
hasreturnedapproximately
$2.8billiontoshareholders
throughsharerepurchases
anddividendincreases.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

 11

 
COMMITMENT TO CUSTOMERS 
AND CLAIMANTS

At Unum, we’re in the business of helping people through difficult times in their lives. 

Our financial protection benefits provide individuals and their families with the financial 

security they need to better cope with the loss of a loved one or the inability to work 

due to illness or injury. 

We offer a full array of benefits solutions — including education, 

We’ve responded with benefits that provide choice in funding, 

enrollment services and valuable claim support — to meet 

flexible coverage options and simplified administration. 

the needs of both employers and their workers. We also 

Our extensive employee benefits education helps workers 

offer award-winning absence management and vocational 

understand what coverage they need, the choices they have 

rehabilitation services, which help ease the disruption to 

and the value of their benefits. And our professional benefits 

both businesses and employees by enabling them to return 

specialists are committed to helping people through their 

to full capacity as soon as they are able.

claims as quickly as possible and providing a fair and 

thorough evaluation.

Recognized for Leadership

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

94%

81%

64%

96%
94%
93%

High Customer Satisfaction
Employees Proud to Work at Unum
Positive Corporate Image —Brokers

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

We provide these benefits through three distinct, but 

similarly focused businesses — Unum US, Unum UK and 

Colonial Life — each of which is a market leader in making 

disability, life, accident and critical illness products accessible 

in the workplace. 

In addition to a broad portfolio of products that meet today’s 

needs, we have a stable, consistent presence in the market 

and an experienced workforce with extensive knowledge of 

the benefits landscape. We take pride in our responsibility 

as a source of expertise and guidance for employers and their 

employees, including keeping them informed of emerging 
trends in employee benefits — such as rising healthcare 

costs that have led employers to share more of the costs of 

coverage with their employees.

12 

 UNUM 

  2012 ANNUAL REPORT

 
COMMITMENT TO CUSTOMERS 

AND CLAIMANTS

98 percent

ofcustomerssaytheyare
likelytorecommendUnum

By acting as a reliable resource for those we serve, at  

Most importantly, our customers know they can count on 

a time when it can be tough to know which way to turn, 

Unum when the unexpected occurs. More than 20 million 

we play a crucial role in the things that matter most.

people at 170,000 companies rely on Unum’s products and 

We’re proud of the fact that, according to third-party 

and we paid out more than $6 billion in benefits last year  

surveys, we regularly outperform our industry in key 

to individuals and families who were impacted by life-

measures of customer and claimant satisfaction.

changing events. 

services — including a third of Fortune 500 companies —  

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

 13

 
Unum’s success can be directly attributed to our nearly 10,000 employees throughout 

the U.S., the U.K. and Ireland. Our people are our greatest asset, and our ability to 

deliver on the promises we make to our customers and shareholders begins with  

our employees. 

Because we have high expectations for our people,  

we start by giving them the tools and training to become — 

and remain — successful. We offer an array of programs 

to develop aspiring leaders and new managers, as well  

as to employees who want to expand their personal and 

professional skills. Our employees have responded by 

logging hundreds of thousands of learning hours to develop 

a broader understanding of our business, study changing 

customer needs or improve leadership skills and experience. 

We have also continued to invest in our people by promoting 

an environment of performance through our incentive and 

recognition programs. With our Aspire recognition program, 

for example, we salute the hard work of top non-managers 

throughout the company with an annual development and 

training event at Walt Disney World in Florida. We also have 

a number of recognition opportunities for managers and 

others at every level of the company.

$13 million

In2012,Unumanditsemployeesin
theU.S.,U.K.andIrelandcontributed
morethan$13milliontomeet
communityneeds.

14 

 UNUM 

  2012 ANNUAL REPORT

 
INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE

Additionally, we work hard to make sure employees 

understand the connection between their individual 

performance and Unum’s overall success. We know that  

to remain competitive in today’s business environment — 

while also enhancing our ability to meet the needs of our 

customers — we must continually challenge ourselves to 

raise the bar for performance. For that reason, we’ve recently 

placed an ever greater focus on employee leadership by 

reinforcing the understanding that leadership, and not just 

tangible results, is a key component of performance. We’ve 

also increased our focus on providing our management 

team with the resources to help lead this company into  

the future.

Last, we continue to create a positive work environment 

for our employees through our focus on things like wellness 

and healthy work-life balance. We’re pleased that employee 

engagement remains at a high level, according to our work 

environment surveys, and that our commitment to employees 

has earned Unum such accolades as a “Best Place to Work 

in Insurance” as well as a top employer in our home states.

Without a doubt, our engaged and experienced workforce 

makes Unum an attractive long-term partner for our 

customers. They help us live up to our commitments to 

policyholders and shareholders alike by providing forward-

thinking solutions backed by a strong and diverse company.

AWARDS:

BestPlacestoWorkinInsurance
2009-2012

BestPlacestoWorkinMaine,
TennesseeandSouthCarolina
2006-2012

Forbes magazine—100Most
TrustworthyCompanies

CenterforPoliticalAccountability—
CorporateLeaderinPoliticalDisclosure
andAccountability

Newsweek magazine—Green
Companies—#34

 15

 
 
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
Audit Committee
Michael J. Passarella, Chairperson
E. Michael Caulfield
Kevin T. Kabat
Timothy F. Keaney
Thomas Kinser

Finance Committee
E. Michael Caulfield, Chairperson
Pamela H. Godwin
Ronald E. Goldsberry
Timothy F. Keaney

Governance Committee
Ronald E. Goldsberry, Chairperson
Pamela H. Godwin
Gloria C. Larson

Human Capital Committee
A.S. MacMillan, Jr., Chairperson
Kevin T. Kabat
Thomas Kinser
Edward J. Muhl

Regulatory Compliance Committee
Gloria C. Larson, Chairperson
A.S. MacMillan, Jr.
Edward J. Muhl
Michael J. Passarella

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

SENIOR OFFICERS 
Thomas R. Watjen
President and  
Chief Executive Officer

Liston Bishop III
Executive Vice President and
General Counsel

Randall C. Horn
President and  
Chief Executive Officer,  
Colonial Life

Kevin P. McCarthy
Executive Vice President and  
Chief Operating Officer; 
President and Chief Executive Officer,  
Unum US

Jack F. McGarry
Executive Vice President, Individual 
Disability and Long-term Care Closed 
Block Operations

Richard P. McKenney 
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Peter O’Donnell
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Unum UK

Diane M. Garofalo
Senior Vice President,  
Human Resources

Breege A. Farrell
Senior Vice President and  
Chief Investment Officer

Joseph R. Foley
Senior Vice President and 
Chief Marketing Officer

Christopher J. Jerome
Senior Vice President,  
Global Services

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 
William J. Ryan
Chairman of the Board  
of the Company;
Retired Chairman,  
TD Banknorth Inc.

E. Michael Caulfield
Former President,  
Mercer Human Resource Consulting

Pamela H. Godwin
President,  
Change Partners, Inc.

Ronald E. Goldsberry
Automotive Industry Consultant

Kevin T. Kabat
Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,  
Fifth Third Bancorp

Timothy F. Keaney
Vice Chairman,
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation

Thomas Kinser
Retired President and  
Chief Executive Officer,  
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee

Gloria C. Larson
President, 
Bentley University

A.S. MacMillan, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer, 
Triaxia Partners, Inc.

Edward J. Muhl
Retired National Leader,  
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Michael J. Passarella
Retired Managing Partner,  
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Thomas R. Watjen
President and Chief Executive Officer  
of the Company

16 

 UNUM 

  2012 ANNUAL REPORT

 
2012 

FINANCIAL REVIEW

  18  Selected Financial Data

  20 

  82 

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

 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures  
About Market Risk

  88  Consolidated Balance Sheets

  90  Consolidated Statements of Income

  91  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

  92  Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

  93 

 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  94  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 159 

 Reports of Independent Registered  

  Public Accounting Firm and Management’s  
  Annual Report on Internal Control Over  
  Financial Reporting

 162 

 Cautionary Statement Regarding  

  Forward-Looking Statements

 163  Appendix

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  17

 
Selected Financial Data

(in millions of dollars, except share data) 

2012 

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008

As Adjusted (1)

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

$  7,716.1 

$  7,514.2 

$  7,431.4 

$  7,475.5 

$  7,783.3

2,515.2 

2,519.6 

2,495.5 

2,346.6 

2,389.0

56.2 

227.9 

(4.9) 

249.1 

24.7 

241.6 

11.7 

257.2 

(465.9)

275.9

10,515.4 

10,278.0 

10,193.2 

10,091.0 

9,982.3

Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits (2) 

6,722.2 

7,209.5 

6,354.1 

6,291.6 

6,626.4

Commissions 

Interest and Debt Expense 

Other Expenses (3) 

Total   

Income Before Income Tax 

Income Tax (4) 

Net Income 

Balance Sheet Data

Assets  

Long-term Debt 

917.2 

145.4 

1,481.1 

9,265.9 

1,249.5 

355.1 

879.2 

143.3 

1,712.7 

9,944.7 

333.3 

49.1 

855.4 

141.8 

837.1 

125.4 

1,522.0 

1,553.0 

8,873.3 

8,807.1 

1,319.9 

1,283.9 

441.2 

436.6 

853.3

156.7

1,521.6

9,158.0

824.3

270.9

$     894.4 

$     284.2 

$     878.7 

$     847.3 

$     553.4

$62,236.1 

$59,555.2 

$56,602.7 

$53,778.8 

$48,961.0

$  2,755.4 

$  2,570.2 

$  2,631.3 

$  2,549.6 

$  2,259.4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 

$     628.0 

$      461.8 

$     351.4 

$     347.5 

$    (958.2)

Other Stockholders’ Equity 

Total Stockholders’ Equity 

7,984.6 

7,707.9 

8,133.5 

7,697.5 

6,899.7

$  8,612.6 

$  8,169.7 

$  8,484.9 

$  8,045.0 

$  5,941.5

18 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions of dollars, except share data) 

2012 

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008

As Adjusted (1)

At or for the Year Ended December 31

Per Share Data

Net Income

  Basic   

  Assuming Dilution 

Stockholders’ Equity 

Cash Dividends 

$  3.18 

$  3.17 

$31.87 

$0.470 

$  0.94 

$  0.94 

$27.91 

$0.395 

$  2.70 

$  2.69 

$26.80 

$0.350 

$  2.56 

$  2.55 

$24.25 

$0.315 

$  1.62

$  1.62

$17.94

$0.300

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding

  Basic (000s) 

  Assuming Dilution (000s) 

281,355.9 

302,399.8 

325,839.0 

331,266.2 

341,022.8

281,756.8 

303,571.0 

327,221.1 

332,136.2 

341,560.3

(1)  Effective January 1, 2012, we adopted an accounting standards update regarding the capitalization of costs associated with the acquisition of insurance contracts and 

applied the amendments retrospectively. Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect our retrospective adoption. See Note 1 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements” contained herein for further discussion.

(2)  Included is a reserve charge of $573.6 million in 2011 related to our long-term care closed block business and a reserve charge of $183.5 million in 2011 related to our 

individual disability closed block business. See Note 5 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein for further discussion.

(3)  Includes the net increase in deferred acquisition costs, compensation expense, and other expenses. Included in these expenses are charges of $196.0 million in 2011 
related to the impairment of long-term care closed block deferred acquisition costs. See Note 5 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein  
for further discussion.

(4)  Included are a $41.3 million reduction of income tax in 2011 related to a tax settlement; an income tax charge of $18.6 million in 2011 related to repatriation of dividends 

from our U.K. subsidiaries; and an income tax charge of $10.2 million in 2010 to reflect the impact of a tax law change.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  19

 
 
 
 
 
 
Unum Group, a Delaware general business corporation, and its insurance and non-insurance subsidiaries, which collectively with 

Unum Group we refer to as the Company, operate in the United States, the United Kingdom, and to a limited extent in certain other countries 

around the world. The discussion and analysis presented in this section should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial 

Statements and notes thereto.

Executive Summary

Throughout 2012, we remained focused on disciplined top-line growth in select markets and a sustainable capital generation and 

deployment strategy. We continue to believe that our strategy of delivering a broad set of financial protection choices to employees while 

also enabling employers to define their financial contribution in support of those choices should enable us to continue in a leadership 

position in our markets over the long term.

A discussion of our operating performance and capital management follows.

2012 Operating Performance and Capital Management

For 2012, we reported net income of $894.4 million, or $3.17 per diluted common share, compared to 2011 net income of  

$284.2 million, or $0.94 per diluted common share. After-tax operating income, which excludes several non-operating items as itemized  

in our “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” contained herein, was $887.5 million, or $3.15 per diluted common share, in 2012 

compared to $905.4 million, or $2.98 per diluted common share, in 2011. Total operating revenue by segment increased in 2012 relative to 

2011, driven by growth in our premium income. Total operating income by segment was lower in 2012 compared to 2011, with growth in 

our Unum US and Colonial Life segments offset by lower income in our other segments. Although our total operating income by segment 

declined in 2012, we reported year-over-year earnings per share growth due to our capital management strategy of returning capital to 

shareholders through repurchases of our common stock. See additional information in “2011 Long-term Care Review and Individual 

Disability Closed Block Reserves,” “Consolidated Operating Results,” and “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” contained herein.

Our Unum US segment reported an increase in segment operating income of 3.7 percent in 2012 compared to 2011, with growth in 

premium income, consistent risk results, and continued favorable expense management. Although Unum US premium income increased 

3.7 percent in 2012 compared to 2011, the ongoing high levels of unemployment and the competitive environment continue to pressure 

our premium income growth. In particular, premium growth from existing customers continues to be unfavorably impacted by lower salary 

growth and lower growth in the number of employees covered under existing policies. The benefit ratio for our Unum US segment for 2012 

was generally consistent with the level reported in 2011, with favorable supplemental and voluntary risk results offset by less favorable  

risk results for group disability and group life. Unum US sales increased 7.5 percent in 2012 compared to 2011, with growth in each of our 

product lines and in each of our major market segments. Premium persistency was above or generally consistent with the levels of 2011 

for most of our product lines and remains high relative to historical levels.

Our Unum UK segment reported a decrease in segment operating income of 30.3 percent in 2012 relative to 2011, as measured in 

Unum UK’s local currency, due primarily to adverse risk results in our group life product line. Premium income grew 2.2 percent in 2012 

relative to 2011 as a result of premium rate increases and growth in existing customer accounts, partially offset by lower premium 

persistency. Premium growth continues to be pressured due to the challenging economic and competitive pricing environment in the U.K. 

as well as our initiation of premium rate increases. The benefit ratio for Unum UK was 77.9 percent in 2012 compared to 71.8 percent in 

2011, driven by adverse risk results in group life and slightly less favorable group disability risk results. Unum UK sales decreased 5.1 percent 

in 2012 compared to 2011, as measured in Unum UK’s local currency, with lower group life, group critical illness, and individual disability 

product line sales, partially offset by higher sales in group long-term disability. Premium persistency declined, as expected, primarily as a 

result of our premium rate increases.

20 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
Our Colonial Life segment reported an increase in segment operating income of 1.6 percent in 2012 compared to 2011, with higher 

operating revenue partially offset by less favorable risk results and higher amortization of deferred acquisition costs. Premium income grew 

5.2 percent in 2012 compared to 2011. The benefit ratio for Colonial Life was 52.5 percent in 2012 compared to 51.9 percent in 2011 due to 

less favorable risk results in the life and cancer and critical illness lines of business, partially offset by a more favorable benefit ratio for the 

accident, sickness, and disability line of business. Colonial Life sales decreased 1.1 percent in 2012 compared to 2011, with a slight increase 

in core commercial market segment sales, which we define as accounts with fewer than 1,000 lives, offset by declines in large case 

commercial market segment sales and sales in the public sector market. Persistency continues to be strong and was higher for all product 

lines in 2012 compared to 2011.

Our Closed Block segment reported a decrease in segment operating income of 22.9 percent in 2012 relative to 2011, excluding  

the charges discussed in “2011 Long-term Care Review and Individual Disability Closed Block Reserves” contained herein. Also excluding 

these charges, individual disability risk results were favorable compared to 2011 due to higher claim recovery rates and a decrease in 

reserves for existing claims, while long-term care risk results were unfavorable compared to the prior year due to higher claim incidence 

rates, partially offset by higher claim resolutions.

Our investment portfolio continues to perform well, although our net investment income declined slightly in 2012 compared to 2011, 

primarily due to a decline in yield in invested assets as we continue to invest new cash flows at lower rates. Our asset quality remains 

strong, with a net unrealized gain on our fixed maturity securities of $7.2 billion at December 31, 2012, compared to $5.8 billion at 

December 31, 2011.

We believe our capital and financial positions are strong. At December 31, 2012, the risk-based capital (RBC) ratio for our traditional 

U.S. insurance subsidiaries, calculated on a weighted average basis using the NAIC Company Action Level formula, was approximately  

396 percent, compared to 405 percent at December 31, 2011. The decline relative to 2011 results primarily from higher levels of capital 

required to support our business growth, but our RBC ratio at year-end 2012 is within our target range of 375 percent to 400 percent. Our 

leverage ratio, when calculated using consolidated debt to total consolidated capital, was 30.4 percent at December 31, 2012, compared  

to 28.7 percent at December 31, 2011. The increase was due to the August 2012 issuance of $250.0 million of senior notes and the increase 

in short-term debt related to securities lending agreements outstanding, partially offset by our 2012 principal payments on the debt of 

Northwind Holdings, LLC (Northwind Holdings) and Tailwind Holdings, LLC (Tailwind Holdings). Our leverage ratio, when calculated 

excluding the non-recourse debt and associated capital of Northwind Holdings and Tailwind Holdings and the short-term debt arising from 

securities lending agreements, was 25.3 percent at December 31, 2012, compared to 23.5 percent at December 31, 2011. Cash equivalents 

and marketable securities held at Unum Group and our other intermediate holding companies are a significant source of liquidity for us and 

were approximately $805 million and $756 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Further discussion is included in “Consolidated Operating Results,” “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures,” “Segment Results,” 

“Investments,” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” contained herein.

Outlook for 2013

We anticipate the general environment for 2013 to be similar to 2012, with below-average economic growth and a continuation of  

low interest rates. While the environment will remain challenging, the need for our products and services remains strong. We believe we 

are taking the needed actions to protect our solid margins and returns and the impact of our pricing and risk actions will likely not have a 

favorable impact on our financial results until 2014 and beyond. While we anticipate that our 2013 operating growth will be below our 

long-term targets, we currently believe that our per diluted common share after-tax operating income growth will be neutral to positive 

relative to the level of 2012.

During 2013, we intend to remain focused on disciplined top-line growth in select markets, continued effectiveness in our operating 

performance, and a consistent, sustainable capital generation and deployment strategy. We continue to believe that our strategy of 

delivering a broad set of financial protection choices to employees while also enabling employers to define their financial contribution in 

support of those choices should enable us to continue in a leadership position in our markets over the long term.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  21

 
2011 Long-term Care Review and Individual Disability Closed Block Reserves 

Long-term Care Strategic Review

Following a comprehensive and strategic review of our long-term care business, in February 2012 we announced that we would 

discontinue selling group long-term care. We discontinued selling individual long-term care during 2009. Because both group and individual 

long-term care are considered closed blocks of business, effective December 31, 2011, we reclassified our long-term care products from  

the Unum US segment to the Closed Block segment. We also reclassified our other 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, which were previously reported in the Corporate and Other segment to the Closed Block segment. The inclusion of all 

closed blocks of business into one operating segment aligns with our reporting and monitoring of our closed blocks of business within a 

discrete segment and is consistent with our separation of these blocks of business from the lines of business which actively market new 

products. Prior period segment results have been restated to reflect these changes in our reporting classifications.

As part of the strategic review, and as is typical in the fourth quarter of each year, we analyzed our reserve assumptions for long-term 

care in conjunction with our annual loss recognition testing. We generally perform loss recognition tests on our deferred acquisition costs 

and policy reserves in the fourth quarter of each year, but more frequently if appropriate, using best estimate assumptions as of the date of 

the test. Included in the analysis was a review of our reserve discount rate assumptions and mortality and morbidity assumptions. Our 

analysis of reserve discount rate assumptions considered the significant decline in long-term interest rates which occurred late in the third 

quarter of 2011 due to the European Union debt crisis and the Federal Reserve Board’s actions, including the announcement of “Operation 

Twist.” We also considered an updated industry study for long-term care experience which was made available mid-year 2011 from the 

Society of Actuaries. Our analysis of this study, which was completed during the fourth quarter of 2011, showed that lower termination 

rates than we had previously assumed were beginning to emerge in industry and in our own company experience. Based on our analysis, 

as of December 31, 2011 we lowered the discount rate assumption to reflect the low interest rate environment and our expectation of 

future investment portfolio yield rates. We also changed our mortality assumptions to reflect emerging experience due to an increase in life 

expectancies which increases the ultimate number of people who will utilize long-term care benefits and also lengthens the amount of 

time a claimant receives long-term care benefits. We changed our morbidity assumptions to reflect emerging industry experience as well 

as our own company experience. While our morbidity experience is still emerging and is not fully credible, we modified our assumptions to 

align more closely with the recently published industry study. Using our revised best estimate assumptions, as of December 31, 2011 we 

determined that deferred acquisition costs of $196.0 million, as adjusted for the January 1, 2012 retrospective adoption of the accounting 

standards update related to deferred acquisition costs, were not recoverable and that our policy and claim reserves should be increased by 

$573.6 million to reflect our current estimate of future benefit obligations. These charges decreased our 2011 net income by $500.3 million. 

The increase in reserves represented a 10.5 percent increase in long-term care policy and claim reserves as of December 31, 2011, which 

equaled $5.4 billion subsequent to the charge.

Claim Reserve Increase for Individual Disability Closed Block Business

Claim reserves supporting our individual disability closed block of business are calculated using assumptions based on actual 

experience believed to be currently appropriate. Claim reserves are subject to revision as current claim experience emerges and alters our 

view of future expectations. 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. We are now able, 

with a higher degree of confidence, to assess our own experience for older ages in our long duration lifetime claim block as our data has 

become credible. There is very little industry experience for lifetime disability benefits, as our insurance companies were the primary 

disability companies in the insurance industry at the time lifetime disability benefits were offered. These benefits were offered during the 

1980s and 1990s, recent enough such that claimants are just reaching the older ages and providing us with data to build our claim 

experience base. Emerging experience indicates a longer life expectancy for our older age, longer duration disabled claimants, which 

22 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
lengthens the time a claimant receives disability benefits. As a result of this experience, as of December 31, 2011 we adjusted our mortality 

assumption within our claim resolution rate assumption and, as a result, increased our claim reserves for our individual disability closed 

block of business by $183.5 million and decreased net income by $119.3 million. The increase in reserves represented a 1.5 percent increase 

in individual disability policy and claim reserves as of December 31, 2011, which equaled $11.9 billion subsequent to the charge.

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. 

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. The accounting estimates deemed to be most critical to our financial position and results of 

operations 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. For additional information, refer to our significant accounting policies 

in Note 1 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein.

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 $39.9 billion and $39.3 billion at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, 

or approximately 74.4 percent and 76.5 percent of our total liabilities, respectively. Reserves ceded to reinsurers were $6.7 billion at both 

December 31, 2012 and 2011, and are reported as a reinsurance recoverable in our consolidated balance sheets.

Policy Reserves

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 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 individual disability and long-term care 

products in our Closed Block segment. 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.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  23

 
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 generally 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, 2012 

represented approximately 12.1 percent, 0.2 percent, and 9.7 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 and claim expenses we will pay and the expected future premiums we will receive, with a 

provision for profit allowed.

Policy reserves for our Closed Block segment include certain older policy forms for individual disability, individual and group long-term 

care, and certain other products, all of which are no longer actively marketed. The reserves for individual disability and individual and group 

long-term care, which represented approximately 40.8 percent of our total gross policy reserves at December 31, 2012, are determined 

using the gross premium valuation method. Reserves for individual disability are based on assumptions established as of January 1, 2004, 

the date of loss recognition. Reserves for long-term care are based on assumptions established as of December 31, 2011, the date of  

loss recognition. Key assumptions are persistency, mortality, claim incidence, claim resolution rates, commission rates, and maintenance 

expense rates. We 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, with no provision for future profit. The interest rate is based 

on our expected net investment returns on the investment portfolio supporting the reserves for these blocks of business. 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 annually, or more frequently if appropriate.

Policy reserves for certain other products, excluding individual disability and individual and group long-term care, which are no longer 

actively marketed and reported in our Closed Block segment represent $5.7 billion on a gross basis, or approximately 37.2 percent of our 

total policy reserves. We have ceded $4.5 billion of these other products’ 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.

24 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

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

Claim reserves supporting our Unum US group and individual disability product lines and our Closed Block individual disability and 

individual and group long-term care product lines represent approximately 35.9 percent and 47.0 percent, respectively, of our total claim 

reserves at December 31, 2012. 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 Unum US 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.

Claim reserves supporting the Unum US group life and accidental death and dismemberment products represent approximately  

3.9 percent of our total claim reserves at December 31, 2012. 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 9.7 percent of our total claim reserves at December 31, 

2012, 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 generally 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 1.4 percent of our total claim reserves at December 31, 2012, 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 reopened claim reserves for our disability products are developed and maintained in aggregate based on 

historical monitoring that has only been on a combined basis.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  25

 
December 31, 2012

Gross 

 Claim Reserves 

% 

Incurred 

IBNR 

% 

Total 

Total
Reinsurance 
Ceded 

Total
Net

Policy 
Reserves 

$ 

     — 

—%  $  7,000.8 

$   596.0 

30.9%  $  7,596.8  $     61.3  $  7,535.5

(in millions of dollars) 

Group Disability 

Group Life and Accidental  

  Death & Dismemberment 

73.8 

0.5 

790.1 

168.1 

3.9 

1,032.0 

1.0 

1,031.0

Individual Disability —  

Recently Issued 

Voluntary Benefits 

Unum US Segment 
Unum UK Segment 
Colonial Life Segment 
Individual Disability 

Long-term Care 

  Other   

557.8 

1,224.3 

3.6 

8.0 

1,855.9 

12.1 

25.6 

1,490.3 

985.7 

5,272.5 

5,704.5 

0.2 

9.7 

6.4 

34.4 

37.2 

1,093.2 

42.4 

8,926.5 

2,251.7 

251.4 

126.0 

49.4 

939.5 

142.2 

99.4 

5.0 

0.4 

40.2 

9.7 

1.4 

1,777.0 

1,316.1 

11,721.9 

2,419.5 

1,841.1 

91.2 

28.6 

182.1 

108.3 

9.4 

1,685.8

1,287.5

11,539.8

2,311.2

1,831.7

10,406.2 

297.3 

43.6 

11,689.2 

1,492.7 

10,196.5

747.0 

258.8 

81.3 

165.7 

3.4 

1.7 

6,100.8 

47.0 

6,129.0 

4,829.9 

6,053.8

1,299.1

Closed Block Segment 

11,962.7 

78.0 

11,412.0 

544.3 

48.7 

23,919.0 

6,369.6 

17,549.4

Subtotal, Excl. Unrealized Adj. 

$15,334.5  100.0%  $22,841.6  $1,725.4  100.0% 

39,901.5 

6,669.4 

33,232.1

Unrealized Adjustment to Reserves  
for Unrealized Gain on Securities 

Consolidated 

6,277.5 

351.5 

5,926.0

$46,179.0  $7,020.9  $39,158.1

December 31, 2011 

Gross 

 Claim Reserves 

% 

Incurred 

IBNR 

% 

Total 

Total
Reinsurance 
Ceded 

Total
Net

Policy 
Reserves 

Group Disability 

$   

  — 

—%  $  7,230.0 

$   595.7 

31.8% 

$  7,825.7  $     63.8  $  7,761.9

Group Life and Accidental  

  Death & Dismemberment 

74.3 

0.5 

780.5 

146.2 

3.8 

1,001.0 

1.0 

1,000.0

Individual Disability — 

Recently Issued 

Voluntary Benefits 

Unum US Segment 
Unum UK Segment 
Colonial Life Segment 
Individual Disability 

Long-term Care 

  Other   

546.7 

1,138.6 

3.7 

7.7 

1,759.6 

11.9 

26.2 

1,399.5 

1,112.3 

4,728.3 

5,687.9 

0.2 

9.5 

7.6 

32.1 

38.7 

78.4 

1,063.9 

42.1 

9,116.5 

2,118.7 

243.2 

104.5 

45.8 

892.2 

121.4 

90.1 

4.8 

0.3 

40.7 

9.1 

1.4 

1,715.1 

1,226.5 

11,768.3 

2,266.3 

1,732.8 

91.0 

26.5 

182.3 

108.1 

12.2 

1,624.1

1,200.0

11,586.0

2,158.2

1,720.6

10,494.0 

299.1 

43.9 

11,905.4 

1,477.2 

10,428.2

667.8 

306.5 

50.3 

186.7 

2.9 

2.0 

5,446.4 

48.2 

6,181.1 

4,824.6 

5,398.2

1,356.5

11,468.3 

536.1 

48.8 

23,532.9 

6,350.0 

17,182.9

Closed Block Segment 

11,528.5 

Subtotal, Excl. Unrealized Adj. 

$14,713.8  100.0%  $22,946.7 

$1,639.8 

100.0% 

39,300.3 

6,652.6 

32,647.7

Unrealized Adjustment to Reserves  
for Unrealized Gain on Securities 

Consolidated 

26 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

5,245.6 

293.2 

4,952.4

$44,545.9  $6,945.8  $37,600.1

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

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  

or long-term care 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 primarily 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 and long-term care, 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. In addition, 

for policies offering coverage for disability or long-term care at advanced ages, the level and pattern of mortality rates at advanced ages 

will impact overall benefit costs. 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.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  27

 
Trends in Key Assumptions

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 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 2012 and 2011, claim incidence rates for Unum US group long-term 

disability continued to be slightly elevated relative to the level of 2010. Given the current economic conditions, it is possible that our claim 

incidence rates for this type of product may increase.

During the fourth quarter of 2011, we completed an extensive review of experience factors for our long-term care business using 

emerging industry experience as well as our own company experience. An updated industry study for long-term care experience was 

made available mid-year 2011 from the Society of Actuaries which allowed us to compare our limited company experience to broader 

industry experience and trends. The trends reflected in emerging industry experience, as well as our own company experience, resulted in 

a modification to our mortality and morbidity assumptions, which together with the decline in interest rates as noted below, resulted in our 

recognition of a loss deficiency in our long-term care closed block of business as of December 31, 2011. During 2012, we observed elevated 

claims experience for our long-term care line of business which we view as temporary in nature. See “Long-term Care Strategic Review” 

contained herein.

Throughout the period 2010 to 2012, actual new money interest rates varied with the changing market conditions, and the 

assumptions we used to discount our reserves during this period generally trended downward slightly for all segments and product lines.  

In 2011, long-term interest rates declined significantly due to the European Union debt crisis and the Federal Reserve Board’s actions, 

including the announcement of “Operation Twist.” Interest rates have continued to remain low relative to historical norms throughout 2012. 

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 average 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 Closed Block individual disability product line 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 2011 and 2012 have varied by +5 and -4 percent in our Unum US group long-term disability line of business, between 

+14 and -13 percent in our Unum US individual disability — recently issued line of business, and between +4 and -4 percent in our Closed 

Block individual disability line of business. Claim resolution rates are very sensitive to operational and environmental changes and can be 

volatile over short periods of time. Throughout the period 2010 to 2012, we had generally stable to improving claims management 

performance, and our claim resolution rates were fairly consistent with or slightly favorable to 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.

As our claims data for older ages in our long duration lifetime claim block in our Closed Block individual disability line of business  

has become credible, we are now able, with a higher degree of confidence, to assess our own experience for this particular claim block. 

Emerging experience indicates a longer life expectancy for our older age, longer duration disabled claimants, which lengthens the time a 

claimant receives disability benefits. As a result of this experience, as of December 31, 2011, we adjusted our mortality assumption within 

our claim resolution rate assumption, resulting in an increase of $183.5 million in our Closed Block individual disability line of business claim 

reserves. Experience in 2012 remained generally consistent with our updated mortality assumption. See “Claim Reserve Increase for 

Individual Disability Closed Block Business” contained herein.

28 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
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 claim reserve balance by  

+/- 3.1 percent. Using our actual claim reserve balance at December 31, 2012, this variation would have resulted in an approximate change 

(either positive or negative) of $230 million to our claim reserves. Using the same sensitivity analysis approach for our Closed Block 

individual disability line of business, the claim reserve balance could potentially vary by +/- 2.3 percent of our reported balance, which at 

December 31, 2012, would have resulted in an approximate change (either positive or negative) of $230 million to our claim reserves. The 

major contributor to the variance for both the Unum US group long-term disability line of business and the Closed Block individual disability 

line of business is the claim resolution rate. In addition, we consider variability in our reserve assumptions related to long-term care policy 

reserves. These reserves are held under the gross premium valuation method with assumptions established as of December 31, 2011,  

the date of loss recognition. Assumptions for policy reserves do not change after the date of loss recognition unless reserves are again 

determined to be deficient. As such, positive developments will result in the accumulation of reserve margin, while adverse developments 

would result in an additional reserve charge. Variability in our reserve assumptions for long-term care may be mitigated by potential future 

rate increases, particularly those variations associated with long-term changes in morbidity or mortality experience as well as investment 

yields. When modeled in the aggregate, downside scenarios based on reasonably possible adverse variations in each of our reserve 

assumptions, including the potential impact of future rate increases on expected future premiums we will receive, could require a reserve 

increase of 7.3 percent of our reported balance, which at December 31, 2012, would have resulted in an approximate increase of  

$400 million to our policy reserves. 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 incremental direct costs associated with the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts 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 84 percent of our DAC relates to traditional non interest-sensitive products, and we amortize DAC for these products in 

proportion to the premium income we expect to receive over the life of the policies. DAC related to interest-sensitive policies is 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. Key assumptions used in developing the future amortization of DAC are persistency, premium 

income, and for our interest-sensitive products, mortality margins and investment returns. We use our own historical experience and 

expectation of the future performance of our businesses in determining our assumptions. For traditional products, the estimated premium 

income in the early years of the amortization period is generally higher than in the later years due to the anticipated cumulative effect of 

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 2012, our key assumptions used to develop the future amortization of acquisition costs deferred during 2012 did not change 

materially from those used in 2011. Generally, we do not expect our key assumptions 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.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  29

 
The following 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, 2012 and 2011.

Unum US

  Group Disability 

  Group Life and Accidental  

  Death & Dismemberment 

  Supplemental and Voluntary:

Individual Disability — Recently Issued 

  Voluntary Benefits 

Unum UK

  Group Disability 

  Group Life 

  Supplemental and Voluntary 

Colonial Life

  Accident, Sickness, and Disability 

  Life   

  Cancer and Critical Illness 

Totals   

Amortization 
Period 

Balance Remaining as a % 
of Initial Deferral 

Year 3 

Year 10 

Year 15 

DAC Balances  
at December 31
2012 

2011

7 

7 

20 

15 

3 

3 

20 

15 

25 

19 

25% 

0% 

0% 

$     47.4 

$     39.4

25% to 30% 

0% 

0% 

40.7 

32.0

70% to 75% 

60% 

7% 

7% 

57% 

47% 

72% 

61% 

50% 

15% 

0% 

0% 

17% 

13% 

36% 

27% 

25% 

0% 

0% 

0% 

7% 

2% 

18% 

11% 

449.1 

487.1 

4.1 

3.2 

31.5 

328.9 

195.4 

168.1 

458.0

442.4

4.8

3.5

32.6

304.9

199.2

160.3

$1,755.5 

$1,677.1

Amortization of DAC is adjusted to reflect actual experience for assumptions which deviate compared to the anticipated experience. 
Any deviations from projections may result in a change to the rate of amortization in the period such events occur. As an example, for our 
traditional products, we may experience accelerated amortization if policies terminate earlier than projected, or we may experience a 
slower rate of amortization if policies persist longer than projected. Our actual experience has not varied materially from our assumptions 
during the last three years.

We measure the recoverability of DAC by performing loss recognition tests in the fourth quarter of each year, but more frequently if 

appropriate, using best estimate assumptions as of the date of the test. Insurance contracts are grouped for each major product line within 

a segment when we perform loss recognition tests. If loss recognition testing indicates that DAC is not recoverable, the deficiency is 

charged to expense. Our loss recognition testing during the fourth quarter of 2011 indicated impairment of our long-term care DAC,  

and the balance of $196.0 million as of December 31, 2011 was charged to expense. See “Long-term Care Strategic Review” contained 

herein for further discussion.

