10-K 1 unm12312012-10xk.htm 10-K UNM.12.31.2012 - 10-K


 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

[X] Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from to

Commission file number 1-11294

Unum Group
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
62-1598430
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
1 FOUNTAIN SQUARE
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE 37402
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
 
423.294.1011
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
    
Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $0.10 par value
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
                
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes [ ] No [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]




Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

(Check one): Large accelerated filer [X] Accelerated filer [ ] Non-accelerated filer [ ] Smaller reporting company [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X]

The aggregate market value of the shares of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates (based upon the closing price of these shares on the New York Stock Exchange) as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $5.4 billion. As of February 20, 2013, there were 269,798,478 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.

 



DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the information required by Part III of this Form 10-K are incorporated herein by reference from the registrant's definitive proxy statement for its 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, within 120 days after the end of the registrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.






 TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
 
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1A.
  
 
 
 
1B.
  
 
 
 
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7A.
  
 
 
 
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9.
 
 
 
 
 
9A.
  
 
 
 
9B.
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
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Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Act) provides a "safe harbor" to encourage companies to provide prospective information, as long as those statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. Certain information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (including certain statements in the business description in Item 1, Management's Discussion and Analysis in Item 7, and the consolidated financial statements and related notes in Item 8), or in any other written or oral statements made by us in communications with the financial community or contained in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act. Forward-looking statements are those not based on historical information, but rather relate to our outlook, future operations, strategies, financial results, or other developments. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to update these statements, even if made available on our website or otherwise. These statements may be made directly in this document or may be made part of this document by reference to other documents filed by us with the SEC, a practice which is known as "incorporation by reference." You can find many of these statements by looking for words such as "will," "may," "should," "could," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "plans," "assumes," "intends," "projects," "goals,” "objectives," or similar expressions in this document or in documents incorporated herein.

These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. We caution readers that the following factors, in addition to other factors mentioned from time to time, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements:

•
Unfavorable economic or business conditions, both domestic and foreign.
•
Sustained periods of low interest rates.
•
Fluctuation in insurance reserve liabilities and claim payments due to changes in claim incidence, recovery rates, mortality rates, and offsets due to, among other factors, the rate of unemployment and consumer confidence, the emergence of new diseases, epidemics, or pandemics, new trends and developments in medical treatments, the effectiveness of claims management operations, and changes in government programs.
•
Legislative, regulatory, or tax changes, both domestic and foreign, including the effect of potential legislation and increased regulation in the current political environment.
•
Investment results, including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, defaults, changes in credit spreads, impairments, and the lack of appropriate investments in the market which can be acquired to match our liabilities.
•
Ineffectiveness of our derivatives hedging programs due to changes in the economic environment, counterparty risk, ratings downgrades, capital market volatility, changes in interest rates, and/or regulation.
•
Increased competition from other insurers and financial services companies due to industry consolidation or other factors.
•
Changes in our financial strength and credit ratings.
•
Damage to our reputation due to, among other factors, regulatory investigations, legal proceedings, external events, and/or inadequate or failed internal controls and procedures.
•
Actual experience that deviates from our assumptions used in pricing, underwriting, and reserving.
•
Actual persistency and/or sales growth that is higher or lower than projected.
•
Changes in demand for our products due to, among other factors, changes in societal attitudes, the rate of unemployment, consumer confidence, and/or legislative and regulatory changes.
•
Effectiveness of our risk management program.
•
The level and results of litigation.
•
Changes in accounting standards, practices, or policies.
•
Fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates.
•
Ability to generate sufficient internal liquidity and/or obtain external financing.
•
Availability of reinsurance in the market and the ability and willingness of our reinsurers to meet their obligations to us.
•
Recoverability and/or realization of the carrying value of our intangible assets, long-lived assets, and deferred tax assets.
•
The effectiveness of our disaster recovery systems, including our ability to recover our systems and information in the event of a disaster or unanticipated event and to protect our systems and information from unauthorized access and deliberate attacks.
•
Events or consequences relating to terrorism and ongoing military actions, both domestic and foreign.

All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section.

1


PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

Unum Group, a Delaware general business corporation, and its insurance and non-insurance subsidiaries, which collectively with Unum Group we refer to as the Company, operate in the United States, the United Kingdom, and, to a limited extent, in certain other countries around the world. The principal operating subsidiaries in the United States are Unum Life Insurance Company of America (Unum America), Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company (Provident), The Paul Revere Life Insurance Company (Paul Revere Life), and Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, and in the United Kingdom, Unum Limited. We are the largest provider of disability insurance products in the United States and the United Kingdom. We also provide a complementary portfolio of other insurance products, including employer- and employee-paid group benefits, life insurance, and other related services.

We have three major business segments: Unum US, Unum UK, and Colonial Life. Our other segments are the Closed Block and Corporate segments. These segments are discussed more fully under "Reporting Segments" included herein in this Item 1.

Business Strategies

The benefits we provide help protect people from the financial hardship of illness, injury, or loss of life by providing support when it is needed most. As one of the leading providers of employee benefits in the U.S. and the U.K., we offer a broad portfolio of products and services through the workplace.

Specifically, we offer group, individual, and voluntary benefits, either as stand-alone products or combined with other coverages, that help employers of all sizes attract and retain a stronger workforce while protecting the incomes and livelihood of their employees. We believe employer-sponsored benefits represent the single most effective way to provide workers with access to the information and options they need to protect their financial stability. Working people and their families, particularly those at lower and middle incomes, are perhaps the most vulnerable in today's economy yet are often overlooked by many providers of financial services and products. For many of these people, employer-sponsored benefits are the primary defense against the potentially catastrophic fallout of death, illness, or injury.
 
We have established a corporate culture consistent with the social values our products provide. We are committed not only to meeting the needs of our customers who depend on us, but also to operating with integrity and being accountable for our actions. Our sound and consistent business practices, strong internal compliance program, and comprehensive risk management strategy enable us to operate efficiently as well as to identify and address potential areas of risk in our business. We have also applied these same values to our social responsibility efforts. Because we see important links between the obligations we have to all of our stakeholders, we place a strong emphasis on contributing to positive change in our communities.
 
We are an industry leader, and we believe we are well positioned in our sector with solid long-term growth prospects. Given the nature of our business, however, we are sensitive to economic and financial market movements, including interest rates, consumer confidence, and employment levels. Our business outlook, which recognizes both the challenges of the current economic environment as well as the mitigating impact of risk-reducing actions we have taken in recent years, is consistent with our risk appetite. Although the occurrence of one or more of the risk factors discussed herein may cause our results to differ materially from our outlook, our business plan has been tested against a variety of economic scenarios, and we believe we can continue to meet the challenges presented by the current economic environment. We remain cautious of the near-term outlook for employment levels and wages, both of which limit opportunities for premium growth, but we believe we are poised to profitably grow as employment trends improve.

During 2013, we intend to remain focused on disciplined top-line growth in select markets, continued effectiveness in our operating performance, and a consistent, sustainable capital generation and deployment strategy. We continue to believe that our strategy of delivering a broad set of financial protection choices to employees while also enabling employers to define their financial contribution in support of those choices should enable us to continue in a leadership position in our markets over the long term.


2


Reporting Segments

Our reporting segments are comprised of the following: Unum US, Unum UK, Colonial Life, Closed Block, and Corporate. Measured as a percentage of our 2012 consolidated premium income, our premium income was approximately 57.8 percent for Unum US, 9.0 percent for Unum UK, 15.4 percent for Colonial Life, and 17.8 percent for Closed Block. Financial information is provided in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained herein in Item 7 and Note 12 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8.

Unum US Segment

Our Unum US segment includes group long-term and short-term disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment products, and supplemental and voluntary lines of business. The supplemental and voluntary lines of business are comprised of individual disability - recently issued insurance and voluntary benefits products. Unum US products are issued primarily by Unum America and Provident. Paul Revere Life previously issued products reported in our Unum US segment and continues to service the in-force policies, but Paul Revere Life no longer actively markets new business. Premium income for Unum US totaled $4,456.5 million in 2012. These products are marketed through our field sales personnel who work in conjunction with independent brokers and consultants. Our market strategy for Unum US is to effectively deliver an integrated offering of employee benefit products, with a focus on benefit offerings in the group core market segment, which we define for Unum US as employee groups with fewer than 2,000 lives, and the voluntary benefits market segment.

Group Long-term and Short-term Disability

Group long-term and short-term disability products contributed approximately 46.1 percent of the Unum US segment premium income in 2012. We sell group long-term and short-term disability products to employers for the benefit of employees. Group long-term disability provides employees with insurance coverage for loss of income in the event of extended work absences due to sickness or injury. We offer services to employers and insureds to encourage and facilitate rehabilitation, retraining, and re-employment. Most policies begin providing benefits following 90 or 180 day waiting periods and continue providing benefits until the employee reaches a certain age, generally between 65 and 70. The benefits are limited to specified maximums as a percentage of income.

Group short-term disability insurance generally provides coverage from loss of income due to injury or sickness, effective immediately for accidents and after one week for sickness, for up to 26 weeks, limited to specified maximums as a percentage of income.

Premiums for group long-term and short-term disability are generally based on expected claims of a pool of similar risks plus provisions for administrative expenses, investment income, and profit. Some cases carry experience rating provisions. Premiums for experience-rated group long-term and short-term disability business are based on the expected experience of the client given its demographics, industry group, and location, adjusted for the credibility of the specific claim experience of the client. We offer accounts handled on an administrative services only (ASO) basis, with the responsibility for funding claim payments remaining with the customer. We also offer fee-based family medical leave products. Both group long-term and short-term disability are sold primarily on a basis permitting periodic repricing to address the underlying claims experience.

We have defined underwriting practices and procedures. If the coverage amount exceeds certain prescribed age and amount limits, we may require a prospective insured to submit evidence of insurability. Policies are typically issued, both at inception and renewal, with rate guarantees. For new group policyholders, the usual rate guarantee is one to three years. For group policies being renewed, the rate guarantee is generally one year, but may be longer. The profitability of the policy depends on the adequacy of the rate during the rate guarantee period. The contracts provide for certain circumstances in which the rate guarantees can be overridden.

Profitability of group long-term and short-term disability insurance is affected by persistency, investment returns, claims experience, and the level of administrative expenses. Morbidity is an important factor in disability claims experience, and many economic and societal factors can affect claim incidence for disability insurance. In general, experience-rated disability coverage for large groups has narrower profit margins and represents less risk to us than business of this type sold to small employers because we bear all of the risk of adverse claims experience in small case fully insured coverages while larger employers often bear a portion of this risk themselves. We routinely make pricing adjustments, when contractually permitted, which take into account the emerging experience on our group insurance products.


