Unum Group’s fourth quarter saw revenue and non-GAAP earnings fall short of Wall Street expectations, resulting in a negative market reaction. Management attributed the weaker results primarily to higher-than-expected benefits experience in group disability and life insurance, which was amplified by lower recoveries and reduced mortality within claimant blocks. CEO Richard Paul McKenney described the outcome as “softer” than anticipated, noting that the company’s core return on equity remained resilient despite earnings volatility. Leadership emphasized that these trends, though adverse for the quarter, were not indicative of a lasting shift in the company’s underlying earnings power.

Is now the time to buy UNM? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.

Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From Unum Group’s Q4 Earnings Call

• Wilma Jackson Burdis (Raymond James): Asked about the drivers of the group disability loss ratio and confidence in 2026 stabilization. Management cited consistent claims performance and ongoing pricing discipline as key supports for guidance.
• Alex Scott (Barclays): Inquired about the rationale for moving closed block results below the line and future LTC risk transfer deals. CEO Richard Paul McKenney explained it clarifies core earnings and that active discussions are ongoing with potential reinsurance partners.
• Jamminder Singh Bhullar (JPMorgan): Questioned competitive dynamics and whether pricing pressure could push margins back to pre-COVID levels. CFO Steven Andrew Zabel emphasized sustainable operational changes and disciplined risk management as reasons margins should remain in the mid-60% benefit ratio range.
• John Barnidge (Piper Sandler): Sought details on international claims volatility and the outlook for the UK group disability business. Management pointed to higher new claims but maintained a positive long-term view due to top-line growth and cash generation.
• Tracy Benguigui (Wolfe Research): Asked about statutory earnings improvement drivers and the effects of investment income reallocation. CFO Steven Andrew Zabel clarified that future statutory earnings growth will be driven by core margin stabilization and productivity, with limited impact from investment income shifts.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

Going forward, the StockStory team will watch (1) the impact of digital platform adoption on persistency and new business growth, (2) stabilization of benefit ratios in group disability and international lines, and (3) further progress in reducing long-term care block exposure through risk transfer or reinsurance. Execution on capital deployment and the ability to manage claim volatility will also be key signposts.

Unum Group currently trades at $71.42, down from $75.66 just before the earnings. At this price, is it a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

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