In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an Accounting Standards Update, now included in Accounting 

Standards Codification 944 “Financial Services — Insurance,” 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. The amendments in the update 

modified the existing guidance and require that only incremental direct costs associated with the successful acquisition of a new or renewal 

insurance contract can be capitalized. All other costs are to be expensed as incurred. See Note 1 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial 

Statements” contained herein for further discussion of our retrospective adoption of this update.

30 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and 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 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 our intent and/or ability to sell the asset or transfer the liability at the measurement date.

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. The market sources from which we obtain or derive the fair 

values of our assets and liabilities carried at market value include quoted market prices for actual trades, price quotes from third party 

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  31

 
pricing vendors, price quotes we obtain from outside brokers, matrix pricing, discounted cash flow, and observable prices for similar publicly 

traded or privately traded issues that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer. Our fair value measurements could 

differ significantly based on the valuation technique and available inputs.

When using a pricing service, we obtain the vendor’s pricing documentation to ensure we understand their methodologies.  

We periodically review and approve the selection of our pricing vendors to ensure we are in agreement with their current methodologies. 

When markets are less active, brokers may rely more on models with inputs based on the information available only to the broker. Our 

internal investment management professionals, which include portfolio managers and analysts, monitor securities priced by brokers and 

evaluate their prices for reasonableness based on benchmarking to available primary and secondary market information. 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 2012, we have applied valuation techniques on a consistent basis to similar assets and liabilities and consistent with those 

techniques used at year end 2011.

Inputs to Valuation Techniques

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. We use observable and unobservable inputs in measuring the fair value of  

our financial instruments.

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

•  Audited financial statements

32 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
The management of our investment portfolio includes establishing pricing policy and reviewing the reasonableness of sources and 

inputs used in developing pricing. 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. In the event we receive a vendor’s market price that does not appear reasonable based on 

our market analysis, we may challenge the price and request further information about the assumptions and methodologies used by the 

vendor to price the security. We may change the vendor price based on a better data source such as an actual trade. We also review all 

price changes from the prior month which fall outside a predetermined corridor. 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. In the event an asset is sold, we test the validity of the fair value determined by our valuation 

techniques by comparing the selling price to the fair value determined for the asset in the immediately preceding month end reporting 

period closest to the transaction date.

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 net 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. For purposes of valuing net counterparty risk, we measure the fair 

value of a group of financial assets and financial liabilities on the basis of the price that would be received to sell a net long position or 

transfer a net short position for a particular risk exposure in an orderly transaction between market participants, at the measurement date 

and under current market conditions. 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.

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.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  33

 
As of December 31, 2012, 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 0.72 percent for five-year maturities to 2.95 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 0.83 percent for five-year maturities to 

2.89 percent for 30-year maturities used at December 31, 2011.

•  Current Baa corporate bond spreads ranging from 0.98 percent to 2.23 percent were added to the risk free rate to reflect the lack of 

liquidity. We used spreads ranging from 1.53 percent to 2.97 percent at December 31, 2011. The changes were based on observable 

market spreads. Newly issued private placement securities have historically offered yield premiums higher than a similar interest 

rate spread on comparable newly issued public securities.

•  Additional basis points were added as deemed appropriate for foreign investments, certain industries, and individual securities in 

certain industries that are considered to be of greater risk.

At December 31, 2012, approximately 4.9 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 95.1 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on non-binding quotes or other observable and 

unobservable inputs, as discussed below.

•  Approximately 77.5 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 3.8 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 confirms 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 13.8 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, 2012, approximately 4.9 percent of our fixed maturity securities were categorized as Level 1, 90.7 percent as 

Level 2, and 4.4 percent as Level 3. During 2012, we transferred $1,186.1 million of fixed maturity securities into Level 3 and $556.6 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 2 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein.

34 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

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

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 

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  35

 
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, considering the value of the underlying collateral, 

the value of which is periodically assessed. Mortgage loans are not reported at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets unless the 

mortgage loan is considered impaired, in which case the impairment 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.

See Notes 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein for further details on our investments 

and derivatives.

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, and the U.K. pension plan also uses expected cost of living increases to plan benefits.

The assumptions chosen for our pension and OPEB plans are reviewed annually, using 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.

36 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
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 2013 and 2012 net periodic benefit costs for our U.S. pension plans was 4.50 percent  

and 5.40 percent, respectively. The discount rate used for the net periodic benefit costs for 2013 and 2012 for our U.K. pension plan was 

4.50 percent and 4.90 percent, respectively. The discount rate used in the net periodic benefit cost for our OPEB plan for 2013 and 2012  

was 4.20 percent and 5.20 percent, respectively.

Regarding sensitivity analysis, a decrease in the discount rate assumption of 50 basis points would increase our 2012 pension and 

OPEB expenses by approximately $19.9 million, before tax, and would increase our pension and OPEB benefit obligations by approximately 

$214.0 million as of December 31, 2012, resulting in an after-tax decrease in stockholders’ equity of approximately $141.5 million as of 

December 31, 2012.

An increase in the discount rate assumption of 50 basis points would decrease our 2012 pension and OPEB expenses by  

approximately $16.6 million, before tax, and would decrease our pension and OPEB benefit obligations by approximately $196.2 million as 

of December 31, 2012, resulting in an after-tax increase in stockholders’ equity of approximately $130.0 million as of December 31, 2012.

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. The U.S. pension plans use a compound interest method in computing the rate of return 

on their pension plan assets. The investment portfolio for our U.S. qualified pension plan contains a diversified blend of domestic and 

international large cap, mid cap, and small cap equity securities, U.S. government and agency 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, including diversified growth 

funds, which invest in assets such as global equities, hedge funds, commodities, below-investment-grade fixed income securities, and 

currencies, as well as leveraged, interest rate, and inflation swap funds intended to broadly match part of the interest rate and inflation 

sensitivities of the plan’s liabilities. 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.

Our expectations for the future investment returns of the asset categories are based on a combination of historical market performance, 

evaluations of investment forecasts obtained from external consultants and economists, and current market yields. For the U.S. pension 

plans, 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 current 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 asset assumption used in the net periodic pension costs for our U.S. qualified defined benefit pension 

plan for 2013 and 2012 was 7.50 percent for both years. The long-term rate of return on asset assumption used for 2013 and 2012 for our 

U.K. pension plan was 6.20 percent and 5.80 percent, respectively, and for our OPEB plan was 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.

A change in the expected long-term rate of return on the pension plan assets of +/-50 basis points would change our 2012 pension 

plan expense by approximately $7.0 million before tax, but would not materially change our OPEB plan expense. A lower rate of return on 

plan assets increases our expense.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  37

 
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 return on assets fully recognizes 

all asset gains and losses, including changes in fair value, through the measurement date.

During 2012, the fair value of plan assets in our U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan increased $182.8 million, or approximately 

15.6 percent, while the fair value of plan assets in our U.K. pension plan increased £5.5 million, or approximately 4.6 percent. Although the 

effect of these increases in fair value had no impact on our 2012 net periodic pension costs, the favorable rate of return on these plan 

assets in 2012 will have a favorable impact on our net periodic pension costs for 2013, but we expect this favorable impact to be negated 

by the decrease in the liability discount rate for these plans. 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 $902.6 million and a net unrecognized prior service 

credit of $6.5 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, 2012, the unrecognized net loss for these two items 

combined was approximately $896.1 million.

The unrecognized gains or losses are amortized as a component of the net benefit cost. Our 2012, 2011, and 2010 pension and OPEB 

expense includes $43.4 million, $28.8 million, and $29.1 million, respectively, of amortization of the unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss) 

and prior service credit (cost). The unrecognized net actuarial loss for our pension plans, which is $883.3 million at December 31, 2012, will 

be amortized over the average future working life of pension plan participants, currently estimated at 11 years for both U.S. and U.K. 

participants, to the extent that it exceeds the 10 percent corridor, as described below. The unrecognized net actuarial loss of $19.3 million 

for our OPEB plan will be amortized over the average future working life of OPEB plan participants, currently estimated at 5 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, 2012, $648.7 million of the 

actuarial loss was outside of the corridor for the U.S. plan and £10.7 million was outside of the corridor for the U.K. plan. At December 31, 

2012, 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 $1,353.6 million at December 31, 2012, compared  

to $1,170.8 million at December 31, 2011. The effect of a reduction in the liability discount rate, partially offset by the increase in fair value 

of plan assets, increased our year end deficit funding level to $454.3 million at December 31, 2012, compared to $274.7 million as of 

December 31, 2011.

The fair value of plan assets in our OPEB plan was $11.5 million at December 31, 2012, compared to $11.7 million at December 31, 2011. 

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. We discontinued offering retiree life insurance to future retirees effective 

December 31, 2012. We will still provide this benefit to those employees who retired prior to December 31, 2012.

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 2012 and 2011; however, we elected to make a voluntary contribution of $53 million in 2012 to our U.S. 

qualified defined benefit pension plan. We made no contributions in 2011. We expect to make a voluntary contribution of approximately 

$50 million to our U.S. qualified defined benefit plan during 2013.

During 2006, the U.S. 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.

38 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
The fair value of plan assets for our U.K. pension plan was £126.5 million at December 31, 2012, compared to £120.9 million at 

December 31, 2011. The U.K. pension plan had a surplus of £5.3 million and £11.3 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  

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 24.8 percent of pensionable salaries for active members of the plan, plus 0.4 percent of pensionable salaries for all employees 

(including active members of the plan) who are entitled to lump sum death-in-service benefits under the plan, sufficient to meet  

the minimum funding requirement under U.K. legislation. During 2012 and 2011, we made required contributions of £2.6 million and  

£2.9 million, respectively. We expect to make contributions of approximately £2.6 million during 2013.

See Note 8 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein 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. In 2011, as 

part of an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) settlement, we released a $4.1 million valuation allowance related to basis differences in foreign 

subsidiaries and net operating loss carryforwards in foreign jurisdictions for which we previously believed we would not realize a tax 

benefit. As of December 31, 2012, we had no valuation allowance.

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 

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.

See Note 6 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein.

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 13 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  39

 
Accounting Developments

For information on new accounting standards and the impact, if any, on our financial position or results of operations, see Note 1  

of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein.

Consolidated Operating Results

(in millions of dollars) 

Revenue

Premium Income 

Net Investment Income 

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) 

Other Income 

Total Revenue 

Benefits and Expenses

Year Ended December 31

2012 

% Change 

2011 

% Change 

2010 

$  7,716.1 

2.7% 

$  7,514.2 

1.1% 

$  7,431.4

2,515.2 

56.2 

227.9 

10,515.4 

(0.2) 

N.M. 

(8.5) 

2.3 

2,519.6 

1.0 

(4.9) 

(119.8) 

249.1 

10,278.0 

3.1 

0.8 

2,495.5

24.7

241.6

10,193.2

Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits 

6,722.2 

(6.8) 

7,209.5 

13.5 

6,354.1

Commissions 

Interest and Debt Expense 

Deferral of Acquisition Costs 

Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs 

Impairment of Deferred Acquisition Costs 

Compensation Expense 

Other Expenses 

Total Benefits and Expenses 

Income Before Income Tax 

Income Tax 

Net Income 

N.M. = not a meaningful percentage

917.2 

145.4 

(467.3) 

378.7 

4.3 

1.5 

5.6 

3.6 

— 

(100.0) 

786.8 

782.9 

9,265.9 

1,249.5 

355.1 

$     894.4 

(2.6) 

(0.3) 

(6.8) 

274.9 

N.M. 

214.7 

879.2 

143.3 

(442.5) 

365.7 

196.0 

808.0 

785.5 

9,944.7 

333.3 

49.1 

$     284.2 

2.8 

1.1 

4.7 

(2.0) 

— 

4.1 

(1.2) 

12.1 

(74.7) 

(88.9) 

(67.7) 

855.4

141.8

(422.5)

373.3

—

776.3

794.9

8,873.3

1,319.9

441.2

$     878.7

In describing our results, we may at times note certain items and exclude the impact on financial ratios and metrics to enhance the 

understanding and comparability of our operational performance and the underlying fundamentals, but this exclusion is not an indication 

that similar items may not recur. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” as follows for additional discussion of these items. 

Also, as previously discussed, effective January 1, 2012, we adopted an accounting standards update regarding the capitalization of costs 

associated with the acquisition of insurance contracts and applied the amendments retrospectively. Prior period results have been 

adjusted to reflect our retrospective adoption. See Note 1 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein for 

further discussion.

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 relative to the preceding 

period, as occurred in 2012 compared to 2011, translating into dollars decreases current period results relative to the prior periods. In 

periods when the pound strengthens relative to the preceding period, as occurred in 2011 compared to 2010, translating pounds into dollars 

increases current period results relative to the prior period. Our weighted average pound/dollar exchange rate was 1.584, 1.603, and  

1.543 for the years ended 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. If the 2011 and 2010 results for our U.K. operations had been translated at  

the exchange rate of 2012, our operating revenue by segment in 2011 and 2010 would have been approximately $11.0 million lower and 

$20.3 million higher, respectively, and our operating income by segment in 2011 and 2010 would have been approximately $2.3 million 

40 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
 
lower and $5.9 million higher, respectively. 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 item and not a reflection of operations or profitability in the U.K.

Consolidated premium income for both 2012 and 2011 includes premium growth, relative to the preceding years, for each of our  

three major business segments, although we continue to experience pressure on premium growth in many of our product lines due to the 

challenging economic and competitive pricing environment. Premium income continues to decline, as expected, in our Closed Block 

individual disability line of business, but our Closed Block long-term care line of business experienced premium growth during 2012 and 

2011, relative to the preceding years, due to limited issuances of group long-term care policies, continued high persistency levels, and the 

implementation of rate increases for certain of our individual long-term care policies.

Net investment income was slightly lower in 2012 relative to 2011 due primarily to a decline in yield on invested assets, an increase  

in the amortization of the principal amount invested in our tax credit partnerships, and lower income on our Unum UK inflation index-linked 

bonds. These declines were partially offset by a higher level of invested assets, higher bond call premiums, an increase in income from 

private equity partnership investments, and higher prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities. Net investment income increased 

slightly in 2011 relative to 2010 due primarily to continued growth in invested assets and higher bond call premiums, partially offset by an 

increase in the amortization of the principal amount invested in tax credit partnerships, a decrease in income on other partnership 

investments, and lower prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities.

We recognized in earnings a net realized investment gain of $56.2 million in 2012, compared to a loss of $4.9 million in 2011 and  

a gain of $24.7 million in 2010. Included in these amounts were other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities of 

$19.9 million and $15.9 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively, all of which were recognized in earnings. We had no other-than-temporary 

impairment losses on fixed maturity securities during 2012.

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. Changes in the fair value of this embedded derivative resulted in a realized gain of $51.8 million 

in 2012, compared to a loss of $39.4 million in 2011 and a gain of $21.1 million in 2010. Gains and losses on this embedded derivative result 

primarily from changes in credit spreads in the overall investment market.

The benefit ratios were 87.1 percent in 2012 compared to 95.9 percent in 2011 and 85.5 percent in 2010. Excluding the 2011 reserve 

charges in our Closed Block segment, the benefit ratio for 2011 was 85.9 percent. The year-over-year increase in 2012 was primarily 

attributable to adverse risk results in our Unum UK group life line of business and in our Closed Block long-term care line of business. Risk 

results in our Unum US segment for 2012 were generally consistent with the level reported in 2011, and the benefit ratio for Colonial Life 

was only slightly elevated in 2012 compared to 2011. Risk results for 2011 were slightly unfavorable relative to 2010, excluding the reserve 

charges, with favorable risk results in our Unum US segment and the Closed Block individual disability line of business offset by unfavorable 

risk results in our Unum UK and Colonial Life segments and our Closed Block long-term care line of business. Further discussion of our line  

of business risk results for each of our segments is included in “Segment Results” as follows.

Interest and debt expense for 2012 was slightly higher than 2011 due primarily to the issuance of $250.0 million of debt in August 

2012, partially offset by the maturity of $225.1 million of debt in March 2011. Interest and debt expense was marginally higher in 2011 

compared to 2010 due primarily to the September 2010 issuance of $400.0 million of debt, mostly offset by the maturity of $225.1 million 

of debt in March 2011. We also experienced lower interest expense in 2011 compared to 2010 on $350.0 million of debt which we 

effectively converted into floating rate debt through the use of an interest rate swap entered into during the fourth quarter of 2010.  

See “Debt” and Note 7 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein for further information on our debt.

The deferral of acquisition costs increased in both 2012 and 2011 relative to the prior years, with continued growth in certain of our 

product lines and the associated increase in deferrable expenses more than offsetting the lower level of deferrable costs in product lines 

with lower growth.

The amortization of deferred acquisition costs continues to increase year-over-year due to continued growth in the level of the 

deferred asset for certain of our product lines. Also impacting comparability between the years shown are adjustments for actual premium 

persistency which deviates from assumptions for certain issue years in certain of our traditional product lines as well as the impact from 

prospective unlocking for actual experience for assumptions which deviate compared to anticipated experience for certain of our interest-

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  41

 
sensitive product lines. At December 31, 2011, we determined that our long-term care deferred acquisition costs were not recoverable,  

and we recognized an impairment charge at that time. Further discussion of deferred acquisition costs and amortization by product line  

for each of our segments is included in “Segment Results” as follows.

The year-over-year variability in compensation expense primarily relates to incentive compensation which varies with the volume  

of sales. Also contributing to the variability were higher expenses in 2012, relative to the two preceding years, for our pension and other 

postretirement benefit plans and higher expenses in 2011, as compared to either 2012 or 2010, due to costs related to the implementation 

of expense management initiatives. Other expenses were lower in both 2012 and 2011 compared to the prior years due to our continued 

focus on operating effectiveness and expense management. See Note 8 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained 

herein for further information on our pension and postretirement benefit plans.

Our income tax for 2012, 2011, and 2010 includes reductions of $9.3 million, $6.8 million, and $2.7 million, respectively, to reflect the 

impact of the decrease in the U.K. corporation tax rate changes on our net deferred tax liability related to our U.K. operations. Other items 

impacting our reported income tax rate include a release of an $11.0 million tax liability during 2012 related to unrecognized tax benefits,  

a reduction in federal income taxes of $41.3 million during 2011 due to a final settlement with the IRS, an $18.6 million tax during 2011 

related to the repatriation of £150.0 million of dividends from our U.K. subsidiaries, and a tax of $10.2 million during 2010 to reflect the impact 

of the tax law change related to postretirement prescription drug coverage. Also lowering our income tax rate in 2012 and 2011 relative to 

the preceding year is an increase in the level of our investments in low-income housing tax credit partnerships. In January 2013, the American 

Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 retroactively reinstated the active financing income exemption which affects the amount of earnings from foreign 

subsidiaries that is taxed annually, regardless of whether foreign earnings are repatriated. Our 2012 income tax reflects the taxation of all 

active financing income from our foreign subsidiaries, the amount of which was immaterial. In the first quarter of 2013, our income tax will 

reflect reinstatement of the exemption for active financing income, and we will reverse the amounts recorded in our 2012 income tax. See 

Note 6 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein for further information on our income taxes.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We analyze our performance using 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. We believe operating income or loss which 

excludes the specified items listed in our reconciliation is a better performance measure and a better indicator of the profitability and 

underlying trends in our business. Realized investment gains or losses depend on market conditions and do not necessarily relate to 

decisions regarding the underlying business of our segments. Our investment focus is on investment income to support our insurance 

liabilities as opposed to the generation of realized investment gains or losses. Although we may experience realized investment gains or 

losses which will affect future earnings levels, a long-term focus is necessary to maintain profitability over the life of the business since our 

underlying business is long-term in nature, and we need to earn the interest rates assumed in calculating our liabilities. Certain components 

of the net periodic benefit cost for our pensions and other postretirement benefit plans, namely the amortization of prior period actuarial 

gains or losses, are primarily driven by market performance and are not indicative of the operational results of our businesses. We believe 

that excluding the amortization of prior period gains or losses from operating income by segment provides investors with additional 

information for comparison and analysis of our operating results. Although we manage our non-operating retirement-related gains or 

losses separately from the operational performance of our business, these gains or losses impact the overall profitability of our company 

and will increase or decrease over time, depending on market conditions and the resulting impact on the actuarial gains or losses in our 

pensions and other postretirement benefit plans. We also exclude certain other items from our discussion of financial ratios and metrics in 

order to enhance the understanding and comparability of our operational performance and the underlying fundamentals, but this exclusion 

is not an indication that similar items may not recur and does not replace net income or net loss as a measure of our overall profitability. 

42 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
The non-GAAP financial measures of “operating revenue,” “operating income” or “operating loss,” and “after-tax operating income” differ from 

revenue, income before income tax, and net income 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 or losses, non-operating retirement-related gains or losses, 

and certain other items.

A reconciliation of operating revenue by segment to revenue and operating income by segment to net income is as follows:

(in millions of dollars) 

Operating Revenue by Segment 

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) 

Total Revenue 

Operating Income by Segment 

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) 

Non-operating Retirement-related Loss 

Income Tax 

Net Income 

Year Ended December 31

2012 

2011 

2010

$10,459.2 

$10,282.9 

$10,168.5

56.2 

(4.9) 

24.7

$10,515.4 

$10,278.0 

$10,193.2

$  1,239.7 

$     370.1 

$  1,327.4

56.2 

(46.4) 

(355.1) 

(4.9) 

(31.9) 

(49.1) 

24.7

(32.2)

(441.2)

$     894.4 

$     284.2 

$     878.7

As previously noted, included in before-tax “Operating Income by Segment” shown in the preceding chart are certain other items 

which we may at times exclude from our discussion of financial ratios and metrics in order to enhance the understanding and comparability 

of our operational performance and the underlying fundamentals, but this exclusion is not an indication that similar items may not recur. 

Excluding the before-tax charges of $196.0 million to recognize an impairment of our long-term care deferred acquisition costs and  

$573.6 million and $183.5 million to increase reserves in our long-term care and individual disability closed blocks, respectively, our 

operating income by segment was $1,323.2 million for 2011. The after-tax impacts of these charges, as well as certain other items,  

are reflected in the following reconciliation of after-tax operating income to net income:

After-tax Operating Income 

$887.5 

$ 3.15 

$ 905.4 

$ 2.98 

$894.3 

$   2.73

Year Ended December 31

2012 

2011 

2010

(in millions) 

per share* 

(in millions) 

per share* 

(in millions) 

per share*

Deferred Acquisition Costs Impairment  

 and Reserve Charges for Long-term  

Care Closed Block, Net of Tax 

Reserve Charge for Individual  

 Disability Closed Block, Net of Tax 

Tax Reduction from IRS Settlement 

Tax Related to U.K. Repatriation 

Tax Related to Healthcare Reform Legislation 

Non-operating Retirement-related Loss,  

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(500.3) 

(1.65) 

(119.3) 

41.3 

(18.6) 

— 

(0.39) 

0.14 

(0.06) 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

—

—

—

—

(10.2) 

(0.03)

  Net of Tax 

(30.2) 

(0.11) 

(20.7) 

(0.07) 

(21.1) 

(0.06)

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss),  

  Net of Tax 

  Net Income 

* Assuming Dilution

37.1 

0.13 

(3.6) 

(0.01) 

15.7 

$894.4 

$ 3.17 

$ 284.2 

$ 0.94 

$878.7 

0.05

$   2.69

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  43

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Sales Results

Shown below are sales results for our three major business segments.

(in millions) 

Unum US  

Unum UK  

Colonial Life 

Year Ended December 31

2012 

% Change 

2011 

% Change 

$760.5 

£  59.5 

$361.9 

7.5% 

(5.1) 

(1.1) 

$707.3 

£  62.7 

$365.9 

9.9% 

(18.8) 

2.0 

2010

$643.4

£  77.2

$358.8

Sales shown in the preceding chart generally represent the annualized premium income on new sales which we expect to receive and 

report as premium 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 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 income over a  

12 month period, while premium income reported in our financial statements is reported on an “as earned” basis rather than an annualized 

basis and also includes renewals and persistency of in-force policies written in prior years as well as current new sales.

Sales, persistency of the existing block of business, and the effectiveness of a renewal program are indicators of growth in premium 

income. Trends in new sales, as well as existing market share, also indicate the 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.

See “Segment Results” as follows for a discussion of sales by segment.

Segment Results

Our reporting segments are comprised of the following: Unum US, Unum UK, Colonial Life, Closed Block, and Corporate. Effective 

January 1, 2012, we adopted an accounting standards update regarding the capitalization of costs associated with the acquisition of insurance 

contracts and applied the amendments retrospectively. Operating income by segment has been adjusted to reflect our retrospective adoption. 

See Note 1 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein for further discussion.

In the following segment financial data, “operating revenue” excludes net realized investment gains or losses. “Operating income”  

or “operating loss” excludes net realized investment gains or losses, non-operating retirement-related gains or losses, and income tax. 

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 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 or losses and non-operating retirement-related gains  

or losses. We previously allocated the amortization of prior period actuarial gains or losses, the component of the net periodic benefit costs 

for our pensions and other postretirement benefit plans which we consider to be non-operating, to our Corporate segment. During the first 

quarter of 2012, we determined that we would modify our segment reporting. Effective January 1, 2012, the amortization of prior period 

actuarial gains or losses is no longer included in operating income or operating loss by segment. Prior period segment results for our 

Corporate segment have been adjusted to conform to current year reporting. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” 

contained herein.

Financial information for each of our reporting segments is as follows.

44 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

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 products, and supplemental and voluntary lines of business, which are comprised of individual disability — recently issued 

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) 

2012 

% Change 

2011 

% Change 

2010

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 

3,238.6 

Commissions 

Interest and Debt Expense 

Deferral of Acquisition Costs 

Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs 

Other Expenses 

Total   

Operating Income Before Income Tax and Net 

507.5 

1.1 

(249.2) 

196.5 

991.8 

4,686.3 

$4,456.5 

3.7% 

$4,296.0 

1.0% 

$4,255.4

952.3 

124.6 

5,533.4 

0.1 

2.5 

3.1 

4.0 

7.1 

10.0 

13.1 

4.5 

(0.4) 

2.9 

951.4 

121.6 

5,369.0 

3,113.5 

474.0 

1.1 

(1.0) 

0.9 

(0.3) 

2.9 

1.0 

(16.7) 

(220.3) 

188.1 

995.8 

4,552.1 

6.0 

(2.3) 

1.6 

— 

941.5

122.8

5,319.7

3,124.4

460.6

1.2

(207.8)

192.6

979.7

4,550.7

  Realized Investment Gains and Losses 

$   847.1 

3.7 

$   816.9 

6.2 

$   769.0

Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):

  Benefit Ratio 

  Other Expense Ratio 

  Before-tax Operating Income Ratio 

72.7% 

22.3% 

19.0% 

72.5% 

23.2% 

19.0% 

73.4%

23.0%

18.1%

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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) 

2012 

% Change 

2011 

% Change 

2010

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 

1,741.6 

Commissions 

Interest and Debt Expense 

Deferral of Acquisition Costs 

Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs 

Other Expenses 

Total   

Operating Income Before Income Tax and Net  

159.3 

1.1 

(26.3) 

18.3 

539.0 

2,433.0 

$1,578.8 

(0.1)% 

$1,580.2 

(3.6)% 

$1,639.4

476.7 

2,055.5 

576.9 

93.7 

2,726.1 

4.7 

1.0 

(4.6) 

4.8 

(0.1) 

1.1 

(0.1) 

10.0 

20.1 

(7.6) 

(1.5) 

0.2 

455.2 

2,035.4 

605.0 

89.4 

2,729.8 

1,722.1 

159.5 

5.6 

(1.7) 

(1.6) 

3.1 

(1.5) 

(1.5) 

(0.1) 

1.0 

(16.7) 

(21.9) 

19.8 

547.0 

2,427.5 

20.3 

(3.4) 

0.6 

(1.1) 

430.9

2,070.3

614.6

86.7

2,771.6

1,747.8

159.7

1.2

(18.2)

20.5

543.7

2,454.7

  Realized Investment Gains and Losses 

$   293.1 

(3.0) 

$   302.3 

(4.6) 

$   316.9

Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):

  Benefit Ratio 

  Other Expense Ratio 

  Before-tax Operating Income Ratio 

Premium Persistency:

  Group Long-term Disability 

  Group Short-term Disability 

Case Persistency:

  Group Long-term Disability 

  Group Short-term Disability 

84.7% 

26.2% 

14.3% 

90.7% 

88.0% 

88.8% 

88.2% 

84.6% 

26.9% 

14.9% 

90.2% 

89.9% 

89.0% 

88.0% 

84.4%

26.3%

15.3%

89.4%

88.6%

88.4%

87.3%

46 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011

Premium income increased slightly in 2012 compared to 2011, with sales growth of 11.9 percent and generally stable persistency 

levels. As previously discussed, high unemployment levels and the competitive environment continue to pressure our premium income 

growth, including growth from existing customers. Net investment income declined in 2012 relative to 2011 due to a decrease in income 

from bond call premiums, a decrease in the level of invested assets, and a decline in yield on invested assets, partially offset by an increase 

in the level of prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities. Other income for 2012 included fees from administrative services 

products of $81.7 million compared to $77.9 million in 2011.

The benefit ratio was slightly unfavorable in 2012 compared to 2011, due primarily to a 50 basis point decrease in the discount rate 

during the third quarter of 2012 for group long-term disability new claim incurrals compared to a 25 basis point decrease during the third 

quarter of 2011. Also unfavorably impacting the benefit ratio for group disability were higher claim prevalence rates and a higher average 

weekly indemnity for short-term disability, mostly offset by favorable long-term disability claim recoveries.

The deferral of acquisition costs in 2012 was higher than 2011 due primarily to higher sales. The amortization of deferred acquisition 

costs was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to a decrease in amortization related to internal replacement transactions. The 

other expense ratio was lower in 2012 relative to 2011 due primarily to higher premium income and our continued focus on operating 

effectiveness and expense management.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010

Premium income decreased in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to the ongoing high levels of unemployment and the competitive 

environment, partially offset by higher premium and case persistency. Net investment income was lower in 2011 compared to 2010 due 

primarily to a decrease in the level of invested assets and a decline in the level of prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities, 

partially offset by an increase in bond call premiums. Other income included fees from administrative services products of $77.9 million and 

$74.9 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The benefit ratio was slightly higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due to an increase in group long-term and short-term disability 

incidence rates and a decrease in the claim reserve discount rate for group long-term disability new claim incurrals as previously discussed. 

These unfavorable impacts on the benefit ratio were mostly offset by a higher rate of group long-term disability claim recoveries.

The deferral of acquisition costs in 2011 was higher than 2010 due to a higher level of sales in 2011 and an increase in the associated 

acquisition costs. The amortization of acquisition costs in 2011 was lower than 2010 due to a decrease in amortization related to internal 

replacement transactions. Although we continued our focus on operating effectiveness and expense management throughout 2011, the 

other expense ratio was slightly higher in 2011 relative to 2010 due primarily to an increase in expenses associated with the growth in the 

fee-based family medical leave products.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  47

 
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) 

2012 

% Change 

2011 

% Change 

2010

Year Ended December 31

Operating Revenue

Premium Income

  Group Life 

  Accidental Death & Dismemberment 

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  

$1,182.1 

115.3 

1,297.4 

146.9 

1.9 

1,446.2 

936.4 

104.6 

(22.4) 

13.6 

193.1 

1,225.3 

6.8% 

$1,106.7 

1.5% 

$1,090.3

5.6 

6.7 

8.4 

(13.6) 

6.8 

9.6 

9.5 

21.1 

(4.2) 

(3.1) 

7.0 

109.2 

1,215.9 

135.5 

2.2 

1,353.6 

854.6 

95.5 

2.9 

1.6 

4.6 

(8.3) 

1.9 

1.8 

6.9 

(18.5) 

20.1 

14.2 

199.3 

1,145.1 

0.7 

1.4 

1.8 

106.1

1,196.4

129.6

2.4

1,328.4

839.9

89.3

(15.4)

14.1

196.5

1,124.4

  Realized Investment Gains and Losses 

$   220.9 

5.9 

$   208.5 

2.2 

$   204.0

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 

72.2% 

14.9% 

17.0% 

90.6% 

90.0% 

88.3% 

88.3% 

70.3% 

16.4% 

17.1% 

88.0% 

88.2% 

88.6% 

88.6% 

70.2%

16.4%

17.1%

91.5%

90.7%

88.3%

88.4%

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011

Premium income was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to higher sales and favorable premium persistency. Case 

persistency in 2012 was slightly lower than 2011, but remains strong. Net investment income was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due 

primarily to an increase in income from bond call premiums, an increase in the level of invested assets, and an increase in the level of 

prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities, partially offset by a decline in yield on invested assets.

The benefit ratio was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to a higher average claim size and a higher claim incidence rate. 

Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to higher sales. The amortization of 

deferred acquisition costs was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to a decrease in amortization related to internal replacement 

transactions. The other expense ratio was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to our continued focus on operating effectiveness 

and expense management relative to our premium income levels.

48 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010

Premium income increased in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to higher group life sales, partially offset by lower premium 

persistency in the large case group life products. Case persistency in 2011 was slightly higher than 2010. Net investment income was 

higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to an increase in the level of invested assets, partially offset by a decline in the level of 

prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities.

The 2011 benefit ratio was generally consistent with the benefit ratio of 2010. Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were 

higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to a higher level of group life sales. The amortization of acquisition costs in 2011 was 

slightly higher than in 2010 due primarily to volatility in the level of amortization associated with internal replacement transactions.

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) 

2012 

% Change 

2011 

% Change 

2010

Year Ended December 31

Operating Revenue

Premium Income

Individual Disability — Recently Issued 

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  

$   477.6 

626.0 

1,103.6 

228.5 

29.0 

1,361.1 

560.6 

243.6 

(200.5) 

164.6 

259.7 

1,028.0 

2.8% 

$   464.7 

1.5% 

$   457.9

7.9 

5.6 

8.3 

(3.3) 

5.9 

4.4 

11.2 

11.5 

6.8 

4.1 

5.0 

580.0 

1,044.7 

210.9 

30.0 

9.3 

5.7 

6.9 

(11.0) 

530.8

988.7

197.3

33.7

1,285.6 

5.4 

1,219.7

536.8 

219.0 

(179.9) 

154.1 

249.5 

979.5 

— 

3.5 

3.3 

(2.5) 

4.2 

0.8 

536.7

211.6

(174.2)

158.0

239.5

971.6

  Realized Investment Gains and Losses 

$   333.1 

8.8 

$   306.1 

23.4 

$   248.1

Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):

  Benefit Ratios:

Individual Disability — Recently Issued 

Voluntary Benefits 

  Other Expense Ratio 

  Before-tax Operating Income Ratio 

Interest Adjusted Loss Ratio:

Individual Disability — Recently Issued 

Premium Persistency:

Individual Disability — Recently Issued 

Voluntary Benefits 

52.4% 
49.5% 
23.5% 
30.2% 

31.2% 

91.4% 
78.9% 

52.2% 

50.7% 

23.9% 

29.3% 

30.8% 

89.3% 

80.5% 

53.3%

55.1%

24.2%

25.1%

32.5%

90.7%

80.1%

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011

Premium income was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to continued sales growth and stable premium persistency.  

Net investment income was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to an increase in the level of invested assets, an increase in 

bond call premiums and other fees, and an increase in the level of prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities, partially offset  

by a decline in yield on invested assets.

The interest adjusted loss ratio for the individual disability — recently issued line of business was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due 

primarily to higher submitted incidence rates, partially offset by higher claim recoveries. The benefit ratio for voluntary benefits was lower 

in 2012 compared to 2011 driven primarily by the release of active life reserves associated with individual contracts that terminated and 

bought voluntary group coverage during 2012.

Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due to higher sales. The amortization of 

deferred acquisition costs was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due to unfavorable premium persistency relative to assumptions for certain 

issue years within certain of our product lines, including the impact on persistency from the large case customer that terminated the 

existing individual contracts and bought voluntary group coverage during 2012. Partially offsetting this increase in amortization was a 

reduction in amortization due to a more favorable year-over-year impact from the prospective unlocking for actual experience for 

assumptions which deviate compared to anticipated experience for our interest-sensitive voluntary life products. Other expenses have 

grown approximately 4 percent each year, below the level of premium growth, due to our continued focus on operating effectiveness  

and expense management.

