Unum Group provides workplace benefits and services through its Unum and Colonial Life brands, with insurance products that include disability, life, accident, critical illness, dental and vision coverage. Company news commonly covers quarterly operating results, premium and sales trends, benefits paid, capital returns through dividends and share repurchases, and updates tied to its core insurance operations and Closed Block long-term care exposure.
Recurring updates also include Colonial Life leadership and strategy, broker and employer technology integrations such as Unum Broker Connect and Unum Total Leave, investor conference appearances, and outlook commentary for workplace benefits, leave and absence management, and related services.
Unum's recent research highlights a significant shift in employee benefits enrollment during the open enrollment season due to COVID-19. The findings show that 36% of U.S. workers plan to change their benefits, with 64% dedicating more time to understanding their options. Notably, 27% intend to increase life insurance coverage. Financial stress is prevalent, with 57% of workers expressing concerns about mental health. Virtual benefits education is on the rise, with 42% of employers opting for digital options for counseling. Despite this, many workers still spend less time reviewing benefits than on social media.
Unum (NYSE: UNM) announced the appointment of Mark Till as Executive Vice President of Unum International, effective April 1, 2021, with Mr. Till joining the company on February 1, 2021.
He succeeds Peter O'Donnell, who will remain until the end of Q1 2021 to ensure a smooth transition. O'Donnell intends to pursue a portfolio career after a decade with Unum, where he played a key role in expanding the company's presence in the UK and Poland.
Till's previous roles include Managing Director at Aegon and UK Marketing Director at Fidelity International.
Unum Group (NYSE: UNM) reported a third-quarter net income of $231.1 million ($1.13 per diluted share), a decline from $242.0 million ($1.16 per diluted share) year-over-year. Adjusted operating income fell to $245.9 million ($1.21 per share) from $282.7 million ($1.36 per share). The Unum US segment saw a significant drop in adjusted operating income by 28.0% to $188.2 million, while premium income decreased 1.2%. Despite challenges due to COVID-19, the company continues to manage effectively, anticipating better conditions as the economy improves.
On October 16, 2020, Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) announced a quarterly dividend of $0.285 per share, payable on November 20, 2020. Stockholders of record by October 30, 2020 will receive this dividend. In 2019, Unum reported revenues of $12 billion and paid out $7.5 billion in benefits. The company offers a range of financial protection benefits and is a leading provider of disability income protection globally, with operations in the US, UK, Poland, and through Colonial Life.
Breast cancer continues to be a significant cause of disability; however, data from Unum indicates that survivors are returning to work faster. In 2019, the average short-term disability claim duration for breast cancer was 64 days, compared to 78 days in 2010. Early detection, advances in medical treatment, and supportive employers play crucial roles in recovery. Unum paid $3.7 billion in disability benefits in 2019, aiding 275,000 individuals back to work. The report highlights the importance of employer support through flexible schedules and adjustments, especially amid COVID-19.
Unum Group (NYSE: UNM) will announce its third quarter 2020 results on October 27 at 4:15 p.m. Eastern time. The earnings release will be accessible in the Investors section of its website. A conference call to discuss the results is scheduled for October 28 at 8 a.m. Eastern time, inviting questions from participants. Interested listeners can join via phone or access a live webcast on the company's site. Unum Group provides various financial protection benefits and reported revenues of $12 billion in 2019, paying out $7.5 billion in benefits.
Unum (NYSE: UNM) released a survey indicating that 41% of U.S. adults have adjusted their financial management due to the coronavirus pandemic, with 22% considering increased life insurance coverage. The survey highlights that 45% of respondents lack knowledge about their life insurance status. Financial strain is anticipated for nearly half of the respondents in the event of a primary wage-earner's death, with particular interest in life insurance noted among families with children and minority groups.
Unum's recent study reveals that 55% of U.S. workers lack disability insurance, a critical safeguard for their income. Notably, 70% of Baby Boomers are without this coverage, despite representing 47% of long-term disability claims. Many cite reasons such as feeling healthy (33%), affordability concerns (29%), and lack of awareness (10%). With a 1 in 4 chance of facing disability before retirement, and amid the ongoing pandemic, the importance of income protection is underscored. Disability insurance typically replaces 60-70% of lost income, emphasizing its value for financial security.
Unum Group (NYSE: UNM) announced that its President & CEO, Rick McKenney, will present at the Barclays Global Financial Services Conference on September 16, 2020, at 11:15 a.m. Eastern. The conference will take place virtually. McKenney will discuss the company's business strategy and future growth prospects, with a live audio webcast available on the company's Investors section. Unum Group, a leader in disability income protection, reported $12 billion in revenues for 2019 and paid out $7.5 billion in benefits.
Unum (NYSE: UNM) has introduced a Student Debt Relief Program allowing its 9,500 U.S. employees to convert up to 40 hours of unused paid time off (PTO) into student loan repayments. This initiative resulted in $625,000 paid toward loan principal and interest in its first year, averaging $1,200 per participant. The program aims to alleviate financial stress as approximately 30% of Unum's workforce carries student debt. Additionally, employees benefit from a competitive PTO policy and various financial planning resources.