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Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The Company adopted ASU 2018-12, Financial Services – Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts effective January 1, 2023, on a modified retrospective basis. Prior year balances were recast in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to conform to ASU 2018-12 on January 1, 2021. For further details, see Note 1 - Recent Adoption of New Accounting Standards, Note 6 - Long-Duration Contracts, and Note 18 - Prior Period Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company has reclassified the presentation of certain prior period information to conform to the current year's presentation.

Consolidation

All intercompany transactions and balances between HMEC and its subsidiaries and affiliates have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the reporting date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

The most significant critical accounting estimates include valuation of hard-to-value fixed maturity securities, evaluation of credit loss impairments for fixed maturity securities, valuation of future policy benefit reserves, and valuation of liabilities for property and casualty unpaid claims and claim expense reserves.

Investments

Fixed Maturity Securities

The Company invests predominantly in fixed maturity securities. Fixed maturity securities include bonds, asset-backed securities (ABS), mortgage-backed securities (MBS), other structured securities and redeemable preferred stocks. MBS includes residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities. Fixed maturity securities, which may be sold prior to their contractual maturity, are designated as available for sale (AFS) and are carried at fair value of which a portion represent securities that are hard-to-value. See Note 3 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments – Investments for a detailed description of how the Company estimates fair value for its

fixed maturity securities portfolio including hard-to-value securities. An adjustment for net unrealized investment gains (losses) on all fixed maturity securities available for sale and carried at fair value, is recognized as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (i.e., AOCI) within shareholders’ equity, net of applicable deferred taxes. The Company excludes accrued interest receivable from the amortized cost basis of its AFS fixed maturity securities.

Equity Securities

Equity securities primarily include common stocks, exchange traded and mutual funds and non-redeemable preferred stocks. Certain exchange traded and mutual funds have fixed maturity securities as their underlying investments. Equity securities are carried at fair value and have readily determinable fair values.

Limited Partnership Interests

Investments in limited partnership interests are accounted for using the equity method of accounting (EMA) and include interests in commercial mortgage loan funds, private equity funds, infrastructure equity funds, real estate equity funds, infrastructure debt funds and other funds.

Policy Loans

Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances.

Short-Term and Other Investments

Short-term investments, including money market funds, commercial paper, U.S. Treasury bills and other short-term investments, are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Other investments primarily consist of Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLB) common stock, mortgage loans and derivatives. FHLB common stock is carried at cost. Mortgage loans are carried at amortized cost, net, which represent the amount expected to be collected. Derivatives are carried at fair value.

Variable Interest Entities (VIEs)

The Company invests in fixed maturity securities and alternative investment funds that could qualify as variable interests in VIEs. Such variable interests in VIEs have been reviewed and the Company determined that those VIEs are not subject to consolidation as the Company is not the primary beneficiary because it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact those VIEs' economic performance.

Net Investment Income

Net investment income primarily consists of interest, dividends and income from limited partnership interests. Interest is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective yield method and dividends are recorded at the ex-dividend date. ABS and MBS interest income is determined considering estimated pay-downs, including prepayments, obtained from third-party data sources and internal estimates. Actual prepayment experience is periodically reviewed, and effective yields are recalculated when differences arise between the prepayments originally anticipated and the actual prepayments received and currently anticipated. For ABS and MBS of high credit quality with fixed interest rates, the effective yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis. For all others, the effective yield is generally recalculated on a prospective basis. Net investment income for AFS fixed maturity securities includes the impact of accreting the credit loss allowance for the time value of money. Accrual of income is suspended for fixed maturity securities when the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be received is not reasonably estimable. Accrual of income is suspended for commercial mortgage loans that are in default or when full and timely collection of principal and interest payments is not probable. Accrued investment income receivables are monitored for recoverability and when not expected to be collected, are written-off through net investment income. Cash receipts on investments on non-accrual status are generally recorded as a reduction of amortized cost or principal. Income from limited partnership interests is recognized based upon the changes in fair value of the investee’s equity primarily determined using its net asset value and is generally recognized on a three month delay due to the availability of the related financial statements of the investee.