The individual disability — recently issued product line had goodwill of approximately $187.5 million at December 31, 2012, none of 

which is currently believed to be at risk for future impairment.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010

Premium income was higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to growth in our voluntary benefits product line. Premium 

persistency for the individual disability — recently issued product line decreased, while the premium persistency for the voluntary benefits 

product line increased slightly. Net investment income was higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to an increase in the level of 

assets supporting these lines of business, partially offset by a decline in the level of prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities 

and a decline in bond call premiums.

The interest adjusted loss ratio for the individual disability — recently issued line of business in 2011 was lower than 2010 due to lower 

incidence rates. The benefit ratio for voluntary benefits was lower in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to a lower average paid claim 

size for voluntary life and lower paid incidence and prevalence rates for voluntary disability.

Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were higher in 2011 than 2010 due to higher sales. The amortization of deferred 

acquisition costs was lower in 2011 compared to 2010 due to favorable premium persistency relative to assumptions for certain issue years 

within certain of our product lines as well as prospective unlocking for favorable mortality experience relative to assumptions for our 

interest-sensitive voluntary life products.

50 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

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

(in millions of dollars) 

Sales by Product

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 

Voluntary Benefits 

Subtotal 

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 Sales 

Year Ended December 31

2012 

% Change 

2011 

% Change 

2010

$182.2 

10.4% 

$165.0 

11.3% 

$148.2

97.4 

188.0 

19.5 

487.1 

57.0 

216.4 

273.4 

$760.5 

14.7 

1.5 

10.8 

7.6 

2.5 

8.8 

7.4 

7.5 

84.9 

185.3 

17.6 

452.8 

55.6 

198.9 

254.5 

$707.3 

5.7 

11.0 

(2.8) 

9.5 

30.2 

6.3 

10.7 

9.9 

80.3

166.9

18.1

413.5

42.7

187.2

229.9

$643.4

$334.9 

4.0% 

$322.1 

9.6% 

$294.0

152.2 

487.1 

273.4 

$760.5 

16.4 

7.6 

7.4 

7.5 

130.7 

452.8 

254.5 

$707.3 

9.4 

9.5 

10.7 

9.9 

119.5

413.5

229.9

$643.4

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011

Unum US sales were higher in 2012 compared to 2011, with growth in each of our product lines and in each of our major market 

segments. Sales in our group core market segment were 4.0 percent higher in 2012 relative to 2011, with increases in each of the product 

lines within this market segment other than accidental death and dismemberment. The number of new accounts added in our group core 

market segment during 2012 was 1.9 percent higher than the number of new accounts added during 2011.

Sales in our group large case market segment were 16.4 percent higher in 2012 compared to 2011, with increases in each of the 

product lines within this market segment, other than group life. We continued our disciplined and opportunistic approach to sales growth  

in the large case market during 2012, and although the level of sales in this market segment was higher than in 2011, our new business 

pricing was within our guidelines. Our sales mix in 2012 was approximately 69 percent core market and 31 percent large case market, 

generally consistent with 2011.

Sales of voluntary benefits were 8.8 percent higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to strong large case sales and increases  

in sales to both new and existing customers. The number of new accounts added in the voluntary benefits product line was 6.9 percent 

lower in 2012 than the number of new accounts added during 2011. Sales in our individual disability — recently issued line of business, 

which are primarily concentrated in the multi-life market, were 2.5 percent higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to higher sales 

to existing customers.

We believe that the group core market and voluntary benefits market, which combined together are approximately 73 percent of  

our Unum US sales for 2012 and grew approximately 5.8 percent relative to 2011, represent significant growth opportunities. We will also 

continue to seek disciplined and opportunistic growth in the group large case and individual disability markets. While in the short term  

we expect economic trends to continue to pressure our sales growth, we believe we are well positioned to expand existing relationships 

and leverage our brand and market leadership.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010

Unum US sales were higher in 2011 compared to 2010, with growth in each of our product lines, other than accidental death and 

dismemberment, and growth in each of our major market segments. Sales in our group core market segment were 9.6 percent higher  

in 2011 compared to 2010, with increases in each of the product lines within this market segment. The number of new accounts added  

in our group core market segment during 2011 was 4.4 percent higher than the number of new accounts added during 2010.

Sales in our group large case market segment were 9.4 percent higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due to higher group long-term 

disability and group life sales, partially offset by lower group short-term disability and accidental, death, and dismemberment sales.  

Our sales mix of group products in 2011 was approximately 71 percent core market and 29 percent large case market.

Sales of voluntary benefits were 6.3 percent higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to higher sales from existing customers. 

The number of new accounts added in the voluntary benefits product line was 2.9 percent higher in 2011 than the number of new accounts 

added during 2010.

Sales in our individual disability — recently issued line of business, which are primarily concentrated in the multi-life market, were  

30.2 percent higher in 2011 compared to 2010. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to strong sales in our larger sized markets,  

as well as the unusually low volume of sales we experienced during 2010 for this line of business.

Segment Outlook

We believe that premium and sales growth, particularly growth in existing customer accounts, will continue to be pressured by  

the ongoing high levels of unemployment and the competitive environment. Although we expect to continue to achieve marginal  

year-over-year growth in our premium income during 2013 and beyond, opportunities for further premium and sales growth are not 

expected to re-emerge until the economy improves and employment growth accelerates. Our net investment income may be impacted, 

either favorably or unfavorably, by fluctuations in bond calls and other types of miscellaneous net investment income. The current interest 

rate environment is putting near-term pressure on our profit margins by impacting net investment income and claim reserve discount rates. 

As a result of the continued low interest rate environment and the aging of insureds, we began initiating price increases for our group 

disability products during the first quarter of 2012 and will continue with the price increases during 2013. We anticipate that the benefit 

ratio for our group disability product line for 2013 will generally be consistent with the level of 2012, depending on claim incidence rates 

and claim discount rates. We think future profit margin improvement is achievable, driven primarily by our continued product mix shift  

and expense efficiencies as our claims performance gradually flattens.

Certain risks and uncertainties are inherent in the disability insurance 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 or lower discount 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 conditions may lead to a higher rate of claim incidence, lower levels of claim recoveries, 

or lower claim discount rates. 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. Claim incidence levels may fluctuate due to the normal volatility 

that occurs in group disability business or may be related to economic conditions. We continuously monitor key indicators to assess our  

risks and attempt to adjust our business plans accordingly.

We believe our Unum US growth strategy is sound and that we will be able to leverage the capabilities, products, and relationships 

and reputation we have built to deliver growth as the benefits market stabilizes. We continue to see future growth opportunity based on 

employee choice, defined employer funding, superior service, and effective communication. We intend to maintain our discipline and will 

continue (i) directing the majority of our efforts on capturing opportunities emerging in our core group and voluntary markets to grow 

them at above-market rates, (ii) focusing on margins in large case group insurance, while leveraging core market, voluntary, and other 

shorter-term investments to grow at market rates, and (iii) seeking opportunities to improve margins and return in our supplemental lines 

of business. We believe we are well positioned strategically in our markets and that opportunities for continued disciplined growth exist in 

our group core market segment and in the voluntary markets.

52 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
Unum UK Segment

The Unum UK segment includes insurance for group long-term disability, group life, and supplemental and voluntary lines of business. 

The supplemental and voluntary lines of business are comprised of individual disability, critical illness, and voluntary benefits products. 

Unum UK’s products are 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) 

2012 

% Change 

2011 

% Change 

2010

Year Ended December 31

Operating Revenue

Premium Income

  Group Long-term Disability 

  Group Life 

Supplemental and Voluntary 

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  

$409.7 

(2.4)% 

$419.6 

(0.4)% 

$421.2

221.3 

63.6 

694.6 

170.8 

0.1 

865.5 

541.4 

42.6 

8.7 

(1.2) 

1.0 

(10.1) 

(66.7) 

(1.4) 

9.6 

(6.8) 

(11.8) 

(23.4) 

15.7 

146.3 

734.2 

2.6 

(0.9) 

6.9 

203.6 

64.4 

687.6 

189.9 

18.6 

11.4 

5.7 

11.4 

0.3 

(75.0) 

877.8 

6.7 

493.8 

45.7 

(15.4) 

15.3 

147.7 

687.1 

13.3 

3.6 

2.0 

12.5 

9.5 

12.0 

171.6

57.8

650.6

170.5

1.2

822.3

435.8

44.1

(15.1)

13.6

134.9

613.3

  Realized Investment Gains and Losses 

$131.3 

(31.1) 

$190.7 

(8.8) 

$209.0

Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):

  Benefit Ratio 

  Other Expense Ratio 

  Before-tax Operating Income Ratio 

Premium Persistency:

  Group Long-term Disability 

  Group Life 

Supplemental and Voluntary 

Foreign Currency Translation

77.9% 

21.1% 

18.9% 

84.0% 

82.5% 

84.6% 

71.8% 

21.5% 

27.7% 

86.6% 

89.3% 

87.3% 

67.0%

20.7%

32.1%

91.3%

92.7%

88.9%

The functional currency of Unum UK is the British pound sterling. Unum UK’s premium income, 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.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  53

 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2012 compared to 2011, translating pounds into 

dollars decreases current period results relative to the prior period. In periods when the pound strengthens relative to the preceding period, 

as occurred in 2011 compared to 2010, translating pounds into dollars increases current period results relative to the prior period.

(in millions of pounds, except ratios) 

2012 

% Change 

2011 

% Change 

2010

Year Ended December 31

£261.6 

(3.9)% 

£272.3

Operating Revenue
Premium Income

  Group Long-term Disability 

  Group Life 

Supplemental and Voluntary 

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   

£258.4 

139.6 

40.1 

438.1 

107.7 

— 

545.8 

341.4 

26.9 

(7.5) 

9.9 

92.2 

462.9 

(1.2)% 
9.9 
— 

2.2 
(9.0) 
(100.0) 

(0.3) 

11.0 
(5.6) 
(21.1) 
5.3 
0.1 

8.1 

127.0 

40.1 

428.7 

118.4 

14.5 

7.2 

1.9 

7.4 

0.1 

(88.9) 

547.2 

2.9 

307.7 

28.5 

(9.5) 

9.4 

92.1 

428.2 

9.3 

— 

(1.0) 

9.3 

5.4 

8.0 

Operating Income Before Income Tax and Net  
  Realized Investment Gains and Losses 

£  82.9 

(30.3) 

£119.0 

(12.1) 

Weighted Average Pound/Dollar Exchange Rate 

1.584 

1.603 

110.9

37.4

420.6

110.2

0.9

531.7

281.4

28.5

(9.6)

8.6

87.4

396.3

£135.4

1.543

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011

Premium income was higher in 2012 compared to 2011, although premium growth and persistency continue to be pressured due to 

the initiation of premium rate increases in our group long-term disability and group life product lines. Group long-term disability premium 

income was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due to a decline in premium persistency resulting primarily from premium rate increases, 

partially offset by an increase in premium income due to growth in existing customer accounts. Group life premium income increased in 

2012 relative to 2011 as a result of premium rate increases and higher new business sales, partially offset by lower premium persistency 

resulting primarily from premium rate increases.

Net investment income declined in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to lower income on inflation index-linked bonds, a decrease in 

invested asset yields, and lower income from bond call premiums, partially offset by an increase in the level of invested assets. We invest in inflation 

index-linked bonds to support the claim reserves associated with certain of our group policies that provide for inflation-linked increases in benefits.

The benefit ratio was higher in 2012 compared to 2011, with unfavorable risk results in both group long-term disability and group  

life. Group long-term disability risk results were unfavorable in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to less favorable claim recoveries and 

higher incidence rates. Group life risk results were unfavorable in 2012 compared to 2011 due to a higher average claim size and higher 

claim volumes. Supplemental and voluntary risk results were favorable in 2012 compared to 2011 due to lower claim incidence rates in the 

group critical illness and individual disability products.

Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were both lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to a lower level of 

individual disability product sales. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to an 

increase in internal replacement transactions. The other expense ratio was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to higher 

premium income and continued expense management initiatives.

54 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010

Premium income was higher in 2011 compared to 2010, although premium growth was pressured by pricing actions that resulted 

from the competitive U.K. market. The 2011 growth in group life premium income was due primarily to an increase in the inforce block of 

business from prior year sales. Persistency, although below the level of 2010, was strong. Net investment income was higher in 2011 

compared to 2010 due primarily to an increase in the level of invested assets, an increase in bond calls, and higher returns from inflation 

index-linked bonds.

The benefit ratio was higher in 2011 compared to 2010, driven primarily by unfavorable group long-term disability risk results due to 

the impact of higher inflation on claim reserves associated with disability policies containing an inflation-linked benefit increase feature, 

and a lower level of claim recoveries during 2011 compared to 2010, partially offset by improved claim incidence levels during 2011. Group 

life risk results were favorable in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to improved mortality experience.

Commissions and the deferral and amortization of acquisition costs were generally consistent in 2011 compared to 2010. Other 

expenses in 2011 were higher than 2010 due to elevated development and marketing expenditures related to Unum UK’s growth plans. 

The other expense ratio for 2011 was favorably impacted by higher premium income relative to 2010.

Sales

Shown below are sales results in dollars and in pounds for the Unum UK segment.

(in millions) 

Sales by Product
Group Long-term Disability 

Group Life 

Supplemental and Voluntary 

Total Sales 

Sales by Market Sector
Group Disability and Group Life

Core Market (< 500 lives) 

Large Case Market 

Subtotal 

Supplemental and Voluntary 

Total Sales 

Sales by Product
Group Long-term Disability 

Group Life 

Supplemental and Voluntary 

Total Sales 

Sales by Market Sector
Group Disability and Group Life

Core Market (< 500 lives) 

Large Case Market 

Subtotal 

Supplemental and Voluntary 

Total Sales 

Year Ended December 31

2012 

% Change 

2011 

% Change 

2010

$  47.8 

(10.0)% 

$  53.1

$51.2 

38.0 

4.9 

$94.1 

$38.7 

50.5 

89.2 

4.9 

$94.1 

£32.3 

24.1 
3.1 

£59.5 

£24.4 

32.0 

 56.4 
3.1 

£59.5 

(6.1) 

$100.2 

7.1% 
(13.2) 
(43.0) 

3.2 
(6.7) 

(2.6) 
(43.0) 

(6.1) 

8.4% 
(12.4) 
(42.6) 

43.8 

8.6 

$  37.5 

54.1 

91.6 

8.6 

$100.2 

27.5 

5.4 

(5.1) 

£  62.7 

4.3 
(5.6) 

(1.6) 
(42.6) 

(5.1) 

£  23.4 

33.9 

57.3 

5.4 

£  62.7 

(23.6) 

(2.3) 

(15.9) 

(27.3) 

(8.0) 

(17.0) 

(2.3) 

(15.9) 

57.3

8.8

$119.2

$  51.6

58.8

110.4

8.8

$119.2

(25.9) 

(5.3) 

(18.8) 

(30.1) 

(10.8) 

(19.9) 

(5.3) 

(18.8) 

37.1

5.7

£  77.2

£  33.5

38.0

71.5

5.7

£  77.2

£  29.8 

(13.4)% 

£  34.4

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales in Unum UK’s group long-term disability product line were higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due to higher sales 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, partially offset by 

lower sales to existing customers. Group life sales were lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due to our discontinuance of new sales of certain 

of our group life product lines during the third quarter of 2012, lower large case sales, and lower sales to existing customers, partially offset 

by higher core market sales. Supplemental and voluntary sales were lower in 2012 compared to the 2011 due primarily to lower sales in 

our group critical illness and individual disability product lines.

Sales in Unum UK’s group long-term disability and group life product lines were lower in 2011 compared to 2010 due to a decline  

in sales in both the core and large case markets. These declines were partially offset by higher sales to existing customers. Sales in the 

supplemental and voluntary line of business decreased in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to lower individual disability product sales.

Segment Outlook

Our primary focus during 2013 is to stabilize profitability and improve growth over the medium term. Our shift in business mix and 

focus on premium rate increases for both group long-term disability and group life is expected to improve profitability. However, pressure 

on new sales and persistency is likely, and the low interest rate environment is expected to dampen overall earnings growth. We expect 

that the challenging economic and competitive pricing environment in the U.K. which has continued to negatively impact Unum UK’s 

premium growth may continue in the near term. The current economic conditions may lead to a higher rate of claim incidence, lower levels 

of claim recoveries, or lower claim discount rates. We continuously monitor key indicators to assess our risks and attempt to adjust our 

business plans accordingly.

In our group disability business, we continue to have a cautious outlook for growth given the current environment. We anticipate 

returning to more normal levels of premium growth as our rate increases continue to be placed in the market, as persistency stabilizes, and 

as we continue to increase sales to new and existing customers. In addition, we continue to focus on new market opportunities by raising 

awareness of the need for income protection. Expanding group disability market penetration remains a significant opportunity and priority 

in the U.K.

In our group life business, we continue to implement rate increases, and we exited certain group life product lines in 2012. We expect 

group life premium income to decline in the near term as a result of these actions as well as a shift in business mix, but we believe profit 

margins will improve. We also entered into reinsurance agreements effective January 1, 2013 to cede a portion of our group life business. 

These reinsurance agreements will significantly decrease premium income and benefit payments during 2013 but are expected to reduce 

volatility in our group life line of business.

56 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
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 independent contractor 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) 

2012 

% Change 

2011 

% Change 

2010

Year Ended December 31

Operating Revenue

Premium Income

  Accident, Sickness, and Disability 

$   724.5 

4.2% 

$   695.3 

5.2% 

$   661.0

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  

209.7 

260.3 

1,194.5 

138.6 

0.3 

1,333.4 

627.3 

254.5 

(206.3) 

166.5 

217.1 

1,059.1 

10.0 

4.4 

5.2 

4.7 

(40.0) 

5.1 

6.4 

3.5 

1.6 

10.1 

1.1 

6.1 

190.7 

249.3 

1,135.3 

132.4 

8.0 

4.7 

5.5 

8.1 

0.5 

(28.6) 

1,268.2 

5.8 

589.4 

245.9 

(203.1) 

151.2 

214.7 

998.1 

10.2 

5.7 

3.2 

0.7 

2.9 

7.4 

176.5

238.2

1,075.7

122.5

0.7

1,198.9

534.7

232.6

(196.8)

150.1

208.6

929.2

  Realized Investment Gains and Losses 

$   274.3 

1.6 

$   270.1 

0.1 

$   269.7

Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):

  Benefit Ratio 

  Other Expense Ratio 

  Before-tax Operating Income Ratio 

Persistency:

  Accident, Sickness, and Disability 

Life 

Cancer and Critical Illness 

52.5% 

18.2% 

23.0% 

75.7% 

85.7% 

84.5% 

51.9% 

18.9% 

23.8% 

73.8% 

85.0% 

84.0% 

49.7%

19.4%

25.1%

75.9%

86.0%

84.9%

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011

Premium income increased in 2012 relative to 2011 due primarily to prior period sales growth and improved persistency.  

Net investment income was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 as a result of growth in the level of invested assets, an increase in income 

from private equity partnership investments, and a higher level of fees from mortgage loan prepayments, partially offset by a decline in 

income from bond call premiums and a decrease in yield.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The benefit ratio was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 for the life and cancer and critical illness lines of business, partially offset  

by a lower benefit ratio for the accident, sickness, and disability line of business. The increase in the life benefit ratio in 2012 was driven by 

higher mortality rates, which can exhibit volatility from period to period. The slight increase in the cancer and critical illness benefit ratio in 

2012 was due primarily to a higher level of paid claims in the cancer line of business and a higher active life reserve change due to favorable 

persistency for certain issue years. The slight decrease in the accident, sickness, and disability benefit ratio in 2012 was due to favorable 

claim experience in the disability product line.

Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were both higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to an increase in costs 

related to growth in new business premium. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due  

to an increase in the level of the deferred asset as well as a less favorable year-over-year impact from the prospective unlocking for actual 

experience for assumptions which deviate compared to anticipated experience for our interest-sensitive life product. The other expense 

ratio was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to higher premium income and a continued focus on expense management.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010

Premium income was higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to prior period sales growth and stable persistency for the life 

and cancer and critical illness lines of business, partially offset by lower persistency for the accident, sickness, and disability line of business. 

Net investment income was higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to growth in the level of assets and higher bond call premiums, 

partially offset by a decrease in income from private equity partnership investments.

The overall benefit ratio was higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due to less favorable risk results in the accident, sickness, and disability 

product line due to a higher level of incurred claims in our accident and disability products. Risk results in the life product line were slightly 

lower in 2011 compared to 2010. Risk results in the cancer and critical illness product line were generally consistent in 2011 compared  

to 2010.

Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were both higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to an increase in costs 

related to growth in new business premium. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs was higher due to an increase in the level of the 

deferred asset. The other expense ratio was lower in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to higher premium income and a continued 

focus on expense management.

Sales

(in millions of dollars) 

Sales by Product

Accident, Sickness, and Disability 

Life 

Cancer and Critical Illness 

Total Sales 

Sales by Market Sector

Commercial

Year Ended December 31

2012 

% Change 

2011 

% Change 

2010

$233.0 

(4.1)% 

$242.9 

67.3 

61.6 

2.7 

7.1 

65.5 

57.5 

$361.9 

(1.1) 

$365.9 

2.3% 

(0.3) 

3.2 

2.0 

4.5% 

(7.4) 

2.5 

— 

2.0 

$237.4

65.7

55.7

$358.8

$237.4

47.4

284.8

74.0

$358.8

Core Market (< 1,000 lives) 

$248.3 

0.1% 

$248.0 

Large Case Market 

Subtotal  

Public  

Total Sales 

40.9 

289.2 

72.7 

$361.9 

(6.8) 

(0.9) 

(1.8) 

(1.1) 

43.9 

291.9 

74.0 

$365.9 

58 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Colonial Life’s sales were lower in 2012 relative to 2011, with a decrease in new account sales partially offset by an increase in existing 

account sales. Commercial market sales in 2012 were lower than 2011, with a 6.8 percent decrease in large case commercial market segment 

sales partially offset by a slight increase in the core commercial market segment, which we define as accounts with fewer than 1,000 lives. 

Sales were 1.8 percent lower in the public sector market in 2012 compared to 2011. The number of new accounts decreased 5.0 percent in 

2012 compared to 2011, while the average new case size was 4.2 percent lower.

Colonial Life’s sales were higher in 2011 compared to 2010, with new account sales 1.6 percent above the level of 2010, and existing 

account sales 2.2 percent higher than in 2010. Commercial market sales were 2.5 percent higher in 2011 compared to 2010, driven primarily 

by a sales increase of 4.5 percent in the core commercial market segment. Sales in the large case commercial market segment decreased 

7.4 percent in 2011 compared to 2010. In the public sector market, sales were generally consistent in 2011 compared to 2010. Sales results 

for 2011 were unfavorably impacted by our decision to discontinue selling our limited benefit medical product. The number of new accounts 

declined 1.8 percent in 2011 compared to 2010, while the average new case size was 3.4 percent higher for 2011 compared to 2010.

Segment Outlook

Current economic conditions continue to affect employment growth and buying conditions which, in turn, impact sales and premium 

growth. While lower than expected sales presents a challenge in the near term, we believe proper execution of our growth strategy and  

a gradual improvement in the economy will deliver sales and premium growth that are in line with long-term expectations. We see the 

continuing U.S. economic conditions and the increasing competition in the voluntary market as external risks to achievement of our 

business plans. We continuously monitor key indicators to assess our risks and attempt to adjust our business plans accordingly.

Premium growth has remained positive during 2012 and 2011, due in part to strong persistency, and we expect the level of sales to 

improve in 2013. We expect volatility in net investment income to continue in 2013 as a result of fluctuations in bond calls and other types 

of miscellaneous net investment income. 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. We believe that strong 

profit margins will continue, and we expect our overall benefit ratio in 2013 to be generally consistent with the 2012 level.

We believe we have a stable business model, with service levels and customer retention that allow us to focus on and deliver 

premium growth despite the recent marketplace changes and uncertainties. We believe we are well positioned for growth and that 

opportunities exist to accelerate growth during the next several years by (i) focusing on target market segments, (ii) driving new sales  

in the public sector market, (iii) growing the reach and effectiveness of our distribution, and (iv) effectively serving our customers.

Closed Block Segment

The Closed Block segment consists of our closed individual disability and individual and group long-term care lines of business,  

as well as certain other insurance products. The individual disability line of business generally consists of those policies in-force before the 

substantial changes in product offerings, pricing, distribution, and underwriting, which generally occurred during the period 1994 through 

1998. Long-term care includes group long-term care, which we announced in the first quarter of 2012 that we would discontinue selling, 

and individual long-term care, which we discontinued selling in 2009. The other insurance products line of business consists of certain other 

products no longer actively marketed, including individual life and corporate-owned life insurance, reinsurance pools and management 

operations, group pension, health insurance, and individual annuities.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  59

 
Operating Results

Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for the Closed Block segment.

(in millions of dollars, except ratios) 

2012 

% Change 

2011 

% Change 

2010

Year Ended December 31

Operating Revenue

Premium Income

Individual Disability 

Long-term Care 

  All Other 

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 

Impairment of Long-term Care Deferred Acquisition Costs 

Other Expenses 

Total   

Operating Income (Loss) Before Income Tax and Net  

$   736.4 

(6.4)% 

$   787.0 

(7.1)% 

$   847.0

631.9 

2.2 

1,370.5 

1,230.5 

100.1 

2,701.1 

2,314.9 

112.6 

10.4 

— 

— 

— 

167.7 

2,605.6 

3.9 

N.M. 

(1.8) 

3.4 

(5.7) 

0.4 

(23.2) 

(0.9) 

(1.0) 

(100.0) 

(100.0) 

(100.0) 

(6.8) 

(26.0) 

608.1 

1.5 

0.2 

(94.3) 

1,395.3 

1,189.7 

106.1 

2,691.1 

3,012.8 

113.6 

10.5 

(3.7) 

11.1 

196.0 

180.0 

(3.8) 

2.0 

(6.6) 

(1.4) 

33.4 

(3.8) 

(10.3) 

32.1 

(34.7) 

— 

(13.4) 

3,520.3 

34.8 

599.2

3.5

1,449.7

1,166.4

113.6

2,729.7

2,259.2

118.1

11.7

(2.8)

17.0

—

207.9

2,611.1

  Realized Investment Gains and Losses 

$     95.5 

111.5 

$   (829.2) 

N.M. 

$   118.6

Interest Adjusted Loss Ratios:

Individual Disability (1) 

Long-term Care (2) 

Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):

  Other Expense Ratio 

  Before-tax Operating Income (Loss) Ratio (3) 

Premium Persistency:

Individual Disability 

Long-term Care 

N.M. = not a meaningful percentage

83.0% 

90.1% 

12.2% 

7.0% 

92.5% 

95.8% 

108.0% 

179.3% 

12.9% 

(59.4)% 

92.9% 

96.0% 

85.0%

80.8%

14.3%

8.2%

93.0%

95.8%

(1)  Included in this ratio for 2011 is a before-tax reserve charge of $183.5 million. Excluding this charge, the interest adjusted loss ratio for individual disability would have been 84.7%.

(2) Included in this ratio for 2011 is a before-tax reserve charge of $573.6 million. Excluding this charge, the interest adjusted loss ratio for long-term care would have been 84.9%.

(3)  Included in this ratio for 2011 are before-tax charges of $183.5 million for individual disability reserves, $573.6 million for long-term care reserves, and $196.0 million for 

impairment of our long-term care deferred acquisition costs. Excluding these charges, the before-tax operating income ratio would have been 8.9%.

60 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011

Total premium income decreased in 2012 compared to 2011, with lower individual disability premium income partially offset by  

higher long-term care premium income. The decrease in individual disability premium income was due to the run-off of this closed line of 

business, driven by expected policy terminations and maturities. The increase in long-term care premium income was due to issuances  

of group long-term care policies and the implementation of rate increases on certain of our individual long-term care policies. Although we 

announced in the first quarter of 2012 that we would no longer sell group long-term care, we had group cases which were already in the 

quoting and/or underwriting process at the time of our announcement and for which we have now issued the policies.

We continue to file requests with various state insurance departments for premium rate increases on certain of our individual  

and group long-term care policies. The rate increases reflect current interest rates and claim experience, higher expected future claims, 

persistency, and other factors related to pricing long-term care coverage. In states for which a rate increase is submitted and approved, 

customers are also given options for coverage changes or other approaches that might fit their current financial and insurance needs.

Net investment income was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due to higher asset levels, higher bond call premiums, and higher 

prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities and other fees, partially offset by a decline in yield on invested assets. 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, was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due to lower investment income in the 

portfolios held by the ceding companies.

Individual disability risk results for 2012 were favorable compared to 2011 due to the previously discussed 2011 reserve charge. 

Excluding this charge, individual disability risk results were favorable compared to 2011 due to higher claim recovery rates and a decrease 

in reserves for existing claims. Long-term care risk results were favorable in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to the 2011 reserve 

charge. Excluding this charge, risk results were unfavorable compared to 2011 due to higher claim incidence rates, partially offset by higher 

claim resolutions.

Interest and debt expense in 2012 was generally consistent with 2011, as principal repayments on the amount of outstanding  

debt issued by Northwind Holdings were offset by an increase in floating-rate interest on this debt. We had no amortization of deferred 

acquisition costs in 2012 due to the long-term care impairment charge recognized at December 31, 2011. The other expense ratio was 

lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to a decrease in selling and underwriting costs due to our discontinuance of the sale of group 

long-term care in 2012 and our continued focus on operating effectiveness and expense management.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010

Total premium income decreased in 2011 compared to 2010, with lower individual disability premium income partially offset by  

higher long-term care premium income. The decrease in individual disability premium income is due to the continued run-off of this closed 

line of business. The increase in long-term care premium income for 2011 relative to 2010 was driven by strong persistency and higher 

sales of group long-term care.

Net investment income was higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to higher asset levels, partially offset by a decline in the 

level of prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities and lower income from bond call premiums. Other income decreased in 2011 

compared to 2010 due to lower investment income in the portfolios held by the ceding companies.

Individual disability risk results in 2011 were unfavorable relative to 2010 due to the previously discussed 2011 reserve charge. 

Excluding the reserve charge, risk results were slightly favorable compared to 2010 due to higher claim recovery rates, partially offset by 

higher claim incidence rates. Long-term care risk results were unfavorable in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to the 2011 reserve 

charge. Excluding the reserve charge, risk results were unfavorable compared to 2010 due to increases in active life reserves, which were 

driven by favorable premium persistency relative to assumptions for certain issue years. Claim incidence rates for long-term care were  

also higher in 2011 compared to 2010.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  61

 
Interest and debt expense was lower in 2011 compared to 2010 due to a decline in the amount of outstanding debt issued by 

Northwind Holdings as a result of principal repayments. The deferral of acquisition costs was higher in 2011 relative to 2010 due to the 

increase in deferrable expenses associated with higher sales of group long-term care products. The amortization of deferred acquisition 

costs was lower in 2011 than in 2010 due to lower levels of accelerated amortization related to favorable premium persistency relative to 

assumptions for certain issue years. As previously discussed, at December 31, 2011, we determined that our long-term care deferred 

acquisition costs were not recoverable, and we recognized an impairment charge at that time. The other expense ratio was favorable in 

2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to lower claim litigation costs and lower expenses related to claim volumes.

 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 volatility of bond call premiums relative to historical levels. A portion of this volatility in interest income will be offset 

by commensurate changes in the interest expense on our individual disability floating rate debt.

We expect that operating revenue and income for this segment will continue to decline over time as these closed blocks of business 

wind down, although we do expect additional premium income associated with long-term care rate increases. We also expect a small 

amount of new group long-term care business to continue to be issued where we are required to do so under the terms of existing group 

policies. Profitability of our long-tailed products is affected by claims experience related to mortality and morbidity, investment returns,  

and persistency. We believe that the interest adjusted loss ratios for the individual disability and long-term care lines of business will be 

relatively flat over the long term, but these product lines may experience quarterly volatility, particularly in the near-term for our long-term 

care product lines as our claim block matures. 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 any of our reserve assumptions, including, 

but not limited to, interest rates, mortality, morbidity, and persistency, could result in a material impact on our reserve levels, including 

adjustments to reserves previously established under loss recognition.

62 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

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

The Corporate 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.

Operating Results

(in millions of dollars) 

Operating Revenue

Net Investment Income 

Other Income 

Total   

Expenses

Interest and Debt Expense 

Other Expenses 

Total   

Year Ended December 31

2012 

% Change 

2011 

% Change 

2010

$     23.0 

(59.1)% 

$   56.2 

(40.6)% 

$   94.6

2.8 

25.8 

133.9 

0.4 

134.3 

(86.4) 

(66.4) 

1.6 

(98.3) 

(13.5) 

20.6 

76.8 

N.M. 

(21.6) 

131.8 

23.4 

155.2 

2.2 

196.2 

13.5 

3.3

97.9

128.9

7.9

136.8

Operating Loss Before Non-operating  

 Retirement-related Loss, Income Tax, and Net  

Realized Investment Gains and Losses 

$(108.5) 

(38.4) 

$(78.4) 

(101.5) 

$(38.9)

N.M. = not a meaningful percentage

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011

Net investment income was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due to lower asset levels, a lower proportion of assets invested at   

long-term interest rates, a decrease in bond call premiums, and a decrease in investment income attributable to tax credit partnerships. 

The negative impact on net investment income and operating income by segment due to the higher level of investment in tax credit 

partnerships is offset by a lower income tax rate due to the tax benefits recognized as a result of these investments. Other income was 

lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to $17.5 million of interest income recognized in 2011 related to an IRS settlement of our 

appeal to the IRS related to tax years 1996 to 2004.

Interest and debt expense was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to the issuance of $250.0 million of 5.75% senior notes 

in August 2012, partially offset by the maturity of $225.1 million of 7.625% senior notes in March 2011. Other expenses were lower in 2012 

compared to 2011 due primarily to a lower level of expense accruals during 2012, comparatively higher expenses in 2011 due in part to 

corporate initiatives, and state income taxes recognized during 2011 as a result of the repatriation of U.K. dividends from our U.K. subsidiaries 

in 2011. Partially offsetting these decreases in other expenses was an impairment of a long-lived fixed asset recognized during 2012.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010

Net investment income was lower in 2011 compared to 2010 due to lower short-term interest rates, lower asset levels, a lower 

proportion of assets invested at long-term interest rates, a decrease in bond call premiums, and a decrease in investment income 

attributable to tax credit partnerships. Other income was higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due to $17.5 million of interest income related  

to the IRS settlement, as previously discussed.

Interest and debt expense was higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to the September 2010 issuance of $400.0 million  

of 5.625% senior notes, partially offset by the maturity of our $225.1 million senior notes in March 2011 and lower effective interest rates 

on certain senior notes which we effectively converted into floating rate debt through the use of interest rate swaps. Other expenses were 

higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to the previously discussed 2011 increases in expense accruals and state income taxes.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  63

 
 
 
 
 
Segment Outlook

We expect the quality of our investment portfolio to remain strong. The negative impact on net investment income due to the higher 

level of investment in tax credit partnerships may be such that net investment income for our Corporate segment could be negatively 

impacted, resulting in a higher operating segment loss for Corporate. However, this would be offset by a lower income tax rate due to the tax 

benefits recognized as a result of these investments. We are currently holding capital at our insurance subsidiaries and holding companies 

at levels that exceed our long-term requirements. We expect to continue to generate excess capital on an annual basis through our 

statutory earnings. While we intend to maintain our disciplined approach to risk management, we believe we are well positioned with 

substantial flexibility to preserve our capital strength and at the same time explore opportunities to deploy the excess capital that is 

generated each period.

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 emphasis on risk management in our investment portfolio, including credit and interest rate 

management, has positioned us well and generally reduced the volatility in our results.

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 

securities, 3 percent in tax credit partnerships, 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/asset backed securities, bank 

loans, 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.

•  The weighted average credit quality rating of the portfolio should be Baa1 or higher.

•  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:

64 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

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

AAA/AA 

A 

BBB+ 

BBB 

BBB- 

BB+ 

BB 

BB- 

B+ 

B/B- 

CCC 

Internal Limit 

($ in millions) 

$200

175

150

125

90

75

60

50

30

20

10

•  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 slightly lower in 2012 relative to 2011 due primarily to a decline in yield on invested assets, an increase  

in the amortization of the principal amount invested in our tax credit partnerships, and lower income on our Unum UK inflation index-linked 

bonds. These declines were partially offset by a higher level of invested assets, higher bond call premiums, an increase in income from 

private equity partnership investments, and higher prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities.