3


Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment
    
Group life and accidental death and dismemberment products contributed approximately 29.1 percent of the Unum US segment premium income in 2012. Group life and accidental death and dismemberment products are sold to employers as employee benefit products. Group life consists primarily of renewable term life insurance with the coverages frequently linked to employees' wages and includes a provision for waiver of premium, if disabled. Accidental death and dismemberment consists primarily of an additional benefit amount payable if death or severe injury is attributable to an accident.

Premiums are generally based on expected claims of a pool of similar risks plus provisions for administrative expenses, investment income, and profit. Underwriting practices and rate guarantees are similar to those used for group disability products, and evidence of insurability is required for benefits in excess of a specified limit.

Profitability of group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance is affected by persistency, investment returns, claims experience, and the level of administrative expenses.

Individual Disability - Recently Issued

Individual disability - recently issued products generated approximately 10.7 percent of the Unum US segment premium income in 2012. The policies included in this line of business were issued subsequent to the mid 1990s after substantial changes in product design were implemented to improve the overall risk profile of this type of product. Individual disability is offered primarily to multi-life employer groups to supplement their group disability plans and may be funded by the employer, but the policy is owned by the employee and is portable should the employee change employers. Individual disability insurance provides the insured with a portion of earned income lost as a result of sickness or injury. The benefits, including the underlying group disability coverage, typically range from 30 percent to 75 percent of the insured's monthly earned income. We provide various options with respect to length of benefit periods, product features, and waiting periods before benefit payments begin, which permits tailoring of the multi-life policy to a specific employer's needs. We also market individual disability policies which include payments for the transfer of business ownership between partners and payments for business overhead expenses, also on a multi-life basis. Individual disability products do not provide for the accumulation of cash values.

Premium rates for individual disability products vary by age, product feature, and occupation based on assumptions concerning morbidity, mortality, persistency, administrative expenses, investment income, and profit. We develop our assumptions based on our own experience. Our underwriters evaluate the medical condition and financial needs of prospective insureds prior to the issuance of a policy. Individuals in multi-life groups may be subject to limited medical underwriting. The majority of our individual disability - recently issued policies are written on a noncancelable basis. Under a noncancelable policy, as long as the insured continues to pay the fixed annual premium for the policy's duration, we cannot cancel the policy or change the premium.

Profitability of individual disability insurance is affected by persistency, investment returns, claims experience, and the level of administrative expenses.
    
Voluntary Benefits

Voluntary benefits products generated approximately 14.1 percent of the Unum US segment premium income in 2012. Voluntary benefits products are primarily sold to groups of employees through payroll deduction at the workplace and include individual universal life and interest-sensitive life, individual disability, group and individual critical illness, group and individual accident, and individual cancer products.

Premium rates for voluntary benefits products are based on assumptions concerning morbidity, mortality, persistency, administrative expenses, investment income, and profit. We develop our assumptions based on our own claims and persistency experience and published industry tables. Our underwriters evaluate the medical condition of prospective policyholders prior to the issuance of a policy on a simplified basis. Underwriting requirements may be waived for cases that meet certain criteria, including participation levels. Individual voluntary benefits products other than life insurance, and generally our group products as well, are offered on a guaranteed renewable basis which allows us to re-price in-force policies, subject to regulatory approval.

Profitability of voluntary benefits products is affected by the level of employee participation, persistency, investment returns, claims experience, and the level of administrative expenses.


4


Unum UK Segment

Our Unum UK segment includes insurance for group long-term disability, group life, and supplemental and voluntary lines of business. The supplemental and voluntary lines of business are comprised of individual disability, critical illness, and voluntary benefits products. Unum UK's products are issued primarily by Unum Limited and are sold in the United Kingdom through field sales personnel and independent brokers and consultants. Premium income for Unum UK totaled $694.6 million in 2012, or £438.1 million in local currency. Our market strategy for Unum UK is to offer benefits to employers and employees through the workplace with a focus on expanding the number of employers and employees covered.

Group Long-term Disability

Group long-term disability products contributed approximately 58.9 percent of the Unum UK segment premium income in 2012. Group long-term disability products are sold to employers for the benefit of employees. Group long-term disability provides employees with insurance coverage for loss of income in the event of extended work absences due to sickness or injury. Services are offered to employers and insureds to encourage and facilitate rehabilitation, retraining, and re-employment. Most policies begin providing benefits following 90 or 180 day waiting periods and continue providing benefits until the employee reaches a certain age, generally between 60 and 67. The benefits are limited to specified maximums as a percentage of income.

Premiums for group long-term disability are generally based on expected claims of a pool of similar risks plus provisions for administrative expenses, investment income, and profit. Some cases carry experience rating provisions. Premiums for experience-rated group long-term disability business are based on the expected experience of the client given its demographics, industry group, and location, adjusted for the credibility of the specific claim experience of the client.

We have defined underwriting practices and procedures.  If the coverage amount exceeds certain prescribed age and amount limits, we may require a prospective insured to submit evidence of insurability. Policies are typically issued, both at inception and renewal, with rate guarantees.  In both cases the usual rate guarantee is two years.  Guarantees of one year may be offered either at the request of the client or as required by us to manage risk. In a very limited number of circumstances guarantees of three years may be offered, but this will be at an additional cost. The profitability of the policy is dependent upon the adequacy of the rate during the rate guarantee period. The contracts provide for certain circumstances in which the rate guarantees can be overridden.

Profitability of group long-term disability insurance is affected by persistency, investment returns, claims experience, and the level of administrative expenses. Morbidity is an important factor in disability claims experience.

Group Life

Group life products contributed approximately 31.9 percent of the Unum UK segment premium income in 2012. Group life products are sold to employers as employee benefit products. Group life consists of two types of products, a renewable term life insurance product providing a lump sum benefit to the beneficiary on death of an employee and a group dependent life product, which we discontinued offering in 2012, which provides an annuity to the beneficiary on death of an employee. Both coverages are frequently linked to employees' wages. Premiums for group life are generally based on expected claims of a pool of similar risks plus provisions for administrative expenses, investment income, and profit. Underwriting and rate guarantees are similar to those utilized for group long-term disability products.

Profitability of group life is affected by persistency, investment returns, claims experience, and the level of administrative expenses.    

Individual Disability

Individual disability products generated approximately 5.2 percent of the Unum UK segment premium income in 2012. Individual disability is offered primarily to individual retail customers. Individual disability insurance provides the insured with a portion of earned income lost as a result of sickness or injury. Under an individual disability policy, monthly benefits generally are fixed at the time the policy is written. The benefits typically range from 30 percent to 50 percent of the insured's monthly earned income. Various options with respect to length of benefit periods and waiting periods before payment begins are available and permit tailoring of the policy to a specific policyholder's needs. Individual disability products do not provide for the accumulation of cash values.


5


Premium rates for individual disability products vary by age, gender, and occupation based on assumptions concerning morbidity, mortality, persistency, administrative expenses, investment income, and profit. We develop our assumptions based on our own claims and persistency experience and published industry tables. Our underwriters evaluate the medical and financial condition of prospective policyholders prior to the issuance of a policy. Approximately one half of our individual disability policies are written on a noncancelable basis. The remainder is offered on a guaranteed renewable basis which allows us to re-price in-force policies.

Profitability of individual disability insurance is affected by persistency, investment returns, claims experience, and the level of administrative expenses.

Critical Illness

Critical illness products generated approximately 4.0 percent of the Unum UK segment premium income in 2012. Group critical illness products are sold to groups of employees. Individual critical illness products are offered to individual retail customers. Critical illness products provide a lump-sum benefit on the occurrence of a covered critical illness event.

Premiums for group critical illness products are generally based on expected claims of a pool of similar risks plus provisions for administrative expenses, investment income, and profit. Underwriting and rate guarantees are similar to those utilized for group long-term disability products. Premium rates for individual critical illness products vary by age and gender based on assumptions concerning morbidity, persistency, administrative expenses, and investment income. Individual critical illness insurance is offered on a guaranteed renewable basis which allows us to re-price in-force policies. We develop our assumptions based on our own claims experience and published industry tables. Our underwriters evaluate the medical condition of prospective policyholders prior to the issuance of a policy.

Profitability of these products is affected by persistency, investment returns, claims experience, and the level of administrative expenses.

Voluntary Benefits

In 2012, Unum UK began offering a voluntary benefits product in the UK marketplace, a de minimis amount of which was sold during the year.

Colonial Life Segment

Our Colonial Life segment includes insurance for accident, sickness, and disability products, life products, and cancer and critical illness products issued primarily by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company and marketed to employees at the workplace through an independent contractor agency sales force and brokers. Premium income for Colonial Life totaled $1,194.5 million in 2012. Our market strategy for Colonial Life is to effectively deliver a broad set of voluntary products and services with a focus on core commercial and public sector markets.

We have defined underwriting practices and procedures for each of our products. Most policies are issued on a simplified issue basis, based on answers to simple health and employment questions. If the amount applied for exceeds certain levels, the applicant may be asked to answer additional health questions or submit to additional medical examinations.

Accident, Sickness, and Disability

The accident, sickness, and disability product line, which generated approximately 60.6 percent of the Colonial Life segment premium income in 2012, consists of short-term disability plans as well as accident-only plans providing benefits for injuries on a specified loss basis. It also includes accident and health plans covering hospital admissions, confinement, and surgeries on an indemnity basis.

Premiums for accident, sickness, and disability products are generally based on assumptions for morbidity, mortality, persistency, administrative expenses, investment income, and profit. We develop our assumptions based on our own experience. Premiums are primarily individual guaranteed renewable wherein we have the ability to change premiums on a state by state basis. A small percentage of the policies are written on a group basis wherein we retain the right to change premiums at the individual account level.

Profitability is affected by the level of employee participation, persistency, investment returns, claims experience, and the level of administrative expenses.


6


The accident and health products qualify as fringe benefits that can be purchased with pre-tax employee dollars as part of a flexible benefits program pursuant to Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code. Flexible benefits programs assist employers in managing benefit and compensation packages and provide policyholders the ability to choose benefits that best meet their needs. Laws could be changed to limit or eliminate fringe benefits available on a pre-tax basis, eliminating our ability to continue marketing our products this way. However, we believe our products provide value to our policyholders that will remain even if the tax advantages offered by flexible benefits programs are modified or eliminated.

Life

Group and individual life products contributed approximately 17.6 percent of the Colonial Life segment premium income in 2012 and are primarily comprised of universal life, whole life, level term life, and a small block of group term life policies.