The Company reports accrued investment income within other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets separately from AFS fixed maturity securities and has elected not to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued investment income. Accrued investment income is written-off and recognized as a net investment loss at the time the issuer of the security defaults or is expected to default on payments.

Net Investment Gains (Losses)

Net investment gains (losses) include gains and losses on investment sales, changes in the credit loss allowances related to fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans, impairments, valuation changes of equity securities and periodic changes in fair value and settlements of derivatives. Net investment gains (losses) on investment sales are determined on a specific identification basis and are net of credit losses already recognized through an allowance.

Credit Loss Impairments for Fixed Maturity Securities

For fixed maturity securities classified as available for sale, the difference between amortized cost, net of a credit loss allowance (i.e., amortized cost, net) and fair value, net of certain other items and deferred income taxes (as disclosed in Part II - Item 8, Note 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (i.e., AOCI) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and is not reflected in the operating results of any period until reclassified to net income upon the consummation of a transaction with an unrelated third party or when a credit loss allowance transaction is recorded. We evaluate fixed maturity securities where fair value is below amortized cost on a quarterly basis to determined if a credit loss allowance is necessary. These reviews, in conjunction with our investment managers’ quarterly credit reports and relevant factors such as (1) has the security missed any scheduled principal or interest payments in the current quarter; (2) has the security been downgraded to below investment grade by rating agencies or if the security was below investment grade at time of purchase, has the security been downgraded by two or more notches since acquisition; (3) has the security declined in value by more than 10% compared to the prior quarter; (4) has the market yield changed by more than 50 basis points; are all considered in the impairment assessment process.

For each fixed maturity security where fair value is below amortized cost, we assess whether management with the appropriate authority has made the decision to sell or whether it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of the amortized cost basis for reasons such as liquidity, contractual or regulatory purposes. If a security meets either of these criteria, any existing credit loss allowance is written-off and the amortized cost basis of the security is written down to the fair value, with the losses recorded as a net investment loss.

If we have not made the decision to sell the fixed maturity security and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell the fixed maturity security before the anticipated recovery of its amortized cost basis, we evaluate whether we expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. We estimate the anticipated recovery based on the best estimate of future cash flows considering past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The estimated future cash flows are discounted at the security’s effective interest rate and are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. The determination of whether we expect to received cash flow sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security is inherently subjective, and methodologies may vary depending on facts and circumstances specific to the security. Our investment managers will calculate the anticipated recovery value of the security by performing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the present value of future cash flows. The discount rate is generally the effective interest rate of the security at the time of purchase for fixed-rate securities. We will then review the assumptions/methodologies for reasonableness. The information reviewed generally includes, but is not limited to, the remaining payment terms of the security, prepayment speeds, the financial condition and future earnings potential of the issue or issuer, expected defaults, expected recoveries, and the value of underlying collateral. Other information, such as industry analyst reports and forecasts, sector credit ratings, financial condition of the bond insurer for insured fixed maturity securities, and other market data relevant to the realizability of contractual cash flows, may also be considered.

If we do not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity security, a credit loss allowance is recorded as a net investment loss for the shortfall in expected cash flows; however, the amortized cost basis, net of the credit loss allowance, may not be lower than the fair value of the security. The portion of the unrealized loss related to factors other than credit remains classified in AOCI. If we determine that the fixed maturity security does not have sufficient cash flows or other information to estimate the anticipated recovery value for the security, we may conclude that the entire decline in fair value is deemed to be credit related and the loss is recognized as a net investment loss. Subsequent changes in the anticipated recoveries, limited by the amount of previous taken credit allowances, are recorded through changes in the allowance for credit losses and recognized through net investment loss.

When a security is disposed or deemed uncollectible and written-off, we reverse amounts previously recognized in the credit loss allowance through net investment loss.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements

The Company's DAC by reporting segment was as follows (2022 recast for the adoption of LDTI):


($ in millions)	December 31,
	2023		2022
Property & Casualty	$	29.3	$	24.5
Life & Retirement	297.7		299.5
Supplemental & Group Benefits	9.3		6.6
Total	$	336.3	$	330.6

DAC consists of costs that are incremental and directly related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts. Such costs include the incremental direct costs of contract acquisition, such as sales commissions; the portion of employees' total compensation and payroll-related fringe benefits related directly to time spent performing acquisition activities, such as underwriting, issuing, and processing policies for contracts that have actually been acquired; and other costs related directly to acquisition activities that would not have been incurred if the contract had not been acquired. For property and casualty risks, DAC is amortized over the terms of the insurance policies (6 or 12 months). For supplemental and group benefit policies, DAC is amortized in proportion to anticipated premiums over the terms of the insurance policies (approximately 6 years, based on an estimated average duration across all supplemental and group benefit products).