Net investment income increased slightly in 2011 relative to 2010 due primarily to continued growth in invested assets and higher 

bond call premiums, partially offset by an increase in the amortization of the principal amount invested in our to tax credit partnerships, 

 a decrease in income on other partnership investments, and lower prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities.

The duration weighted book yield on the fixed income securities in our investment portfolio was 6.47 percent as of December 31, 2012, 

compared to a yield of 6.67 percent as of December 31, 2011. We actively manage our asset and liability cash flow match and our asset and 

liability duration match with the objective of reducing interest rate risk. Duration is a measure of the percentage change in the fair values of 

assets and liabilities for a given change in interest rates. Cash flows from the in-force asset and liability portfolios are projected at current 

interest rate levels and also at levels reflecting an increase and a decrease in interest rates to obtain a range of projected cash flows under 

the different interest rate scenarios. These results enable us to assess the impact of projected changes in cash flows and duration resulting 

from potential changes in interest rates.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  65

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
To assess the impact of a duration mismatch, we measure the potential changes in estimated fair value based on a hypothetical 

change in interest rates to quantify a dollar value change. Although we test the asset and liability portfolios under various interest rate 

scenarios as part of our modeling, the majority of our liabilities related to insurance contracts are not interest rate sensitive, and we 

therefore have minimal exposure to policy withdrawal risk. Our determination of investment strategy relies more on long-term measures 

such as reserve adequacy analysis and the relationship between the portfolio yields supporting our various product lines and the  

aggregate discount rates embedded in the reserves.

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 

Foreign Currency Transactions 

Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement 

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) 

Year Ended December 31

2012 

2011 

2010

$ 29.3 

(20.4) 

— 

5.0 

(4.3) 

(1.9) 

(3.3) 

51.8 

$ 56.2 

$ 74.0 

(24.0) 

(19.9) 

7.1 

(0.5) 

(0.6) 

(1.6) 

(39.4) 

$  (4.9) 

$ 61.1

(41.3)

(15.9)

7.9

(0.5)

(3.8)

(3.9)

21.1

$ 24.7

Realized Investment Losses $10.0 Million or Greater from Sale of Fixed Maturity Securities

During 2012, we recognized a loss of $11.2 million on the sale of securities issued by a large U.S. department store chain. In 2011  

the company’s management was replaced by a new team of executives that embarked on a radically different retailing strategy. While the 

company had ample liquidity and sizable value in real estate assets, initial operating results under this new strategy have been significantly 

below market expectations, and there is uncertainty as to whether this new strategy will be successful. Because of this, we had concerns 

that liquidity could be compromised over an extended period of time. At the time of disposition, these securities had been in an unrealized 

loss position for a period of greater than three years.

We had no individual realized investment losses of $10.0 million or greater from the sale of fixed-maturity securities during  

2011 and 2010.

Realized Investment Losses $10.0 Million or Greater from Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

We had no individual realized investment losses of $10.0 million or greater from other-than-temporary impairments during  

2012 and 2011.

During 2010, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $10.2 million on securities issued by a Netherlands financial 

services company. The company recorded significant impairment losses in its securities and real estate portfolios during 2009 and 2008 and 

required a significant amount of government aid. At the time of the impairment loss, these securities had been in an unrealized loss position 

for a period of greater than three years.

66 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
 
 
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 change in fair value of this embedded derivative recognized as a realized gain or loss during 2012, 2011, and 2010, resulted 

primarily from a change in credit spreads in the overall investment market. The fair value of this embedded derivative was $(83.9) million  

at December 31, 2012, compared to $(135.7) million at December 31, 2011, and is reported in other liabilities in our consolidated 

balance sheets.

Fixed Maturity Securities

The fair values and associated unrealized gains and losses of our fixed maturity securities portfolio, by industry classification,  

are as follows:

Fixed Maturity Securities — By Industry Classification

As of December 31, 2012

(in millions of dollars) 

Fair Value of 
Fixed Maturity 
Securities  
with Gross  
Unrealized Loss 

Gross 
Unrealized 
Loss 

Fair Value of 
Fixed Maturity 
Securities  
with Gross  
Unrealized Gain 

Net 
Unrealized 
Gain 

Gross 
Unrealized 
Gain

Fair Value 

$  2,593.2 

$   311.5 

$   165.9 

$10.2 

$  2,427.3 

$   321.7

Classification 

Basic Industry 

Capital Goods 

Communications 

Consumer Cyclical 

Consumer Non-Cyclical 

Energy (Oil & Gas) 

Financial Institutions 

Mortgage/Asset-Backed 

Sovereigns 

Technology 

Transportation 

U.S. Government Agencies and Municipalities 

3,898.3 

3,112.2 

1,228.2 

6,035.6 

3,949.9 

3,611.5 

2,216.5 

1,507.0 

1,047.1 

1,434.4 

3,155.6 

556.4 

555.9 

179.9 

1,027.5 

763.5 

404.9 

288.6 

226.6 

147.1 

267.1 

636.3 

Public Utilities 

Redeemable Preferred Stocks 

11,144.2 

1,849.9 

39.3 

6.3 

173.6 

108.5 

85.8 

65.8 

45.2 

121.8 

8.2 

— 

71.5 

— 

79.4 

257.9 

— 

6.0 

3.3 

0.7 

2.0 

1.3 

7.6 

0.5 

— 

0.4 

— 

8.9 

3,724.7 

3,003.7 

1,142.4 

5,969.8 

3,904.7 

3,489.7 

2,208.3 

1,507.0 

975.6 

1,434.4 

3,076.2 

562.4

559.2

180.6

1,029.5

764.8

412.5

289.1

226.6

147.5

267.1

645.2

15.1 

— 

10,886.3 

1,865.0

39.3 

6.3

Total   

$44,973.0 

$7,221.5 

$1,183.6 

$56.0 

$43,789.4 

$7,277.5

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  67

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2012 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, 2012. We held no securities at December 31, 2012 with a gross unrealized loss of $10.0 million or greater.

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

2012 

2011

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

> 3 years  

Sub-total   

Total   

$  3.9 

$  0.7 

$11.2 

$15.6 

$  12.8

0.4 

0.4 

0.3 

0.2 

5.9 

12.3 

23.4 

— 

— 

0.4 

0.9 

— 

9.3 

8.9 

17.8 

38.0 

— 

— 

4.1 

0.7 

7.8 

31.9 

0.2 

28.8 

84.7 

— 

— 

7.1 

9.6 

2.2 

19.3 

0.2 

34.0 

88.0 

— 

— 

34.3

8.0

—

33.7

1.1

40.9

130.8

9.5

9.5

$23.4 

$38.0 

$84.7 

$88.0 

$140.3

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

2012 

2011

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

> 1 year <= 2 years 

> 3 years  

Sub-total   

Total   

68 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

$  0.3 

$  4.1 

$  7.6 

$  4.8 

1.4 

2.6 

2.5 

6.8 

6.2 

12.5 

32.3 

— 

0.3 

0.3 

3.9 

5.4 

3.9 

4.5 

9.4 

20.7 

51.9 

— 

1.1 

1.1 

6.2 

4.4 

3.0 

17.8 

8.2 

35.6 

82.8 

— 

0.3 

0.3 

9.5 

7.9 

6.5 

15.7 

— 

24.6 

69.0 

— 

0.4 

0.4 

$  3.3

11.9

8.5

0.7

13.0

—

37.3

74.7

5.0

2.2

7.2

$32.6 

$53.0 

$83.1 

$69.4 

$81.9

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2012, we had minimal exposure to investments for which the payment of interest and principal is guaranteed  

under a financial guaranty insurance policy, and all such securities are rated investment-grade absent the guaranty insurance policy.  

At December 31, 2012, we held $212.8 million fair value ($204.9 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.

At December 31, 2012, our mortgage/asset-backed securities had an average life of 3.85 years, effective duration of 3.47 years, and  

a weighted average credit rating of Aa1. 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. One of the risks 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 no exposure to subprime mortgages, “Alt-A” loans, or collateralized debt obligations in our investment portfolios. 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. The credit quality of our mortgage-backed securities portfolio has not been negatively impacted by  

the 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.

As of December 31, 2012, the amortized cost and fair value of our below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities was  

$2,990.6 million and $3,159.3 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.

Investments in Issuers in Certain European Countries and Other Countries with Risk of Sovereign Default

Our investments are chosen for specific portfolio management purposes, including asset and liability management and portfolio 

diversification across geographic lines and sectors to minimize non-market risks. In our approach to investing in fixed maturity securities, 

specific investments within approved countries and industry sectors are evaluated for their market position and specific strengths and 

potential weaknesses. For each security, we consider the political, legal and financial environment of the sovereign entity in which an issuer 

is domiciled and operates. The country of domicile is based on consideration of the issuer’s headquarters, in addition to location of the 

assets and the country in which the majority of sales and earnings are derived. We continually evaluate our foreign investment risk exposure, 

including that within certain countries in the European Union, specifically Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Our monitoring is 

heightened for investments in these specific countries due to our concerns over the current economic and political environments as well  

as the banking crisis, and we believe these investments are more vulnerable to potential credit problems. We have neither direct nor 

indirect exposure to sovereign debt of any other countries for which we believe there is a heightened risk of sovereign default.

We do not have foreign currency risk, as the cash flows from these investments are either denominated in currencies or hedged  

into currencies to match the related liabilities. We have no direct exposure to sovereign debt of these countries and have not used credit 

derivatives to hedge our exposure or to sell credit protection.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  69

 
European Fixed Maturity Securities Exposure — By Country 

As of December 31, 2012

(in millions of dollars)

Greece 

Ireland 

Italy 

Portugal   

Spain   

Total   

Fair Value 

$  54.1 

67.5 

243.7 

49.0 

241.2 

$655.5 

Amortized Cost

$  50.2

66.3

235.3

46.8

223.1

$621.7

We have no unfunded commitments to issuers domiciled in these countries. Further discussion on our exposure to each country  

is as follows:

Greece

We have no direct exposure to Greek financial institutions. Our singular holding domiciled in Greece is a geographically diversified 

company, generates less than 10 percent of its revenue from Greece, and was rated investment-grade as of December 31, 2012. The 

company aggregates cash and manages its debt payments outside the country in which it is domiciled, which we believe enables the 

company to place low reliance on the banking system of Greece. The company intends to change its domicile to Switzerland, pending 

required shareholder approval. As of December 31, 2012, this company was current on its obligations to us, and we believe it will continue 

to meet its debt obligations.

Ireland

We have no direct exposure to Irish financial institutions. In November 2010, Ireland received a support package valued at €85 billion 

from the International Monetary Fund/European Union based on its plan of recovery. Thus far, Ireland appears committed to fiscal 

consolidation. However, we believe there are risks associated with the austerity and recessionary pressures. As of December 31, 2012, 

all of our Irish investments were current on their obligations to us, and we believe they will continue to meet their debt obligations.  

For those securities in an unrealized loss position, we have the intent to hold these investments to recovery in value. As a result,  

we did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment losses on these investments as of December 31, 2012.

Italy

We have no direct exposure to Italian financial institutions. We believe there are risks associated with the debt sustainability of Italy 

given its political and recessionary pressures. As of December 31, 2012, all of our Italian investments were current on their obligations  

to us, and we believe they will continue to meet their debt obligations. For those securities in an unrealized loss position, we have the 

intent to hold these investments to recovery in value. As a result, we did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment losses on 

these investments as of December 31, 2012.

Portugal

We have no direct exposure to Portuguese financial institutions. In May 2011, Portugal received a support package valued at  

€78 billion from the International Monetary Fund/European Union. We believe there is risk that Portugal will be unable to achieve the 

deficit reduction targets set out in this loan agreement, and future aid may be required. As of December 31, 2012, our singular holding 

domiciled in Portugal is a geographically diversified utility company that was downgraded to below-investment-grade during the first 

quarter of 2012. As of December 31, 2012, this company was current on its obligations to us, and we believe it will continue to meet its 

debt obligations.

70 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

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

We have no direct exposure to Spanish financial institutions, although we do own fixed maturity securities of a certain United Kingdom 

subsidiary of a Spanish financial institution. We believe there are risks associated with Spain’s high unemployment, large budget deficit, 

banking sector problems, recessionary pressures, and potential regional secession issues. All but one of our Spanish domiciled securities were 

rated investment-grade as of December 31, 2012, and all were current on their obligations to us. We believe they will continue to have  

the ability to meet their debt obligations. For those securities in an unrealized loss position, we have the intent to hold these investments  

to recovery in value. As a result, we did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment losses on these investments as of  

December 31, 2012.

Risk Management

While we have no direct sovereign holdings in the aforementioned countries, we have performed comprehensive stress testing and 

scenario analyses on all of our corporate holdings of issuers domiciled in these countries. We have performed stress tests under a number 

of scenarios including deep recession, liquidity crisis, and currency redenomination with significant devaluation. We continue to closely 

monitor this situation.

Potential risks for these corporate holdings include a lack of access to credit in their countries of domicile and redenomination risk as  

it pertains to their outstanding liabilities. Under either of these scenarios, we believe the risk is largely mitigated because our holdings in 

these countries are non-financial and operate in defensive industries that provide essential services. Most are market leaders with access to 

diverse, global capital markets. Current developments regarding ratings downgrades, bailout packages, or higher sovereign interest rates 

have not had a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

Mortgage Loans

Our mortgage loan portfolio was $1,712.7 million and $1,612.3 million on an amortized cost basis at December 31, 2012 and 2011, 

respectively. Our mortgage loan portfolio is comprised entirely of commercial mortgage loans. 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.

We held two mortgage loans at December 31, 2012 and 2011 which were considered impaired and were carried at the estimated net 

realizable values of $17.4 million and $22.5 million, respectively, net of a valuation allowance of $1.5 million at each period end.

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, 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 $8.7 million at December 31, 

2012. We held no cash collateral from our counterparties at December 31, 2012. The carrying value of cash and fixed maturity securities 

posted as collateral to our counterparties was $1.8 million and $108.6 million, respectively, at December 31, 2012. We believe that our 

credit risk is mitigated by our use of multiple counterparties, all of which have a median credit rating of A3 or better, and by our use of 

cross-collateralization agreements.

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 $63.3 million and $58.6 million on a fair value basis at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

See Notes 3 and 4 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein for further discussion of our investments 

and our derivative financial instruments.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  71

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

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 and adversely impact the price we receive for such securities, 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 dividends to our stockholders or meet our 

debt and other payment obligations.

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 $53.0 million to our 

U.S. qualified defined benefit plan during 2012, and we expect to make contributions of approximately $50.0 million during 2013. 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 made 

required contributions of £2.6 million during 2012, and we expect to make contributions of approximately £2.6 million during 2013.

In August 2012, we issued $250.0 million of senior notes. These notes, due in 2042, bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.75% and are 

payable semi-annually. The net proceeds are expected to be used for general corporate purposes.

In May 2010, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500.0 million of Unum Group’s common stock, with the pace  

of repurchase activity to depend upon various factors such as the level of available cash, alternative uses for cash, and our stock price.  

The $500.0 million share repurchase program had an expiration date of May 2011. In February 2011, our board of directors authorized the 

repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of Unum Group’s common stock, in addition to the amount remaining to be repurchased under the  

$500.0 million authorization. The $1.0 billion share repurchase program had an expiration date of August 2012. In July 2012, our board of 

directors authorized the repurchase of up to $750.0 million of Unum Group’s common stock. The $750.0 million share repurchase program 

has an expiration date of January 2014 and replaced the previous authorization of $1.0 billion that was scheduled to expire in August 2012.

During 2011, we repurchased 7.1 million shares, at a cost of $200.0 million, using an accelerated repurchase agreement with a financial 

counterparty. Under the terms of the repurchase agreement, we received a price adjustment based on the volume weighted-average price 

of our common stock during the term of the agreement. The price adjustment resulted in the delivery to us of 0.6 million additional shares. 

In total, we repurchased 7.7 million shares of our common stock under this agreement, which completed the $500.0 million repurchase 

authorization and initiated the $1.0 billion repurchase program. In addition to these repurchases, during 2011 we repurchased an additional 

17.7 million shares on the open market at a cost of $419.9 million, for a total repurchase of 25.4 million shares during 2011.

During 2012, we repurchased 23.6 million shares on the open market at a cost of $500.6 million. The dollar value of shares remaining 

under the $1.0 billion repurchase program, prior to its replacement, was $224.7 million. As previously noted, this share repurchase program 

was superseded and replaced by the $750.0 million share repurchase program authorized in July 2012. The dollar value of shares remaining 

under the $750.0 million repurchase program was $550.0 million at December 31, 2012.

72 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

 
Cash equivalents and marketable securities held at Unum Group and our other intermediate holding companies are a significant source 

of liquidity for us and were approximately $805 million and $756 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The December 31, 

2012 balance, of which $193 million was held in certain of our foreign subsidiaries in the U.K., was comprised primarily of commercial 

paper, fixed maturity securities with a current average maturity of 1.5 years, and various money-market funds. No significant restrictions 

exist on our ability to use or access these funds. We currently have no intent, nor do we foresee a need, to repatriate funds from our foreign 

subsidiaries in the U.K. We believe we hold domestic resources sufficient to fund our liquidity requirements for the next 12 months and that 

our current level of holding company cash and marketable securities can be utilized to mitigate potential losses from defaults. If we 

repatriate additional funds from our subsidiaries in the U.K., the amounts repatriated would be subject to repatriation tax effects which 

generally equal the difference in the U.S. tax rate and the U.K. tax rate.

Unum Limited will be impacted by new capital requirements and risk management standards under Solvency II, the effective adoption 

date of which is expected to be no earlier than January 1, 2015. Solvency II requirements have not been fully finalized, but the current 

proposals contain amended requirements on capital adequacy and risk management for insurers. Although the impact of Solvency II 

cannot be determined at this time, its implementation could result in increased capital, supervisory, and disclosure requirements for our 

U.K. subsidiaries.

Our Bermuda-based insurance subsidiary is subject to regulation by the BMA. Since 2010, the BMA has been engaged in a comprehensive 

review and assessment of its insurance regulatory and solvency framework. The impact of the proposed changes cannot be determined 

at this time, nor is the effective adoption date known, but the implementation of these requirements could result in increased capital and 

governance requirements for our Bermuda-based insurance subsidiary. See “Capital Requirements” contained in Item 1 of our Annual Report 

on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, for additional information.

During 2013, we intend to retain a level of capital in our traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries such that we maintain a weighted 

average RBC level well above capital adequacy requirements. We also expect both Unum Limited and our Bermuda-based insurance 

subsidiary to operate above their respective capital adequacy requirements and minimum solvency margins.

As requirements of Dodd-Frank begin to take effect in 2013 and in subsequent years, to the extent that we enter into derivatives that 

are subject to centralized exchanges and cleared through a regulated clearinghouse, we may be subject to stricter collateral requirements 

which could have an adverse effect on our overall liquidity.

Consolidated Cash Flows

Operating Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,379.6 million for 2012, compared to $1,193.7 million and $1,196.8 million for 2011  

and 2010, 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 persistency. Investment income growth is dependent on the growth in the underlying assets 

supporting our insurance reserves and on the earned yield. 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 affected partially by the growth and aging of the block of business and also by the general economy, as previously discussed 

in the operating results by segment. Operating cash flows for 2012, 2011 and 2010 include pension and other postretirement benefit 

contributions of approximately $74.3 million, $20.3 million, and $188.2 million.

The variance in the income tax adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities for 2011 compared  

to both the prior and subsequent years was due primarily to decreases in the deferred tax liability related to the 2011 deferred acquisition 

cost charge and reserve charges for our long-term care and individual disability closed blocks of business.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  73

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

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 $1,113.4 million for 2012, compared 

to $410.3 million and $1,073.7 million for 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities decreased in 2012 compared to 2011, as we had ample liquidity provided from 

other sources, primarily maturities of available-for-sale securities. Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities were higher in 

2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to a significant increase in proceeds from bond calls and prepayments on mortgage-backed securities. 

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities were slightly higher in 2011 compared to 2010. Proceeds from maturities of available-

for-sale securities were lower in 2011 compared to 2010, primarily due to a significant decrease in bond calls.

Proceeds from sales and maturities of other investments were higher in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to an increase in 

proceeds from terminations of derivative contracts within our cash flow hedging programs and an increase in maturities from mortgage 

loans, partially offset by a decrease in distributions received from private equity partnerships. Proceeds from sales and maturities of other 

investments were slightly lower in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to a decrease in maturities from mortgage loans, offset by an 

increase in distributions received from private equity partnerships and an increase in proceeds from terminations of derivative contracts 

within our cash flow hedging programs.

Purchases of available-for-sale securities were higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due to an increase in funds available for reinvestment 

during 2012 resulting from maturities of fixed maturity securities, as previously noted. We also moved cash out of short-term investments 

and into fixed maturity securities during the year. Purchases of available-for-sale securities were lower in 2011 compared to 2010 as a result 

of the decline in funds available for reinvestment due to the decrease in bond calls, as previously noted.

Purchases of other investments increased in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to an increase in funding of mortgage loans and 

decreased in 2011 compared to 2010 as a result of a decrease in funding of mortgage loans, partially offset by a slight increase in funding 

of tax credit partnerships.

Net purchases of short-term investments decreased in 2012 compared to 2011 due to our use of available cash to purchase fixed 

maturity securities, partially offset by an increase in available funds from cash collateral received under our securities lending program. Net 

purchases of short-term investments decreased in 2011 compared to 2010 due to our use of cash to fund the payment for our debt maturing 

in 2011. In both 2012 and 2011, cash received from the disposition of short-term investments provided funding for our share repurchases.

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 $305.5 million in 2012, compared to $720.4 million and $141.1 million in 

2011 and 2010, respectively.

In August 2012, we received proceeds of $250.0 million, less debt issuance costs of $2.2 million and a debt discount of $1.4 million, 

from the issuance of $250.0 million of 5.75% senior notes.

During 2012 and 2011, the balance outstanding under our securities lending program increased by $143.5 million and $312.3 million, 

respectively. We did not utilize our securities lending program during 2010.

During 2012, 2011, and 2010, Tailwind Holdings made principal payments of $10.0 million each year on its floating rate, senior secured 

non-recourse notes, and Northwind Holdings made principal payments of $60.0 million, $74.4 million, and $58.3 million, respectively, on its 

floating rate, senior secured non-recourse notes.

During 2012, 2011, and 2010, we repurchased 23.6 million, 25.4 million, and 16.4 million shares of Unum Group’s common stock at 

costs of $500.6 million, $619.9 million, and $356.0 million, respectively. Approximately $3.9 million of the amount repurchased during 2012 

was settled in January 2013.

During 2011, we made short-term debt repayments of $225.1 million at the maturity date of our senior notes due March 2011.

During 2010, we received proceeds of $400.0 million, less debt issuance costs of $3.0 million and a debt discount of $0.5 million, from 

the issuance of $400.0 million of 5.625% senior notes. During 2010, we purchased and retired $10.0 million of our 7.08% medium notes.

74 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

 
See “Debt” and Note 7 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” 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 dividends, operating and investment management fees, and/or interest payments on loans from the parent to a subsidiary.

Restrictions under applicable state insurance laws limit the amount of 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 dividends to a parent company from its insurance subsidiaries is generally further limited 

to the amount of unassigned statutory surplus.

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.

Northwind Holdings’ and Tailwind Holdings’ ability to meet their debt payment obligations is dependent upon the receipt of dividends 

from Northwind Reinsurance Company (Northwind Re) and Tailwind Reinsurance Company (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 business reinsured by Northwind Re and Tailwind Re.

The payment of dividends to the parent company from our subsidiaries also requires the approval of the individual subsidiary’s board 

of directors.

The amount available during 2012 for the payment of ordinary dividends from Unum Group’s traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries was 

$634.4 million, of which $600.0 million was declared and paid. The amount available during 2012 from Unum Limited was £187.0 million, 

of which £75.0 million was declared and paid to one of our U.K. holding companies. During 2012, Tailwind Re and Northwind Re paid 

dividends of $16.9 million and $83.0 million to Tailwind Holdings and Northwind Holdings, respectively.

Although we may not utilize the entire amount of available dividends, based on the restrictions under current law, $623.7 million is 

available during 2013 for the payment of ordinary dividends to Unum Group from its traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries, which excludes 

Northwind Re and Tailwind Re, our special purpose financial captive insurance companies. Approximately £144.7 million is available for the 

payment of dividends from Unum Limited to Unum Group and/or our U.K. holding companies during 2013, subject to regulatory approval.

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 396 percent at December 31, 2012, compared to 405 percent at December 31, 2011. The individual 

RBC ratios for Northwind Re and Tailwind Re are calculated using the NAIC Company Action Level formula and have target levels of 200 percent. 

Both Northwind Re and Tailwind Re are approximately at their target levels. The individual RBC ratio for each of our insurance subsidiaries is 

above the range that would require state regulatory action.

The ability of Unum Group and certain of its intermediate holding company subsidiaries to continue to receive dividends from their 

insurance subsidiaries generally depends on the level of earnings of those insurance subsidiaries and additional factors such as RBC ratios 

and FSA capital adequacy requirements, 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. We intend to retain a level of capital in our traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries such that we maintain a weighted average 

RBC level above capital adequacy requirements. We also expect Unum Limited to operate above FSA capital adequacy requirements and 

minimum solvency margins.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  75

 
Debt

At December 31, 2012, we had short-term debt of $455.8 million, consisting entirely of securities lending agreements, and long-term 

debt of $2,755.4 million, consisting primarily of senior secured notes and junior subordinated debt securities. Our leverage ratio, when 

calculated using consolidated debt to total consolidated capital, was 30.4 percent at December 31, 2012, compared to 28.7 percent at 

December 31, 2011. Our leverage ratio, when calculated excluding the non-recourse debt and associated capital of Tailwind Holdings and 

Northwind Holdings and the short-term debt arising from securities lending agreements, was 25.3 percent at December 31, 2012, 

compared to 23.5 percent at December 31, 2011. The increase in our consolidated debt to total consolidated capital leverage ratio is due 

primarily to the issuance of $250.0 million senior notes in August 2012 and the increase in short-term debt related to securities lending 

agreements outstanding at December 31, 2012, partially offset by our principal payments on the debt of Northwind Holdings and Tailwind 

Holdings during 2012. Leverage is measured as total debt to total capital, which we define as total long-term and short-term debt plus 

stockholders’ equity, excluding the net unrealized gain or loss on securities and the net gain or loss on cash flow hedges. We believe that  

a leverage ratio which excludes the net unrealized gains and losses on securities and the net gain or loss on cash flow hedges, both of 

which tend to fluctuate depending on market conditions and general economic trends, and which also excludes the non-recourse debt and 

associated capital of Tailwind Holdings and Northwind Holdings and the short-term debt arising from securities lending is a better indicator 

of our ability to meet our financial obligations.

We monitor our compliance with our debt covenants. There are no significant financial covenants associated with any of our 

outstanding debt obligations. 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 2011, we made debt repayments of $225.1 million at the maturity date of our remaining 7.625% senior notes due March 2011.  

In 2010, we purchased and retired $10.0 million of our 7.08% medium-term notes due 2024.

During 2012, 2011, and 2010, Tailwind Holdings made principal payments of $10.0 million each year on its floating rate, senior secured 

non-recourse notes due 2036. During 2012, 2011, and 2010, Northwind Holdings made principal payments of $60.0 million, $74.4 million, 

and $58.3 million, respectively, on its floating rate, senior secured non-recourse notes due 2037.

In January 2013, Tailwind Holdings purchased and retired the outstanding principal of $62.5 million on its notes. The transaction resulted 

in an immaterial gain which will be included in our first quarter 2013 operating results.

Issuance of Debt

In August 2012, we issued $250.0 million of unsecured senior notes in a public offering. These notes, due 2042, bear interest at a  

fixed rate of 5.75% and are payable semi-annually. The notes are callable at or above par and rank equally in right of payment with all of 

our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The balance outstanding on these notes was $250.0 million at December 31, 2012.

In 2010, we issued $400.0 million of unsecured senior notes in a public offering. These notes, due in 2020, bear interest at a fixed  

rate of 5.625% and are payable semi-annually. 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 addition, these notes are effectively subordinated to any indebtedness of our subsidiaries.  

The balance outstanding on these notes was $400.0 million at December 31, 2012.

In 2009, we issued $350.0 million of unsecured senior notes in a public offering. These notes, due in 2016, bear interest at a fixed  

rate of 7.125% and are payable semi-annually. The notes are callable at or above par and rank equally in right of payment with all of our 

other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The balance outstanding on these notes was $350.0 million at December 31, 2012.

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 collateral for the notes and other 

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  

76 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
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 with respect to the notes. The balance outstanding on these notes was $500.0 million at 

December 31, 2012.

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 collateral for the notes and the other 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 $62.5 million at December 31, 2012, the entire amount of which was purchased and retired in January 2013.

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 $296.9 million at December 31, 2012.

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. The 7.375% notes have  

an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $39.5 million at December 31, 2012.

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, 2012.

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, 2012.

Unum Group has medium-term notes with an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $50.8 million at December 31, 2012 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 2012, 2011, and 2010, was $139.6 million, $145.4 million, 

and $140.7 million, respectively.

Shelf Registration

We have a shelf registration, which we renewed in 2011, 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 securities 

covered by the shelf registration as well as any combination thereof, subject to market conditions and our capital needs.

See Note 7 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein for additional information.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  77

 
Commitments

The following table summarizes contractual obligations and our reinsurance recoverable by period as of December 31, 2012:

(in millions of dollars) 

Payments Due

Short-term Debt 

Long-term Debt 

Policyholder Liabilities 

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits 

Miscellaneous Liabilities 

Operating Leases 

Purchase Obligations 

Total   

Receipts Due

Total 

In 1 Year 
or Less 

After 1 Year 
up to 3 Years 

After 3 Years 
up to 5 Years 

After 5 Years

$ 

  455.8 

$   455.8 

$ 

  — 

$ 

  — 

$   

  —

4,672.9 

41,973.1 

2,237.0 

575.2 

216.8 

275.0 

145.8 

4,613.5 

74.4 

523.8 

33.7 

236.0 

585.9 

7,094.9 

253.7 

11.8 

54.0 

33.6 

576.0 

5,310.5 

256.8 

9.0 

31.1 

3.8 

3,365.2

24,954.2

1,652.1

30.6

98.0

1.6

$50,405.8 

$6,083.0 

$8,033.9 

$6,187.2 

$30,101.7

Reinsurance Recoverable 

$  7,502.5 

$   328.4 

$   786.8 

$   544.9 

$  5,842.4

Excluded from the preceding table are tax liabilities of approximately $6.8 million for which we are unable to make reasonably reliable 

estimates of the period of potential cash settlements, if any, with taxing authorities. See Note 6 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial 

Statements” contained herein for additional information.

Short-term and long-term debt includes contractual principal and interest payments and therefore exceeds the amount shown in the 

consolidated balance sheets. See Note 7 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein 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 and liability management under “Investments” and Note 1 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein 

for additional information.

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 expected 

contributions to the pension plans. Amounts in the one year or less category equal our expected contributions within the next 12 months. 

The remaining years’ contributions are projected based on the expected future contributions as required under the Employee Retirement 

Income Security Act (ERISA). Non-qualified pension plan and other postretirement benefit obligations represent the expected benefit payments 

related to these plans. The pensions and other postretirement benefit projections reflect expected future service. These projections are 

not discounted with respect to interest and therefore exceed the amount recorded in the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 8 of the 

“Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” and “Critical Accounting Estimates” contained herein for additional information.

Miscellaneous liabilities include commissions due and accrued, deferred compensation liabilities, state premium taxes payable, amounts 

due to reinsurance companies, accounts payable, obligations to return unrestricted cash collateral to our derivatives counterparties, 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. See Note 4 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein for additional information 

on our derivatives.

78 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

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

 2012

At December 31, 2012, we had legally binding unfunded commitments, which are recognized as liabilities in our consolidated  

balance sheets, of $83.7 million and $5.1 million to fund tax credit partnership investments and transferable state tax credits, respectively, 

with a corresponding recognition of other long-term investments and other assets, respectively. These commitments are represented in  

the purchase obligation line on the preceding schedule and will be funded over the next several years.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As noted in the preceding commitments table, we have operating lease commitments totaling $216.8 million at December 31, 2012. 

Operating leases include noncancelable obligations on certain office space, equipment, and software.

Purchase obligations include off-balance sheet non-binding commitments of $29.0 million to fund certain of our investments in private 

placement securities, $71.3 million to fund certain private equity partnerships, and $47.3 million to fund certain commercial mortgage 

loans. 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, issuer of the private placement securities, or borrower. The amounts may or may not be 

funded. Also included are obligations with outside parties for computer data processing services and related functions and software 

maintenance agreements. The aggregate obligation remaining under these agreements was $35.6 million at December 31, 2012.

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. See “Transfers of Financial Assets” as follows for further discussion.

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 $8.7 million at December 31, 2012. We post fixed maturity securities or cash as collateral to our counterparties.  

Fixed maturity securities with a carrying value of $108.6 million and cash of $1.8 million were posted as collateral to our counterparties  

at December 31, 2012.

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 fair value of $58.9 million  

at December 31, 2012.

Transfers of Financial Assets

To manage our cash position more efficiently, we may enter into repurchase agreements with unaffiliated financial institutions.  

We generally use repurchase agreements as a means to finance the purchase of invested assets or for short-term general business 

purposes until projected cash flows become available from our operations or existing investments. Our repurchase agreements are 

typically outstanding for less than 30 days. We post collateral through our repurchase agreement transactions whereby the counterparty 

commits to purchase securities with the agreement to resell them to us at a later, specified date. The fair value of collateral posted is 

generally 102 percent of the cash received.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  79

 
As previously noted, our investment policy also permits us to lend fixed maturity securities to unaffiliated financial institutions in 

short-term securities lending agreements, which increase our investment income with minimal risk. We account for all of our securities 

lending agreements and repurchase agreements as collateralized financings. We had $455.8 million of securities lending agreements 

outstanding which were collateralized by cash at December 31, 2012 and were reported as short-term debt in our consolidated balance 

sheets. The cash received as collateral was reinvested in short-term investments. The average balance during the year ended December 31, 

2012 was $431.0 million, and the maximum amount outstanding at any month end was $467.1 million. In addition, at December 31, 2012, 

we had $14.5 million of off-balance sheet securities lending agreements which were collateralized by securities that we were neither 

permitted to sell nor control. The average balance of these off-balance sheet transactions during 2012 was $15.7 million, and the maximum 

amount outstanding at any month end was $16.9 million.

We had no repurchase agreements outstanding at December 31, 2012. The average balance during the year ended December 31, 

2012 was $2.7 million, and the maximum amount outstanding at any month end was $16.2 million. Our use of repurchase agreements and 

securities lending agreements can fluctuate during any given period and will depend on our liquidity position, the availability of long-term 

investments that meet our purchasing criteria, and our general business needs.

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.

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.

AM Best 

Fitch 

Moody’s 

S&P

bbb (Good) 

BBB (Good) 

Baa2 (Adequate)  BBB (Adequate)

A (Excellent) 

A (Excellent) 

A (Excellent) 

A (Excellent) 

A (Excellent) 

A (Excellent) 

B++ (Good) 

Not Rated 

A (Strong) 

A (Strong) 

A (Strong) 

A (Strong) 

A (Strong) 

A (Strong) 

A (Strong) 

Not Rated 

A2 (Good) 

Not Rated 

A2 (Good) 

A2 (Good) 

A2 (Good) 

A2 (Good) 

A2 (Good) 

Not Rated 

A (Strong)

Not Rated

A (Strong)

A (Strong)

A (Strong)

A (Strong)

Not Rated

A- (Strong)

Issuer Credit Ratings 

Financial Strength Ratings

Provident Life and Accident 

Provident Life and Casualty 

  Unum Life of America 

First Unum Life 

Colonial Life & Accident 

Paul Revere Life 

Paul Revere Variable 

  Unum Limited 

80 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 February 6, 2012, August 3, 2012, and February 11, 2013, Fitch affirmed its A rating of Unum’s domestic insurance subsidiaries and 

affirmed the senior debt rating of Unum Group at BBB. Fitch’s rating outlook for all ratings is “stable.” On March 15, 2012 and January 30, 

2013, AM Best affirmed its A rating of Unum’s primary domestic insurance subsidiaries and affirmed the bbb issuer credit rating for Unum 

Group. AM Best’s outlook for all ratings is “stable.” On August 16, 2012, Moody’s upgraded the financial strength rating of Unum’s primary 

domestic insurance subsidiaries from A3 to A2 and raised the credit ratings of Unum Group’s senior debt from Baa3 to Baa2. Moody’s 

outlook for all ratings is “stable.” On October 9, 2012, S&P raised its credit rating of Unum Group’s senior debt from BBB- to BBB and raised the 

financial strength ratings of Unum’s primary domestic insurance subsidiaries from A- to A. S&P revised the outlook on all ratings to “stable.”