Premium rates vary by age and are based on assumptions concerning mortality, persistency, administrative expenses, investment income, and profit. We develop our assumptions based on our own experience and published industry tables. Premiums for the whole life and level term products are guaranteed for the life of the contract. Premiums for the universal life products are flexible and may vary at the individual policyholder level. For the group term life product, we retain the right to change premiums at the account level based on the experience of the account.

Profitability is affected by the level of employee participation, persistency, investment returns, claims experience, and the level of administrative expenses.

Cancer and Critical Illness

Cancer and critical illness policies generated approximately 21.8 percent of the Colonial Life segment premium income in 2012. Cancer policies provide various benefits for the treatment of cancer including hospitalization, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Critical illness policies provide a lump-sum benefit on the occurrence of a covered critical illness event.

Premiums are generally based on assumptions for morbidity, mortality, persistency, administrative expenses, investment income, and profit. We develop our assumptions based on our own experience. Premiums are primarily individual guaranteed renewable wherein we have the ability to change premiums on a state by state basis.

Profitability of these products is affected by the level of employee participation, persistency, investment returns, claims experience, and the level of administrative expenses.

Closed Block Segment

Our Closed Block segment consists of individual disability, group and individual long-term care, and other insurance products no longer actively marketed. Premium income for Closed Block totaled $1,370.5 million in 2012.

Individual Disability

Individual disability policies generated approximately 53.7 percent of the Closed Block segment premium income in 2012. We sold these types of policies on a limited basis subsequent to the mid 1990s and entirely discontinued issuing new policies in this closed block of business in 2004, other than through update features contractually allowable on existing policies.

The majority of the policies represent individual disability insurance which was written on a noncancelable basis and was marketed on a single-life customer basis.

Profitability is affected by persistency, investment returns, claims experience, and the level of administrative expenses.

We have reinsurance agreements on approximately 77 percent of the block of business which provides approximately 67 percent reinsurance coverage for that portion of the consolidated risk above a specified retention limit, which at December 31, 2012, equaled approximately $6.8 billion.  The maximum risk limit for the reinsurer on this portion of the consolidated risk grows to approximately $2.2 billion over time, after which any further losses will revert to us.


7


Group and Individual Long-term Care

Long-term care policies generated approximately 46.1 percent of the Closed Block segment premium income in 2012. We discontinued offering group long-term care in 2012 and individual long-term care in 2009. Group long-term care was previously offered to employers for the benefit of employees. We expect that a small amount of new group business will continue to be issued through features contractually allowable on existing group policies. Individual long-term care was previously marketed on a single-life customer basis.

Long-term care insurance pays a benefit upon the loss of two or more activities of daily living and the insured's requirement of standby assistance or cognitive impairment. Payment is generally made on an indemnity basis, regardless of expenses incurred, up to a lifetime maximum. Benefits begin after a waiting period, usually 90 days or less, and are generally paid for a period of three years, six years, or lifetime.

Premium rates for long-term care vary by age and are based on assumptions concerning morbidity, mortality, persistency, administrative expenses, investment income, and profit. We develop our assumptions based on our own claims and persistency experience and published industry tables. Underwriting for group long-term care insurance is based primarily on the age of the insured and certain characteristics of the group. There is an "active at work" requirement for insurability, and for coverage above a stated maximum, we evaluate the medical condition of the prospective individual insureds. Long-term care insurance is offered on a guaranteed renewable basis which allows us to re-price in-force policies, subject to regulatory approval.

Profitability is affected by persistency, investment returns, claims experience, and the level of administrative expenses.

Other

Other insurance products not actively marketed include individual life and corporate-owned life insurance, reinsurance pools and management operations, group pension, health insurance, and individual annuities. The majority of these products have been reinsured, with approximately 79 percent of reserves at December 31, 2012 ceded to other insurance companies. These products contributed approximately 0.2 percent of the Closed Block segment premium income in 2012.

Corporate Segment

Our Corporate segment includes investment income on corporate assets not specifically allocated to a line of business, interest expense on corporate debt other than non-recourse debt, and certain other corporate income and expense not allocated to a line of business.

Reinsurance

In the normal course of business, we assume reinsurance from and cede reinsurance to other insurance companies. In a reinsurance transaction, a reinsurer agrees to indemnify another insurer for part or all of its liability under a policy or policies it has issued for an agreed upon premium. The primary purpose of ceded reinsurance is to limit losses from large exposures. However, if the assuming reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations, we remain contingently liable. We evaluate the financial condition of reinsurers to whom we cede business and monitor concentration of credit risk to minimize our exposure. We may also require assets to be held in trust, letters of credit, or other acceptable collateral to support reinsurance recoverable balances.

In general, the maximum amount of risk retained by our U.S. insurance subsidiaries and not ceded is $750,000 per covered life per policy under a group or individual life policy and $750,000 per covered life per policy under a group or individual accidental death and dismemberment policy. For Unum Limited, during 2012 we generally retained £1.0 million per covered life. Effective January 1, 2013, we entered into reinsurance arrangements which lower our retention limit to £500,000 per covered life. The amount of risk retained on individual disability products varies by policy type and year of issue. Other than catastrophic reinsurance coverage, we generally do not reinsure group or individual disability policies issued subsequent to 1999.


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We have global catastrophic reinsurance coverage which includes five layers of coverage to limit our exposure under life, accidental death and dismemberment, long-term care, and disability policies in regards to a catastrophic event. We have 50 percent reinsurance coverage in the first layer, 80 percent coverage in the second, third, and fourth layers, and 60 percent coverage in the fifth layer, for a total of $475 million of catastrophic coverage, after a $50 million deductible. Layer one provides $25 million of coverage, layers two through four provide $40 million, $80 million, and $120 million of coverage, respectively, and layer five provides $210 million of coverage. Each layer provides coverage for all catastrophic events, including acts of war and any type of terrorism. In addition to the global catastrophic reinsurance coverage noted above, Unum Limited has additional catastrophic coverage via an arms-length, inter-company reinsurance agreement with Unum America, under similar terms as the global catastrophic treaties. The coverage is placed at 40 percent reinsurance for a total of £75 million of catastrophic coverage, after a £225 million deductible. Events may occur which limit or eliminate the availability of catastrophic reinsurance coverage in future years.

Our reinsurance recoverable at December 31, 2012 relates to 85 companies. Thirteen major companies account for approximately 92 percent of our reinsurance recoverable at December 31, 2012, and are all companies rated A or better by A.M. Best Company (AM Best) or are fully securitized by letters of credit or investment-grade fixed maturity securities held in trust. Approximately seven percent of our reinsurance recoverable relates to business reinsured either with companies rated A- or better by AM Best, with overseas entities with equivalent ratings or backed by letters of credit or trust agreements, or through reinsurance arrangements wherein we retain the assets in our general account. The remaining one percent of our reinsurance recoverable is held by companies either rated below A- by AM Best or not rated.

The collectibility of our reinsurance recoverable is primarily a function of the solvency of the individual reinsurers. Although we have controls to minimize our exposure, the insolvency of a reinsurer or the inability or unwillingness of a reinsurer to comply with the terms of a reinsurance contract could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

For further discussion of our reinsurance activities, refer to "Risk Factors" contained herein in Item 1A and Notes 1 and 11 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8.

Reserves for Policy and Contract Benefits

The applicable insurance laws under which insurance companies operate require that they report, as liabilities, policy reserves to meet future obligations on their outstanding policies. These reserves are the amounts which, with the additional premiums to be received and interest thereon compounded annually at certain assumed rates, are calculated to be sufficient to meet the various policy and contract obligations as they mature. These laws specify that the reserves shall not be less than reserves calculated using certain specified mortality and morbidity tables, interest rates, and methods of valuation required for statutory accounting.

The reserves reported in our financial statements contained herein are calculated in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and differ from those specified by the laws of the various states and reported in the statutory financial statements of our life insurance subsidiaries. These differences result from the use of mortality and morbidity tables and interest assumptions which we believe are more representative of the expected experience for these policies than those required for statutory accounting purposes and also result from differences in actuarial reserving methods.

The assumptions we use to calculate our reserves are intended to represent an estimate of experience for the period that policy benefits are payable. If actual experience is not less favorable than our reserve assumptions, then reserves should be adequate to provide for future benefits and expenses. If experience is less favorable than the reserve assumptions, additional reserves may be required. The key experience assumptions include disability claim incidence rates, disability claim recovery rates, mortality rates, policy persistency, interest rates, and policy benefit offsets, including those for social security and other government-based welfare benefits. We periodically review our experience and update our policy reserves for new issues and reserves for all claims incurred, as we believe appropriate.

The consolidated statements of income include the annual change in reserves for future policy and contract benefits. The change reflects a normal accretion for premium payments and interest buildup and decreases for policy terminations such as lapses, deaths, and benefit payments. If policy reserves using best estimate assumptions as of the date of a test for loss recognition are higher than existing policy reserves net of any deferred acquisition costs, the increase in reserves necessary to recognize the deficiency is also included in the change in reserves for future policy and contract benefits.

For further discussion of reserves, refer to "Risk Factors" contained herein in Item 1A, "Critical Accounting Estimates" and the discussion of segment operating results included in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained herein in Item 7, and Notes 1 and 5 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8.

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Investments

Investment activities are an integral part of our business, and profitability is significantly affected by investment results. We segment our invested assets into portfolios that support our various product lines. Generally, our investment strategy for our portfolios is to match the effective asset cash flows and durations with related expected liability cash flows and durations to consistently meet the liability funding requirements of our businesses. We seek to earn investment income while assuming credit risk in a prudent and selective manner, subject to constraints of quality, liquidity, diversification, and regulatory considerations. Our overall investment philosophy is to invest in a portfolio of high quality assets that provide investment returns consistent with that assumed in the pricing of our insurance products. Assets are invested predominately in fixed maturity securities. Changes in interest rates may affect the amount and timing of cash flows.

We actively manage our asset and liability cash flow match and our asset and liability duration match to limit interest rate risk. We may redistribute investments among our different lines of business, when necessary, to adjust the cash flow and/or duration of the asset portfolios to better match the cash flow and duration of the liability portfolios. Asset and liability portfolio modeling is updated on a quarterly basis and is used as part of the overall interest rate risk management strategy. Cash flows from the in-force asset and liability portfolios are projected at current interest rate levels and also at levels reflecting an increase and a decrease in interest rates to obtain a range of projected cash flows under the different interest rate scenarios. These results enable us to assess the impact of projected changes in cash flows and duration resulting from potential changes in interest rates. Testing the asset and liability portfolios under various interest rate scenarios enables us to choose what we believe to be the most appropriate investment strategy, as well as to limit the risk of disadvantageous outcomes. We use this analysis in determining hedging strategies and utilizing derivative financial instruments for managing interest rate risk and the risk related to matching duration for our assets and liabilities. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

Refer to "Risk Factors" contained herein in Item 1A, "Critical Accounting Estimates" and the discussion of investments in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained herein in Item 7, and Notes 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for information on our investments and derivative financial instruments.