Life contracts are grouped by contract type and issue year into cohorts consistent with the grouping used in estimating the associated liability. DAC is amortized on a constant level basis for the grouped contracts over the expected term of the related contracts to approximate straight-line amortization. For all life insurance products, the constant level basis used is face amount in force. For all deferred annuity products, the constant level basis used is the deposit amount in force. The constant level basis used for amortization is projected using mortality and lapse assumptions that are based on the Company's experience, industry data, and other factors and are consistent with those used for the liabilities for future policy benefits (LFPB). If those projected assumptions change in future periods, they will be reflected in the cohort level amortization basis at that time. Unexpected terminations, due to mortality and lapse experience higher than expected, are recognized in the current period as a reduction of the capitalized balances.

Amortization of DAC is recognized as DAC amortization expense presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The DAC balance is reduced for actual experience in excess of expected experience. Changes in future estimates are recognized prospectively over the remaining expected contract term.

Deferred sales inducements (DSIs) are contract features that are intended to attract new customers or to persuade existing customers to keep their current policy. DSIs may be deferred if the Company can demonstrate that the deferred sales inducement amounts are both incremental to the amounts Company credits on similar contracts without sales inducements and the amounts are higher than the contract's expected ongoing crediting rates for periods after the inducement. Day-one bonuses and persistency bonuses generally meet the criteria to be deferred. DSIs are amortized using the same methodology and assumptions used to amortize DAC.

Intangible Assets, net

The value of business acquired (VOBA) associated with the acquisition of NTA Life Enterprises, LLC (NTA) represents the difference between the fair value of insurance contracts and insurance policy reserves measured in accordance with the Company's accounting policy for insurance contracts acquired. VOBA was based on an actuarial estimate of the present value of future distributable earnings for insurance in force on the acquisition date. VOBA net of accumulated amortization was $64.8 million as of December 31, 2023 and is being amortized by product based on the present value of future premiums to be received. The Company estimates that it will recognize VOBA amortization of $5.4 million in 2024, $5.1 million in 2025, $4.7 million in 2026, $4.4 million in 2027 and $4.1 million in 2028.

The Company accounts for the value of distribution acquired (VODA) associated with the acquisition of NTA based on an actuarial estimate of the present value of future business to be written by the existing distribution

channel. VODA net of accumulated amortization was $36.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and is being amortized on a straight-line basis. The Company estimates that it will recognize VODA amortization of $2.9 million in each of the years 2024 through 2028, respectively.

The Company accounts for the value of agency relationships based on the present value of commission overrides retained by NTA. Agency relationships net of accumulated amortization was $7.2 million as of December 31, 2023 and is being amortized based on the present value of future premiums to be received. The Company estimates that it will recognize agency relationships amortization of $1.4 million in 2024, $1.2 million in 2025, $1.0 million in 2026, $0.9 million in 2027 and $0.8 million in 2028.

The Company accounts for the value of customer relationships based on the present value of expected profits from existing Benefit Consultants Group, Inc. (BCG) and Madison National customers in force at the date of acquisition. Customer relationships net of accumulated amortization was $48.4 million as of December 31, 2023 and is being amortized based on the present value of future profits to be received for BCG and based on the present value of future premiums for Madison National. The Company estimates that it will recognize customer relationships amortization of $4.8 million in 2024, $5.1 million in 2025, $5.5 million in 2026, $5.9 million in 2027 and $6.3 million in 2028.

The trade names intangible asset represents the present value of future savings accruing to NTA, BCG and BCGS by virtue of not having to pay royalties for the use of the trade names, valued using the relief from royalty method. The state licenses intangible asset represents the regulatory licenses held by NTA and Madison National that were valued using the cost approach. Both the trade names and state licenses are indefinite-lived intangible assets that are not subject to amortization.