There have been no other changes in any of the rating agencies’ outlook statements or ratings during 2012 or during 2013 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, 2012, for further discussion.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  81

 
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 2, 3, and 4 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained herein 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 decrease 

the net unrealized gain 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 increase the net unrealized gain, 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 our policy benefits are primarily in the form of claim payments and we therefore have minimal exposure to the policy 

withdrawal risk associated with deposit products such as individual life policies or annuities, 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 limit interest rate risk. Due to the long duration of our long-term care product, we may be unable to 

purchase appropriate assets with cash flows and durations such that the timing and/or amount of our investment cash flows may not 

match those of our maturing liabilities. Sustained periods of low interest rates could result in lower than expected profitability or increases 

in reserves. 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 enables us to choose what we believe to be the most appropriate 

investment strategy, as well as to limit the risk of disadvantageous outcomes. We use this analysis in determining hedging strategies  

and utilizing derivative financial instruments. We use current and forward interest rate swaps, options on forward interest rate swaps,  

and forward treasury locks to hedge interest rate risks and to match asset durations and cash flows with corresponding liabilities.

82 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

 
Long-term debt is not carried at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. If we modify or replace existing 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.

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, 2012 and 2011 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, 2012 and 2011 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  

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) 

Long-term Debt 

Derivatives (1)

Swaps  

Embedded Derivative in Modified  

Coinsurance Arrangement 

December 31, 2012

Notional 

Hypothetical

Amount of Derivatives 

Fair Value 

FV + 100 BP 

 Change in FV

$44,973.0 

$41,290.1 

$(3,682.9)

1,937.1 

302.6 

1,847.2 

283.5 

(89.9)

(19.1)

$ (5,993.0) 

$ (3,267.5) 

$   2,725.5

(2,968.8) 

(2,780.3) 

188.5

$1,432.8 

$ 

   (88.9) 

$       (146.4) 

$ 

  (57.5)

(83.9) 

(92.3) 

(8.4)

December 31, 2011

Notional 

Hypothetical

Amount of Derivatives 

Fair Value 

FV + 100 BP 

 Change in FV

$42,486.7 

$38,912.6 

$(3,574.1)

1,789.8 

286.1 

1,716.2 

270.0 

(73.6)

(16.1)

$ (5,007.3) 

$ (2,326.4) 

$   2,680.9

(2,540.2) 

(2,400.6) 

139.6

$1,413.0 

$ 

   (36.0) 

$     (118.8) 

$ 

  (82.8)

(135.7) 

(138.4) 

(2.7)

(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. The corresponding offsetting change is reported in other comprehensive income or loss, net of 
deferred taxes, except for changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative which is reported as a component of net realized investment gain or loss.

(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.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2012 and 2011 levels, stockholders’ equity 

as reported in U.S. dollars as of and for the periods then ended would have been lower by approximately $109.5 million and $107.9 million, 

respectively. Assuming the pound to dollar average exchange rate decreased 10 percent from the actual average exchange rates for 2012 

and 2011, segment operating income, which excludes net realized investment gains and losses and income tax, as reported in U.S. dollars 

would have decreased approximately $12.6 million and $18.8 million, respectively, for the years then ended.

Dividends paid by Unum Limited are generally held at our U.K. finance subsidiary or our U.K. holding company. 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 to hedge or minimize the 

foreign exchange risk associated with these instruments.

See “Consolidated Operating Results” and “Unum UK Segment” contained herein for further information concerning foreign  

currency translation.

Risk Management

Effectively taking and managing risks is essential to the success of our Company. To facilitate this effort, we have a formal Enterprise 

Risk Management (ERM) program, with a framework comprising the following key components:

•  Risk culture and governance

•  Risk appetite policy

•  Risk identification and prioritization

•  Risk and capital modeling

•  Risk management activities

•  Risk reporting

84 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

 
Through adherence to the objectives highlighted by the key components of our ERM framework, we believe we are better positioned 

to fulfill our corporate mission, improve and protect stockholder value, and reduce reputational risk.

Risk Culture and Governance

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. The individual and collective decisions of our 

employees play a key role in successfully managing our overall risk profile. 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.

Our risk culture is reinforced by our system of risk governance. We employ a multi-layered risk control system. Our three lines of 

defense model is depicted below.

1st Line: The Business 

2nd Line: Risk and Control 

3rd Line: Independent Review

All Unum Employees 

Risk Committees and Chief Risk Officer 

Internal Audit and Internal Controls

Frontline Business Management 

Chief Actuary 

Audit Committee of Unum Group Board

Compliance Officers and Staff 

Unum Group Board

Business units are primarily responsible for managing their principal risks. Our risk committees, chief risk officer (CRO), chief actuary, 

and compliance officers and staff serve in risk and control functions responsible for providing risk oversight, or the second line of risk 

control. The internal audit team and internal controls team provide a second level of independent review, or our third line of risk control.  

The audit committee of Unum Group’s board of directors (the board) oversees the entire ERM governance process, effectively providing 

independent review for our third line of risk control.

The board has an active role, as a whole and through its committees, in overseeing management of our risks. The board is responsible 

for managing strategic risk and regularly reviews information regarding our capital, liquidity, and operations, as well as the risks associated 

with each, and receives an ERM report from our CRO at least annually, or more frequently as appropriate. The audit committee of the board 

is responsible for oversight of our risk management process, including financial risk, operational risk, and any other risk not specifically 

assigned to another board committee. The CRO provides a report on our risks and risk management processes to the audit committee of 

the board at least quarterly. The finance committee of the board is responsible for oversight of risks associated with investments, capital, 

and related financial matters. The human capital committee of the board is responsible for oversight of risks relating to our compensation 

plans and programs. The CRO performs an annual risk assessment of our incentive compensation programs to ensure incentive plans are 

balanced and consistent with the risk levels embedded in our financial and business plans. Results of this assessment are presented to our 

human capital committee of the board annually, and conclusions from this assessment are reported in our proxy statement. The regulatory 

compliance committee of the board is responsible for oversight of risks related to regulatory, compliance, policy, and legal matters, both 

current and emerging, and whether of a local, state, federal, or international nature. While each committee is responsible for evaluating 

certain risks and overseeing the management of such risks, the entire board is regularly informed through committee reports about such 

risks in addition to the risk information it receives directly.

The executive risk management committee is responsible for overseeing our enterprise-wide risk management program. The CRO, 

who is a member of the executive risk management committee, has primary responsibility for our ERM program and is supported by 

corporate risk committees and by the risk committees of our primary operating segments.

Operating segment risk committees for Unum US, Unum UK, Colonial Life, and Closed Block are responsible for oversight of risks 

specific to their businesses. These committees are responsible for identifying, measuring, reporting, and managing insurance and 

operational risks within their respective areas, consistent with enterprise risk management guidance. Corporate risk committees oversee 

the operational, global technology services, investment, and capital management risks on a corporate level.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  85

 
 
 
 
 
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures  
About Market Risk

Risk Appetite Policy

Our risk appetite policy describes the types of risks we are willing to take, as well as the amount of enterprise risk exposure we deem 

acceptable in pursuit of our goals, with an objective of clearly defining boundaries for our risk-taking activities.

The starting point of our philosophy and approach to our ERM strategy is our corporate strategy. In contrast to many multi-line peer 

companies, we do not offer retirement savings, traditional medical benefits, or property and casualty insurance. Our corporate strategy is 

focused on providing group, individual, and voluntary benefits, either as stand-alone products or combined with other coverages, that 

create comprehensive benefits solutions for employers. We have market leadership positions in the product lines we offer and have over 

160 years of experience. We believe this combination of focused expertise and extensive experience is a competitive advantage and  

forms the foundation of our approach to risk management.

We believe our sound and consistent business practices, strong internal compliance program, and comprehensive risk management 

strategy enable us to operate efficiently and to identify and address potential areas of risk in our business. We take and manage risks to 

achieve our business and strategic objectives, and our risk appetite statement sets boundaries for risk-taking activities that link earnings, 

capital, and operational processes, as well as summarizes our most material risk limits and controls. We monitor our risk profile against our 

established risk tolerance and limits. Risks falling outside our risk tolerance and limits are reported to the applicable governance group, 

where decisions are made pertaining to acceptance of the risk or implementation of remediation plans or corrective actions as deemed 

appropriate by that governance group.

Risk Identification and Prioritization

Risk identification and prioritization is an ongoing process, whereby we identify and assess our risk positions and exposures, including 

notable risk events. Additionally, we identify emerging risks and analyze how material future risks might affect us. Knowing the potential 

risks we face allows us to monitor and manage their potential effects including adjusting our strategies as appropriate and holding capital 

levels which provide financial flexibility.

Risk committees have primary responsibility for identifying and prioritizing risks within their respective areas. In addition, we maintain 

a risk, ethics, and compliance (REC) leaders program. The goal of the program is to further embed REC management into our culture in a 

visible and effective manner. This group assists with the early identification of issues, timely referrals, problem solving, and communication.

Individual employees can report material concerns and identified risks through a variety of options, such as discussion with 

management, contacting a REC leader or the ERM team, or utilizing the Company’s anonymous hotline and electronic reporting mechanism.

We face a wide range of risks, and our continued success depends on our ability to identify and appropriately manage our risk exposures. 

For additional information on certain risks that may adversely affect our business, operating results, or financial condition see “Cautionary 

Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” contained herein and “Risk Factors” contained in Item 1A of our Annual Report on 

Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.

Risk and Capital Modeling

We assess material risks, including how they affect us and how individual risks interrelate, to provide valuable information to 

management in order that they may effectively manage our risks. We use qualitative and quantitative approaches to assess existing and 

emerging risks and to develop mitigating strategies to limit our exposure to both.

We utilize stress testing and scenario analysis for risk management and to shape our business, financial, and strategic planning 

activities. Both are key components of our risk appetite policy and play an important role in monitoring, assessing, managing, and 

mitigating our primary risk exposures.

In particular, 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 target capital and liquidity levels. For example, we periodically 

perform stress tests on certain categories of assets or liabilities to support development of capital and liquidity risk contingency plans. 

These tests help ensure that we have a buffer to support our operations in uncertain times and financial flexibility to respond to market 

opportunities. Stress testing is also central to reserve adequacy testing, cash flow testing, and asset and liability management.

86 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

 
In addition, we aim to constantly improve our capital modeling techniques and methodologies that are used to determine a level  

of capital that is commensurate with our risk profile and to ensure compliance with evolving regulatory and rating agency requirements. Our 

capital modeling reflects appropriate aggregation of risks and diversification benefits resulting from our mix of products and business units.

Our internal capital modeling and allocation aids us in making significant business decisions including strategic planning, capital 

management, risk limit determination, reinsurance purchases, hedging activities, asset allocation, pricing, and corporate development.

Risk Management Activities

We accept and manage strategic, credit, and insurance risks in accordance with our corporate strategy, investment policy, and annual 

business plans. The following fundamental principles are embedded in our risk management efforts across our Company.

•  We believe in the benefits of specialization and a focused business strategy. We seek profitable risk-taking in areas where we have 

established risk management skills and capabilities.

•  We seek to manage our exposure to insurance risk through a combination of prudent underwriting with effective risk selection, 

maintaining pricing discipline, sound reserving practices, and high quality claims management. Detailed underwriting guidelines and 

claim policies are tools used to manage our insurance risk exposure. We also monitor exposures against internally prescribed limits, 

and we diversify to reduce potential concentration risk and volatility.

•  We maintain a detailed set of investment policies and guidelines, including fundamental credit analysis, that are used to manage  

our credit risk exposure and diversify our risks across asset classes and issuers.

•  Finally, we foster a risk culture that embeds our corporate values and our code of conduct in our daily operations and preserves  

our reputation with customers and other key stakeholders. We monitor a composite set of operational risk metrics that measure 

operating effectiveness from the customer perspective.

Risk Reporting

Regular internal and external risk reporting is an integral part of our ERM framework. Internally, ERM reports are a standard part  

of our quarterly senior management and board meetings. The reports summarize our existing and emerging risk exposures, as well as 

report against the tolerances and limits defined by our risk appetite policy.

Externally, we are subject to a number of regulatory and rating agency risk examinations, and risk reports are often included. By 2015, 

we must comply with the ORSA requirements, which are intended to become a regular part of reviews of insurers’ ERM programs. We believe 

the ORSA will provide strong evidence of the strengths of our ERM framework, measurement approaches, key assumptions utilized in 

assessing our risks, and prospective solvency assessments under both normal and stressed conditions. We have implemented, and will 

continue to implement, actions to prepare for compliance with this evolving standard. See “Regulation” contained in Item 1 of our 

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, for additional information regarding the ORSA.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  87

 
Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in millions of dollars) 

Assets

Investments

December 31

2012 

2011 

As Adjusted 

Fixed Maturity Securities — at fair value (amortized cost: $37,751.5; $36,640.7) 

$44,973.0 

$42,486.7

  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 

  Other Assets 

1,712.7 

3,133.8 

625.0 

1,460.3 

1,612.3

3,051.4

639.2

1,423.5

51,904.8 

49,213.1

77.3 

1,632.6 

4,842.6 

694.6 

1,755.5 

201.7 

501.6 

625.4 

116.6

1,672.2

4,854.6

681.8

1,677.1

201.2

493.3

645.3

Total Assets 

 See notes to consolidated financial statements.

$62,236.1 

$59,555.2

88 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Consolidated Balance Sheets 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(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 13

Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock, $0.10 par

  Authorized: 725,000,000 shares

Issued: 359,751,943 and 358,691,567 shares 

  Additional Paid-in Capital 

  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

  Net Unrealized Gain on Securities Not 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: 89,546,758 and 65,975,613 shares 

Total Stockholders’ Equity 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

December 31

2012 

2011 

As Adjusted 

$  1,484.6 

$  1,494.0

44,694.4 

43,051.9

426.7 

1,644.9 

54.2 

269.4 

455.8 

2,755.4 

1,838.1 

433.2

1,625.9

38.2

44.7

312.3

2,570.2

1,815.1

53,623.5 

51,385.5

36.0 

2,607.7 

873.5 

401.6 

(72.6) 

(574.5) 

7,371.6 

35.9

2,591.1

614.8

408.7

(117.6)

(444.1)

6,611.0

(2,030.7) 

(1,530.1)

8,612.6 

8,169.7

$62,236.1 

$59,555.2

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Income

(in millions of dollars, except share data)  

Revenue

Premium Income 

  Net Investment Income 

Realized Investment Gain (Loss)

  Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Loss on Fixed Maturity Securities 

  Other Net Realized Investment Gain 

  Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) 

  Other Income 

Total Revenue 

Benefits and Expenses

Year Ended December 31

2012 

2011 

2010

As Adjusted 

$  7,716.1 

$  7,514.2 

$  7,431.4

2,515.2 

2,519.6 

2,495.5

— 

56.2 

56.2 

227.9 

(19.9) 

15.0 

(4.9) 

249.1 

(15.9)

40.6

24.7

241.6

10,515.4 

10,278.0 

10,193.2

  Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits 

6,722.2 

7,209.5 

6,354.1

917.2 

145.4 

(467.3) 

378.7 

— 

786.8 

782.9 

9,265.9 

1,249.5 

206.6 

148.5 

355.1 

879.2 

143.3 

(442.5) 

365.7 

196.0 

808.0 

785.5 

9,944.7 

333.3 

230.5 

(181.4) 

49.1 

855.4

141.8

(422.5)

373.3

—

776.3

794.9

8,873.3

1,319.9

301.0

140.2

441.2

$     894.4 

$     284.2 

$     878.7

$       3.18 

$       0.94 

$       3.17 

$       0.94 

$       2.70

$       2.69

Commissions 

Interest and Debt Expense 

  Deferral of Acquisition Costs 

  Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs 

Impairment of Deferred Acquisition Costs 

Compensation Expense 

  Other Expenses 

Total Benefits and Expenses 

Income Before Income Tax 

Income Tax (Benefit)

Current 

  Deferred 

Total Income Tax 

Net Income 

Net Income Per Common Share

  Basic   

  Assuming Dilution 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

90 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of  
Comprehensive Income

(in millions of dollars)  

Net Income 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Change in Net Unrealized Gains on Securities  

  Before Reclassification Adjustment:

Year Ended December 31

2012 

2011 

2010

As Adjusted 

$   894.4 

$    284.2 

$ 878.7

Change in Net Unrealized Gains on Securities Not Other-Than-Temporarily  

Impaired (net of tax expense of $470.9; $812.4; $522.6) 

926.4 

1,544.4 

989.0

Change in Net Unrealized Gains on Securities Other-Than-Temporarily  

Impaired (net of tax benefit of $ — ; $1.1; $0.5) 

— 

(2.1) 

(0.9)

Total Change in Net Unrealized Gains on Securities Before Reclassification  

  Adjustment (net of tax expense of $470.9; $811.3; $522.1) 

926.4 

1,542.3 

988.1

Reclassification Adjustment for Net Realized Investment Gain  

(net of tax expense of $3.2; $13.0; $3.5) 

Change in Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges  

(7.6) 

(22.5) 

(net of tax expense (benefit) of $(4.3); $25.2; $(5.0)) 

(7.1) 

47.7 

(6.4)

(9.8)

Change in Adjustment to Reserves for Future Policy  

and Contract Benefits, Net of Reinsurance and Other  

(net of tax benefit of $325.6; $701.5; $499.6) 

Change in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment  

(net of tax expense of $ — ; $ — ; $0.6) 

Change in Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs  

(net of tax benefit of $68.0; $67.4; $12.7) 

Total Other Comprehensive Income 

Comprehensive Income 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

(660.1) 

(1,321.1) 

(948.3)

45.0 

(10.5) 

(31.8)

(130.4) 

166.2 

(125.5) 

110.4 

12.1

3.9

$1,060.6 

$  394.6 

$ 882.6

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(in millions of dollars)  

Common Stock

Balance at Beginning of Year 

Common Stock Activity 

Retirement of Repurchased Common Shares 

Balance at End of Year 

Additional Paid-in Capital

Balance at Beginning of Year 

Common Stock Activity 

Retirement of Repurchased Common Shares 

Balance at End of Year 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Balance at Beginning of Year 

Change During Year 

Balance at End of Year 

Retained Earnings

Balance at Beginning of Year 

  Net Income 

  Dividends to Stockholders (per common share: $0.470; $0.395; $0.350) 

Retirement of Repurchased Common Shares 

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.

Year Ended December 31

2012 

2011 

2010

As Adjusted 

$ 

   35.9 

$ 

   36.5 

$ 

   36.4

0.1 

— 

36.0 

0.2 

(0.8) 

35.9 

0.1

—

36.5

2,591.1 

2,615.4 

2,587.4

16.6 

— 

30.9 

(55.2) 

28.0

—

2,607.7 

2,591.1 

2,615.4

461.8 

166.2 

628.0 

351.4 

110.4 

461.8 

6,611.0 

6,591.8 

894.4 

(133.8) 

— 

284.2 

(121.0) 

(144.0) 

347.5

3.9

351.4

5,827.9

878.7

(114.8)

—

7,371.6 

6,611.0 

6,591.8

(1,530.1) 

(1,110.2) 

(500.6) 

(419.9) 

(754.2)

(356.0)

(2,030.7) 

(1,530.1) 

(1,110.2)

$ 8,612.6 

$ 8,169.7 

$ 8,484.9

92 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

Impairment of 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 

  Other, Net 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Proceeds from Sales of Fixed Maturity Securities 

Proceeds from Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities 

Proceeds from Sales and Maturities of Other Investments 

Purchase of Fixed Maturity Securities 

Purchase of Other Investments 

  Net Purchases of Short-term Investments 

  Other, Net 

Net Cash Used by Investing Activities 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

  Net Short-term Debt Borrowings 

Issuance of Long-term Debt 

Long-term Debt Repayments 

Issuance of Common Stock 

Repurchase of Common Stock 

  Dividends Paid to Stockholders 

  Other, Net 

Net Cash Used by Financing Activities 

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.

Year Ended December 31

2012 

2011 

2010

As Adjusted 

$  894.4 

$  284.2 

$  878.7

40.4 

(88.6) 

— 

508.4 

168.0 

18.6 

(221.3) 

(56.2) 

84.3 

31.6 

37.0 

(76.8) 

196.0 

1,113.9 

(274.4) 

68.4 

(240.6) 

4.9 

81.1 

— 

1.7

(49.2)

—

537.8

160.3

(95.5)

(276.2)

(24.7)

75.4

(11.5)

1,379.6 

1,193.7 

1,196.8

595.9 

2,160.5 

182.2 

1,181.9 

1,692.7 

131.9 

1,122.8

2,192.8

140.3

(3,512.8) 

(2,760.1) 

(3,798.6)

(353.8) 

(80.1) 

(105.3) 

(1,113.4) 

143.5 

246.4 

(70.0) 

4.9 

(496.7) 

(133.8) 

0.2 

(304.1) 

(254.6) 

(98.0) 

(410.3) 

87.2 

— 

(84.4) 

14.8 

(619.9) 

(121.0) 

2.9 

(305.5) 

(720.4) 

(39.3) 

116.6 

63.0 

53.6 

(332.8)

(288.1)

(110.1)

(1,073.7)

—

396.9

(78.3)

10.0

(356.0)

(114.8)

1.1

(141.1)

(18.0)

71.6

$ 

  77.3 

$  116.6 

$  53.6

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 14). Intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

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 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 Closed Block and 

Corporate. See Note 12 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.

Fixed Maturity Securities: Fixed maturity securities include long-term 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 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 that 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. See also Notes 2 and 3.

Mortgage Loans: Mortgage loans are generally held for investment and are 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. 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 further inspection, analysis, and reevaluation. For mortgage loans on which collection of investment income is uncertain,  

we discontinue the accrual of investment income and recognize investment income in the period when an interest payment is received. 

We typically do not resume the accrual of interest on mortgage loans on nonaccrual status until there are significant improvements in the 

94 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
underlying financial condition of the borrower. We consider a loan to be delinquent if full payment is not received in accordance with the 

contractual terms of the loan. 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 considering the underlying collateral, the value of which is 

periodically assessed. Additions and reductions to our allowance are reported as a component of net realized investment gain or loss.  

We do not purchase mortgage loans with existing credit impairments. See also Note 3.

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 $2,912.7 million and $2,838.3 million 

of policy loans ceded to reinsurers at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Other Long-term Investments: Other long-term investments are comprised primarily of freestanding derivatives with a positive fair 

value, tax credit partnerships, and private equity partnerships. Freestanding derivatives are more fully described in the derivatives 

accounting policy which follows.

Tax credit partnerships in which we have invested were formed for the purpose of investing in the construction and rehabilitation  

of low-income housing. Because the partnerships are structured such that there is no return of principal, the primary sources of investment 

return from our tax credit partnerships are tax credits and tax benefits derived from passive losses on the investments, both of which may 

exhibit variability over the life of the investment. These partnerships are accounted for using either the equity or the effective yield method, 

depending primarily on whether the tax credits are guaranteed through a letter of credit, a tax indemnity agreement, or another similar 

arrangement. Tax credits received from these partnerships are reported in our consolidated statements of income as either a reduction of 

state premium taxes, which are a component of other expenses, or a reduction of income tax. For those partnerships accounted for under 

the equity method, the amortization of the principal amount invested in these partnerships is reported as a component of net investment 

income. For those partnerships accounted for under the effective yield method, amortization of the principal amount invested is reported 

as a component of income tax or other expenses.

Our investments in private equity partnerships are passive in nature. The underlying investments held by these partnerships  

include both equity and debt securities and are accounted for using the equity or cost method, depending on the level of ownership and 

the degree of our influence over partnership operating and financial policies. For partnerships accounted for under the equity method, our 

portion of partnership earnings is reported as a component of net investment income in our consolidated statements of income. For those 

partnerships accounted for under the cost method, we record income received from partnership distributions as either a component of net 

investment income or of net realized investment gain or loss, in accordance with the source of the funds distributed from the partnership.

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 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 

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  95

 
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, including amounts measured as ineffectiveness, and changes in  

the fair value of 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 a fair value hedge is 

recognized in current earnings as a component of net realized investment gain or loss. When interest rate swaps are used in hedge 

accounting relationships, periodic settlements are recorded in the same income statement line as the related settlements of the 

hedged items.

 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 a component of net realized investment gain or loss 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.

96 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
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 significance 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 2.

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.

Deferred Acquisition Costs: Incremental direct costs associated with the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts 

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. 

Any deviations from projected business in force resulting from actual policy terminations differing from expected levels may result in a 

change to the rate of amortization in the period such events occur. Generally, the amortization periods for these policies approximate the 

estimated lives of the policies.

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 to reflect actual experience for assumptions which deviate 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 

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  97

 
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, or more frequently if appropriate, using best estimate assumptions as to 

future experience as of the date of the test. 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.

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 

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 $705.0 million and 

$670.9 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, 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 $23.5 million and $30.3 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The 

accumulated amortization for value of business acquired was $131.5 million and $119.3 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, 

respectively.

The amortization of value of business acquired, which is included in other expenses in the consolidated statements of income, was 

$7.5 million, $7.4 million, and $7.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, 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.

98 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
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.

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: Debt is generally carried at the unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized discount or premium. 

Short-term debt consists of debt due within the next twelve months, including that portion of debt otherwise classified as long-term, and 

securities lending agreements collateralized by cash. We account for all of our securities lending agreements and repurchase agreements 

as collateralized financings, and the carrying amount of the related short-term debt represents our liability to return cash collateral to the 

counterparty. 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. The carrying amount of long-term debt that is part of a fair value hedge program includes 

an adjustment to reflect the effect of the change in fair value attributable to the risk being hedged. Net interest settlements for fair value 

hedges on our long-term debt are recognized as a component of interest expense.

Treasury Stock and Retirement of Common Stock: Treasury stock is reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity at cost. When 

shares are retired, the par value is removed from common stock, and the excess of the repurchase price over par is allocated between 

additional paid-in capital and retained earnings.

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.

Reinsurance: We routinely enter into reinsurance agreements with other insurance companies to spread risk and thereby limit losses 

from large exposures. For each of our reinsurance agreements, we determine if the agreement provides indemnification against loss or 

liability relating to insurance risk in accordance with applicable accounting standards. If we determine that a reinsurance agreement does 

not expose the reinsurer to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk, we record the agreement using the deposit 

method of accounting.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  99

 
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. Ceded liabilities for policy and contract benefits, future policy and contract benefits, and 

unearned premiums are reported on a gross basis in our consolidated balance sheets, as are ceded policy loans. Our reinsurance recoverable 

includes the balances due from reinsurers under the terms of the reinsurance agreements for these ceded balances as well as settlement 

amounts currently due.

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, 2012 and 2011 was $67.4 million and 

$81.0 million, respectively.

Under ceded reinsurance agreements wherein we are not relieved of our legal liability to our policyholders, 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  

our reinsurance recoverable balances. In the event that reinsurers do not meet their obligations to us under the terms of the reinsurance 

agreements, certain amounts reported in our reinsurance recoverable could become uncollectible, in which case the reinsurance 

recoverable balances are stated net of allowances for uncollectible reinsurance.

Premium Tax Expense: Premium tax expense is included in other expenses in the consolidated statements of income. For the years 

ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, premium tax expense was $136.0 million, $134.9 million, and $129.4 million, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation: The cost of stock-based compensation is generally 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. Nonvested stock awards are valued 

based on the fair value of common stock at the grant date and cash-settled awards are measured each reporting period based on the 

current stock price. 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. Earnings per share assuming dilution 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. In computing earnings per share 

assuming dilution, only potential common shares resulting from stock-based awards that are dilutive (those that reduce earnings per share) 

are included. We use the treasury stock method to account for the effect of outstanding stock options and nonvested stock awards on the 

computation of earnings per share assuming dilution.

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. We do not provide for deferred taxes to the extent unremitted foreign 

earnings are deemed permanently invested.

100 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
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 

contracts. The assets of the PFA were $380.4 million and $385.5 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Accounting Updates Adopted in 2012:

Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 220 “Comprehensive Income.” In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) 

issued an update related to the financial statement presentation of comprehensive income. This update requires that non-owner changes in 

stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive 

statements. In the two-statement approach, the first statement should present net income and its components, followed consecutively by 

a second statement presenting total other comprehensive income, the components of other comprehensive income, and the total of 

comprehensive income. In December 2011, the FASB issued an update to indefinitely defer the effective date pertaining to the presentation 

of reclassification adjustments and reinstated the previous requirement to present reclassification adjustments either on the face of the 

statement or in financial statement footnotes. We adopted these updates effective January 1, 2012. The adoption of these updates modified 

our financial statement presentation but had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.

ASC 350 “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other.” In September 2011, the FASB issued an update which gives companies the option to first 

assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity is 

not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more 

likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2012. The adoption of this 

update had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.

ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” In May 2011, the FASB issued an update to require additional disclosures 

regarding fair value measurements and to provide clarifying guidance on the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. 

Specifically, the update requires additional information on Level 1 and Level 2 transfers within the fair value hierarchy; the categorization  

by level of the fair value hierarchy for items that are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position, but for which the fair 

value of such items is required to be disclosed; and information about the sensitivity of a fair value measurement in Level 3 of the fair value 

hierarchy to changes in unobservable inputs and any interrelationships between those unobservable inputs. We adopted this update 

effective January 1, 2012. The adoption of this update expanded our disclosures but had no effect on our financial position or results  

of operations.

ASC 860 “Transfers and Servicing.” In April 2011, the FASB issued an update to revise the criteria for assessing effective control for 

repurchase agreements and other agreements that both entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before 

their maturity. The determination of whether the transfer of a financial asset subject to a repurchase agreement is a sale is based, in part, 

on whether the entity maintains effective control over the financial asset. This update removes from the assessment of effective control the 

criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial asset on substantially the agreed terms, even in 

the event of default by the transferee, and the related requirement to demonstrate that the transferor possess adequate collateral to fund 

substantially all the cost of purchasing replacement financial assets. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2012. The adoption of this 

update had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.

ASC 944 “Financial Services — Insurance.” In October 2010, the FASB issued an update to address the diversity in practice regarding  

the interpretation of which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts qualify as deferred acquisition costs.  

The amendments in the update require that only incremental direct costs associated with the successful acquisition of a new or renewal 

insurance contract can be capitalized. All other costs are to be expensed as incurred. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2012  

and applied the amendments retrospectively, adjusting all prior periods in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. 

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  101

 
The cumulative effect of the adoption as of January 1, 2010, was a decrease to stockholders’ equity of $455.1 million. The following table 

summarizes the effects on our financial statements.

(in millions of dollars, except share data) 

Consolidated Statements of Income

Year Ended December 31

2011 

2010

Historical 
Accounting 
Method 

As 
Adjusted 

Effect 
of Change 

Historical 
Accounting 
Method 

As 
Adjusted 

Effect 
of Change

Deferral of Acquisition Costs 

$   (628.3) 

$   (442.5) 

$   185.8 

$   (607.7) 

$   (422.5) 

$   185.2

Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs 

Impairment of Deferred Acquisition Costs 

Income Tax (Benefit) — Deferred 

Net Income 

Net Income Per Common Share

  Basic   

  Assuming Dilution 

533.8 

289.8 

365.7 

196.0 

(168.1) 

(93.8) 

(208.7) 

(181.4) 

235.4 

284.2 

0.78 

0.78 

0.94 

0.94 

27.3 

48.8 

0.16 

0.16 

547.1 

373.3 

(173.8)

— 

144.2 

886.1 

2.72 

2.71 

— 

140.2 

878.7 

2.70 

2.69 

—

(4.0)

(7.4)

(0.02)

(0.02)

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Net Income 

$      235.4 

$      284.2 

$     48.8 

$   886.1 

$    878.7 

$    (7.4)

Change in Adjustment to Reserves for  

Future Policy and Contract Benefits,  

  Net of Reinsurance and Other 

(1,324.4) 

(1,321.1) 

Change in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment 

(10.6) 

(10.5) 

3.3 

0.1 

(950.9) 

(948.3) 

(32.2) 

(31.8) 

2.6

0.4

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

  Balance at Beginning of Year 

$    341.9 

$      351.4 

$       9.5 

$   341.0 

$   347.5 

$ 

   6.5

Change During Year 

Retained Earnings

107.0 

110.4 

3.4 

0.9 

3.9 

3.0

  Balance at Beginning of Year 

7,060.8 

6,591.8 

(469.0) 

6,289.5 

5,827.9 

(461.6)

  Net Income 

235.4 

284.2 

48.8 

886.1 

878.7 

(7.4)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Net Income 

$      235.4 

$     284.2 

$     48.8 

$   886.1 

$   878.7 

$ 

(7.4)

Change in Deferred Acquisition Costs 

Impairment of Deferred Acquisition Costs 

Change in Income Taxes 

(94.5) 

289.8 

(76.8) 

196.0 

(301.7) 

(274.4) 

17.7 

(93.8) 

27.3 

(60.6) 

(49.2) 

— 

— 

164.3 

160.3 

11.4

—

(4.0)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Deferred Acquisition Costs 

Deferred Income Tax 

Net Unrealized Gain on Securities  

  Not Other-Than-Temporarily Impaired 

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment 

Retained Earnings 

102 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

December 31, 2011

$ 2,300.9 

$ 1,677.1 

$(623.8)

261.2 

44.7 

(216.5)

605.8 

614.8 

(121.5) 

(117.6) 

9.0

3.9

7,031.2 

6,611.0 

(420.2)

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounting Updates Adopted in 2011:

ASC 310 “Receivables.” In April 2011, the FASB issued an update to provide additional clarification to help creditors in determining 

whether a creditor has granted a concession as well as whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties for purposes of determining 

whether a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. We adopted this update effective July 1, 2011. The adoption of this update 

expanded our disclosures but had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Accounting Updates Adopted in 2010:

ASC 310 “Receivables.” In July 2010, the FASB issued an update to require additional disclosures regarding the credit quality of 

financing receivables, including the entity’s credit risk exposure, its assessment of risk in estimating its allowance for credit losses, changes 

in the allowance for credit losses and the reason for those changes, and troubled debt restructuring. We adopted all of the required 

disclosures effective December 31, 2010 except for troubled debt restructuring disclosures which were deferred by the FASB. The adoption 

of this update expanded our disclosures but had no effect on our financial position or results of operation.

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. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2010. The adoption of this update had no 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. We adopted this update in its entirety, including early adoption 

of the additional Level 3 information, effective January 1, 2010. The adoption of this update expanded our disclosures but had 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. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2010. The 

adoption of this update had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Accounting Updates Outstanding:

ASC 210 “Balance Sheet — Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” In December 2011, the FASB issued an update to require 

additional disclosures and information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset on the balance sheet or 

are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement. These disclosures are intended to provide information that will enable users of 

financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on an entity’s financial position, including the effect 

or potential effect of rights of setoff associated with certain financial instruments and derivative instruments. In January 2013, the FASB 

issued an update to clarify the scope of transactions that are subject to the disclosures about offsetting. Specifically, the update applies only 

to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions to 

the extent they are subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The amendments in these updates are effective for 

interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The adoption of these updates will expand our disclosures but will have 

no effect on our financial position or results of operations.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  103

 
ASC 220 “Comprehensive Income.” In February 2013, the FASB issued an update to improve the transparency of reporting 

reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by requiring additional information to be presented regarding certain 

reclassification adjustments. The amendments in the update, which do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or 

other comprehensive income in financial statements, are effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2012. 

The adoption of this update will expand our disclosures but will have no effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Note 2. 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, accrued investment income, and short-term 

debt approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments. As such, these financial instruments are not included in the 

following chart. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current presentation.

(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

December 31

2012 

Carrying 

Amount 

Fair 

Value 

2011

Carrying 

Amount 

Fair

Value

$44,973.0 

$44,973.0 

$42,486.7 

$42,486.7

1,712.7 

3,133.8 

1,937.1 

3,215.3 

81.6 

14.6 

455.1 

81.6 

14.6 

455.1 

1,612.3 

3,051.4 

137.7 

11.2 

436.4 

1,789.8

3,124.4

137.7

11.2

436.4

  Deferred Annuity Products 

$     640.1 

$     640.1 

$     641.1 

$     641.1

Supplementary Contracts without Life Contingencies 

Long-term Debt 

Other Liabilities

  Derivatives 

Embedded Derivative in Modified  

Coinsurance Arrangement 

  Unfunded Commitments to Investment Partnerships 

535.5 

2,755.4 

535.5 

2,968.8 

170.5 

170.5 

83.9 

83.7 

83.9 

83.7 

502.6 

2,570.2 

173.7 

135.7 

160.6 

502.6

2,540.2

173.7

135.7

160.6

The methods and assumptions used to estimate fair values of financial instruments are discussed as follows.