Ratings

AM Best, Fitch Ratings (Fitch), Moody's Investors Service (Moody's), and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (S&P) are among the third parties that assign issuer credit ratings to Unum Group and financial strength ratings to our insurance subsidiaries. Issuer credit ratings reflect an agency's opinion of the overall financial capacity of a company to meet its senior debt obligations. Financial strength ratings are specific to each individual insurance subsidiary and reflect each rating agency's view of the overall financial strength (capital levels, earnings, growth, investments, business mix, operating performance, and market position) of the insuring entity and its ability to meet its obligations to policyholders. Both the issuer credit ratings and financial strength ratings incorporate quantitative and qualitative analyses by rating agencies and are routinely reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis.
 
Rating agencies assign an outlook statement of "positive," "negative," or "developing" to indicate an intermediate-term trend in credit fundamentals which could lead to a rating change. "Positive" means that a rating may be raised, "negative" means that a rating may be lowered, and "developing" means that a rating may be raised or lowered with equal probability. Alternatively, a rating may have a "stable" outlook to indicate that the rating is not expected to change.

"Credit watch" or "under review" highlights the potential direction of a short-term or long-term rating. It focuses on identifiable events and short-term trends that cause a rating to be placed under heightened surveillance by a rating agency. Events that may trigger this action include mergers, acquisitions, recapitalizations, or anticipated operating developments. Ratings may be placed on credit watch or under review when an event or a change in an expected trend occurs and additional information is needed to evaluate the current rating level. This status does not mean that a rating change is inevitable, and ratings may change without first being placed on a watch list.
 
Our financial strength ratings as of February 2013 for our principal U.S. domiciled insurance company subsidiaries were:
 
•
A (Excellent) by AM Best - 3rd of 16 rankings
•
A (Strong) by Fitch - 6th of 19 rankings
•
A2 (Good) by Moody's - 6th of 21 rankings
•
A (Strong) by S&P - 6th of 21 rankings 


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Our issuer credit ratings for Unum Group as of February 2013 were:
 
•
bbb (Good) by AM Best - 9th of 22 rankings
•
BBB (Good) by Fitch - 9th of 21 rankings
•
Baa2 (Adequate) by Moody's - 9th of 21 rankings
•
BBB (Adequate) by S&P - 9th of 22 rankings
 
As of February 2013, all four rating agencies have a "stable" outlook for our Company, and none of the ratings are currently under review or on credit watch. See further discussion in "Risk Factors" contained herein in Item 1A and in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Ratings" contained herein in Item 7. A rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the rating agency. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

Competition

There is intense competition among insurance companies for the types of products we sell. We believe that the principal competitive factors affecting our business are price, quality of customer service and claims management, integrated product choices, financial strength, and claims-paying ratings. In the individual and group disability markets, we compete in the United States with a limited number of major companies and regionally with other companies offering specialty products. Our principal competitors for our other products, including group life and the product offerings sold to groups of employees through payroll deduction, include the largest insurance companies in the United States. Some of these companies have more competitive pricing or have higher claims-paying ratings. Some may also have greater financial resources with which to compete.

In the United Kingdom, we compete for the individual and group products we sell with a number of large internationally recognized providers and strong local carriers.  These providers have been aggressively trying to maintain market share in a difficult economic environment, characterized by very low interest rates and expense pressures on employers and individuals. However, current penetration levels indicate that there is still significant upside growth potential in the United Kingdom for the types of products we offer.  

All areas of the employee benefits markets are highly competitive due to the yearly renewable term nature of the group products and the large number of insurance companies offering products in this market. There is a risk that purchasers of employee benefits products may be able to obtain more favorable terms from competitors in lieu of renewing coverage with us. The effect of competition may, as a result, adversely affect the persistency of these and other products, as well as our ability to sell products in the future.

We must attract and retain independent agents and brokers to actively market our products. Strong competition exists among insurers for agents and brokers. We compete with other insurers for sales agents and brokers primarily on the basis of our product offerings, financial strength, support services, and compensation. Sales of our products could be materially adversely affected if we are unsuccessful in attracting and retaining agents and brokers.

For further discussion, refer to "Risk Factors" contained herein in Item 1A.

Regulation

General

We and our subsidiaries are subject to extensive and comprehensive regulation on both the federal and state level in the U.S. and by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in the U.K. The laws and regulations with which we must comply are subject to change, and new and existing laws and regulations may adversely affect our operations. As a result of the financial market and economic challenges over the past few years, regulation and the cost of compliance with regulation has continued to increase in both the U.S. and internationally.

Insurance Regulatory Oversight

Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries are subject to oversight by insurance departments in jurisdictions in which they do business and by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on a national basis, primarily for the protection of policyholders. Unum Limited is subject to regulation by the FSA in the U.K. The state insurance departments in the U.S. and the FSA in the U.K. have broad administrative powers with respect to all aspects of the insurance business and, in particular, monitor the manner in which an insurance company offers, sells, and administers its products. This monitoring and approval process may include reviewing

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sales practices, including the content and use of advertising materials and the licensing and appointing of agents and brokers, as well as review and/or approval of underwriting, claims, pricing, and customer service practices. The DOL enforces a comprehensive federal statute which regulates claims paying fiduciary responsibilities and reporting and disclosure requirements for most employee benefit plans. Our domestic insurance subsidiaries must meet the standards and tests for investments imposed by state insurance laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which they are domiciled. Domestic insurance subsidiaries operate under insurance laws which require they establish and carry, as liabilities, statutory reserves to meet policyholder obligations. These reserves are verified periodically by various regulators. Our domestic insurance subsidiaries are examined periodically by examiners from their states of domicile and by other states in which they are licensed to conduct business. The domestic examinations have traditionally emphasized financial matters from the perspective of protection of policyholders, but they can and have covered other subjects that an examining state may be interested in reviewing, such as market conduct issues. Other states more typically perform market conduct examinations that include a review of a company's sales practices, including advertising and licensing of agents and brokers, as well as underwriting, claims, customer service, and identification and handling of unclaimed property to determine compliance with state laws. Our domestic insurance subsidiaries are also subject to assessments by state insurance guaranty associations to cover the proportional cost of insolvent or failed insurers.
  
Capital Requirements

Risk‑based capital (RBC) standards for U.S. life insurance companies have been prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The domiciliary states of our U.S. insurance subsidiaries have all adopted a version of the RBC model formula of the NAIC, which prescribes a system for assessing the adequacy of statutory capital and surplus for all life and health insurers. The basis of the system is a risk-based formula that applies prescribed factors to the various risk elements in a life and health insurer's business to report a minimum capital requirement proportional to the amount of risk assumed by the insurer. The life and health RBC formula is designed to measure annually (i) the risk of loss from asset defaults and asset value fluctuations, (ii) the risk of loss from adverse mortality and morbidity experience, (iii) the risk of loss from mismatching of asset and liability cash flow due to changing interest rates, and (iv) business risks. The formula is used as an early warning tool to identify companies that are potentially inadequately capitalized. The formula is intended to be used as a regulatory tool only and is not intended as a means to rank insurers generally.

The NAIC's Solvency Modernization Initiative (SMI) began in June 2008. The SMI is a self-examination of the United States' insurance solvency regulation framework and includes a review of international developments regarding insurance supervision, banking supervision, and international accounting standards and their potential use in U.S. insurance regulation. The SMI is a wide-ranging initiative that, by its nature, will evolve to respond to national and international insurance regulatory and solvency developments. Current SMI goals and the principles developed through the SMI's exploration of capital requirements, governance and risk management, group supervision, statutory accounting and financial reporting, and reinsurance will likely result in significant changes to U.S. insurance regulation and solvency standards, including those for our U.S. insurance subsidiaries. Progress on the various initiatives is expected to continue throughout 2013. Although the NAIC has made progress with some legislation, effective dates are uncertain as the legislation is subject to adoption of enabling legislation by individual states, which has not yet occurred.

Unum Limited is subject to regulation, including capital adequacy requirements and minimum solvency margins, by the FSA in the U.K.  Current solvency standards require an insurance company to hold capital equal to the greater of (i) a formulaic calculation of capital related to liabilities or (ii) a risk-based assessment of capital which is company specific reflecting the insurance company's individual risk profile.  Solvency II, a European Union directive that will prescribe new capital requirements and risk management standards that are the result of a fundamental review of the capital adequacy standards for the European insurance industry, will replace the current capital requirements for Unum Limited.  Our European holding company will also be subject to the Solvency II requirements relevant to insurance holding companies, and its subsidiaries, including Unum Limited, will be subject to group supervision under Solvency II. Solvency II requirements have not been fully finalized, but the current proposals contain amended requirements on capital adequacy and risk management for insurers, including (i) requirements to demonstrate adequate financial resources, including quantitative requirements, technical provisions, and calculation of Solvency II capital requirements through either an approved full or partial internal model or the European standard formula approach, (ii) requirements to demonstrate an adequate system of governance, including effective risk management underpinned by prospective risk identification and quantification, and (iii) disclosure and regulatory reporting requirements.  Although the regulatory timetable remains uncertain, the effective adoption date is expected to be no earlier than January 1, 2015.  The impact of Solvency II on our U.K. subsidiaries cannot be determined at this time, but its implementation could result in increased capital, supervisory, and disclosure requirements.


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Our Bermuda-based insurance subsidiary is subject to regulation by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). Over the past few years, the BMA has been engaged in a comprehensive review and assessment of its insurance regulatory and solvency framework. The scope and scale of the BMA's proposed changes are broad, and the insurance industry in Bermuda is and will be subject to new rules regarding governance, administrative and accounting processes, capital requirements, and disclosure requirements. The regulatory timetable and effective adoption dates remain uncertain. The impact of the proposed changes cannot be determined at this time, but the implementation of the requirements could result in increased capital and governance requirements for our Bermuda-based insurance subsidiary.

See further discussion in "Risk Factors" contained herein in Item 1A and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" contained herein in Item 7.     