Annually, the Company performs a VOBA analysis on supplemental insurance policies to assess whether a loss recognition event has occurred. This initially involves comparing the historical and expected future experience on the block to the assumptions embedded in the original VOBA intangible asset. If both the experience to date and current expected experience are consistently better than the initial VOBA assumptions, the remaining value in the block is sufficient to support the VOBA intangible asset and no loss recognition is necessary. If the historical and current expected assumptions are not uniformly better than the initial VOBA assumptions, a gross premium valuation (GPV) is performed to assess whether a loss recognition event has occurred. This involves discounting expected future benefits and expenses less expected future premiums. To the extent that this amount is greater than the liability for future benefits less the VOBA intangible asset, in aggregate for the supplemental insurance block, a loss would be recognized by first writing-off the VOBA and then increasing the liability. Currently, a GPV is not required for the acquired supplemental block. No such costs were deemed unrecoverable during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Amortizing intangible assets (i.e., VODA, agency relationships and customer relationships) are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. The carrying amount of an amortizing intangible asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the carrying amount is not recoverable from undiscounted cash flows, the impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying amount and fair value.

Intangible assets that are not subject to amortization (i.e., trade names and state licenses) are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. As of October 1, 2023, the Company performed a qualitative assessment to determine whether it was necessary to perform quantitative intangible asset impairment tests. Based on the assessment of qualitative factors, there were no events or circumstances that led to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of an intangible asset is less than its carrying amount.

As of October 1, 2022, the Company performed a qualitative assessment to determine whether it was necessary to perform quantitative intangible asset impairment tests. Based on the assessment of qualitative factors, there were no events or circumstances that led to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of an intangible asset is less than its carrying amount with the exception of lower than anticipated BCG revenues.

As of October 1, 2021, the Company performed both qualitative assessments and quantitative impairment tests for intangible assets and concluded that no impairments were warranted.

Goodwill

When the Company was acquired from CIGNA Corporation by HME Holdings, Inc. in 1989, goodwill was recognized in the application of purchase accounting. In 1994, goodwill was recognized with respect to the acquisition of Horace Mann Property & Casualty Insurance Company. In 2019, goodwill was recognized with respect to the acquisitions of BCG, BCGS and NTA. In 2022, goodwill was recognized with respect to the acquisition of Madison National.

Goodwill represents the excess of the amounts paid to acquire a business over the fair value of its net assets at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment or a business unit one level below an operating segment, if separate financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by management at that level. The Company's reporting units, for which goodwill has been allocated, are Property & Casualty, Life, BCG, BCGS, NTA, and Madison National. Refer to Note 9 for the allocation of goodwill by reporting segment as of December 31, 2023.

The goodwill impairment test, as defined in GAAP, allows an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the entity performs a quantitative goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount for purposes of confirming and measuring an impairment. Goodwill impairment is the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. Any amount of goodwill determined to be impaired is recognized as an expense in the period in which the impairment determination is made.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation, which is calculated using the straight-line method and based on the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated life for real estate is identified by specific property and ranges from 20 to 45 years. The estimated useful lives of leasehold improvements and other property and equipment, including capitalized software, generally range from 3 to 10 years.

Separate Account Variable Annuity Assets and Liabilities

Separate Account variable annuity assets represent contractholder funds invested in various mutual funds. The Separate Account variable annuity assets comprise actively traded mutual funds that have daily quoted net asset values that are readily determinable for identical assets that the Company can access. Net asset values for the actively traded mutual funds in which the Separate Account variable annuity assets are invested are obtained daily from the fund managers. Separate Account variable annuity liabilities are equal to the estimated fair value of Separate Account variable annuity assets. The investment income, gains and losses of these accounts accrue directly to the contractholders and are not included in the results of operations of the Company. The activity of the Separate Accounts is not reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) except for (1) contract charges earned and (2) the activity related to contract guarantees, which are benefits on existing variable annuity contracts. The Company's contract charges earned include fees charged to the Separate Accounts, including mortality charges, risk charges, policy administration fees, investment management fees and surrender charges.