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. These financial instruments are assigned a Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

104 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. Carrying amounts for ceded policy loans, which equal $2,912.7 million 

and $2,838.3 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, approximate fair value and are reported on a gross basis in our 

consolidated balance sheets. A change in interest rates for ceded policy loans will not impact our financial position because the benefits 

and risks are fully ceded to reinsuring counterparties. These financial instruments are assigned a Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Miscellaneous Long-term Investments: Carrying amounts for tax credit partnerships equal the unamortized balance of our contractual 

commitments and approximate fair value. Fair values for private equity partnerships are primarily derived from valuations provided by the 

general partner in the partnerships’ financial statements. These financial instruments are assigned a Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Policyholders’ Funds: Policyholders’ funds are comprised primarily of deferred annuity products and supplementary contracts without 

life contingencies and represent customer deposits plus interest credited at contract rates. Carrying amounts approximate fair value. These 

financial instruments are assigned a Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

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 seeks to minimize 

exposure to changing interest rates through the matching of investment maturities with amounts due under insurance contracts.

Long-term Debt: Fair values for long-term debt are obtained from independent pricing services or discounted cash flow analyses 

based on current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. Debt instruments which are valued using active 

trades from independent pricing services for which there was current market activity in that specific debt instrument have a fair value of 

$1,212.0 million at December 31, 2012 and are assigned a Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Debt instruments which are valued based 

on prices from pricing services that generally use observable inputs for securities or comparable securities in active markets in their 

valuation techniques have a fair value of $1,756.8 million at December 31, 2012 and are assigned a Level 2.

Unfunded Commitments to Investment Partnerships: Unfunded equity commitments represent legally binding amounts that we 

have committed to certain investment partnerships subject to the partnerships meeting specified conditions. When these conditions are 

met, we are obligated to invest these amounts in the partnerships. Carrying amounts approximate fair value. These financial instruments 

are assigned a Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

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 

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  105

 
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 using a pricing service, we obtain the vendor’s pricing documentation to ensure we 

understand their methodologies. We periodically review and approve the selection of our pricing vendors to ensure we are in agreement 

with their current methodologies. When markets are less active, brokers may rely more on models with inputs based on the information 

available only to the broker. Our internal investment management professionals, which include portfolio managers and analysts, monitor 

securities priced by brokers and evaluate their prices for reasonableness based on benchmarking to available primary and secondary 

market information. 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 2012, we have applied valuation techniques on a consistent basis to similar 

assets and liabilities and consistent with those techniques used at year end 2011.

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

•  Audited financial statements

The management of our investment portfolio includes establishing pricing policy and reviewing the reasonableness of sources and 

inputs used in developing pricing. 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. In the event we receive a vendor’s market price that does not appear reasonable based on 

our market analysis, we may challenge the price and request further information about the assumptions and methodologies used by the 

vendor to price the security. We may change the vendor price based on a better data source such as an actual trade. We also review all 

price changes from the prior month which fall outside a predetermined corridor. The overall valuation process for determining fair values 

106 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
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. In the event an asset is sold, we test the validity of the fair value determined by our valuation 

techniques by comparing the selling price to the fair value determined for the asset in the immediately preceding month end reporting 

period closest to the transaction date.

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 net 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. For purposes of valuing net counterparty risk, we measure the fair 

value of a group of financial assets and financial liabilities on the basis of the price that would be received to sell a net long position or 

transfer a net short position for a particular risk exposure in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date 

under current market conditions. 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.

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, 2012, approximately 4.9 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 95.1 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on non-binding quotes or other observable and 

unobservable inputs, as discussed below.

•  Approximately 77.5 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.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  107

 
•  Approximately 3.8 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 confirms 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 13.8 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.

Fair value measurements by input level for financial instruments carried at fair value are as follows:

December 31, 2012

 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 

$   104.1 

$  1,244.7 

$ 

  — 

$  1,348.8

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

Interest Rate Swaps 

Foreign Exchange Contracts 

Total Derivatives 

Equity Securities 

Liabilities
Other Liabilities

  Derivatives

Interest Rate Swaps 

Foreign Exchange Contracts 

Embedded Derivative in Modified  

Coinsurance Arrangement 

Total Derivatives 

108 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

53.0 

— 

84.2 

— 

1,977.1 

— 

2,218.4 

— 

— 

— 

— 

  — 

— 

— 

— 

$ 

1,625.1 

1,424.9 

10,485.6 

2,216.0 

23,755.5 

14.5 

40,766.3 

76.5 

5.1 

81.6 

10.3 

128.7 

82.1 

574.4 

0.5 

1,177.8 

24.8 

1,988.3 

— 

— 

— 

4.3 

1,806.8

1,507.0

11,144.2

2,216.5

26,910.4

39.3

44,973.0

76.5

5.1

81.6

14.6

$ 

    31.7 

138.8 

$ 

  — 

— 

$ 

    31.7

138.8

— 

170.5 

83.9 

83.9 

83.9

254.4

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2011

 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 

$   326.6 

$     977.8 

$ 

  — 

$  1,304.4

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

Interest Rate Swaps 

Foreign Exchange Contracts 

Total Derivatives 

Equity Securities 

Liabilities

Other Liabilities

  Derivatives

Interest Rate Swaps 

Foreign Exchange Contracts 

Embedded Derivative in Modified  

Coinsurance Arrangement 

Total Derivatives 

107.3 

— 

718.0 

— 

3,469.5 

— 

4,621.4 

— 

— 

— 

— 

  — 

— 

— 

— 

$ 

1,416.2 

1,376.7 

9,576.4 

2,941.5 

20,415.1 

20.2 

36,723.9 

134.2 

3.5 

137.7 

— 

68.1 

— 

338.9 

31.7 

665.5 

37.2 

1,141.4 

— 

— 

— 

11.2 

1,591.6

1,376.7

10,633.3

2,973.2

24,550.1

57.4

42,486.7

134.2

3.5

137.7

11.2

$       32.9 

140.8 

$ 

  — 

— 

$       32.9

140.8

— 

173.7 

135.7 

135.7 

135.7

309.4

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  109

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 are as follows:

Year Ended December 31

2012 

2011

Transfers into

Level 1 from 

Level 2 from 

Level 1 from 

Level 2 from 

Level 2 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 1

(in millions of dollars)  

Fixed Maturity Securities

  United States Government and Government  

  Agencies and Authorities 

$ 

   — 

$    224.7 

$    169.8 

$ 

  —

States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions 

Foreign Governments 

Public Utilities 

  All Other Corporate Bonds 

— 

— 

47.1 

1,068.6 

43.8 

— 

653.1 

2,808.9 

Total Fixed Maturity Securities 

$1,115.7 

$3,730.5 

47.7 

— 

362.1 

1,426.5 

$2,006.1 

274.9

0.7

534.2

2,452.7

$3,262.5

Transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 occurred due to the change in availability of either a TRACE or broker market maker price. 

Depending on current market conditions, the availability of these Level 1 prices can vary from period to period. For fair value measurements 

of financial instruments that were transferred either into or out of Level 1 or 2, we reflect the transfers using the fair value at the beginning 

of the period.

110 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2012

Total Realized and  
Unrealized Investment  
Gains (Losses) Included in

Beginning 
of Year 

Earnings 

Other 
Comprehensive 
Income or Loss  Purchases 

Sales 

 Level 3 Transfers 
  Out of 

Into 

End

  of Year

(in millions of dollars) 

Fixed Maturity Securities

States, Municipalities, and  

Political Subdivisions 

$ 

  68.1 

$  — 

$  (0.3) 

$  18.4 

$  (0.7)  $     43.2 

$ 

     —  $   128.7

Foreign Governments 

Public Utilities 

  Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities 

  All Other Corporate Bonds 

Redeemable Preferred Stocks 

— 

338.9 

31.7 

665.5 

37.2 

Total Fixed Maturity Securities 

1,141.4 

Equity Securities 

11.2 

Embedded Derivative in Modified  

— 

— 

— 

1.2 

(1.0) 

0.2 

(0.1) 

5.0 

22.3 

— 

40.8 

2.9 

70.7 

— 

Coinsurance Arrangement 

(135.7) 

51.8 

— 

15.4 

47.9 

— 

151.6 

— 

— 

(4.2) 

(0.1) 

(67.5) 

(14.3) 

61.7 

481.4 

— 

— 

(311.9) 

(31.1) 

82.1

574.4

0.5

599.8 

(213.6) 

1,177.8

— 

— 

24.8

233.3 

(86.8) 

1,186.1 

(556.6) 

1,988.3

— 

— 

(0.1) 

— 

— 

— 

(6.7) 

4.3

— 

(83.9)

Year Ended December 31, 2011

Total Realized and  
Unrealized Investment  
Gains (Losses) Included in

Beginning 
of Year 

Earnings 

Other 
Comprehensive 
Income or Loss  Purchases 

Sales 

 Level 3 Transfers 
  Out of 

Into 

End

  of Year

(in millions of dollars) 

Fixed Maturity Securities

States, Municipalities, and  

Political Subdivisions 

$ 

  — 

$ 

  — 

$  2.5 

$  28.0 

$ 

  — 

$  37.6 

$ 

     — 

$ 

  68.1

Public Utilities 

  Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities 

  All Other Corporate Bonds 

Redeemable Preferred Stocks 

173.6 

0.7 

829.7 

21.7 

Total Fixed Maturity Securities 

1,025.7 

Equity Securities 

1.5 

Embedded Derivative in Modified  

0.2 

— 

(2.4) 

— 

(2.2) 

(0.6) 

26.9 

(0.8) 

8.9 

1.2 

38.7 

(1.7) 

Coinsurance Arrangement 

(96.3) 

(39.4) 

— 

34.8 

31.9 

(3.2) 

(0.1) 

133.6 

(81.4) 

— 

— 

228.3 

(84.7) 

3.0 

— 

— 

— 

259.9 

(153.3) 

— 

250.1 

14.3 

561.9 

9.0 

— 

(473.0) 

— 

338.9

31.7

665.5

37.2

(626.3) 

1,141.4

— 

11.2

— 

— 

(135.7)

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  111

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2012 and 2011 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 

$51.8 million and $(39.4) million, respectively. These amounts relate entirely to the changes in fair value of an embedded derivative in a 

modified coinsurance arrangement which are reported as realized investment gains and losses.

Quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements, all of which are 

internally derived, is as follows:

(in millions of dollars) 

Fair Value 

Unobservable Input 

Range/Weighted Average

December 31, 2012

Fixed Maturity Securities

Public Utilities 

$  17.4 

Comparability Adjustment 

(b)  0.20%-0.20%/0.20%

States, Municipalities, and 

42.7 

Political Subdivisions — Private 

Comparability Adjustment 
Lack of Marketability 
Volatility of Credit 

(b)  0.25%-0.25%/0.25% 
(d)  0.25%-0.25%/0.25% 
(e)  0.15%-0.15%/0.15%

  Mortgage/Asset-Backed  

0.5 

Discount for Size 

(c)  5.74%-5.84%/5.81% 

Securities — Private

  All Other Corporate 
  Bonds — Private 

  All Other Corporate 
  Bonds — Public 

391.8 

165.0 

Change in Benchmark Reference 
Comparability Adjustment 
Discount for Size 
Lack of Marketability 
Volatility of Credit 
Market Convention 

Change in Benchmark Reference 
Comparability Adjustment 
Discount for Size 
Lack of Marketability 
Volatility of Credit 
Market Convention 

(a)  0.04%-2.89%/0.28% 
(b)  1.48%-1.48%/1.48% 
(c)  0.10%-0.50%/0.24% 
(d)  0.10%-1.00%/0.46% 
(e)  (0.25)%-7.72%/1.51% 
(f)  Priced at Par

(a)  0.25%-0.25%/0.25% 
(b)  (0.59)%-1.00%/0.27% 
(c)  0.25%-0.25%/0.25% 
(d)  0.20%-0.30%/0.24%  
(e)  (0.30)%-(0.30)%/(0.30)% 
(f)  Priced at Par

Equity Securities — Private 

4.0 

Market Convention 

(f)  Priced at Cost or Owner’s Equity

Embedded Derivative in  Modified 
Coinsurance Arrangement

(83.9) 

Projected Liability Cash Flows 

(g)  Actuarial Assumptions 

(a) Represents basis point adjustments for changes in benchmark spreads associated with various ratings categories

(b) Represents basis point adjustments for changes in benchmark spreads associated with various industry sectors

(c) Represents basis point adjustments based on issue/issuer size relative to the benchmark

(d) Represents basis point adjustments to apply a discount due to the illiquidity of an investment

(e) Represents basis point adjustments for credit-specific factors

(f)  Represents a decision to price based on par value, cost, or owner’s equity when limited data is available

(g) Represents various actuarial assumptions required to derive the liability cash flows including incidence, termination, and lapse rates

112 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Isolated increases in unobservable inputs other than market convention will result in a lower fair value measurement, whereas isolated 

decreases will result in a higher fair value measurement. The unobservable input for market convention is not sensitive to input movements. 

The projected liability cash flows used in the fair value measurement of our Level 3 embedded derivative are based on expected claim 

payments. If claim payments increase, the projected liability cash flows will increase, resulting in a decrease in the fair value of the embedded 

derivative. Decreases in projected liability cash flows will result in an increase in the fair value of the embedded derivative.

Note 3. Investments

Fixed Maturity Securities

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, all fixed maturity securities were classified as available-for-sale. The amortized cost and fair values  

of securities by security type are shown as follows:

(in millions of dollars) 

United States Government and  

  Government Agencies and Authorities 

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) 

United States Government and  

  Government Agencies and Authorities 

States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions 

Foreign Governments 

Public Utilities 

Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities 

All Other Corporate Bonds 

Redeemable Preferred Stocks 

Total Fixed Maturity Securities 

December 31, 2012

Gross 

Gross 

Amortized 

Unrealized 

Unrealized 

Cost 

Gain 

Loss 

Fair 

Value

$  1,020.9 

$   329.0 

$  1.1 

$  1,348.8

1,498.4 

1,280.4 

9,294.3 

1,927.9 

22,696.6 

33.0 

316.2 

226.6 

1,865.0 

289.1 

4,245.3 

6.3 

7.8 

— 

15.1 

0.5 

31.5 

— 

1,806.8

1,507.0

11,144.2

2,216.5

26,910.4

39.3

$37,751.5 

$7,277.5 

$56.0 

$44,973.0

December 31, 2011

Gross 

Gross 

Amortized 

Unrealized 

Unrealized 

Cost 

Gain 

Loss 

Fair 

Value

$  1,005.8 

$   299.7 

$    1.1 

$  1,304.4

1,377.8 

1,139.4 

9,015.7 

2,634.6 

21,411.6 

55.8 

222.6 

237.3 

1,646.2 

344.1 

3,314.8 

3.5 

8.8 

— 

28.6 

5.5 

1,591.6

1,376.7

10,633.3

2,973.2

176.3 

24,550.1

1.9 

57.4

$36,640.7 

$6,068.2 

$222.2 

$42,486.7

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  113

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we held no fixed maturity securities for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment 

had previously been recognized in other comprehensive income.

The following charts indicate the length of time our fixed maturity securities have been in a gross unrealized loss position.

(in millions of dollars) 

United States Government and  

  Government Agencies and Authorities 

States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions 

Public Utilities 

Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities 

All Other Corporate Bonds 

Total Fixed Maturity Securities 

(in millions of dollars) 

United States Government and  

December 31, 2012

Less Than 12 Months 

12 Months or Greater 

Gross 

Unrealized 

Gross 

Unrealized 

Fair Value 

Loss 

Fair Value 

Loss

$ 

  — 

30.8 

110.3 

4.4 

441.3 

$  — 

$    6.5 

$  1.1

0.9 

3.9 

— 

7.0 

42.1 

147.6 

3.8 

396.8 

6.9

11.2

0.5

24.5

$586.8 

$11.8 

$596.8 

$44.2

December 31, 2011

Less Than 12 Months 

12 Months or Greater

Gross 

Unrealized 

Gross 

Unrealized 

Fair Value 

Loss 

Fair Value 

Loss

  Government Agencies and Authorities 

$ 

  — 

$  — 

$    6.3 

$    1.1

States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions 

Public Utilities 

Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities 

All Other Corporate Bonds 

Redeemable Preferred Stocks 

Total Fixed Maturity Securities 

51.6 

192.0 

94.2 

1,703.9 

— 

$2,041.7 

1.3 

7.9 

4.8 

65.5 

— 

75.3 

142.2 

19.6 

684.9 

20.9 

7.5

20.7

0.7

110.8

1.9

$79.5 

$949.2 

$142.7

114 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

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) 

1 year or less 

Over 1 year through 5 years 

Over 5 years through 10 years 

Over 10 years 

Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities 

December 31, 2012

Total 
Amortized 
Cost 

Unrealized Gain Position 

Gross Gain 

Fair Value 

$     956.4 

$       21.2 

$     934.1 

5,922.8 

9,752.3 

19,192.1 

35,823.6 

1,927.9 

628.1 

1,606.4 

4,732.7 

6,988.4 

289.1 

6,449.8 

10,997.0 

23,200.2 

41,581.1 

2,208.3 

Unrealized Loss Position

Gross Loss 

$       0.5 

5.0 

7.6 

42.4 

55.5 

0.5 

Fair Value

$     43.0

96.1

354.1

682.2

1,175.4

8.2

Total Fixed Maturity Securities 

$37,751.5 

$  7,277.5 

$43,789.4 

$     56.0 

$1,183.6

(in millions of dollars) 

1 year or less 

Over 1 year through 5 years 

Over 5 years through 10 years 

Over 10 years 

Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities 

December 31, 2011

Total 
Amortized 
Cost 

Unrealized Gain Position 

Gross Gain 

Fair Value 

$     715.1 

$       16.0 

$     701.4 

5,161.5 

9,630.5 

18,499.0 

34,006.1 

2,634.6 

449.8 

1,266.3 

3,992.0 

5,724.1 

344.1 

4,949.0 

9,903.8 

21,082.2 

36,636.4 

2,859.4 

Unrealized Loss Position

Gross Loss 

$       0.1 

20.7 

52.8 

143.1 

216.7 

5.5 

Fair Value

$     29.6

641.6

940.2

1,265.7

2,877.1

113.8

Total Fixed Maturity Securities 

$36,640.7 

$  6,068.2 

$39,495.8 

$   222.2 

$2,990.9

At December 31, 2012, the fair value of investment-grade fixed maturity securities was $41,813.7 million, with a gross unrealized gain 

of $7,076.2 million and a gross unrealized loss of $23.4 million. The gross unrealized loss on investment-grade fixed maturity securities was 

41.8 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, 2012, the fair value of below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities was $3,159.3 million, with a gross unrealized 

gain of $201.3 million and a gross unrealized loss of $32.6 million. The gross unrealized loss on below-investment-grade fixed maturity 

securities was 58.2 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, 2012, 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, 2012, we held 45 individual investment-grade fixed maturity securities and 29 individual below-investment-grade 

fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position, of which 16 investment-grade fixed maturity securities and 18 below-

investment-grade fixed maturity securities had been in an unrealized loss position continuously for over one year.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  115

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 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 

116 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
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 an other-than-temporary impairment on a fixed maturity security 

still held for the periods shown for which a portion of the other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in other comprehensive 

income. This fixed maturity security was sold during 2011. We held no fixed maturity securities during 2012 for which a portion of an  

other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in other comprehensive income.

(in millions of dollars)  

Balance at Beginning of Year 

Sales or Maturities of Securities 

Balance at End of Year 

Year Ended December 31

2011 

$ 8.5 

(8.5) 

$    — 

2010

$18.3

(9.8)

$  8.5

2012 

$— 

— 

$— 

At December 31, 2012, we had non-binding commitments of $29.0 million to fund private placement fixed maturity securities.

Variable Interest Entities

We invest in variable interests issued by variable interest entities. These investments include tax credit partnerships, private equity 

partnerships, and special purpose entities. For those variable interests that are not consolidated in our financial statements, we are not  

the primary beneficiary because we have neither the power to direct the activities that are most significant to economic performance nor 

the responsibility to absorb a majority of the expected losses. The determination of whether we are the primary beneficiary is performed  

at the time of our initial investment and at the date of each subsequent reporting period.

As of December 31, 2012, the carrying amount of our variable interest entity investments that are not consolidated under the 

provisions of GAAP was $447.1 million, comprised of $331.5 million of tax credit partnerships and $115.6 million of private equity 

partnerships. These variable interest entity investments are reported as other long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets.

Additionally, we recognize a liability for all legally binding unfunded commitments to these partnerships, with a corresponding 

recognition of an invested asset. Our liability for legally binding unfunded commitments to the tax credit partnerships was $83.7 million at 

December 31, 2012. Contractually, we are a limited partner in these investments, and our maximum exposure to loss is limited to the 

carrying value of our investment. We also had non-binding commitments of $71.3 million to fund certain private equity partnerships at 

December 31, 2012, the amount of which may or may not be funded.

We are the sole beneficiary of a special purpose entity which is consolidated under the provisions of GAAP. This entity is a securitized 

asset trust containing a highly rated bond for principal protection and several partnership equity investments. We contributed the bond and 

partnership investments into the trust at the time it was established. The trust supports our investment objectives and allows 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. The fair values of the bond and partnerships were $140.8 million and $8.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2012.  

The bonds are reported as fixed maturity securities, and the partnerships are reported as other long-term investments in our consolidated 

balance sheets. At December 31, 2012, we had no commitments to fund the underlying partnerships, nor did we fund any amounts to  

the partnerships during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, or 2010.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  117

 
 
Mortgage Loans

Our mortgage loan portfolio is well diversified by both geographic region and property type to reduce risk of concentration. All of our 

mortgage loans are collateralized by commercial real estate. When issuing a new loan, our general policy is not to exceed a loan-to-value 

ratio, or the ratio of the loan balance to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, of 75 percent. We update the loan-to-value 

ratios at least every three years for each loan, and properties undergo a general inspection at least every two years. Our general policy for 

newly issued loans is to have a debt service coverage ratio greater than 1.25 times on a normalized 25 year amortization period.  

We update our debt service coverage ratios annually.

Mortgage loans by property type and geographic region are as follows:

(in millions of dollars)  

Carrying Amount 

Percent of Total 

Carrying Amount 

Percent of total

December 31

2012 

2011

Property Type

  Apartment 

Industrial 

  Mixed 

  Office 

Retail 

  Other 

Total   

Region

  New England 

  Mid-Atlantic 

East North Central 

  West North Central 

South Atlantic 

East South Central 

  West South Central 

  Mountain 

Pacific 

Total   

$     34.0 

2.0% 

$     28.0 

1.8%

513.4 

78.4 

713.4 

373.5 

— 

30.0 

4.6 

41.6 

21.8 

— 

502.0 

93.5 

659.3 

322.4 

7.1 

31.1

5.8

40.9

20.0

0.4

$1,712.7 

100.0% 

$1,612.3 

100.0%

$   114.3 

6.7% 

$   147.0 

9.1%

160.0 

224.7 

160.8 

440.9 

79.6 

159.5 

90.5 

282.4 

9.3 

13.1 

9.4 

25.7 

4.7 

9.3 

5.3 

16.5 

174.1 

212.7 

151.2 

383.8 

52.4 

160.4 

69.5 

261.2 

10.8

13.2

9.4

23.8

3.3

9.9

4.3

16.2

$1,712.7 

100.0% 

$1,612.3 

100.0%

We evaluate each of our mortgage loans individually for impairment and assign an internal credit quality rating based on a 

comprehensive rating system used to evaluate the credit risk of the loan. The factors we use to derive our internal credit ratings may 

include the following:

•  Loan-to-value ratio

•  Debt service coverage ratio based on current operating income

•  Property location, including regional economics, trends and demographics

•  Age, condition, and construction quality of property

•  Current and historical occupancy of property

•  Lease terms relative to market

•  Tenant size and financial strength

•  Borrower’s financial strength

•  Borrower’s equity in transaction

•  Additional collateral, if any

118 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Although all available and applicable factors are considered in our analysis, loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios are the 

most critical factors in determining whether we will initially issue the loan and also in assigning values and determining impairment.  

We assign an overall rating to each loan using an internal rating scale of Aa (highest quality) to B (lowest quality). We review and adjust,  

as needed, our internal credit quality ratings on an annual basis. This review process is performed more frequently for mortgage loans 

deemed to have a higher risk of delinquency.

Mortgage loans, sorted by the applicable credit quality indicators, are as follows:

(in millions of dollars) 

Internal Rating

  Aa  

  A   

  Baa 

  Ba  

  B   

Total   

Loan-to-Value Ratio

<= 65% 

> 65% <= 75% 

> 75% <= 85% 

> 85% 

Total   

December 31

2012 

2011

$     11.5 

$     10.9

659.4 

994.5 

34.2 

13.1 

712.6

855.0

20.7

13.1

$1,712.7 

$1,612.3

$   624.7 

$   578.4

858.8 

142.5 

86.7 

802.3

165.1

66.5

$1,712.7 

$1,612.3

Based on an analysis of the above risk factors, as well as other current information, if we determine that it is probable we will be 

unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of a mortgage loan, we establish an allowance for credit loss. If we expect  

to foreclose on the property, the amount of the allowance typically equals the excess carrying value of the mortgage loan over the fair 

value of the underlying collateral. If we expect to retain the mortgage loan until payoff, the allowance equals the excess carrying value of 

the mortgage loan over the expected future cash flows of the loan. The projection of future cash flows and the determination of whether  

a borrower can make the contractual payments is inherently subjective, and methodologies may vary depending on the circumstances 

specific to a loan. Additions and reductions to our allowance for credit losses on mortgage loans are reported as a component of net realized 

investment gains and losses. There have been no changes to our accounting policies or methodology from the prior period regarding 

estimating the allowance for credit losses on our mortgage loans.

The activity in the allowance for credit losses is as follows:

(in millions of dollars)  

Balance at Beginning of Year 

Provision 

Charge-offs, Net of Recoveries 

Balance at End of Year 

Year Ended December 31

2012 

$ 1.5 

1.8 

(1.8) 

$ 1.5 

2011 

$1.5 

— 

— 

$1.5 

2010

$ 3.2

2.4

(4.1)

$ 1.5

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  119

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired mortgage loans are as follows:

(in millions of dollars)  

With No Related Allowance Recorded 

With an Allowance Recorded 

Total   

(in millions of dollars)  

With No Related Allowance Recorded 

With an Allowance Recorded 

Total   

Recorded 

Investment 

$  4.3 

13.1 

$17.4 

Recorded 

Investment 

$  9.4 

13.1 

$22.5 

December 31, 2012

Unpaid 

Principal Balance 

$  4.3 

14.6 

$18.9 

December 31, 2011

Unpaid 

Principal Balance 

$  9.4 

14.6 

$24.0 

Related 

Allowance

$  —

1.5

$1.5

Related 

Allowance

$  —

1.5

$1.5

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, our average investment in impaired mortgage loans was $19.1 million,  

$21.3 million, and $22.9 million, respectively. For each of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, we recognized $0.8 million of 

interest income on mortgage loans subsequent to impairment. During 2010, no interest income was recognized on mortgage loans 

subsequent to impairment.

 A summary of our troubled debt restructurings is as follows:

(in millions of dollars)  

Foreclosure

Carrying Amount 

  Number of Loans 

Payoff/Sale

Carrying Amount 

Realized Loss 

  Number of Loans 

Year Ended December 31

2012 

2011 

$17.3 

3 

$  — 

$  — 

— 

$19.9 

2 

$  3.2 

$  0.2 

1 

2010

$7.2

1

$4.7

$1.4

3

We had no realized losses on loan foreclosures for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 other than the initial 

impairment losses recognized prior to foreclosure.

For mortgage loans that are past due regarding principal and/or interest payments and for which collection of investment income  

is uncertain, we discontinue the accrual of investment income. At December 31, 2012 and 2011 we had no mortgage loans greater than  

90 days past due for which we were still accruing interest income. At December 31, 2012, we held one mortgage loan for which we  

had discontinued the accrual of investment income that was greater than 90 days past due and had a carrying value of $4.3 million.  

At December 31, 2011, we held one mortgage loan that was greater than 90 days past due and had a carrying value of $9.4 million.

At December 31, 2012, we had non-binding commitments of $47.3 million to fund certain commercial mortgage loans, the amount  

of which may or may not be funded.

120 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transfers of Financial Assets

To manage our cash position more efficiently, we may enter into repurchase agreements with unaffiliated financial institutions.  

We generally use repurchase agreements as a means to finance the purchase of invested assets or for short-term general business purposes 

until projected cash flows become available from our operations or existing investments. Our repurchase agreements are typically 

outstanding for less than 30 days. We post collateral through our repurchase agreement transactions whereby the counterparty commits  

to purchase securities with the agreement to resell them to us at a later, specified date. The fair value of collateral posted is generally  

102 percent of the cash received.

Our investment policy also permits us to lend fixed maturity securities to unaffiliated financial institutions in short-term securities 

lending agreements. These agreements increase our investment income with minimal risk. Our securities lending policy requires that a 

minimum of 102 percent of the fair value of the securities loaned be maintained as collateral. Generally, cash is received as collateral under 

these agreements and is typically reinvested in short-term investments. In the event that securities are received as collateral, we are not 

permitted to sell or re-post them.

We account for all of our securities lending agreements and repurchase agreements as collateralized financings. As of December 31, 

2012, the carrying amount of fixed maturity securities loaned to third parties under our securities lending program was $452.8 million, for 

which we received collateral in the form of cash and securities of $455.8 million and $14.5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, 

the carrying amount of fixed maturity securities loaned to third parties under our securities lending program was $319.1 million, for which 

we received collateral in the form of cash and securities of $312.3 million and $16.7 million, respectively. We had no outstanding 

repurchase agreements at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Net Investment Income

(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 

Less Amortization of Tax Credit Partnerships 

Net Investment Income 

Year Ended December 31

2012 

2011 

2010

$2,404.0 

$2,425.2 

$2,401.9

28.9 

107.1 

14.8 

15.2 

4.3 

22.9 

100.1 

14.1 

13.1 

2.9 

17.2

91.1

13.9

18.5

3.2

2,574.3 

2,578.3 

2,545.8

26.9 

16.1 

16.1 

26.9 

17.4 

14.4 

28.2

18.8

3.3

$2,515.2 

$2,519.6 

$2,495.5

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  121

 
 
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 

Foreign Currency Transactions 

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) 

Note 4. Derivative Financial Instruments

Purpose of Derivatives

Year Ended December 31

2012 

2011 

2010

$ 29.3 

(20.4) 

— 

5.0 

(4.3) 

(1.9) 

51.8 

(3.3) 

$ 74.0 

(24.0) 

(19.9) 

7.1 

(0.5) 

(0.6) 

(39.4) 

(1.6) 

$ 61.1

(41.3)

(15.9)

7.9

(0.5)

(3.8)

21.1

(3.9)

$ 56.2 

$  (4.9) 

$ 24.7

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, forward treasury 

locks, currency forward contracts, and forward contracts on specific fixed income securities. Hedging transactions are primarily 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 fixed maturity securities 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 have historically been used to hedge the currency risk of certain foreign currency-denominated 

fixed maturity securities 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 hedges of fixed 

maturity securities, 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 hedges of 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 payments.

122 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
•  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 have used 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 fixed maturity securities owned for diversification purposes.

Our fair value hedging programs are 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. Additionally, we use interest rate swaps to effectively convert certain fixed rate long-term debt into floating rate long-term 

debt. Under these swap agreements, we receive a fixed rate of interest and pay a variable 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 $8.7 million at December 31, 2012. We held no cash collateral from our counterparties as of December 31, 2012.  

We held cash collateral of $45.6 million from our counterparties as of December 31, 2011. 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 either fixed maturity securities or cash as collateral to our counterparties. The carrying value of fixed 

maturity securities posted as collateral to our counterparties was $108.6 million and $114.9 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, 

respectively. We had $1.8 million cash posted as collateral to our counterparties at December 31, 2012. We had no cash posted as collateral 

to our counterparties at December 31, 2011.

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 were in a liability position was $170.5 million and $173.7 million at December 31, 2012 and  

2011, respectively.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  123

 
Hedging Activity

The table below summarizes, by notional amounts, the activity for each category of derivatives.

(in millions of dollars)  

Balance at December 31, 2009 

  Additions 

Terminations 

Balance at December 31, 2010 

  Additions 

Terminations 

Balance at December 31, 2011 

  Additions 

Terminations 

Receive 

Swaps

Receive 

Variable/Pay 

Fixed/Pay 

Fixed 

$174.0 

250.0 

250.0 

174.0 

— 

— 

174.0 

— 

— 

Fixed 

$661.9 

— 

44.0 

617.9 

— 

63.9 

554.0 

— 

45.2 

Receive

Fixed/Pay

Variable 

Forwards 

Total

$780.0 

$    4.8 

$1,620.7

350.0 

240.0 

890.0 

— 

205.0 

685.0 

250.0 

185.0 

115.6 

120.4 

— 

46.9 

46.9 

— 

86.0 

86.0 

715.6

654.4

1,681.9

46.9

315.8

1,413.0

336.0

316.2

Balance at December 31, 2012 

$174.0 

$508.8 

$750.0 

$ 

  — 

$1,432.8

The following table summarizes the timing of anticipated settlements of interest rate swaps outstanding under our cash flow hedging 

programs at December 31, 2012, whereby we receive a fixed rate and pay a variable rate. The weighted average variable interest rates 

assume current market conditions.

(in millions of dollars) 

Notional Value 

Weighted Average Receive Rate 

Weighted Average Pay Rate 

Cash Flow Hedges

2013

$150.0

6.34%

0.31%

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had $150.0 million and $335.0 million, respectively, notional amount of forward starting 

interest rate swaps to hedge the anticipated purchase of fixed maturity securities and $508.8 million and $554.0 million, respectively, 

notional amount of open current and forward foreign currency swaps to hedge fixed income foreign currency-denominated securities.

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, there was no material ineffectiveness related to our cash flow hedges,  

and no component of the derivative instruments’ gain or loss was excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

As of December 31, 2012, we expect to amortize approximately $41.4 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 and interest and debt expense. The estimated amortization includes the impact of certain derivative contracts that 

have not yet been terminated as of December 31, 2012. Fluctuations in fair values of these derivatives between December 31, 2012 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, 2012, we are hedging the variability of future cash flows associated with forecasted transactions through  

the year 2038.

124 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Hedges

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had $174.0 million notional amounts 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. Changes in the fair value of the derivative and changes  

in the fair value of 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. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the change in 

fair value of the hedged fixed maturity securities attributable to the hedged benchmark interest rate resulted in a gain (loss) of $(1.2) million, 

$8.1 million, and $7.7 million, respectively, with an offsetting gain or loss on the related interest rate swaps.

We use receive fixed, pay variable interest rate swaps to hedge the changes in fair value of certain of our fixed rate long-term debt. 

These swaps effectively convert the associated fixed rate long-term debt into floating rate debt and provide for a better matching of interest 

rates with our short-term investments, which have frequent interest rate resets similar to a floating rate security. During the year ended 

December 31, 2012, we entered into an additional $250.0 million notional amount interest rate swap, bringing our total as of December 31, 

2012 and 2011, to $600.0 million and $350.0 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the change in 

fair value of the hedged debt attributable to the hedged benchmark interest rate resulted in a gain (loss) of $(6.6) million, $(23.2) million, 

and $14.4 million, respectively, with an offsetting gain or loss on the related interest rate swaps.

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, 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.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  125

 
Locations and Amounts of Derivative Financial Instruments

The following tables summarize the location and fair values of derivative financial instruments, as reported in our consolidated  

balance sheets.

(in millions of dollars)  

Designated as Hedging Instruments

Interest Rate Swaps 

Foreign Exchange Contracts 

Total   

Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

December 31, 2012 

Asset Derivatives 

Liability Derivatives 

Balance Sheet 

Balance Sheet 

Location 

Fair Value 

Location 

Fair Value

Other L-T Investments 

$76.5 

Other Liabilities 

$  31.7

Other L-T Investments 

5.1 

Other Liabilities 

138.8

$81.6 

$170.5

Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement 

Other Liabilities 

$  83.9

(in millions of dollars)  

Designated as Hedging Instruments

Interest Rate Swaps 

Foreign Exchange Contracts 

Total   

Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

December 31, 2011 

Asset Derivatives 

Liability Derivatives 

Balance Sheet 

Balance Sheet 

Location 

Fair Value 

Location 

Fair Value

Other L-T Investments 

$134.2 

Other Liabilities 

$  32.9

Other L-T Investments 

3.5 

Other Liabilities 

140.8

$137.7 

$173.7

Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement 

Other Liabilities 

$135.7

The following tables summarize 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.