Insurance Holding Company Regulation

We are subject to regulation under the insurance holding company laws in the states in which our insurance subsidiaries are domiciled (or deemed to be commercially domiciled), which currently include Maine, Massachusetts, Tennessee, South Carolina, New York, Vermont, and California. These laws generally require each insurance company that is domiciled in the state and a member of an insurance holding company system to register with the insurance department of that state and to furnish at least annually financial and other information about the operations of companies within the holding company system, including information concerning capital structure, ownership, management, financial condition, and certain intercompany transactions. Transactions between an insurer and affiliates in the holding company system generally must be fair and reasonable and, if material, require prior notice and approval by the domiciliary insurance regulator.

In addition, such laws and regulations restrict the amount of dividends that may be paid by our insurance subsidiaries to their respective shareholders, including our Company and certain of our intermediate holding company subsidiaries. See further discussion in "Risk Factors" contained herein in Item 1A and "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Cash Available from Subsidiaries" contained herein in Item 7.

There are a number of proposals to amend state insurance laws and regulations in ways that could affect us and our insurance subsidiaries. The NAIC has adopted or amended model laws on holding company regulation that provide for supervision of insurers at the corporate group level. Although these changes are only beginning to be adopted by individual state regulators, it can be expected that most will ultimately adopt them in some form. The various proposals to implement group supervision include uniform standards for insurer corporate governance, group-wide supervision of insurance holding companies, adjustments to RBC calculations to account for group-wide risks, and additional regulatory and disclosure requirements for insurance holding companies. A completed activity within the SMI includes the recent adoption by the NAIC of the Risk Management and Own Risk and Solvency Assessment Model Act and the Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA) Guidance Manual which require insurers to provide a group-level perspective on the risks of the current and future business plans and the sufficiency of capital to support those risks. We expect to file our ORSA summary report with the applicable insurance regulators in 2015.

The laws of most states, including the states in which our insurance subsidiaries are domiciled (or deemed to be commercially domiciled), require regulatory approval of a change in control of an insurance company or its holding company. Where these laws apply to us, there can be no effective change in control of our Company or of any of our insurance subsidiaries unless the person seeking to acquire control has filed a statement containing specified information with the appropriate insurance regulators and has obtained their prior approval of the proposed change. The usual measure for a presumptive change of control pursuant to these laws is the acquisition of 10 percent or more of the voting stock of an insurance company or its holding company, although this presumption is rebuttable. Consequently, a person acquiring 10 percent or more of the voting stock of an insurance company or its holding company without the prior approval of the insurance regulators in the state(s) of domicile of the insurance company(ies) sought to be acquired (or whose holding company is sought to be acquired) will be in violation of these laws. Such a person may also be subject to one or more of the following actions: (i) injunctive action requiring the disposition or seizure of those securities by the applicable insurance regulators; (ii) prohibition of voting of such shares; and (iii) other actions determined by the relevant insurance regulators. Further, many states' insurance laws require that prior notification be given to state insurance regulators of a change in control of a non-domiciled insurance company doing business in the state. These pre-notification statutes do not authorize the state insurance regulators to disapprove the change in control; however, they do authorize regulatory action in the affected state if particular conditions exist, such as undue market concentration. Any future transactions that would constitute a change in control of our Company or of any of our insurance subsidiaries may require prior notification in those states that have adopted pre-notification laws.

These laws may discourage potential acquisition proposals and may delay, deter, or prevent a change in control of our Company, including through transactions, and in particular unsolicited transactions, that some or all of our shareholders might consider to be desirable.

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Federal Laws and Regulations

In July 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank), which effects comprehensive changes to the regulation of financial services in the United States, was signed into law. Dodd-Frank directs existing and newly-created government agencies and bodies to promulgate regulations implementing the law, an ongoing process anticipated to continue over the next few years. Dodd-Frank will subject us to potentially significant additional federal regulation. Among other provisions impacting or potentially impacting us, Dodd-Frank:

•
Creates a new framework for regulation of the over-the-counter derivatives markets, including requiring that certain swaps be executed through a centralized exchange or regulated facility and be cleared through a regulated clearinghouse and subjecting major swap participants (potentially including our Company) to capital and margin (i.e., collateral) requirements, which may have the effect of increasing the costs of hedging generally and the credit risk posed by some counterparties;

•
Establishes a Financial Stability Oversight Council with authority to subject systemically important financial companies (including non-bank financial companies such as our Company) to supervision and stricter prudential regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board, including stricter requirements and limitations relating to risk-based capital, leverage, liquidity, stress testing, and credit exposure, and in certain circumstances limitations on acquisitions or combinations, restrictions on product offerings, and/or requirements to sell assets; and

•
Establishes a Federal Insurance Office (FIO) within the Department of the Treasury to monitor all aspects of the insurance industry (other than with respect to health insurance, certain long-term care insurance, and crop insurance), including identifying issues or gaps in the regulation of insurers that could contribute to a systemic crisis in the insurance industry or the U.S. financial system and recommending insurers (potentially including our Company) that should be designated for stricter regulation. The director of the FIO is required to conduct a study on how to modernize and improve the system of insurance regulation in the United States, including by increased national uniformity through either a federal charter or effective action by the states. The FIO may also recommend enhanced regulations to state insurance regulatory bodies.

Dodd-Frank imposes various assessments on financial companies, including, as applicable to us, ex-post assessments to provide funds necessary to repay any borrowing and to cover the costs of any special resolution of a financial company conducted under Title II (although the regulatory authority would have to take account of the amounts paid by the Company into state guaranty funds). We have not been designated as a systemically important financial company, and based on the quantitative criteria set forth in proposed regulation that has been issued, at this time we believe it is unlikely that we will be subject to such designation.

We are subject to the laws and regulations generally applicable to public companies, including the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange relating to public reporting and disclosure, accounting and financial reporting, corporate governance, and securities trading. Further, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and rules and regulations adopted under this regulation, have increased the requirements for us and other public companies in these and other areas.

The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (Patriot Act) contains anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws and mandates the implementation of various new regulations applicable to broker-dealers and other financial services companies, including insurance companies. The Patriot Act seeks to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators and law enforcement entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering. Anti-money laundering laws outside of the United States contain some similar provisions. Additionally, other federal laws and regulations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and regulations issued by the Office of Foreign Asset's Controls, as well as the U.K.'s Bribery Act of 2010, have increased requirements relating to identifying customers, prohibiting transactions with certain organizations or individuals, watching for and reporting suspicious transactions, responding to requests for information by regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies, sharing information with other financial institutions, and requiring the implementation and maintenance of internal practices, procedures, and controls.

For further discussion of regulation, refer to "Risk Factors" contained herein in Item 1A.


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Geographic Areas

Segment operating revenue, which excludes net realized investment gains and losses, for our Unum UK segment totaled $865.5 million, $877.8 million, and $822.3 million for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. These amounts were approximately 8.3 percent, 8.5 percent, and 8.1 percent of consolidated segment operating revenue for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, total assets and liabilities for our Unum UK segment were $4.0 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively, or approximately 6.4 percent and 5.5 percent of consolidated assets and liabilities, respectively. Fluctuations in the U.S. dollar relative to the local currency of our Unum UK segment will impact our reported operating results. See "Risk Factors" contained herein in Item 1A for further discussion of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. See "Reporting Segments" contained herein in Item 1, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained herein in Item 7, and Note 12 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further discussion of Unum UK's operating results.

Employees

At December 31, 2012, we had approximately 9,100 full-time employees.

Available Information

Our internet website address is www.unum.com. We make available, free of charge, on or through our website our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Our executive officers, all of whom are also executive officers of certain of our principal subsidiaries, were appointed by Unum Group's board of directors to serve until their successors are chosen and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal.

Name
Age
Position
Thomas R. Watjen
58
President and Chief Executive Officer and a Director
Liston Bishop III
66
Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Randall C. Horn
60
Executive Vice President, President and Chief Executive Officer, Colonial Life
Kevin P. McCarthy
57
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; President and Chief Executive Officer, Unum US
John F. McGarry
55
Executive Vice President, Individual Disability and Long-term Care Closed Block Operations

Richard P. McKenney
44
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Peter G. O'Donnell
46
President and Chief Executive Officer, Unum UK

Mr. Watjen became President and Chief Executive Officer in March 2003. He served as Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer from May 2002 until March 2003. He became Executive Vice President, Finance in June 1999 and assumed the additional Risk Management responsibilities in November 1999. Mr. Watjen originally joined a Unum Group predecessor company as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 1994.

Mr. Bishop became Executive Vice President and General Counsel in October 2008, having served as Interim General Counsel beginning in April 2008. From August 1979 through September 2008, Mr. Bishop practiced corporate and securities law as a member of the law firm of Miller & Martin PLLC, except during the period from January 2005 through July 2007 when he was employed as deputy general counsel and corporate secretary of Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. 

Mr. Horn was named Executive Vice President, President and Chief Executive Officer, Colonial Life in May 2006. Prior to that, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer, Colonial Life from March 2004.  Before joining the Company, he served as Executive Vice President of Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company from 1993 until 2003, having joined that company in 1981.


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Mr. McCarthy was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in January 2012, in addition to maintaining his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Unum US, a position he has held since May 2007. He previously served as Executive Vice President, President, Unum US from January 2007. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President, Risk Operations from January 2006. He previously served as Executive Vice President, Underwriting from May 2003. Mr. McCarthy originally joined a Unum Group predecessor company in 1976.

Mr. McGarry was named Executive Vice President, Individual Disability and Long-term Care Closed Block Operations in September 2012, after having served as Executive Vice President, President and Chief Executive Officer, Unum UK from July 2010. He previously served as Senior Vice President, Benefits, Individual Disability, and National Client Group Business, for Unum US from January 2010. Prior to that, he served in various other capacities within Unum US, including Senior Vice President, Benefits Operations and Risk Management from March 2008 to January 2010, Senior Vice President, Benefits Operations from January 2006 to March 2008, and Senior Vice President, Underwriting Operations from August 2005 to January 2006. Mr. McGarry originally joined a Unum Group predecessor company in 1986.

Mr. McKenney was named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in August 2009, having joined the Company in July 2009. Before joining the Company, Mr. McKenney served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sun Life Financial Inc., an international financial services company, from February 2007, having joined that company as Executive Vice President in September 2006. He served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Genworth Financial, Inc., a global financial security company, from May 2004 until August 2006.

Mr. O'Donnell was named President and Chief Executive Officer, Unum UK, in September 2012, after having joined the Company as Unum Limited's Chief Financial Officer in 2010. Prior to joining Unum Limited, Mr. O'Donnell served as Director of Group Finance at Prudential plc, an international financial services company, from May 2008 to May 2010. He served as Finance director at Royal & SunAlliance plc, an international financial services company, from May 2005 to May 2008.