Future Policy Benefits Reserves

Liability for Future Policy Benefits

LFPB, which is the present value of estimated future policy benefits to be paid to or on behalf of policyholders and certain related expenses less the present value of estimated future net premiums to be collected from policyholders, is accrued as premium revenue is recognized. The liability is estimated using current assumptions that include discount rate, mortality, lapses, and expenses. These current assumptions are based on judgments that consider the Company's historical experience, industry data, and other factors.

For traditional, limited-payment and supplemental health contracts, such contracts are grouped into cohorts by contract type and issue year. The liability is adjusted for differences between actual and expected experience. With the exception of the expense assumption, the Company reviews its historical and future cash flow assumptions at least annually and updates the net premium ratio used to calculate the liability each time the assumptions are changed. The Company has elected to use expense assumptions that are locked-in at contract inception and are not subsequently reviewed or updated. At least annually, the Company updates its estimate of cash flows expected over the entire life of a group of contracts using actual historical experience and current future cash flow assumptions. These updated cash flows are used to calculate the revised net premiums and net premium ratio, which are used to derive an updated LFPB as of the beginning of the current reporting period, discounted at the original contract issuance discount rate. This amount is then compared to the carrying amount of the liability as of that same date, before updating cash flow assumptions, to determine the current period change in liability estimate. This current period change in liability estimate is the liability remeasurement gain or loss. The impact of updated cash flow assumptions as well as the periodic liability remeasurement gain or loss is recognized as Benefits, claims and settlement expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). In subsequent periods, the revised net premiums are used to measure LFPB, subject to future revisions.

For traditional and limited-payment contracts, a standard discount rate is used to measure the liabilities that is equivalent to the yield from an A-rated bond. The discount rate assumption is updated quarterly and used to remeasure the liability at the reporting date, with the resulting change reflected in other comprehensive income. For liability cash flows that are projected beyond the duration of market-observable A- rated bond, the Company uses the last market-observable yield level, and uses linear interpolation to determine yield assumptions for durations that do not have market-observable yields.

Deferred Profit Liability

For limited-payment products, gross premiums received in excess of net premiums are deferred at initial recognition as a DPL. Gross premiums are measured using assumptions consistent with those used in the measurement of LFPB, including discount rate, mortality, lapses, and expenses.

DPL is amortized and recognized as premium revenue in proportion to insurance in force for life insurance contracts and expected future benefit payments for annuity contracts. Interest is accreted on the balance of DPL using the discount rate determined at contract issuance. The Company reviews and updates its estimates of cash flows for DPL at the same time as the estimates of cash flows for the liability for future policy benefits. When cash flows are updated, the updated estimates are used to recalculate DPL at contract issuance. The recalculated DPL as of the beginning of the current reporting period is compared to the carrying amount of DPL

as of the beginning of the current reporting period, and any difference is recognized as either a charge or credit to Net premiums and contract charges earned presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

DPL is recognized as a component of the Future policy benefit reserves presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Investment Contract and Policy Reserves

Liabilities for future benefits on annuity contracts are carried at accumulated policyholder account values without reduction for potential surrender or withdrawal charges.

Reserves for Fixed Indexed Annuities and Indexed Universal Life Products

The Company offers fixed indexed annuity (FIA) products with interest crediting strategies linked to the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). The Company purchases call options on the applicable indices as an investment to provide the income needed to fund the annual index credits on the indexed products. These products are deferred fixed annuities with a guaranteed minimum interest rate plus a contingent return based on equity market performance and are considered hybrid financial instruments under GAAP.

The Company elected to not use hedge accounting for derivative transactions. As a result, the Company accounts for the purchased call options and the embedded derivative related to the provision of a contingent return at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized as Net investment gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and included in Policyholders' account balances in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The host contract is accounted for as a debt instrument in accordance with GAAP and is included in Investment contract and life policy reserves in the Consolidated Balance Sheets with any discount to the minimum account value being accreted using the effective yield method. In the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), accreted interest for FIA products and benefit claims on these products incurred during the reporting period are included in Benefits, claims and settlement expenses.