Year Ended December 31, 2012

Gain Recognized  

in OCI on Derivatives 

(Effective Portion) 

Gain (Loss) Reclassified from 

Accumulated OCI into 

Income (Effective Portion)

$77.9 

— 

— 

— 

3.5 

$81.4 

$40.0 (1)

4.1 (2)

(1.7) (3)

(5.3) (1)

(17.0) (2)

$20.1

(in millions of dollars) 

Interest Rate Swaps and Forwards 

Interest Rate Swaps 

Interest Rate Swaps 

Foreign Exchange Contracts 

Foreign Exchange Contracts 

Total   

(1) Gain (loss) recognized in net investment income

(2) Gain (loss) recognized in net realized investment gain (loss)

(3) Loss recognized in interest and debt expense

126 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011

Gain Recognized  

in OCI on Derivatives 

(Effective Portion) 

Gain (Loss) Reclassified from 

Accumulated OCI into 

Income (Effective Portion)

$50.3 

— 

— 

— 

22.4 

$72.7 

$34.8 (1)

3.5 (2)

(1.6) (3)

(1.1) (1)

10.1 (2)

$45.7

Year Ended December 31, 2010

Gain (Loss) Recognized  

Gain (Loss) Reclassified from 

in OCI on Derivatives 

(Effective Portion) 

$   28.1 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(32.2) 

— 

$    (4.1) 

Accumulated OCI into 

Income (Effective Portion)

$   29.5 (1)

7.3 (2)

(0.5) (3)

(0.4) (4)

(1.9) (1)

(25.6) (2)

2.3 (3)

$   10.7

(in millions of dollars) 

Interest Rate Swaps and Forwards 

Interest Rate Swaps 

Interest Rate Swaps 

Foreign Exchange Contracts 

Foreign Exchange Contracts 

Total   

(1) Gain (loss) recognized in net investment income

(2) Gain recognized in net realized investment gain (loss)

(3) Loss recognized in interest and debt expense

(in millions of dollars) 

Interest Rate Swaps and Forwards 

Interest Rate Swaps 

Interest Rate Swaps 

Interest Rate Swaps 

Foreign Exchange Contracts 

Foreign Exchange Contracts 

Foreign Exchange Contracts 

Total   

(1) Gain (loss) recognized in net investment income

(2) Gain (loss) recognized in net realized investment gain (loss)

(3) Gain (loss) recognized in interest and debt expense

(4) Loss recognized in other income

The following table summarizes the location of and gains (losses) on our embedded derivative in a modified coinsurance 

arrangement, as reported in our consolidated statements of income.

(in millions of dollars)  

Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) 

Year Ended December 31

2012 

$51.8 

2011 

$(39.4) 

2010

$21.1

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  127

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 5. 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 

Incurred Related to

Current Year 

Prior Years

Interest 

  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 

2012 

2011 

$24,586.5 

2,042.6 

$24,339.4 

2,028.2 

22,543.9 

22,311.2 

2010

$24,585.7

2,179.3

22,406.4

4,946.2 

4,684.4 

4,517.9

1,247.6 

(175.7) 

101.1 

6,119.2 

(1,715.4) 

(4,386.6) 

(6,102.0) 

22,561.1 

2,006.0 

1,262.9 

209.1 

(10.9) 

6,145.5 

(1,588.6) 

(4,324.2) 

(5,912.8) 

22,543.9 

2,042.6 

1,268.9

(61.3)

(73.9)

5,651.6

(1,514.8)

(4,232.0)

(5,746.8)

22,311.2

2,028.2

$24,567.1 

$24,586.5 

$24,339.4

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 2012, 2011, and 2010.

We generally perform loss recognition tests on our deferred acquisition costs and policy reserves in the fourth quarter of each year, but 

more frequently if appropriate, using best estimate assumptions as of the date of the test. Included in our analysis for the long-term care 

product line during the fourth quarter of 2011 was a review of our reserve discount rate, mortality, and morbidity assumptions. Our analysis 

of reserve discount rate assumptions considered the significant decline in long-term interest rates which occurred late in the third quarter  

of 2011 due to the European Union debt crisis and the Federal Reserve Board’s actions, including the announcement of “Operation Twist.” 

We also considered an updated industry study for long-term care experience which was made available mid-year 2011 from the Society  

of Actuaries. Our analysis of this study, which was completed during the fourth quarter of 2011, showed that lower termination rates than 

we had previously assumed were beginning to emerge in industry and in our own company experience. Based on our analysis, as of 

December 31, 2011 we lowered the discount rate assumption to reflect the low interest rate environment and our expectation of future 

investment portfolio yield rates. We also changed our mortality assumptions to reflect emerging experience due to an increase in life 

expectancies which increases the ultimate number of people who will utilize long-term care benefits and also lengthens the amount of 

time a claimant receives long-term care benefits. We changed our morbidity assumptions to reflect emerging industry experience as well 

as our own company experience. While our morbidity experience is still emerging and is not fully credible, we modified our assumptions to 

align more closely with the recently published industry study. Using our revised best estimate assumptions, as of December 31, 2011 we 

determined that deferred acquisition costs of $196.0 million, as adjusted for the January 1, 2012 retrospective adoption of the accounting 

standards update related to deferred acquisition costs, were not recoverable and that our policy and claim reserves should be increased by 

$573.6 million to reflect our current estimate of future benefit obligations. Of this amount, $248.1 million was related to claim reserves, and 

approximately $215.0 million can be attributed to prior year incurred claims, thereby impacting the results shown in the preceding chart.

128 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In December 2011, we analyzed our reserve assumptions for individual disability closed block claim reserves. Claim reserves 

supporting our individual disability closed block of business are calculated using assumptions based on actual experience believed to be 

currently appropriate. Claim reserves are subject to revision as current claim experience emerges and alters our view of future expectations. 

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. We are now able, with a higher degree  

of confidence, to assess our own experience for older ages in our long duration lifetime claim block as our data has become credible. There 

is very little industry experience for lifetime disability benefits, as our insurance companies were the primary disability companies in the 

insurance industry at the time lifetime disability benefits were offered. These benefits were offered during the 1980s and 1990s, recent 

enough such that claimants are just reaching the older ages and providing us with data to build our claim experience base. Emerging 

experience indicates a longer life expectancy for our older age, longer duration disabled claimants, which lengthens the time a claimant 

receives disability benefits. As a result of this experience, as of December 31, 2011 we adjusted our mortality assumption within our  

claim resolution rate assumption and, as a result, increased our claim reserves for our individual disability closed block of business by 

$183.5 million. Of this amount, approximately $176.0 million can be attributed to prior year incurred claims, thereby impacting the results 

shown in the preceding chart.

“Incurred Related to Prior Years — All Other Incurred” for 2012 was generally consistent with the level of 2011, excluding the 2011 

reserve charges discussed in the preceding paragraphs. Throughout the period 2010 to 2012, we had generally stable to improving claims 

management performance, and our claim resolution rates were fairly consistent with or slightly favorable to our long-term assumptions. 

Our claims management performance during 2012 for Unum US group long-term disability exceeded our long-term assumptions for claim 

resolution rates. For the Closed Block individual disability and long-term care lines of business, the claims management performance in 

2012 was consistent with the level of 2011. 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.

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:

Life Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits 

  Accident and Health Active Life Reserves 

  Unrealized Adjustment to Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits 

2012 

$  1,484.6 

44,694.4 

December 31

2011 

$  1,494.0 

43,051.9 

46,179.0 

44,545.9 

7,571.1 

7,763.3 

6,277.5 

7,454.2 

7,259.6 

5,245.6 

2010

$  1,565.0

39,715.0

41,280.0

7,380.7

6,451.6

3,108.3

Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses 

$24,567.1 

$24,586.5 

$24,339.4

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.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  129

 
 
 
 
Note 6. Income Tax

Total income tax expense (benefit) is allocated as follows:

(in millions of dollars) 

Net Income 

Stockholders’ Equity — Additional Paid-in Capital

Stock-Based Compensation 

Stockholders’ Equity — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Change in Net Unrealized Gains on Securities Not  

  Other-Than Temporarily Impaired 

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 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment 

Change in Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs 

Year Ended December 31

2012 

$ 355.1 

2011 

$   49.1 

2010

$ 441.2

3.5 

(3.3) 

(2.7)

467.7 

799.4 

519.1

— 

(4.3) 

(325.6) 

— 

(68.0) 

(1.1) 

25.2 

(701.5) 

— 

(67.4) 

(0.5)

(5.0)

(499.6)

0.6

(12.7)

Total   

$ 428.4 

$ 100.4 

$ 440.4

A reconciliation of the income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income from 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.  

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year reporting.

Statutory Income Tax 

Prior Year Taxes 

Foreign Items 

Tax Credits 

Other Items, Net 

Effective Tax 

Year Ended December 31

2012 

35.0% 

(0.9) 

(2.0) 

(2.7) 

(1.0) 

2011 

35.0% 

(11.0) 

(0.3) 

(5.9) 

(3.1) 

2010

35.0%

0.4

(1.3)

(0.6)

(0.1)

28.4% 

14.7% 

33.4%

130 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our deferred income tax asset and liability consists of the following:

(in millions of dollars) 

Deferred Tax Liability

  Deferred Acquisition Costs 

  Unrealized Gains and Losses 

  Other 

Gross Deferred Tax Liability 

Deferred Tax Asset

Invested Assets 

Employee Benefits 

  Other 

Gross Deferred Tax Asset 

Total Net Deferred Tax Liability 

December 31

2012 

2011

$  62.8 

643.9 

252.0 

958.7 

373.5 

315.2 

0.6 

689.3 

$  35.6

512.7

138.2

686.5

349.8

262.3

29.7

641.8

$269.4 

$  44.7

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

2012 

2011 

2010

$1,128.4 

121.1 

$1,249.5 

$ 160.5 

172.8 

$ 333.3 

$1,113.1

206.8

$1,319.9

$    164.4 

$ 218.4 

$   246.9

42.2 

206.6 

173.5 

(25.0) 

148.5 

12.1 

230.5 

(203.4) 

22.0 

(181.4) 

54.1

301.0

144.5

(4.3)

140.2

$   355.1 

$   49.1 

$   441.2

During 2010, the U.K. government enacted an income tax rate reduction, with additional enactments occurring during 2011 and 2012. 

The ultimate goal is to reduce the rate from 28 percent to 21 percent by 2014. Although the rate reductions in each instance became or will 

become effective during the following year, we are required to adjust deferred tax assets and liabilities through income on the date of 

enactment of a rate change. As a result, we recorded income tax benefits of $9.3 million and $6.8 million, respectively, for the two percent 

tax rate reductions enacted during each of the years 2012 and 2011 and $2.7 million for the one percent rate reduction enacted during 2010.

We consider the unremitted earnings of our foreign operations to be permanently invested and therefore have not provided U.S. 

deferred taxes on the cumulative earnings of our non-U.S. affiliates. Deferred taxes are provided for earnings of non-U.S. affiliates when we 

plan to remit those earnings. As of December 31, 2012, we have not made a provision for U.S. taxes on approximately $992.2 million of the 

excess of the carrying amount for financial reporting over the tax basis of investments in foreign subsidiaries that are essentially permanent 

in duration. The determination of a deferred tax liability related to investments in these foreign subsidiaries is not practicable.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  131

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our consolidated statements of income include the following changes in unrecognized tax benefits:

(in millions of dollars) 

Balance at Beginning of Year 

Tax Positions Taken During Prior Years

  Additions 

Subtractions 

Settlements with Tax Authorities 

Lapses of Statute of Limitations 

Tax Positions Taken During Current Year 

Balance at End of Year 

Less Tax Attributable to Temporary Items Included Above 

Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits that if Recognized  

  Would Affect the Effective Tax Rate 

2012 

$   86.9 

13.3 

(0.6) 

(23.5) 

(61.1) 

2.5 

17.5 

(15.0) 

December 31

2011 

$138.9 

4.4 

(11.8) 

(44.6) 

— 

— 

86.9 

(86.9) 

2010

$   146.8

3.6

(11.5)

—

—

—

138.9

(123.7)

$     2.5 

$ 

  — 

$     15.2

Included in the balances at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 are $15.0 million, $86.9 million, and $123.7 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.

We recognize interest expense and penalties, if applicable, related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense net of federal income 

tax. We recognized a reduction of interest expense associated with unrecognized tax benefits of $10.4 million and $13.1 million for 2012 

and 2011, respectively. We recognized an increase in interest expense related to unrecognized tax expense of $5.5 million during 2010. The 

total amounts of accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 

2012, 2011, and 2010 were $1.9 million, $12.3 million, and $25.4 million, respectively. It is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax 

benefits could decrease within the next 12 months by $0 to $10.0 million as a result of additional Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 

settlements, advance payments of taxes, and claims for refund.

We file federal and state income tax returns in the United States and in foreign jurisdictions. We are under continuous examination  

by the IRS with regard to our U.S. federal income tax returns. The IRS audit of our 2009 and 2010 years commenced in 2012. During 2012, 

we also finalized all issues with the IRS related to our 2007 and 2008 years and recognized a reduction of our federal income taxes of  

$11.0 million. During 2011, the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation approved our final settlement with the IRS for tax years 1996 to 

2004. The settlement resulted from our administrative appeal of audit adjustments relating primarily to insurance tax reserves and losses 

incurred by foreign subsidiaries. As a result of the settlement, we recognized in our 2011 operating results a reduction in our federal income 

taxes of $41.3 million as well as interest income of $17.5 million before tax and $11.4 million after tax. We received a cash refund of taxes 

and interest under this settlement of $60.4 million in 2012.

During 2010, the IRS completed its examination of tax years 2005 and 2006 and issued a revenue agent’s report (RAR). In 2011, we 

filed a protest to the RAR with respect to all significant adverse proposed adjustments. In 2012, we reached a tentative settlement with IRS 

Appeals for these years and expect to receive final approval of the settlement in 2013, with no material impact on our results of operations 

or financial condition.

Tax years subsequent to 2008 remain subject to examination by tax authorities in the U.S. and tax years subsequent to 2009 remain 

subject to examination in major foreign jurisdictions. We believe sufficient provision has been made for all 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.

132 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
In January 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act retroactively reinstated the active financing income exemption which affects  

the amount of earnings from foreign subsidiaries that is taxed annually, regardless of whether foreign earnings are repatriated. Our 2012 

income tax expense reflects the taxation of all active financing income from our foreign subsidiaries, the amount of which was immaterial. 

In the first quarter of 2013, our income tax expense will reflect reinstatement of the exemption of active financing income, and we will 

reverse the amounts recorded in 2012.

In March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 were 

signed into law. Among other things, the legislation reduced the tax benefits available to an employer that receives a postretirement 

prescription drug coverage subsidy from the federal government under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization 

Act of 2003. Under the legislation, to the extent our future postretirement prescription drug coverage expenses are reimbursed under the 

subsidy program, the expenses covered by the subsidy will no longer be tax deductible after 2012. Employers that receive the subsidy were 

required to recognize the deferred tax effects relating to the future postretirement prescription drug coverage in the period the legislation 

was enacted. Our income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 includes a non-cash tax charge of $10.2 million to reflect the 

impact of the tax law change.

As of December 31, 2012, we had no net operating loss carryforward for U.S. income taxes. We record a valuation allowance to reduce 

deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. As of December 31, 2012, we had no valuation allowance.  

In 2011, as part of an IRS settlement, we released a $4.1 million valuation allowance related to basis differences in foreign subsidiaries and 

net operating loss carryforwards in foreign jurisdictions for which we previously believed we would not realize a tax benefit.

Total income taxes paid net of refunds during 2012, 2011, and 2010 were $185.0 million, $303.5 million, and $273.0 million, respectively.

Note 7. Debt

Long-term and short-term debt consists of the following:

(in millions of dollars) 

Long-term Debt

Senior Secured Notes, variable due 2037, callable at or above par 

Senior Secured Notes, variable due 2036, callable at or above par 

Notes @ 5.75% due 2042, 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 @ 5.625% due 2020, 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 @ 7.0% 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 

Fair Value Hedges Adjustment 

Total   

Short-term Debt

Securities Lending Agreements — See Note 3 

Total   

December 31

2012 

2011

$   500.0 

62.5 

248.6 —

$   560.0

72.5

39.5 

165.8 

200.0 

399.6 

350.0 

296.7 

200.0 

50.8 

226.5 

15.4 

39.5

165.8

200.0

399.6

350.0

296.7

200.0

50.8

226.5

8.8

2,755.4 

2,570.2

455.8 

312.3

$3,211.2 

$2,882.5

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  133

 
 
 
 
 
 
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 $296.9 million in 2015, $350.0 million in 2016, and $2,095.1 million in 2018  

and thereafter.

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, 2012, the amount in the Northwind DSCA was $29.3 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 2012, 2011, and 2010, Northwind Holdings 

made principal payments of $60.0 million, $74.4 million, and $58.3 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%.

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.

134 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
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 Holdings 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, 2012, the amount in the Tailwind DSCA was $21.5 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 2012, 2011, and 2010, Tailwind Holdings made principal payments of $10.0 million each year 

on the Tailwind notes.

In January 2013, we purchased and retired the outstanding principal of $62.5 million on our Tailwind notes. The transaction resulted in 

an immaterial gain which will be included in our first quarter 2013 operating results.

Unsecured Notes

In August 2012, we issued $250.0 million of unsecured senior notes in a public offering.

In 2010, we issued $400.0 million of unsecured senior notes in a public offering, and we purchased and retired $10.0 million of our 

7.08% medium-term notes due 2024.

In 2005, UnumProvident Finance Company plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unum Group, issued 6.85% senior debentures due 2015. 

These debentures are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Unum Group.

Fair Value Hedges

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had $600.0 million and $350.0 million, respectively, notional amount interest rate swaps which 

effectively convert certain of our unsecured senior notes into floating rate debt. Under these agreements, we receive fixed rates of interest 

and pay variable rates of interest, based off of three-month LIBOR.

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.

Short-term Debt

In 2011, the remaining $225.1 million of our 7.625% senior notes due March 2011 matured.

Interest and Debt Expense

Interest paid on long-term and short-term debt and related securities during 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $139.6 million, $145.4 million, 

and $140.7 million, respectively.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  135

 
Shelf Registration

We have a shelf registration, which we renewed in 2011, 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 securities 

covered by the shelf registration as well as any combination thereof, subject to market conditions and our capital needs.

Note 8. 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) 

2012 

2011 

2012 

2011 

2012 

2011

Change in Benefit Obligation

Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year 

$1,579.8 

$1,352.7 

$170.4 

$152.9 

$190.9 

$185.1

Service Cost 

Interest Cost 

Plan Participant Contributions 

  Actuarial (Gain) Loss 

  Benefits and Expenses Paid 

Plan Amendment 

Curtailment 

Change in Foreign Exchange Rates 

48.8 

84.4 

— 

291.4 

(36.5) 

— 

— 

— 

42.7 

77.6 

— 

138.4 

(31.6) 

— 

— 

— 

4.2 

8.5 

— 

9.4 

4.8 

8.8 

— 

9.3 

(3.9) 

(4.1) 

— 

— 

8.8 

— 

— 

(1.3) 

1.6 

9.6 

3.5 

19.1 

(16.7) 

(5.0) 

(4.2) 

— 

1.9

10.0

3.4

5.6

(15.1)

—

—

—

Benefit Obligation at End of Year 

$1,967.9 

$1,579.8 

$197.4 

$170.4 

$198.8 

$190.9

Accumulated Benefit Obligation at  

  December 31 

$1,822.3 

$1,462.2 

$187.3 

$160.9 

N/A 

N/A

Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets

Fair Value of Plan Assets at  

  Beginning of Year 

$1,170.8 

$1,179.6 

$188.0 

$176.0 

$  11.7 

$  11.9

  Actual Return on Plan Assets 

Employer Contributions 

Plan Participant Contributions 

  Benefits and Expenses Paid 

Change in Foreign Exchange Rates 

161.8 

57.5 

— 

(36.5) 

— 

18.5 

4.3 

— 

(31.6) 

— 

8.6 

4.1 

— 

(3.9) 

8.8 

12.5 

4.7 

— 

(4.1) 

(1.1) 

Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year 

$1,353.6 

$1,170.8 

$205.6 

$188.0 

Underfunded (Overfunded) Status 

$   614.3 

$   409.0 

$    (8.2) 

$ (17.6) 

0.3 

12.7 

3.5 

(16.7) 

— 

$  11.5 

$187.3 

0.2

11.3

3.4

(15.1)

—

$  11.7

$179.2

136 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheets for our pension and OPEB plans at December 31, 2012 and 2011  

are as follows:

(in millions of dollars) 

Current Liability 

Noncurrent Liability 

Noncurrent Asset 

Pension Benefits

U.S. Plans 

Non U.S. Plans 

OPEB

2012 

2011 

$ 

   4.6 

609.7 

— 

$ 

   4.5 

404.5 

— 

2012 

$     — 

— 

(8.2) 

2011 

$ 

   — 

— 

(17.6) 

2012 

$  15.6 

171.7 

— 

2011

$  14.4

164.8

—

Underfunded (Overfunded) Status 

$   614.3 

$   409.0 

$  (8.2) 

$(17.6) 

$187.3 

$179.2

Unrecognized Pension and  

  Postretirement Benefit Costs

  Net Actuarial Gain (Loss) 

Prior Service Credit (Cost) 

  Deferred Income Tax Asset 

Total Included in Accumulated Other  

$(845.4) 

$(673.1) 

(0.6) 

(846.0) 

306.3 

(0.2) 

(673.3) 

235.7 

$(37.9) 

(0.2) 

(38.1) 

11.1 

$(25.0) 

$ (19.3) 

$    (4.1)

(0.2) 

(25.2) 

8.0 

7.3 

(12.0) 

4.2 

4.9

0.8

9.9

Comprehensive Income (Loss) 

$(539.7) 

$(437.6) 

$(27.0) 

$(17.2) 

$   (7.8) 

$  10.7

The following table provides the changes recognized in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

(in millions of dollars) 

2012 

2011 

2012 

2011 

2012 

2011

Accumulated Other Comprehensive  

Income (Loss) at Beginning of Year 

$(437.6) 

$(323.2) 

$(17.2) 

$(10.7) 

$   10.7 

$15.3

Pension Benefits

U.S. Plans 

Non U.S. Plans 

OPEB

  Net Actuarial Loss

  Amortization 

Curtailment 

  All Other Changes 

Prior Service Credit

  Amortization 

Plan Amendment 

Change in Deferred  

Income Tax Asset 

45.9 

— 

31.9 

— 

0.5 

— 

— 

— 

— 

4.2 

(218.2) 

(207.5) 

(13.4) 

(8.7) 

(19.4) 

(0.4) 

— 

(0.5) 

— 

70.6 

61.7 

— 

— 

3.1 

— 

— 

(2.6) 

5.0 

2.2 

(5.7) 

3.5

—

—

(5.5)

(2.6)

—

Accumulated Other Comprehensive  

Income (Loss) at End of Year 

$(539.7) 

$(437.6) 

$(27.0) 

$(17.2) 

$     (7.8) 

$10.7

We discontinued offering retiree life insurance to future retirees effective December 31, 2012 but continue to provide this benefit to 

employees who retired prior to that date. The curtailment gain of $4.2 million and the prior service credit of $5.0 million, both of which are 

included in the table above, reflect this OPEB plan amendment.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  137

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.

Assets for our U.S. pension plans include a diversified blend of domestic and international large cap, mid cap, and small cap equity 

securities, U.S. government and agency fixed income securities, corporate fixed income securities, private equity funds of funds, hedge 

funds of funds, and cash equivalents. The large cap and mid cap equity securities are comprised of equity index funds that are designed  

to track the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 and S&P 400 Mid Cap indices, respectively. Small cap equity securities consist of individual  

equity securities as well as index funds that track the Russell 2000 index. International equity investments consist of equity funds that are 

benchmarked against either the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Europe Australasia Far East Index or the MSCI All Country World 

Index Excluding U.S. These international funds may allocate a certain percentage of their assets to forward currency contracts. It is the 

policy of these funds to utilize the contracts solely for the purpose of mitigating exposure to foreign currency risk. Emerging market equity 

investments consist of index funds that are benchmarked against the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. U.S. government and agency fixed 

income securities are comprised of treasury bonds and U.S. agency asset-backed securities. Corporate fixed income securities consist of 

investment-grade and below-investment-grade corporate bonds as well as certain asset-backed securities. Alternative investments, which 

include private equity funds of funds and hedge funds of funds, utilize proprietary strategies that are intended 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 diversified growth fund. This fund invests in assets such as global 

equities, hedge funds, commodities, below-investment-grade fixed income securities, and currencies. The objectives of the fund are to 

generate capital appreciation over the course of a complete economic and market cycle and to deliver equity-like returns in the medium-

to-long term while maintaining approximately two thirds of the volatility of equity markets. Performance of this fund is measured against 

the U.K. inflation rate plus four percent. The remaining assets in the U.K. plan are invested in leveraged interest rate and inflation swap 

funds of varying durations designed to broadly match the interest rate and inflation sensitivities of the plan’s liabilities. The current target 

allocation for the assets is 75 percent diversified growth assets and 25 percent interest rate and inflation swap funds. 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.

138 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
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 and Agencies 

Corporate 

Alternative Investments:

Private Equity Funds of Funds 

  Hedge Funds of Funds 

Cash Equivalents 

Total   

(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 and Agencies 

Corporate 

Alternative Investments:

Private Equity Funds of Funds 

  Hedge Funds of Funds 

Cash Equivalents 

Total   

December 31, 2012

 Quoted Prices  
 in Active Markets  
 for Identical Assets  
 or Liabilities  
 (Level 1)  

 Significant Other  
 Observable  
 Inputs  
 (Level 2)  

 Significant  
 Unobservable  
 Inputs  
 (Level 3)  

 Total 

$ 

  — 

— 

83.9 

106.4 

— 

138.0 

84.1 

— 

— 

13.1 

$425.5 

$269.2 

111.6 

120.1 

102.9 

73.9 

8.6 

154.4 

— 

— 

— 

$    — 

$   269.2

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

28.7 

56.1 

— 

111.6

204.0

209.3

73.9

146.6

238.5

28.7

56.1

13.1

$840.7 

$84.8 

$1,351.0

December 31, 2011

 Quoted Prices  
 in Active Markets  
 for Identical Assets  
 or Liabilities  
 (Level 1)  

 Significant Other  
 Observable  
 Inputs  
 (Level 2)  

 Significant  
 Unobservable  
 Inputs  
 (Level 3)  

 Total 

$ 

  — 

— 

131.1 

80.3 

— 

145.7 

71.8 

— 

— 

6.2 

$237.4 

$  — 

$   237.4

96.4 

45.0 

85.1 

51.6 

9.5 

139.4 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

23.7 

44.3 

— 

$68.0 

96.4

176.1

165.4

51.6

155.2

211.2

23.7

44.3

6.2

$1,167.5

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  139

$435.1 

$664.4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 securities consist of funds that are valued based on the net asset value (NAV) of 

the underlying holdings. These investments have no unfunded commitments and no specific redemption restrictions. Level 2 fixed income 

securities are valued using observable inputs through market corroborated pricing.

Alternative investments, which include hedge funds of funds and private equity funds of funds, 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 2012 or 2011. Redemptions on the hedge funds of funds can be made on 

either a quarterly or bi-annual basis, depending on the fund, with prior notice of at least 90 calendar days. Because of these redemption 

restrictions, we have classified the hedge funds of funds as Level 3 because we do not have the unrestricted ability to redeem our 

investment at NAV at any given time. The private equity funds of funds cannot be redeemed by investors, and distributions are received 

following the maturity of the underlying assets. It is estimated that these underlying assets will begin to mature between five and eight 

years from the date of initial investment. Accordingly, we have assigned a Level 3 classification to the private equity funds of funds due to 

the redemption restrictions.

Changes in our U.S. pension plans’ assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) 

during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

Year Ended December 31, 2012 

Actual Return on Plan Assets 

Level 3 Transfers

Beginning 

Held at 

Sold During 

(in millions of dollars) 

Private Equity Funds of Funds 

Hedge Funds of Funds 

Total   

of Year 

$23.7 

44.3 

$68.0 

Year End 

the Year 

Purchases 

Sales 

$0.5 

3.8 

$4.3 

$1.0 

— 

$1.0 

$  6.0 

11.8 

$17.8 

$(2.5) 

(3.8) 

$(6.3) 

Into 

$— 

— 

$— 

Out of 

$— 

— 

$— 

Year Ended December 31, 2011 

Actual Return on Plan Assets 

Level 3 Transfers

Beginning 

Held at 

Sold During 

(in millions of dollars) 

Private Equity Funds of Funds 

Hedge Funds of Funds 

Total   

of Year 

$15.0 

46.0 

$61.0 

Year End 

the Year 

Purchases 

Sales 

$ 3.0 

(1.6) 

$ 1.4 

$   — 

(0.1) 

$(0.1) 

$  6.5 

6.9 

$13.4 

$(0.8) 

(6.9) 

$(7.7) 

Into 

$— 

— 

$— 

Out of 

$— 

— 

$— 

End 

of Year

$28.7

56.1

$84.8

End 

of Year

$23.7

44.3

$68.0

140 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

Fixed Interest and Index-linked Securities 

Cash Equivalents 

Total Plan Assets 

(in millions of dollars) 

Plan Assets

Diversified Growth Assets 

Fixed Interest and Index-linked Securities 

Cash Equivalents 

Total Plan Assets 

December 31, 2012

 Quoted Prices  
 in Active Markets  
 for Identical Assets  
 or Liabilities  
 (Level 1)  

 Significant Other  
 Observable  
 Inputs  
 (Level 2)  

 Significant  
 Unobservable  
 Inputs  
 (Level 3)  

$    — 

— 

7.4 

$7.4 

$154.7 

43.5 

— 

$198.2 

$    — 

— 

— 

$    — 

December 31, 2011

Quoted Prices  
in Active Markets  
for Identical Assets  
or Liabilities  
(Level 1)  

Significant Other  
Observable  
Inputs  
(Level 2)  

Significant  
Unobservable  
Inputs  
(Level 3)  

$    — 

— 

0.8 

$0.8 

$123.7 

63.5 

— 

$187.2 

$    — 

— 

— 

$    — 

 Total 

$154.7

43.5

7.4

$205.6

Total 

$123.7

63.5

0.8

$188.0

Level 2 assets consist of funds that are valued based on the NAV of the underlying holdings. These investments have no unfunded 

commitments and no specific redemption restrictions.

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 

(in millions of dollars) 

Assets

Life Insurance Contracts 

December 31, 2012

 Quoted Prices  
 in Active Markets  
 for Identical Assets  
 or Liabilities  
 (Level 1)  

 Significant Other  
 Observable  
 Inputs  
 (Level 2)  

 Significant  
 Unobservable  
 Inputs  
 (Level 3)  

 Total 

$    — 

$    — 

$11.5 

$11.5

December 31, 2011

 Quoted Prices  
 in Active Markets  
 for Identical Assets  
 or Liabilities  
 (Level 1)  

 Significant Other  
 Observable  
 Inputs  
 (Level 2)  

 Significant  
 Unobservable  
 Inputs  
 (Level 3)  

 Total 

$    — 

$    — 

$11.7 

$11.7

The fair value is represented by the actuarial present value of future cash flows of the contracts.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  141

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in our OPEB plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the 

years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

(in millions of dollars) 

Life Insurance Contracts 

(in millions of dollars) 

Life Insurance Contracts 

 Year Ended December 31, 2012 

Beginning of 

Actual Return 

Net Benefits and  

Year 

$11.7 

on Plan Assets 

Contributions 

Expenses Paid 

$0.3 

$16.2 

$(16.7) 

 Year Ended December 31, 2011  

Beginning of 

Actual Return 

Net Benefits and  

Year 

$11.9 

on Plan Assets 

Contributions 

Expenses Paid 

$0.2 

$14.7 

$(15.1) 

End of 

Year

$11.5

End of 

Year

$11.7

For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the actual return on plan assets relates solely to investments still held at the 

reporting date. There were no transfers into or out of level 3 during 2012 or 2011.

Measurement Assumptions

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

2012 

2011 

2012 

2011 

2012 

2011

4.50% 

4.00% 

5.40% 

7.50% 

4.00% 

5.40% 

4.00% 

5.80% 

7.50% 

4.00% 

4.50% 

3.75% 

4.90% 

5.80% 

3.85% 

4.90% 

3.85% 

5.60% 

6.70% 

4.50% 

4.20% 

— 

5.20% 

5.75% 

— 

5.20%

—

5.60%

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. The market-related value equals the fair value of assets, 

determined as of the measurement date. 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 at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was 5.75 percent, 

which was based on full investment in fixed income securities with an average book yield of 5.77 percent and 6.27 percent in 2012 and 

2011, respectively.

142 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our rate of compensation increase assumption is generally based on periodic studies of compensation trends.

For measurement purposes at December 31, 2012 and 2011, the annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered 

postretirement health care benefits assumed for the next calendar year was 8.00 percent and 8.50 percent, respectively, for benefits 

payable to both retirees prior to Medicare eligibility as well as Medicare eligible retirees. The rate was assumed to change gradually  

to 5.00 percent by 2019 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.

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) 

2012 

2011 

2010 

2012 

2011 

2010 

2012 

Pension Benefits

U.S. Plans 

Non U.S. Plans 

OPEB

2011 

2010

Service Cost 

Interest Cost 

$   48.8 

$  42.7 

$  36.5 

$    4.2 

$     4.8 

$     4.9 

$   1.6 

$   1.9 

$  2.6

84.4 

77.6 

71.1 

8.5 

8.8 

9.5 

9.6 

10.0 

Expected Return on Plan Assets 

(88.8) 

(87.6) 

(70.5) 

(11.1) 

(12.2) 

(10.7) 

(0.7) 

(0.7) 

10.8

(0.6)

Amortization of:

  Net Actuarial Loss 

Prior Service Credit 

45.9 

31.9 

29.8 

(0.4) 

(0.5) 

(0.5) 

0.5 

— 

— 

— 

2.4 

— 

— 

— 

—

(2.6) 

(2.6) 

(2.6)

Total   

$   89.9 

$  64.1 

$  66.4 

$    2.1 

$     1.4 

$     6.1 

$   7.9 

$   8.6 

$10.2

A one percent increase or decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate at December 31, 2012 would have increased 

(decreased) the service cost and interest cost by $0.2 million and $(0.2) million, respectively, and the postretirement benefit obligation  

by $3.9 million and $(2.9) 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 

began amortization in 2010. We received subsidy payments of $1.3 million in both 2012 and 2011. 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 and prior service credit included in accumulated other comprehensive income and expected to be 

amortized and included in net periodic pension cost during 2013 is $59.8 million before tax and $39.1 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 2013 is $5.0 million before tax 

and $3.2 million after tax.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  143

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Payments

The following table provides expected benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate.

(in millions of dollars) 

U.S. Plans 

Non U.S. Plans 

Gross 

Subsidy Payments 

Net

Pension Benefits 

OPEB

Year

2013   

2014   

2015   

2016   

2017   

2018 – 2022 

Funding Policy

$38.5 

43.3 

47.8 

53.9 

59.4 

408.5 

$5.0 

5.6 

5.8 

6.4 

6.7 

39.8 

$17.3 

17.4 

17.4 

17.2 

16.8 

77.8 

$1.7 

1.9 

2.1 

2.3 

2.4 

14.6 

$15.6

15.5

15.3

14.9

14.4

63.2

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 our U.S. qualified plan for 2012 and 2011; however, we 

elected to make a voluntary contribution of $53.0 million in 2012 and expect to make a voluntary contribution of approximately $50.0 million 

during 2013. 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. Our expected return on plan assets and discount rate 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 required under ERISA.

We contribute to our U.K. plan in accordance with a schedule of contributions which requires that we contribute to the plan at the rate 

of at least 24.8 percent of pensionable salaries for active members of the plan, plus 0.4 percent of pensionable salaries for all employees 

(including active members of the plan) who are entitled to lump sum death in service benefits under the plan, sufficient to meet the 

minimum funding requirement under U.K. legislation. We made contributions of $4.1 million and $4.7 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively, 

or approximately £2.6 million and £2.9 million. We expect to make contributions of approximately £2.6 million during 2013.

