Top-line Growth in Core Operations
Core operations premium grew ~4.5% on a constant-currency basis excluding transaction impacts; reported core premium +3.7% for full year and +2.9% in Q4. Core operations sales finished the year up 1.1% and are expected to grow 4%–7% in 2026.
Strong Premium Momentum in Colonial and International
Colonial Life sales increased 10% in Q4 and 5.3% for the full year; Colonial full-year premium +3.1% to $1.8B. International premiums grew 11.5% in Q4 and 10% for the full year to $1.1B.
High Returns on Equity from Core Operations
Adjusted ROE for core operations was approximately 20% for both the quarter and full year; management expects Unum US ROE in mid-20s and group disability ROE >25% in 2026.
Capital Strength and Shareholder Returns
Year-end statutory capital: risk-based capital ~440% and $3.2B holding company cash. Company increased dividend by 10% in 2025, repurchased ~$1B of stock (returned roughly what was generated), and plans ~$1B repurchases and a 10% dividend increase for 2026.
Closed-Block De-risking Progress
Completed reinsurance that ceded roughly 20% of long-term care (LTC) reserves and an internal reinsurance action, reducing LTC reserves by more than $4B in 2025; removed morbidity and mortality improvement assumptions and discontinued new employee coverage on existing group LTC cases (block in full runoff).
Digital Adoption and Persistency
Over one-third of core premium associated with customers using digital capabilities (HR Connect, Broker Connect, MyUnum, etc.). Persistency remains high with U.S. Group persistency of 90.2%, and digital adoption correlates with stronger engagement and 2%–4% higher persistency for HR Connect customers.
Positive 2026 Outlook with EPS Growth Guidance
Management expects adjusted after-tax operating EPS of $8.60–$8.90 for 2026 (8%–12% growth versus redefined 2025 base of $7.93), company-wide premium growth of 4%–7%, and free cash flow generation of $1.2B–$1.4B.
Alternative Portfolio Performance Improvement
Alternative investment portfolio largely backing LTC generated $25.9M in Q4 income, translating to an annualized Q4 return of 7.6% (full-year yield 6.4%), showing improving momentum versus earlier 2025 levels.