The Company offers indexed universal life (IUL) products as part of its product portfolio with interest crediting strategies linked to the S&P 500 Index and the DJIA as well as a fixed option. The Company purchases call options monthly to economically hedge the potential liabilities arising in IUL accounts. As a result, the Company records the purchased call options and the embedded derivative related to the provision of a contingent return at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in Net investment gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). IUL policies with a balance in one or more indexed accounts are considered to have an embedded derivative. The benefit reserve for the host contract is measured using the retrospective deposit method, which for Horace Mann's IUL product is equal to the account balance. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract, carried at fair value, and included in Policyholders' account balances in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

See Note 3 for more information regarding the determination of fair value for derivatives embedded in FIA and IUL and purchased call options.

Unpaid Claims and Claim Expense Reserves

Short-Duration Insurance Contracts

Liabilities for Property & Casualty unpaid claims and claim expense reserves (reserves) include provisions for payments to be made on reported claims, claims incurred but not yet reported (IBNR) and associated settlement expenses. All of the Company's reserves for Property & Casualty unpaid claims and claim expenses are carried at the full value of estimated liabilities and are not discounted for interest expected to be earned on the reserves. Estimated amounts of salvage and subrogation on unpaid Property & Casualty claims are deducted from the liability for unpaid claims.

Liabilities for Group Benefits unpaid claims and claim expense reserves (reserves) represent management's best estimate of ultimate unpaid costs of losses and settlement expenses for reported claims and claims that are IBNR. All of the Company's reserves for Group Benefits unpaid claims and claim expenses are carried at the full value of estimated liabilities (i.e., undiscounted) with exception to certain case reserves in the group disability line of business for which those reserves are carried on a discounted basis. The Company calculates and records a single best estimate of the reserve as of each reporting date in conformity with actuarial standards of practice.

Other Policyholder Funds

Other policyholder funds includes primarily balances outstanding under funding agreements with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLB) as well as dividend accumulations, carried at cost. Amounts received and repaid under FHLB funding agreements are classified as financing activities in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Reinsurance

The Company enters into reinsurance arrangements pursuant to which it cedes certain insurance risks to unaffiliated reinsurers. Cessions under reinsurance agreements do not discharge the Company's obligations as the primary insurer. The accounting for reinsurance arrangements depends on whether the arrangement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk in accordance with GAAP.

If the Company determines that a reinsurance agreement exposes the reinsurer to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk, the ceded unearned premiums and reinsurance balances recoverable on paid and unpaid losses and settlement expenses are reported separately as assets, instead of being netted with the related liabilities, since reinsurance does not relieve the Company of its legal liability to its policyholders. See Note 7 for further details.

If the Company determines that a reinsurance agreement does not expose the reinsurer to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk, the Company recognizes the reinsurance agreement using the deposit method of accounting. The assets transferred to the reinsurer as consideration paid is reported as a Deposit asset on reinsurance on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. As amounts are received or paid or received, consistent with the underlying reinsured contracts, the Deposit asset on reinsurance is adjusted. The Deposit asset on reinsurance is accreted to the estimated ultimate cash flows using the interest method and the adjustment is reported as Net investment income. See Note 8 for further details.

Insurance Premiums and Contract Charges Earned

Property & Casualty insurance premiums are recognized as revenue ratably over the related contract periods in proportion to the risks insured. The unexpired portions of these Property & Casualty premiums are recorded as unearned premiums, using the monthly pro rata method.

Premiums and contract charges for life insurance contracts with account values and annuity contracts consist of charges for the cost of insurance, policy administration and withdrawals. Premiums for traditional life and supplemental and group policies are recognized as revenues when due over the premium-paying period. Contract deposits to annuity contracts and life insurance contracts with account values represent funds deposited by policyholders and are not included in the Company's premiums or contract charges earned.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company grants stock options and both service-based and performance-based restricted common stock units (RSUs) to executive officers, other employees and Directors in an effort to attract and retain individuals while also aligning compensation with the interests of the Company's shareholders. Additional information regarding the Company's share-based compensation plans is contained in Note 12.

