Increase in Net Operating Income
Net operating income for the quarter was $271 million or $3.27 per share, an increase of 10% over the $2.97 per share from a year ago.
Growth in Life Insurance Operations
Life Insurance premium revenue for the second quarter increased 3% to $840 million, with a life underwriting margin of $340 million, up 6% from a year ago.
Increase in Average Agent Count
Average agent count increased by 6% from the first quarter to the second quarter, resulting in a total of 17,621 agents.
Family Heritage Health Sales Growth
Health premiums increased 9% to $116 million, and the health underwriting margin increased 12% to $41 million. Net health sales were up 20% to $30 million.
Successful Share Repurchase Program
The company repurchased approximately 1.9 million shares for $226 million at an average price of $121.13, returning almost $250 million to shareholders.
Positive Developments in Direct to Consumer Division
Net life sales were $31 million, up 2% from a year ago and up 24% from the first quarter, indicating a turnaround in a declining trend.