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.

144 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 9. Stockholders’ Equity and Earnings Per Common Share

Common Stock

In July 2012, February 2011, and May 2010, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $750.0 million, $1.0 billion, and 

$500.0 million, respectively, of Unum Group’s common stock. At December 31, 2012, no amounts were remaining for the purchase of 

shares under either the February 2011 or May 2010 repurchase program. The July 2012 share repurchase program has an expiration date  

of January 2014, and the dollar value of shares remaining under this program was $550.0 million at December 31, 2012.

Common stock repurchases were classified as follows in our consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity:

(in millions) 

Treasury Stock 

Retirement of Common Shares (2) 

Total   

Year Ended December 31

2012 

2011 

2010

Shares 

Cost (1) 

Shares 

Cost (1) 

Shares 

Cost (1)

23.6 

$500.6 

— 

— 

23.6 

$500.6 

17.7 

7.7 

25.4 

$419.9 

200.0 

$619.9 

16.4 

— 

16.4 

$356.0

—

$356.0

(1)  Includes commissions of $0.6 million, $0.3 million, and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

(2)  In February 2011, we repurchased 7.1 million shares, at a cost of $200.0 million, using an accelerated repurchase agreement with a financial counterparty. As part of this 
transaction, we simultaneously entered into a forward contract indexed to the price of Unum Group common stock, which subjected the transaction to a future price 
adjustment. 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, less a discount. 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 would have been settled in either cash or common stock at our option. The final price adjustment 
settlement occurred in March 2011, resulting in the delivery to us of 0.6 million additional shares.

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)

Weighted Average Common Shares — Basic 

Dilution for Assumed Exercises of Stock Options  

and Nonvested Stock Awards 

Year Ended December 31

2012 

2011 

2010

$894.4 

$284.2 

$878.7

281,355.9 

302,399.8 

325,839.0

400.9 

1,171.2 

1,382.1

  Weighted Average Common Shares — Assuming Dilution 

281,756.8 

303,571.0 

327,221.1

Net Income Per Common Share

  Basic   

  Assuming Dilution 

$   3.18 

$   3.17 

$  0.94 

$  0.94 

$  2.70

$  2.69

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  145

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We use the treasury stock method to account for the effect of outstanding stock options and nonvested stock awards 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 exercise price of the stock options and/or the 

grant price of the nonvested stock awards. For further discussion of stock-based awards see Note 10.

The outstanding stock options have exercise prices ranging from $11.37 to $26.29, and the nonvested stock awards have grant prices 

ranging from $19.38 to $26.31.

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 2.5 million, 2.1 million, and 3.5 million shares of common stock  

for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Note 10. Stock-Based Compensation

Description of Stock Plans

Under the stock incentive plan of 2012 (the 2012 Plan), up to 20 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 1.76 shares. The exercise price for stock options issued cannot be less than the fair value  

of the underlying common stock as of the grant date. Stock options generally have a term of eight years after the date of grant and vest 

after three years. At December 31, 2012, approximately 19.87 million shares were available for future grants under the 2012 Plan.

Under the stock incentive plan of 2007 (the 2007 Plan), which was terminated in May 2012 for purposes of any further grants, up to  

35 million shares of common stock were available for awards to our employees, officers, consultants, and directors. Awards could 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, was counted as 2.7 shares. Awards 

granted before the termination of the 2007 Plan remain outstanding in accordance with the plan’s terms. Stock options generally have a 

term of eight years after the date of grant and vest after three years.

Under the stock plan of 1999 (the 1999 Plan), which was terminated in May 2007 for purposes of any further grants other than reload 

grants, up to 17.5 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. Awards granted before the termination of the 1999 Plan remain outstanding in accordance with the plan’s terms. Stock 

options under the 1999 Plan have a maximum term of ten years after the date of grant and generally vest after three years.

We issue new shares of common stock for all of our stock plan vestings and exercises.

Nonvested Stock Awards

Activity for nonvested stock awards classified as equity is as follows:

Outstanding at December 31, 2011 

  Granted 

Vested 

Forfeited 

Outstanding at December 31, 2012 

146 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Shares (000s) 

Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value 

1,661 

864 

(1,070) 

(52) 

1,403 

$20.36

22.96

18.18

23.59

23.57

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
Nonvested 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. Forfeitable dividend equivalents on nonvested stock awards are accrued in the form  

of additional restricted stock units. Compensation cost for nonvested stock awards subject to accelerated vesting upon retirement is 

recognized over the implicit service period.

The weighted average grant date fair value per share for nonvested stock awards granted during 2012, 2011, and 2010 was  

$22.96, $26.13, and $20.91, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $19.5 million, $19.2 million, 

and $19.0 million, respectively. At December 31, 2012, we had $10.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested  

stock awards that will be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.8 years.

Cash-Settled Awards

Activity for cash-settled awards classified as a liability is as follows:

Outstanding at December 31, 2011 

  Granted 

Vested 

Outstanding at December 31, 2012 

Shares (000s) 

Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value 

153 

117 

(63) 

207 

$23.80

23.23

23.25

23.72

Cash-settled 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. Forfeitable dividend equivalents on cash-settled awards are accrued in the form of additional 

units. Compensation cost for cash-settled awards subject to accelerated vesting upon retirement is recognized over the implicit service period.

The amount payable per unit awarded is equal to the price per share of Unum Group’s common stock at settlement of the award, and 

as such, we measure the value of the award each reporting period based on the current stock price. The effects of changes in the stock 

price during the service period are recognized as compensation cost over the service period. Changes in the amount of the liability due to 

stock price changes after the service period are compensation cost of the period in which the changes occur.

The weighted average grant date fair value per unit for cash-settled awards granted during 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $23.23,  

$26.22, and $20.79, respectively. The total fair value of cash-settled awards vested during 2012 and 2011 was $1.5 million and $0.7 million, 

respectively, and the total fair value of cash-settled awards paid during 2012 and 2011 was $1.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively. No 

cash-settled awards vested prior to 2011. There is no unrecognized compensation cost related to the cash-settled awards, other than future 

changes in the liability due to future stock price changes, as the units do not require additional future service.

Stock Options

Stock option activity is summarized as follows:

Outstanding at December 31, 2011 

  Granted 

Exercised 

Outstanding at December 31, 2012 

Exercisable at December 31, 2012 

Shares 

(000s) 

1,477 

276 

(62) 

1,691 

1,202 

Remaining 

Intrinsic  

Weighted Average 

Contractual 

Value 

Exercise Price 

Term (in years) 

(in millions)

$20.13

23.35

11.37

20.98 

$19.86 

4.6 

3.7 

$3.1

$3.1

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  147

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All outstanding stock options at December 31, 2012 are expected to vest. Stock options 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 

options subject to accelerated vesting upon retirement is recognized over the implicit service period.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $0.6 million, $3.9 million, and $3.2 million, respectively. 

The total fair value of options that vested during 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $2.3 million, $2.7 million, and $2.5 million, respectively.  

At December 31, 2012, we had $0.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options that will be recognized over a 

weighted average period of 0.8 years.

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $9.78, $11.73, and $9.04, 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 2012, 2011, and 2010 grants:

•  Expected volatility of 52 percent, 53 percent, and 55 percent, respectively, based on our historical daily stock prices.

•  Expected life of 6.0 years, 5.5 years, and 5.0 years, respectively, based on historical average years to exercise.

•  Expected dividend yield of 1.80 percent, 1.41 percent, and 1.59 percent, respectively, based on the dividend rate at the date of grant.

•  Risk free interest rate of 1.13 percent, 2.37 percent, and 2.33 percent, respectively, based on the yield of treasury bonds at the  

date of grant.

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 and Cash-Settled Awards 

Stock Options 

Other   

Total Compensation Expense, Before Income Tax 

Total Compensation Expense, Net of Income Tax 

Year Ended December 31

2011 

$19.6 

2.7 

1.2 

$23.5 

$15.3 

2010

$20.7

2.5

2.0

$25.2

$17.2

2012 

$20.9 

2.7 

0.6 

$24.2 

$15.6 

Cash received under all share-based payment arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $4.9 million, 

$14.8 million, and $10.0 million, respectively.

148 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
Note 11. Reinsurance

Our reinsurance recoverable at December 31, 2012 relates to 85 companies. Thirteen major companies account for approximately  

92 percent of our reinsurance recoverable at December 31, 2012, 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. Approximately seven percent of our 

reinsurance recoverable 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. The remaining one percent of our reinsurance recoverable is held by companies either rated below A- by AM Best  

or not rated.

Reinsurance data is as follows:

(in millions of dollars) 

Direct Premium Income 

Reinsurance Assumed 

Reinsurance Ceded 

Net Premium Income 

Ceded Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits 

Year Ended December 31

2012 

2011 

2010

$7,736.0 

$7,521.5 

$7,434.3

210.9 

(230.8) 

$7,716.1 

$   591.7 

216.6 

(223.9) 

$7,514.2 

$   609.2 

241.3

(244.2)

$7,431.4

$   602.2

We entered into reinsurance agreements, effective January 1, 2013, with external reinsurance partners whereby the agreements 

provide 50 percent coverage up to £0.5 million per covered life and 100 percent coverage, per covered life, above that amount for the 

existing in-force block of Unum UK group life business as well as new policies issued during the term of the agreements.

Note 12. Segment Information

We have three major business segments: Unum US, Unum UK, and Colonial Life. Our other segments are the Closed Block segment 

and the Corporate Segment.

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 recently issued disability insurance and 

voluntary benefits products. These products are marketed through our field sales personnel who work in conjunction with independent 

brokers and consultants.

The Unum UK segment includes insurance for group long-term disability, group life, and supplemental and voluntary lines of business. 

The supplemental and voluntary lines of business are comprised of individual disability, critical illness, and voluntary benefits products. 

Unum UK’s products are 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 to employees at the workplace through an agency sales force and brokers.

The Closed Block segment consists of individual disability, group and individual long-term care, and other insurance products no longer 

actively marketed. The individual disability line of business in this segment generally consists of policies we sold prior to the mid 1990s  

and entirely discontinued selling in 2004, other than update features contractually allowable on existing policies. Other insurance products 

include individual life and corporate-owned life insurance, reinsurance pools and management operations, group pension, health insurance, 

and individual annuities.

The Corporate 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.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  149

 
 
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, non-operating retirement-related gains or losses, and income tax. 

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 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 and non-operating retirement-related gains 

or losses. We previously allocated the amortization of prior period actuarial gains or losses, the component of the net periodic benefit  

costs for our pensions and other postretirement benefit plans which we consider to be non-operating, to our Corporate segment. Effective 

January 1, 2012, we modified our segment reporting such that the amortization of prior period actuarial gains or losses is no longer 

included in operating income or operating loss by segment. Prior period segment results for our Corporate segment have been adjusted  

to conform to current year reporting.

We measure segment performance excluding realized investment gains and losses and non-operating retirement-related gains or 

losses because we believe that this performance measure is a better indicator of the ongoing businesses and the underlying trends in the 

businesses. We believe operating income or loss which excludes the specified items listed in our reconciliation is a better performance 

measure and a better indicator of the profitability and underlying trends in our business. Realized investment gains or losses depend on 

market conditions and do not necessarily relate to decisions regarding the underlying business of our segments. Our investment focus is on 

investment income to support our insurance liabilities as opposed to the generation of realized investment gains or losses. Although we 

may experience realized investment gains or losses which will affect future earnings levels, a long-term focus is necessary to maintain 

profitability over the life of the business since our underlying business is long-term in nature, and we need to earn the interest rates 

assumed in calculating our liabilities. Certain components of the net periodic benefit cost for our pensions and other postretirement benefit 

plans, namely the amortization of prior period actuarial gains or losses, are primarily driven by market performance and are not indicative 

of the operational results of our businesses. We believe that excluding the amortization of prior period gains or losses from operating 

income by segment provides investors with additional information for comparison and analysis of our operating results. Although we 

manage our non-operating retirement-related gains or losses separately from the operational performance of our business, these gains or 

losses impact the overall profitability of our company and will increase or decrease over time, depending on market conditions and the 

resulting impact on the actuarial gains or losses in our pensions and other postretirement benefit plans. The exclusion of these items from 

segment performance does not replace net income or net loss as a measure of our overall profitability.

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) 

Total Revenue 

Operating Income by Segment 

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) 

Non-operating Retirement-related Loss 

Income Tax 

Net Income 

150 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Year Ended December 31

2012 

2011 

2010

$10,459.2 

$10,282.9 

$10,168.5

56.2 

(4.9) 

$10,515.4 

$10,278.0 

$  1,239.7 

$     370.1 

56.2 

(46.4) 

(355.1) 

(4.9) 

(31.9) 

(49.1) 

24.7

$10,193.2

$  1,327.4

24.7

(32.2)

(441.2)

$     894.4 

$     284.2 

$     878.7

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
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 

Voluntary Benefits 

Unum UK

  Group Long-term Disability 

  Group Life 

Supplemental and Voluntary 

Colonial Life

  Accident, Sickness, and Disability 

Life 

Cancer and Critical Illness 

Closed Block

Individual Disability 

Long-term Care 

  All Other 

Total   

Year Ended December 31

2012 

2011 

2010

$1,578.8 

476.7 

$1,580.2 

455.2 

$1,639.4

430.9

1,182.1 

115.3 

477.6 

626.0 

4,456.5 

409.7 

221.3 

63.6 

694.6 

724.5 

209.7 

260.3 

1,106.7 

109.2 

464.7 

580.0 

4,296.0 

419.6 

203.6 

64.4 

687.6 

695.3 

190.7 

249.3 

1,090.3

106.1

457.9

530.8

4,255.4

421.2

171.6

57.8

650.6

661.0

176.5

238.2

1,194.5 

1,135.3 

1,075.7

736.4 

631.9 

2.2 

1,370.5 

$7,716.1 

787.0 

608.1 

0.2 

1,395.3 

$7,514.2 

847.0

599.2

3.5

1,449.7

$7,431.4

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  151

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected operating statement data by segment is presented as follows:

(in millions of dollars)  

Unum US 

Unum UK 

Colonial Life 

Closed Block 

Corporate 

Total

Year Ended December 31, 2012

Premium Income 

Net Investment Income 

Other Income 

$4,456.5 

952.3 

124.6 

$694.6 

170.8 

0.1 

$1,194.5 

$1,370.5 

$ 

     — 

$  7,716.1

138.6 

0.3 

1,230.5 

100.1 

23.0 

2.8 

2,515.2

227.9

Operating Revenue 

$5,533.4 

$865.5 

$1,333.4 

$2,701.1 

$     25.8 

$10,459.2

Operating Income (Loss) 

Interest and Debt Expense 

Depreciation and Amortization 

$   847.1 

$       1.1 

$   255.6 

$131.3 

$ 

  — 

$  27.2 

$   274.3 

$ 

  — 

$   181.0 

$     95.5 

$     10.4 

$       3.9 

$(108.5) 

$  1,239.7

$   133.9 

$ 

   0.8 

$     145.4

$     468.5

Year Ended December 31, 2011

Premium Income 

Net Investment Income 

Other Income 

Operating Revenue 

Operating Income (Loss) 

Interest and Debt Expense 

Depreciation and Amortization 

Year Ended December 31, 2010

Premium Income 

Net Investment Income 

Other Income 

Operating Revenue 

Operating Income (Loss) 

Interest and Debt Expense 

Depreciation and Amortization 

$4,296.0 

951.4 

121.6 

$5,369.0 

$   816.9 

$       1.0 

$   245.9 

$4,255.4 

941.5 

122.8 

$5,319.7 

$   769.0 

$       1.2 

$   245.6 

$687.6 

189.9 

0.3 

$877.8 

$190.7 

$ 

  — 

$  26.8 

$650.6 

170.5 

1.2 

$822.3 

$209.0 

$ 

  — 

$  24.8 

$1,135.3 

$1,395.3 

$ 

     — 

$  7,514.2

132.4 

0.5 

1,189.7 

106.1 

56.2 

20.6 

2,519.6

249.1

$1,268.2 

$2,691.1 

$     76.8 

$10,282.9

$   270.1 

$ 

  — 

$   164.6 

$   (829.2) 

$    (78.4) 

$     370.1

$     10.5 

$     16.9 

$   131.8 

$ 

   0.8 

$     143.3

$     455.0

$1,075.7 

$1,449.7 

$ 

     — 

$  7,431.4

122.5 

0.7 

1,166.4 

113.6 

94.6 

3.3 

2,495.5

241.6

$1,198.9 

$2,729.7 

$     97.9 

$10,168.5

$   269.7 

$ 

  — 

$   163.0 

$   118.6 

$     11.7 

$     23.6 

$  (38.9) 

$  1,327.4

$   128.9 

$ 

   1.1 

$     141.8

$     458.1

152 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

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, 2012

  Beginning of Year 

Capitalized 

  Amortization 

  Adjustment Related to Unrealized Investment Gains/Losses 

Foreign Currency 

End of Year 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

  Beginning of Year 

Capitalized 

  Amortization 

Impairment of Long-term Care Deferred Acquisition Costs 

  Adjustment Related to Unrealized Investment Gains/Losses 

Foreign Currency 

End of Year 

Year Ended December 31, 2010

  Beginning of Year 

Capitalized 

  Amortization 

  Adjustment Related to Unrealized Investment Gains/Losses 

Foreign Currency 

End of Year 

Assets by segment are as follows:

Unum US 

Unum UK 

Colonial Life 

Closed Block 

Total

$   971.8 

$ 40.9 

$ 664.4 

$    

  — 

$1,677.1

249.2 

(196.5) 

(0.2) 

— 

11.8 

(15.7) 

— 

1.8 

206.3 

(166.5) 

(11.8) 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

467.3

(378.7)

(12.0)

1.8

$1,024.3 

$ 38.8 

$ 692.4 

$    

  — 

$1,755.5

$     943.7 

$  41.0 

$  628.0 

$   203.4 

$ 1,816.1

220.3 

(188.1) 

— 

(4.1) 

— 

15.4 

(15.3) 

— 

— 

(0.2) 

203.1 

(151.2) 

— 

(15.5) 

— 

3.7 

(11.1) 

(196.0) 

— 

— 

442.5

(365.7)

(196.0)

(19.6)

(0.2)

$     971.8 

$  40.9 

$  664.4 

$    

  — 

$ 1,677.1

$    932.4 

$  40.8 

$  593.5 

$   217.6 

$ 1,784.3

207.8 

(192.6) 

(3.9) 

— 

15.1 

(13.6) 

— 

(1.3) 

196.8 

(150.1) 

(12.2) 

— 

2.8 

(17.0) 

— 

— 

422.5

(373.3)

(16.1)

(1.3)

$    943.7 

$  41.0 

$  628.0 

$   203.4 

$ 1,816.1

(in millions of dollars) 

Unum US 

Unum UK 

Colonial Life 

Closed Block 

Corporate 

Total   

December 31

2012 

2011

$19,391.2 

$18,583.6

3,975.8 

3,434.9 

33,069.2 

2,365.0 

3,549.5

3,167.8

31,439.5

2,814.8

$62,236.1 

$59,555.2

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  153

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2012 and 2011, goodwill was $201.7 million and $201.2 million, respectively,  

with $190.0 million attributable to Unum US and the remainder attributable to Unum UK.

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.

Note 13. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

Commitments

We have noncancelable lease obligations on certain office space and equipment. As of December 31, 2012, the aggregate net 

minimum lease payments were $216.8 million payable as follows: $33.7 million in 2013, $30.6 million in 2014, $23.4 million in 2015,  

$17.1 million in 2016, $14.0 million in 2017, and $98.0 million thereafter. Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2012,  

2011, and 2010 was $41.6 million, $36.1 million, and $29.3 million, respectively.

At December 31, 2012, we had unfunded commitments of $71.3 million for certain of our private equity partnerships, $29.0 million  

for certain private placement fixed maturity securities, and $47.3 million for certain mortgage loans. The funds are not legally binding at 

December 31, 2012 and may or may not be funded during the term of the investments.

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.

Claims Handling Matters

We and our insurance subsidiaries, in the ordinary course of our business, 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.

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.

154 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
Miscellaneous Matters
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. In July 2011, the Bankruptcy Court ruled in our favor, granting a summary judgment 

motion to dismiss the case against us and the other defendants. In September 2012, the United States District Court for the Southern 

District of New York affirmed the Bankruptcy Court’s decision to dismiss the case. In October 2012, the plaintiff filed a notice of appeal  

to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

In October 2010, Denise Merrimon, Bobby S. Mowery, and all others similarly situated vs. Unum Life Insurance Company of America, 

was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maine. This class action alleges 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 part of ERISA employee welfare benefit plans and under which we paid death benefits via retained asset accounts. 

The plaintiffs’ principal theories in the case are: (1) funds held in retained asset accounts were plan assets, and the proceeds earned by  

us from investing those funds belonged to the beneficiaries, and (2) payment of claims using retained asset accounts did not constitute 

payment under Maine’s late payment statute, requiring us to pay interest on the undrawn retained asset account funds at an annual rate 

of 18 percent. In February 2012, the District Court issued an opinion rejecting both of plaintiffs’ principal theories and ordering judgment 

for us. At the same time, however, the District Court held that we breached a fiduciary duty to the beneficiaries by failing to pay rates 

comparable to the best rates available in the market for demand deposits. The District Court also certified a class of people who, during a 

certain period of time, were beneficiaries under certain group life insurance contracts that were part of ERISA employee welfare benefit 

plans and were paid death benefits using retained asset accounts. The District Court authorized the parties to make an immediate appeal 

of its decision to the First Circuit Court of Appeals, and each of the parties sought leave for an early appeal on the issues raised by the 

District Court’s rulings, but the First Circuit decided not to hear the appeal at this time. Therefore, the parties are required to wait until the 

proceedings in the District Court have concluded for further resolution of those issues. The First Circuit did not rule on or discuss the merits 

of the case. The case is proceeding in the District Court where notice to class members and discovery on the issue of damages have been 

completed. In February 2013, we filed a motion requesting the court reconsider its prior summary judgment ruling as well as a motion 

challenging the admissibility of the testimony of plaintiffs’ expert witness.

In March 2011, we received a request for information from an independent third party as part of an examination on behalf  

of 32 states and the District of Columbia to evaluate our compliance with the unclaimed property laws of the participating states.  

Industry-wide practices are currently under review concerning the identification and handling of unclaimed property by insurers,  

and numerous other insurers are under similar examination. We are cooperating fully with this examination.

In July 2011, the New York State Department of Financial Services issued a special request to approximately 160 insurers, including 

Unum Group’s New York licensed insurance subsidiaries, which requires the insurers to cross-check their life insurance policies, annuity 

contracts, and retained asset accounts with the latest version of the Social Security Master Death Index to identify any matches. Insurers 

are also requested to investigate the matches to determine if death benefits are due, to locate the beneficiaries, and to make payments 

where appropriate. We accrued an estimated loss contingency in the fourth quarter of 2011, the amount of which was immaterial to our 

consolidated financial position and results of operations. We completed our review during the first quarter of 2012. The estimated loss 

contingency which we established in the fourth quarter of 2011 was sufficient.

It is possible other state jurisdictions may pursue similar investigations or inquiries or issue directives similar to the New York State 

Department of Financial Services’ letter. It is possible that the audits and related activity may result in additional payments to 

beneficiaries, the payment of abandoned funds under state law, and/or administrative penalties. We are currently unable to estimate the 

reasonably possible amount of any additional payments.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  155

 
In December 2012, State of West Virginia ex rel. John D. Perdue v. Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company and State of  

West Virginia ex rel. John D. Perdue v. Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company were filed in the Circuit Court of Putnam County,  

West Virginia. These two separate complaints allege violations of the West Virginia Uniform Unclaimed Property Act by failing to identify 

and report all unclaimed insurance policy proceeds due to be escheated to West Virginia. The complaints seek to examine company records 

and assess penalties and costs in an undetermined amount.

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 if 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.

Note 14. 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 National Association of Insurance Commissioners (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, 2012, 2011, or 2010, 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:

Year Ended December 31

2012 

2011 

2010

$624.5 

$  69.7 

$649.8 

$  69.3 

$642.9 

$  80.0 

$664.0 

$  80.4 

$628.8

$  79.1

$645.7

$  79.2

(in millions of dollars) 

Combined Net Income

Traditional U.S. Insurance Subsidiaries 

Tailwind Re and Northwind Re 

Combined Net Gain from Operations

Traditional U.S. Insurance Subsidiaries 

Tailwind Re and Northwind Re 

156 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
Statutory capital and surplus is as follows:

(in millions of dollars) 

Combined Capital and Surplus

Traditional U.S. Insurance Subsidiaries 

Tailwind Re and Northwind Re 

December 31

2012 

2011

$3,426.5 

$1,188.4 

$3,461.3

$1,226.5

Restrictions under applicable state insurance laws limit the amount of 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 dividends to a parent company from its insurance subsidiaries is generally further limited to the amount of unassigned 

statutory surplus. Based on the restrictions under current law, $623.7 million is available during 2013 for the payment of ordinary dividends 

to Unum Group from its traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries, which exclude Tailwind Re and Northwind Re. The ability of Tailwind Re and 

Northwind Re to pay dividends to their respective 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 receive dividends from our United Kingdom insurance subsidiary, Unum Limited, subject to applicable 

insurance company regulations and capital guidance in the United Kingdom. Approximately £144.7 million is available for the payment  

of dividends from Unum Limited during 2013, subject to regulatory approval.

Deposits

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, our U.S. insurance subsidiaries had on deposit with U.S. regulatory authorities securities with a book 

value of $277.5 million and $294.3 million, respectively, held for the protection of policyholders.

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  157

 
 
 
 
 
Note 15. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) 

The following is a summary of our unaudited quarterly results of operations for 2012 and 2011:

(in millions of dollars, except share data)  

4th 

3rd 

2nd 

1st

2012

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 

$1,937.2 

$1,929.4 

$1,927.6 

$1,921.9

643.0 

24.6 

2,658.2 

322.7 

233.9 

0.86 

0.85 

619.2 

21.3 

2,628.0 

320.4 

230.2 

0.83 

0.83 

2011

633.5 

(2.1) 

2,617.9 

296.4 

216.4 

0.76 

0.76 

619.5

12.4

2,611.3

310.0

213.9

0.74

0.73

(in millions of dollars, except share data)  

4th 

3rd 

2nd 

1st

Premium Income 

Net Investment Income 

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) 

Total Revenue 

Income (Loss) Before Income Tax 

Net Income (Loss) 

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

  Basic   

  Assuming Dilution 

$1,888.5 

$1,881.2 

$1,875.0 

$1,869.5

634.6 

7.4 

2,604.8 

(617.3) 

(369.0) 

(1.26) 

(1.26) 

629.2 

(23.9) 

2,545.6 

288.7 

202.0 

0.68 

0.68 

637.1 

(3.6) 

2,564.5 

334.5 

227.6 

0.74 

0.74 

618.7

15.2

2,563.1

327.4

223.6

0.72

0.71

Items incurring during the fourth quarter of 2011 that affected the comparability of our financial results by quarter are as follows:

•  A deferred acquisition costs impairment charge of $196.0 million before tax and $127.5 million after tax and a reserve charge of 

$573.6 million before tax and $372.8 million after tax related to our long-term care closed block business.

•  A reserve charge of $183.5 million before tax and $119.3 million after tax related to our individual disability closed block business.

•  An income tax benefit of $41.3 million due to a final settlement with the IRS with respect to our appeal of audit adjustments for the 

tax years 1996 to 2004.

•  An income tax charge of $18.6 million related to the repatriation of £150.0 million of dividends from our U.K. subsidiaries.

See Notes 5 and 6 for further discussion of the above items.

158 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
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, 2012 and 2011, 

and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years 

in the period ended December 31, 2012. 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, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each 

of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, Unum Group and subsidiaries changed its method of accounting  

for deferred acquisition costs as a result of the adoption of amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification resulting from 

Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-26, “Insurance (Topic 944): Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance 

Contracts,” effective January 1, 2012.

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, 2012, 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 22, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

February 22, 2013

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  159

 
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, 2012, we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting.

160 

  U NUM   2012 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, 2012, 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, 2012, 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, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated  

statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended  

December 31, 2012, and our report dated February 22, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

February 22, 2013

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  161

 
Cautionary Statement Regarding  
Forward-Looking Statements

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Act) 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 statements within the meaning of the Act. Forward-looking statements are those not based on historical information, but rather 
relate to our outlook, future operations, strategies, financial results, or other developments. Forward-looking statements 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,” “plans,” “assumes,” “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.
•  Sustained periods of low interest rates.
•  Fluctuation in insurance reserve liabilities and claim payments due to changes in claim incidence, recovery rates, mortality rates,  
and offsets 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, the effectiveness of claims management 
operations, and changes in government programs.

•  Legislative, regulatory, or tax changes, both domestic and foreign, including the effect of potential legislation and increased 

regulation in the current political environment.

•  Investment results, including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, defaults, changes in credit spreads, impairments,  

and the lack of appropriate investments in the market which can be acquired to match our liabilities.

•  Ineffectiveness of our derivatives hedging programs due to changes in the economic environment, counterparty risk, ratings 

downgrades, capital market volatility, changes in interest rates, and/or regulation.

•  Increased competition from other insurers and financial services companies due to industry consolidation or other factors.
•  Changes in our financial strength and credit ratings.
•  Damage to our reputation due to, among other factors, regulatory investigations, legal proceedings, external events, and/or 

inadequate or failed internal controls and procedures.

•  Actual experience that deviates from our assumptions used in pricing, underwriting, and reserving.
•  Actual persistency and/or sales growth that is higher or lower than projected.
•  Changes in demand for our products due to, among other factors, changes in societal attitudes, the rate of unemployment,  

consumer confidence, and/or legislative and regulatory changes.

•  Effectiveness of our risk management program.
•  The level and results of litigation.
•  Changes in accounting standards, practices, or policies.
•  Fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates.
•  Ability to generate sufficient internal liquidity and/or obtain external financing.
•  Availability of reinsurance in the market and the ability and willingness of our reinsurers to meet their obligations to us.
•  Recoverability and/or realization of the carrying value of our intangible assets, long-lived assets, and deferred tax assets.
•  The effectiveness of our disaster recovery systems, including our ability to recover our systems and information in the event of  
a disaster or unanticipated event and to protect our systems and information from unauthorized access and deliberate attacks.

•  Events or consequences relating to terrorism and ongoing military actions, both domestic and foreign.

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.

162 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

 
Appendix

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

(in millions, except ratios) 

Unum US  

Unum UK  

Colonial Life 

Total Active Businesses 

Closed Block 

Corporate  

Total   

(in millions) 

Total Stockholders’ Equity, As Reported 

Net Unrealized Gain on Securities 

Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges 

Total Stockholders’ Equity, As Adjusted 

Average Equity, As Adjusted  

(in millions) 

After-tax Operating Income 

Net Realized Investment Gain, Net of Tax 

Non-operating Retirement-related Loss, Net of Tax 

Net Income 

(in millions, except ratios) 

Unum US

Premium Income 

Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits 

Regulatory Reassessment Charge 

Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits, 

Excluding Regulatory Reassessment Charge 

Year Ended December 31, 2012
After-Tax
Operating 
Income (Loss) 

Average 
Allocated 
Equity 

Return 
On Equity

$4,024.1  

 $555.3 

 811.2  

 1,064.4  

 5,899.7  

 2,234.2  

(892.1) 

 99.2 

 178.3 

 832.8 

 62.3 

 (7.6)

13.8%

12.2%

16.8%

14.1%

2.8%

$7,241.8  

$887.5 

12.3%

At December 31

2012 

2011

$8,612.6  

 $8,169.7

 873.5  

 401.6  

 614.8

 408.7

 $7,337.5  

 $7,146.2

$7,241.8

Year Ended  
December 31,
2012

$887.5

 37.1

 (30.2)

 $894.4

Year Ended December 31, 2006

Benefit Ratio

$4,703.6 

4,263.4 

(349.2) 

90.6%

3,914.2 

83.2%

UNUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT  

  163

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Appendix

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Year Ended December 31*

2012 

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008 

2007**  2006**  2005**

After-tax Operating Income  

$   3.15   $  2.98   $   2.73   $   2.64   $   2.54   $   2.25   $   1.85    $   1.69

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss), Net of Tax 

0.13  

(0.01) 

0.05  

— 

(0.89) 

(0.12) 

 0.01  

(0.02)

Non-operating Retirement-related Loss, Net of Tax 

(0.11) 

(0.07) 

 (0.06) 

(0.09) 

 (0.03) 

 (0.04) 

(0.05) 

 (0.05)

Deferred Acquisition Costs and Reserve Charges for 

Closed Block, Net of Tax 

Regulatory Reassessment Charges, Net of Tax 

Special Tax Items and Debt Extinguishment Costs,  

  Net of Tax 

Other, Net of Tax 

Income from Continuing Operations 

Income from Discontinued Operations 

Net Income  

  * Amounts per diluted common share.

— 

—  

(2.04) 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

 0.08  

(0.03) 

— 

—  

— 

— 

— 

 — 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

—

 (0.10) 

 (0.79) 

 (0.16)

 (0.10) 

 0.23  

— 

 (0.04) 

 0.14 

 0.01 

 1.61 

 0.03 

 3.17  

 0.94  

 2.69  

 2.55  

 1.62  

 1.89  

 1.21  

— 

— 

— 

 —  

— 

 0.02  

 0.02  

$   3.17   $  0.94   $   2.69   $   2.55   $   1.62   $   1.91   $   1.23    $   1.64

 **  Results for 2005–2007 have not been adjusted for the impact of ASU 2010-26. While this adjustment might impact earnings per share, it would not significantly change  

the earnings per share growth trend.

Year Ended  
December 31, 
2002*

(in millions) 

Unum US

  Group Disability 

  Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment 

Supplemental and Voluntary 

Total Unum US 

Unum UK  

Colonial Life 

Closed Block 

Corporate  

Total Operating Income by Segment 

Net Realized Investment Loss 

Income Tax  

Income from Continuing Operations Before  

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Principle Change 

Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax 

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Principle Change, Net of Tax 

Net Income  

$   289.9 

224.1 

165.9 

 679.9 

 69.5 

 137.5 

 170.4 

 (155.0)

 902.3 

 (309.1)

(196.3)

396.9 

 11.4 

 (7.1)

$   401.2 

*  Does not reflect the impact of ASU 2010-26 or the segment reporting changes  

implemented in 4Q 2008.

164 

  U NUM   2012 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

CORPORATE 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

1 Mercantile Street 
Worcester, MA 01608 
774 437 4441

PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES

CONTACT INFORMATION

Provident Life and
Accident Insurance Company
Chattanooga, Tennessee

Unum Life Insurance
Company of America
Portland, Maine

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

Provident Life and Casualty
Insurance Company
Chattanooga, Tennessee

Provident Investment Management, LLC
Chattanooga, Tennessee

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.

$125

$100

$75

$50

$25

0

2007

Unum Group

$100.00

S&P 500 Index

$100.00

Insurance Index

$100.00

2008

$79.32

$63.00

$31.50

2009

$84.78

$79.68

$39.68

2010

$106.87

$  91.68

$  49.30

2011

$94.46

$93.61

$37.52

2012

$  95.44

$108.59

$  45.27

MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS

Quarterly market prices and dividends declared and paid per share of common stock are as follows:

2012 

4th Quarter 

3rd Quarter 

2nd Quarter 

1st Quarter 

High  

Low  

Dividend 

2011 

$21.35  

 $19.04  

 $0.1300 

 20.92  

 24.77  

24.81  

 18.28  

 18.37  

20.84  

 0.1300 

 0.1050 

0.1050 

4th Quarter 

3rd Quarter 

2nd Quarter 

1st Quarter 

High  

Low  

Dividend 

$25.00  

$19.72  

$0.1050 

 26.41  

 27.16  

27.04  

 20.24  

 24.29  

 24.36  

 0.1050 

 0.0925 

 0.0925 

As of March 15, 2013, there were 12,774 registered holders of common stock.

Unum Group
1 Fountain Square
Chattanooga, TN 37402

www.unum.com

©2013UnumGroup.Allrightsreserved.Unumisaregistered

trademarkandmarketingbrandofUnumGroupandits
insuringsubsidiaries.

AllthepaperusedinthisannualreportisElementalChlorineFree.
Thepapersusedforthecoverandpages1-16ofthisbookcontain
10%PostConsumerWaste.

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  2012 ANNUAL REPORT

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