Stock options are accounted for under the fair value method of accounting using a Black-Scholes valuation model to measure stock option expense at the date of grant. The fair value of RSUs is measured at the market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant, with the exception of market-based performance awards, for which the Company uses a Monte Carlo simulation model to determine fair value for purposes of measuring RSU expense.

Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset and liability method for calculating deferred federal income taxes. Income tax provisions are generally based on income reported for financial statement purposes. The provisions for federal income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 included amounts currently payable and deferred income taxes resulting from the cumulative differences in the Company's assets and liabilities, determined on a tax return versus financial statement basis.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities include provisions for net unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities as well as the net funded status of benefit plans with the changes for each period included in the respective components of AOCI within shareholders' equity.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the weighted average number of fully vested RSUs and common stock units (CSUs) payable as shares of HMEC common stock. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares and common stock equivalents outstanding, to the extent dilutive.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, cash constitutes cash on deposit at banks as well as restricted cash.

Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Recent Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Accounting for Long-Duration Insurance Contracts

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-12, Financial Services – Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts, as clarified and amended by (i) ASU 2019-09, Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Effective Date, and (ii) ASU 2020-11, Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Effective Date and Early Application (collectively referred to herein as ASU 2018-12). ASU 2018-12 changed existing recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure requirements for long-duration contracts. ASU 2018-12 includes: (1) a requirement to review and, if there is a change, update cash flow assumptions used to measure the liability for future policy benefits (LFPB) at least annually, and to update the discount rate assumption quarterly, (2) a requirement to account for market risk benefits (MRBs) at fair value, (3) simplified amortization for deferred policy acquisition costs (DAC), and (4) enhanced financial statement presentation and disclosures. ASU 2018-12 became effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022.

The Company adopted ASU 2018-12 for LFPB and DAC on a modified retrospective basis such that those balances were adjusted to conform to ASU 2018-12 on January 1, 2021. The Company adopted ASU 2018-12 for MRBs on a full retrospective basis, using hindsight where necessary. For variable annuities, actuarial assumptions (mortality, lapse, and premium payment patterns) used to measure MRBs were unobservable for years prior to 2006 and thus, hindsight was used to determine relevant assumptions for transition purposes. The factors used in applying hindsight included internal experience studies, the historical economic environment, actual performance of the business, and relevant industry information.

For LFPB, the net transition adjustment is related to the difference in the discount rate used pre-transition and the discount rate at January 1, 2021. At transition, the Company had several instances, at the cohort level, where net premiums exceeded gross premiums which were recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings. For DAC, the Company removed shadow adjustments previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (i.e., AOCI) for the impact of net unrealized investment gains (losses) that were included in the pre-ASU 2018-12 expected gross profits amortization calculation as of the transition date.

For MRBs, the transition adjustment to AOCI relates to the cumulative effect of changes in the instrument-specific credit risk between contract issue date and transition date. The remaining difference between the fair value and carrying amount of MRBs at transition, excluding the amounts recorded in AOCI, was recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings as of the transition date.

While the requirements of ASU 2018-12 represent a significant change from legacy GAAP, the adoption of ASU 2018-12 did not impact cash flows on the Company’s policies, or the underlying economics of the Company’s business. The Company's insurance subsidiaries' risk-based capital amounts and ratios, and regulatory dividends are not impacted as the NAIC rejected ASU 2018-12.

See Note 18 for summarization of the effects of adopting ASU 2018-12 on the Company's 2022 and 2021 Consolidated Financial Statements.

Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This update will improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. ASU 2023-07 includes: 1) a requirement to disclose significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM) and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss, 2) a requirement to disclose an amount for other segment items by reportable segment and a description of its composition, 3) a requirement to disclose a reportable segments profit or loss and assets currently required by Topic 280 in interim periods, 4) clarifies that in addition to the measure that is most consistent with the measurement principles under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), a public entity is not precluded from reporting additional measures of a segment's

profit or loss that are used by the CODM in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources, and 5) a requirement to disclose the title and position of the CODM and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measure(s) of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources.

This guidance will be effective for the Company for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance will have no net impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This update will improve the transparency of income tax disclosures by requiring (1) consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and (2) income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. It also includes certain other amendments to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures.

This guidance will be effective for the Company for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2025. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance will have no net impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.