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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

We face a wide range of risks, and our continued success depends on our ability to identify and appropriately manage our risk exposures. Discussed below are certain factors that may adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition. Any one or more of the following factors may cause our actual results for various financial reporting periods to differ materially from those expressed in any forward looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company, including those in this document or made by us elsewhere, such as in earnings release investor calls, investor conference presentations, or press releases. The risks and uncertainties described herein may not be the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business. See "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" contained herein on page 1.

Unfavorable economic conditions may result in lower sales, lower premium growth and persistency, higher disability claims incidence, and longer claims duration, which may adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.

We are affected by conditions in the capital markets and the general economy, both in the United States, the United Kingdom, and to a lesser extent, the entire European Union and Asian financial markets. A challenging business environment and volatile markets persisted through 2012 and may continue in 2013. Adversity in the capital markets and the general economy may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

In particular, factors such as unemployment levels, consumer confidence levels, consumer spending, business investment, government spending, the volatility and strength of the capital markets, and inflation all affect the business and economic environment and, ultimately, the amount and profitability of our businesses. Given the nature of our products, in an economic environment characterized by higher unemployment, lower personal income, reduced consumer spending, and lower corporate earnings and investment, new product sales may be adversely affected. Our premium growth may also be negatively impacted by lower premium growth from existing customers due to lower salary growth and lower growth in the number of employees covered under an existing policy. In addition, during such periods we may experience higher disability claims incidence, longer disability claims duration, and/or an increase in policy lapses, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Sustained periods of low interest rates in the long-term investment market may adversely affect our reported net investment income and the discount rates used in reserving for our insurance products and projecting our pension obligations, which may adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.

Continued low interest rates and yields on fixed income investments may cause the rates of return on our investment portfolio to decrease more than expected, leading to lower net investment income than assumed in the pricing and reserving for our insurance products. An interest, or discount, rate is used in calculating our policyholder reserves. We set our reserve discount rate assumptions based on our current and expected future investment yield for assets supporting the reserves, considering current and expected future market conditions. If the discount rate assumed in our reserve calculations is higher than our future investment returns, our invested assets will not earn enough investment income to support our future claim payments. In that case, the reserves may eventually be insufficient, resulting in the need to increase our reserves and/or increase our capital contributions to our insurance subsidiaries, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Our net periodic benefit costs and the value of our benefit obligations for our pension plans are determined based on a set of economic and demographic assumptions that represent our best estimate of future expected experience. Major assumptions used in accounting for these plans include the expected discount (interest) rate and the long-term rate of return on plan assets. We set the discount rate assumption at the measurement date for each of our plans to reflect the yield of a portfolio of high quality fixed income debt instruments matched against the timing and amounts of projected future benefits. A lower discount rate increases the present value of benefit obligations and increases our costs. Our expectations for the future investment returns of plan assets are based on a combination of historical market performance, evaluations of investment forecasts obtained from external consultants and economists, and current market yields. The rate of return on pension plan assets is determined based on the fair value of the plan assets at the beginning and end of the measurement period. Declines in long-term interest rates or the fair value of our plan assets may result in a decrease in the funded status of our pension plans and/or increased pension costs, which may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity. Conversely, a rise in interest rates could unfavorably impact the fair value of certain investments in our pension plans.


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See "Reserves for Policy and Contract Benefits" contained herein in Item 1, "Critical Accounting Estimates" included in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained herein in Item 7, and Note 8 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further discussion.

Actual claim experience may differ from our reserve assumptions which may adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.

In recent years, we have experienced volatility in risk results in various lines of business. Historical results may not be indicative of future performance due to, among other things, changes in our mix of business, re-pricing of certain lines of business, or any number of economic cyclical effects on our business. Reserves, whether calculated under GAAP or statutory accounting principles, do not represent an exact calculation of future benefit liabilities but are instead estimates made by us using actuarial and statistical procedures. Actual claim experience may differ from our reserve assumptions. There can be no assurance that our reserves will be sufficient to fund our future liabilities in all circumstances. Future loss development may require reserves to be increased, which would adversely affect earnings in current and future periods. Life expectancies may continue to increase, which could lengthen the time a claimant receives disability or long-term care benefits and could result in a change in mortality assumptions and an increase in reserves for these and other long-tailed products. Adjustments to reserve amounts may also be required in the event of changes from the assumptions regarding future morbidity (the incidence of claims and the rate of recovery, including the effects thereon of inflation and other societal and economic factors); persistency; policy benefit offsets, including those for social security and other government-based welfare benefits; and interest rates used in calculating the reserve amounts, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

See "Reserves for Policy and Contract Benefits" contained herein in Item 1, "Executive Summary" and "Critical Accounting Estimates" included in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained herein in Item 7, and Notes 1 and 5 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further discussion.

We and our insurance subsidiaries are subject to extensive supervision and regulation, which may affect the cost or demand for our products, increase capital requirements for our insurance subsidiaries, and adversely affect our profitability, liquidity, or growth.

Our activities are subject to extensive supervision and regulation in the United States and abroad. Regulators have the ability to take various steps to protect the businesses of the entities they regulate. For example, our insurance company subsidiaries may not be able to obtain or maintain necessary licenses, permits, authorizations, or accreditations, or may be able to do so only at great cost. In addition, we may not be able to comply fully with, or obtain appropriate exemptions from, the wide variety of laws and regulations applicable to insurance companies and insurance holding companies. These laws and regulations may restrict or prohibit the payment of dividends by our subsidiaries to us, restrict transactions between subsidiaries and/or between us and our subsidiaries, and may require contributions of capital by us to our insurance subsidiaries even if we are otherwise in compliance with stated requirements. Failure to comply with or to obtain appropriate exemptions under any applicable laws or regulations could result in restrictions on our ability to do business in one or more of the jurisdictions in which we operate and could result in fines and other sanctions, which may have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations.

It is possible that there will be heightened oversight of insurers by regulatory authorities in the jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries are domiciled and operate. We cannot predict specific proposals that might be adopted, or what impact, if any, such proposals or, if enacted, such laws, could have on our business, results of operations, or financial condition. The NAIC or state regulators may adopt revisions to the RBC formula, the FSA may revise its capital adequacy requirements and minimum solvency margins, other jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries operate, including the BMA, may increase their capital requirements, or rating agencies may incorporate higher capital thresholds into their quantitative analyses, thus requiring additional capital contributions by us to our insurance subsidiaries. Increased financial services regulation, such as the NAIC Solvency Modernization Initiative and the European Commission's Solvency II, may impose greater quantitative requirements, supervisory review, and disclosure requirements and may impact the business strategies, capital requirements, and profitability of our insurance subsidiaries. New programs, including healthcare reform and financial services sector reform, may compete with or diminish the need for our products, particularly as it may affect our ability to sell our products through employers or in the workplace.


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Legislative changes related to pension funding requirements could negatively impact our cash flows from operations and our profitability. Changes in tax laws and other regulations or interpretations of such laws or regulations could increase our corporate taxes. Furthermore, the value of deferred tax assets could be impacted by our future earnings levels. Changes in tax laws could also make some of our products less attractive to consumers. We cannot predict whether any tax legislation impacting corporate taxes or insurance products will be enacted, what the specific terms of any such legislation will be, or whether, if at all, any legislation would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.  

Dodd-Frank directs existing and recently created government agencies and bodies to promulgate regulations implementing the law, an ongoing process anticipated to continue over the next few years. We cannot predict the requirements of the regulations ultimately adopted or how or whether Dodd-Frank and such regulations will affect our businesses, results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition, require us to raise additional capital, or result in a downgrade of our credit ratings.
  
Most group long-term and short-term disability plans we administer are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Changes to ERISA enacted by Congress or through judicial interpretations may adversely affect the risk to us of managing employee benefit plans, increase the premiums associated with such plans, and ultimately affect their affordability and our profitability.

The insurance departments in jurisdictions wherein our insurance subsidiaries conduct business may limit our ability to obtain rate increases under guaranteed renewable contracts or could require changes in rates and/or benefits to meet minimum loss ratio requirements which could negatively impact the profitability of our products. Many regulatory and governmental bodies have the authority to review our products and business practices and those of our agents and employees. These regulatory or governmental bodies may bring regulatory or other legal actions against us if, in their view, our practices are improper. These actions could result in substantial fines or restrictions on our business activities and could have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations.

Regulatory examinations or investigations could result in, among other things, changes in our claims handling or other business practices, changes in procedures for the identification and escheatment of abandoned property, changes in the use and oversight of reinsurance, increases to reserving requirements, changes in governance and other oversight procedures, assessments by tax authorities or other governing agencies, fines, and other administrative action, which could injure our reputation, adversely affect our issuer credit ratings and financial strength ratings, place us at a competitive disadvantage in marketing or administering our products, impair our ability to sell or retain insurance policies, and/or have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Determination by regulatory authorities that we have engaged in improper conduct may also adversely affect our defense of various lawsuits.

See "Regulation" contained herein in Item 1 and Notes 6 and 13 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further discussion.

In addition to interest rate risk as previously discussed, we are exposed to other risks related to our investment portfolio which may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.

Default Risk

Our investment portfolio consists primarily of fixed maturity securities. These securities are issued by both domestic and foreign entities and are backed either by collateral or the credit of the underlying issuer. Factors such as an economic downturn or political change in the country of the issuer, a regulatory change pertaining to the issuer's industry, a significant deterioration in the cash flows of the issuer, unforeseen accounting irregularities or fraud committed by the issuer, widening risk spreads, ratings downgrades, a change in the issuer's marketplace or business prospects, or other events that adversely affect the issuers of these securities may result in the issuer defaulting on its obligations. In the European Union, the sovereign debt crisis, concerns over bank exposure to sovereign debt, and questions about the stability and viability of the euro may result in an issuer defaulting on its obligations. Financial contagion may occur at both the international and domestic levels.

Our mortgage loan portfolio has default risk. Events or developments, such as economic conditions that impact the ability of tenants to pay their rents or limit the availability of refinancing, may have a negative effect on our mortgage loan portfolio. Events or developments that have a negative effect on any particular geographic region or sector may have a greater adverse effect on an investment portfolio to the extent that the portfolio is concentrated in that region or sector.

A default results in the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment loss on the investment. A default may also adversely affect our ability to collect principal and interest due to us. The probability of credit downgrades and defaults increases when the fixed income markets experience periods of volatility and illiquidity.

