Horace Mann Educators Corporation (HMEC) reported a robust financial performance for the first quarter of 2024, with total revenues increasing by 9.1% to $386.0 million compared to the same period in 2023. The company's net income saw a significant rise of 301.5%, reaching $26.5 million, while diluted earnings per share jumped from $0.16 to $0.64. Net investment gains after tax also improved, showing a positive change from a loss of $3.1 million in 2023 to a gain of $1.7 million in 2024. Book value per share grew by 6.1% to $29.57. The company's net income return on equity for the last twelve months stood at 5.7%, a notable increase from the previous year's 0.5%. The Property & Casualty segment experienced a 15.4% increase in net premiums written, and the Life & Retirement segment's net income...Show More

Horace Mann Educators Corporation (HMEC) reported a robust financial performance for the first quarter of 2024, with total revenues increasing by 9.1% to $386.0 million compared to the same period in 2023. The company's net income saw a significant rise of 301.5%, reaching $26.5 million, while diluted earnings per share jumped from $0.16 to $0.64. Net investment gains after tax also improved, showing a positive change from a loss of $3.1 million in 2023 to a gain of $1.7 million in 2024. Book value per share grew by 6.1% to $29.57. The company's net income return on equity for the last twelve months stood at 5.7%, a notable increase from the previous year's 0.5%. The Property & Casualty segment experienced a 15.4% increase in net premiums written, and the Life & Retirement segment's net income was influenced by a lower net interest spread. The Supplemental & Group Benefits segment saw a net income decrease due to lower net investment income and a higher benefits ratio. HMEC's outlook for 2024 remains positive, with an anticipated net income range of $3.00 to $3.30 per diluted share and a core return on equity near 9%. The company plans to continue its growth strategy, focusing on rate actions in the Property & Casualty segment and managing interest rate risk in the Life & Retirement segment. HMEC also aims to approach pre-pandemic levels in the Supplemental & Group Benefits segment, targeting a benefit ratio closer to the long-term goal of 43%.