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Credit Spread Risk

Our exposure to credit spreads, which is the yield above comparable Treasury securities, primarily relates to market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in credit spreads. A widening of credit spreads may unfavorably impact the net unrealized gain or loss position of the investment portfolio and may adversely impact liquidity. Credit spread tightening may reduce net investment income associated with new purchases of fixed income securities.

Valuation Risk

We report our fixed maturity securities and certain other financial instruments at market value. Valuations may include inputs and assumptions that are less observable or require greater estimation, particularly during periods of market disruption, resulting in values which may be less than the value at which the investments may ultimately be sold. Further, rapidly changing and unprecedented credit and equity market conditions could materially impact the valuation of securities as reported in our financial statements, and the period to period changes in value could vary significantly. Decreases in value may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

We evaluate our investment portfolio for impairments. There can be no assurance that we have accurately assessed the level of impairments taken. Additional impairments may need to be taken in the future, and historical trends may not be indicative of future impairments. Any event reducing the value of our securities other than on a temporary basis may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

Market Timing and Liquidity Risk

While we attempt to match our asset cash flows and durations with expected liability cash flows and durations to meet the funding requirements of our business, there may at times be a lack of appropriate investments in the market which can be acquired. In addition, we may in certain circumstances need to sell investments due to changes in regulatory or capital requirements, changes in tax laws, rating agency decisions, and/or unexpected changes in liquidity needs. Events such as these may force us to sell securities in an unfavorable interest rate or credit environment, with a resulting adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.

See "Critical Accounting Estimates" included in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained herein in Item 7 and Notes 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further discussion of our investments and derivatives. 

The effectiveness of our hedging programs may be affected by changes in the economic environment, changes in interest rates, capital market volatility, non-performance by our counterparties, changes in the level of required collateral, or regulation, which may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.

We use derivative financial instruments to help us manage certain risks related to our business operations, primarily interest rate risk, risk related to matching duration for our assets and liabilities, and foreign currency risk. Factors associated with derivative financial instruments could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity. Ineffectiveness of our hedges due to changes in expected future events, such as the risk created by uncertainty in the European economic environment or if our counterparties fail or refuse to honor their obligations under these derivative instruments, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Capital market turmoil may result in an increase in the risk of non-performance by our counterparties, many of which are financial institutions. Non-performance by our counterparties may force us to unwind hedges, and we may be unable to replace the hedge, thereby leaving the risk unhedged. Under the terms of our hedging contracts, we are required to post collateral and to maintain a certain level of collateral, which may adversely affect our liquidity and could subject us to the credit risk of the counterparty to the extent it holds such collateral. Changes in regulations may have an adverse effect on our ability to execute effective hedges due to the increased economic cost of hedges.


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Competition may adversely affect our market share or profitability.
 
All of our businesses are highly competitive. We believe that the principal competitive factors affecting our business are price, quality of customer service and claims management, integrated product choices, financial strength, and claims-paying ratings. We compete for new product sales, the retention of existing business, and the ability to attract and retain independent agents and brokers to market our products, all of which affect our profitability. The level and intensity of competition may grow due to existing competitors becoming more aggressive, new competitors entering the market, and an increase in merger and acquisition activity which may result in larger competitors with greater financial resources. There are many insurance companies which actively compete with us in our lines of business, and there is no assurance that we will be able to compete effectively against these companies and new competitors in the future, which may adversely affect our market share or profitability. See "Competition" contained herein in Item 1 for further discussion.

A decrease in our financial strength or issuer credit ratings may adversely affect our competitive position, our ability to hedge our risks, and our cost of capital or ability to raise capital, which may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.

We compete based in part on the financial strength ratings provided by rating agencies. A downgrade of our financial strength ratings may adversely affect us and could potentially, among other things, adversely affect relationships with distributors of our products and services and retention of our sales force, negatively impact persistency and new sales, and generally adversely affect our ability to compete. A downgrade in the issuer credit rating assigned to Unum Group can be expected to adversely affect our cost of capital and our ability to raise additional capital. If we are downgraded significantly, ratings triggers in our derivatives financial instrument contracts may result in our counterparties enforcing their option to terminate the derivative contracts. Such an event may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or our ability to hedge our risks.

See "Ratings" contained herein in Item 1 and in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained herein in Item 7 for further discussion.

Events that damage our reputation may adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

There are many events which may harm our reputation, including, but not limited to, those discussed in this Item 1A regarding regulatory investigations, legal proceedings, and cyber security incidents.

In addition, as an insurance company, we are paid to accept certain risks. Those who conduct our business, including executive officers and members of management, sales managers, investment professionals, and to some extent, independent agents and brokers, do so in part by making decisions that involve exposing us to risk. These include decisions such as maintaining effective underwriting and pricing discipline, maintaining effective claim management and customer service performance, managing our investment portfolio and derivatives trading activities, delivering effective technology solutions, complying with established sales practices, executing our capital management strategy, exiting a line of business and/or pursuing strategic growth initiatives, and other decisions. Although we employ controls and procedures designed to monitor business decisions and prevent us from taking excessive risks or unintentionally failing to comply with internal policies and practices such that errors occur, there can be no assurance that these controls and procedures will be effective. If our employees and business associates take excessive risks and/or fail to comply with internal policies and practices, the impact of those events may damage our market position and reputation.

Depending on the severity of the damage to our reputation, we may be unable to effectively compete for new products or retain our existing business, which could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition. Damage to our reputation may also hinder our ability to raise new capital and/or increase our cost of capital. See "Regulation" contained herein in Item 1 and Note 13 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for additional information on regulatory matters and legal proceedings.


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We provide a broad array of disability, long-term care, group life, and voluntary insurance products that are affected by many factors, and changes in any of those factors may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.

Disability Insurance

Disability insurance may be affected by a number of social, economic, governmental, competitive, and other factors. Changes in societal attitudes, such as work ethic, motivation, or stability, can significantly affect the demand for and underwriting results from disability products.

Both economic and societal factors can affect claim incidence and recoveries for disability insurance. Claim incidence and claim recovery rates may be influenced by, among other factors, the rate of unemployment and consumer confidence. Claim incidence and claim recovery rates may also be influenced by the emergence of new infectious diseases or illnesses. Claim durations may be extended by medical improvements which could extend life expectancies. The relationship between these and other factors and overall incidence is very complex and will vary due to contract design features and the degree of expertise within the insuring organization to price, underwrite, and adjudicate the claims.

Within the group disability market, pricing and renewal actions can be taken to react to higher claim rates. However, these actions take time to implement, and there is a risk that the market will not sustain increased prices. In addition, changes in economic and external conditions may not manifest themselves in claims experience for an extended period of time. The pricing actions available in the individual disability market differ among product classes. Our individual noncancelable disability policies, in which the policy is guaranteed to be renewable through the life of the policy at a fixed premium, do not permit us to adjust premiums on our in-force business. Guaranteed renewable contracts that are not noncancelable can be re-priced to reflect adverse experience, but rate changes cannot be implemented as quickly as in the group disability market.

Long-term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance can be affected by a number of demographic, medical, economic, governmental, competitive, and other factors. Because long-term care insurance is a relatively new product for the insurance industry and is long-duration in nature, there is not as much historical data as is available for our other products. This creates a level of uncertainty in properly pricing the product and using appropriate assumptions when establishing reserves. Long-term care insurance is guaranteed renewable and can be re-priced to reflect adverse experience, but the re-pricing is subject to regulatory approval which can affect the length of time in which the re-pricing can be implemented, if at all. We monitor our own experience and industry studies concerning morbidity, mortality, and policyholder terminations to understand emerging trends.  Changes in actual experience relative to our expectations may adversely affect our profitability and reserves.  Mortality continues to improve for the general population, and life expectancy has increased, which could lengthen the time a claimant receives long-term care benefits and may subject more policyholders to advanced aging and an associated increase in claims incidence. Due to the long duration of the product, we may be unable to purchase appropriate assets with cash flows and durations such that the timing and/or amount of our investment cash flows may not match those of our maturing liabilities. Sustained periods of low interest rates could result in lower than expected profitability and increases in reserves.

Group Life Insurance

Group life insurance may be affected by the characteristics of the employees insured, the amount of insurance employees may elect voluntarily, our risk selection process, our ability to retain employer groups with favorable risk characteristics, the geographical concentration of employees, and mortality rates. Claim incidence may also be influenced by unexpected catastrophic events such as terrorist attacks and natural disasters, which may also affect the availability of reinsurance coverage. There are a series of lawsuits pending in federal courts challenging the use of retained asset accounts in group life plans that are governed by ERISA. If these challenges are upheld by the courts, our ability to use such accounts for the beneficiaries of these plans may be adversely affected.

Voluntary Products

Voluntary products sold in the workplace may be affected by the characteristics of the employees insured, the level of employee participation and the amount of insurance the employees elect, our risk selection process, and our ability to retain employer groups with favorable risk characteristics.  Our voluntary life insurance products generally include interest-sensitive forms of insurance which contain a guaranteed minimum interest crediting rate. It is possible that our investment returns could be lower than the guaranteed crediting rate.  The non-life contracts are guaranteed renewable and can be repriced to reflect adverse experience, but rate changes cannot be implemented as quickly as for group disability and group life products.

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See "Reserves for Policy and Contract Benefits" contained herein in Item 1 and "Executive Summary" and "Critical Accounting Estimates" included in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained herein in Item 7 for further discussion.

Our risk management program may leave us exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risk, which could negatively affect our business.

We have devoted significant resources to develop our enterprise risk management program, which has the objective of managing our strategic, market, credit, insurance, operations, capital and liquidity, and reputational risks. However, our program may not be comprehensive, and our methods for managing risk may not fully predict future exposures. See "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" contained herein in Item 7A for further information about our risk management program.

Litigation is common in our businesses and may result in financial losses and/or harm to our reputation.
 
We are defendants in a number of lawsuits, and the outcome of these lawsuits is uncertain.  An estimated loss is accrued when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. An adverse outcome in one or more of these actions may, depending on the nature, scope and amount of the ruling, materially and adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition, encourage other litigation, and limit our ability to write new business, particularly if the adverse outcomes negatively impact certain of our ratings.

As part of our normal operations in managing claims, we are engaged in claim litigation where disputes arise as a result of a denial or termination of benefits. Typically those lawsuits are filed on behalf of a single claimant or policyholder, and in some of these individual actions punitive damages are sought, such as claims alleging bad faith in the handling of insurance claims. For our general claim litigation, we maintain reserves based on experience to satisfy judgments and settlements in the normal course. We expect that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to general claim litigation, after consideration of the reserves maintained, will not be material to our financial condition. Nevertheless, given the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain claim litigation involving punitive damages may, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. We are unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible punitive losses.
 
See "Critical Accounting Estimates" included in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained herein in Item 7 and Note 13 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for additional information on legal proceedings.

Changes in accounting standards may materially affect our financial statements.

Our financial statements are subject to the application of generally accepted accounting principles, in both the United States and the United Kingdom, which are periodically revised and/or expanded. Accordingly, we are required to adopt new or revised accounting standards issued by recognized authoritative bodies, including the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), the U.K. Accounting Standards Board (ASB), and the NAIC. Accounting standards issued by the FASB and ASB may be influenced by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). These authoritative bodies have several ongoing projects regarding accounting standards that will likely be adopted in the near future. Future accounting standards we adopt will change current accounting and disclosure requirements applicable to our financial statements. Such changes may have a material effect on our reported results of operations or financial condition.

Currency translation could materially impact our reported operating results.

The functional currency of our U.K. operations is the British pound sterling. Fluctuations in the pound to dollar exchange rate have an effect on our financial results. In periods when the pound weakens, translating pounds into dollars decreases current period results relative to the prior period. In periods when the pound strengthens, translating pounds into dollars increases current period results in relation to the prior period. However, it is important to distinguish between translating and converting foreign currency. Except for a limited number of transactions, we do not actually convert pounds into dollars. As a result, we view foreign currency translation as a financial reporting item and not a reflection of operations or profitability in the U.K.


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Our ability to finance our ongoing operations may not always be possible solely from internal sources of capital and liquidity. If we need to seek external capital, there is the risk that adverse market conditions may significantly affect our access to capital or our cost of capital.

A change in demand for our insurance products or an increase in the incidence of new claims or the duration of existing claims could negatively impact our cash flows from operations. Deterioration in the credit market, which could delay our ability to sell our positions in certain of our fixed maturity securities in a timely manner, could also negatively impact our cash flows. Regulatory changes such as those discussed herein in this Item 1A may impose higher capital or reserve requirements on our insurance subsidiaries, increase collateral requirements for certain of our derivatives transactions, and/or implement other requirements which could unfavorably affect our liquidity. Without sufficient liquidity, our ability to maintain and grow our operations would be limited. If our internal sources of liquidity prove to be insufficient, we may be unable to successfully obtain additional financing and capital on favorable terms, or at all, which may adversely affect us.

In the near term, we expect that our need for external financing will be small, but changes in our business could increase our need. If our financial results are unfavorable, we may need to increase our capital in order to maintain our credit ratings or satisfy regulatory requirements. Maintaining appropriate levels of statutory surplus is considered important not only by us but by insurance regulatory authorities in the U.S., the FSA in the U.K., and the rating agencies that rate insurers' claims-paying abilities and financial strength. Failure to maintain certain levels of statutory surplus could result in increased regulatory scrutiny, action by regulatory authorities, or a downgrade by the rating agencies. Need for additional capital may limit a subsidiary's ability to distribute funds to the holding company and adversely affect our ability to pay dividends on our common stock and meet our debt and other payment obligations. Our insurance company subsidiaries are subject to regulatory limitations on the payment of dividends and on other transfers of funds or other assets to affiliates. The level of statutory earnings and capital in our insurance subsidiaries could impact their ability to pay dividends or to make other transfers of funds to our holding companies, which could impair our ability to pay our dividends or meet our debt and other payment obligations.

Obtaining financing for even a small amount of capital could be complicated in unfavorable market conditions and during periods of economic uncertainty. The markets may exert downward pressure on availability of liquidity and credit capacity for certain issuers. The availability of financing will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, the overall availability of credit to the financial services industry, our credit ratings and credit capacity, and the possibility that customers or lenders could develop a negative perception of our financial prospects. Similarly, our access to funds may be impaired if regulatory authorities or rating agencies take negative actions against us. Raising capital in unfavorable market conditions could increase our interest expense or negatively impact our shareholders through increased dilution of their common stock in Unum Group.

See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" included in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained herein in Item 7 for further discussion and Note 14 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for a discussion of the existing regulatory limitations on dividends.

Reinsurance may not be available or affordable, or reinsurers may be unwilling or unable to meet their obligations under our reinsurance contracts, which may adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.

As part of our overall risk management and capital management strategies, we purchase reinsurance for certain risks underwritten by our various businesses. Market conditions beyond our control determine the availability and cost of reinsurance. Any decrease in the amount of reinsurance will increase our risk of loss and may impact the level of capital requirements for our insurance subsidiaries, and any increase in the cost of reinsurance will, absent a decrease in the amount of reinsurance, reduce our results of operations. Accordingly, we may be forced to incur additional expenses for reinsurance or may be unable to obtain sufficient reinsurance on acceptable terms, which may adversely affect our ability to write future business, result in the assumption of more risk with respect to the policies we issue, and increase our capital requirements. The collectibility of our reinsurance recoverable is primarily a function of the solvency of the individual reinsurers. We cannot provide assurance that our reinsurers will pay the reinsurance recoverables owed to us or that they will pay these recoverables on a timely basis. The insolvency of a reinsurer or the inability or unwillingness of a reinsurer to comply with the terms of a reinsurance contract may have an adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

We have assets which may not be fully recoverable or realizable, which could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.

If our business does not perform well or as initially anticipated in our assumptions, we may be required to accelerate amortization or recognize an impairment loss on intangible assets or long-lived assets or to establish a valuation allowance against the deferred income tax asset.

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We have intangible assets such as deferred acquisition costs (DAC), value of business acquired (VOBA), and goodwill. DAC and VOBA are amortized based primarily upon expected future premium income of the related insurance policies. Recoverability testing for DAC and VOBA is performed on an annual basis. Insurance contracts are grouped on a basis consistent with our manner of acquiring, servicing, and measuring profitability of the contracts. If recoverability testing indicates that either DAC and/or VOBA are not recoverable, the deficiency is charged to expense.

Goodwill is not amortized, but on an annual basis, or more frequently if necessary, we review the carrying amount of goodwill for indications of impairment, considering in that review the financial performance and other relevant factors. In accordance with accounting guidance, we test for impairment at either the operating segment level or one level below. In addition, certain events including, but not limited to, a significant adverse change in legal factors or the business environment, an adverse action by a regulator or rating agency, or unanticipated competition would cause us to review goodwill for impairment more frequently than annually.

Long-lived assets, including assets such as real estate and information technology software, also require impairment testing to determine whether changes in circumstances indicate that we may be unable to recover the carrying amount.

We assess our deferred tax assets to determine if they are realizable. Factors in our determination include the performance of the business, including the ability to generate future taxable income. If based on available information, it is more likely than not that the deferred income tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established with a corresponding charge to net income.

Charges such as accelerated amortization, impairment losses, or the establishment of valuation allowances could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

See "Executive Summary" and "Critical Accounting Estimates" included in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained herein in Item 7 and Notes 1, 6, and 12 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8.

The occurrence of events unanticipated in our disaster recovery systems could result in a loss or disclosure of confidential information and damage to our reputation and could impair our ability to conduct business effectively, which could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.

In the event of a disaster such as a natural catastrophe, an epidemic, a cyber security breach or other information technology systems failure, a terrorist attack, or war, unanticipated problems with our disaster recovery systems could have a material adverse impact on our ability to conduct business and on our results of operations and financial condition, particularly if those problems affect our information technology systems and destroy valuable data. In addition, in the event that a significant number of our employees were unavailable in the event of a disaster, our ability to effectively conduct business could be severely compromised.

We rely heavily on information technology systems to administer almost every aspect of our business. We also store confidential policyholder and employee information and other proprietary information as a part of our normal business operations. Our systems are subject to a number of risks, including, but not limited to, physical and electronic break-ins, cyber attacks, and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering, including threats that may come from external factors or may originate internally from within our company. If one or more of these events occurs, it could potentially jeopardize confidential, proprietary, and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our information technology systems, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our or our customers' operations, which could result in reputational harm, litigation, increased expenses, regulatory penalties, and/or customer dissatisfaction or loss, which could adversely impact our profitability, our business, and our reputation.

Maintaining security systems to protect our information technology systems and data is critical to our reputation. We seek to prevent, detect, and investigate security incidents to prevent their recurrence, but in some cases we may be unaware of emerging threats and the magnitude of their effects, or we may not become aware of a cyber incident for some time after it occurs, which could increase our exposure to these consequences. We maintain cyber liability insurance that provides coverage for network security, privacy liability, technology errors and omissions, media liability, first party network business interruption, electronic restoration, and cyber extortion.  This coverage also provides sub-limits for credit monitoring, notification costs, regulatory expense, and investigative expense. Our insurance may not provide adequate loss coverage in all circumstances.


25


The continued threat of terrorism and ongoing military actions may adversely affect the value of certain assets in our investment portfolio, disrupt our operations, or result in higher claim costs.
 
The continued threat of terrorism, both within the U.S. and abroad, ongoing military actions, and heightened security measures in response to these types of threats may cause significant volatility in the global financial markets and result in loss of life, property damage, business disruption, and reduced economic activity. Some of the assets in our investment portfolio may be adversely affected by declines in the credit and equity markets and reduced economic activity caused by the continued threat of terrorism. Terrorist actions also could disrupt our operations centers in the U.S. or abroad. In addition, the occurrence of terrorist actions could result in higher claims under our insurance policies than anticipated. Beyond obtaining insurance coverage for our facilities, there are few, if any, commercial options through which to transfer the exposure from extreme events away from us. We purchase reinsurance protection against catastrophic disaster events, including terrorism. The continued threat of terrorism could result in increased reinsurance prices and reduced insurance coverage and potentially cause us to retain more risk than we otherwise would retain if we were able to obtain reinsurance at lower prices. See "Reinsurance" contained herein in Item 1 for further discussion.


ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

We occupy approximately 2.6 million square feet of space at four principal United States operating centers in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Portland, Maine; Worcester, Massachusetts; and Columbia, South Carolina.

We own and occupy two connected buildings in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with approximately 861,000 square feet of office space. We own and occupy five facilities in Portland, Maine, with approximately 838,000 square feet of office space. We own and occupy facilities totaling approximately 378,000 square feet in Worcester, Massachusetts. In January 2013, we commenced leasing approximately 201,000 square feet of office space in Worcester, of which we plan to sublease approximately 34,000 square feet. The lease will expire in 2029, but we have a renewal option through 2044. We lease and occupy approximately 53,300 square feet of office space in Glendale, California. These properties are used primarily for operations supporting our Unum US, Closed Block, and Corporate segments.

We own and occupy approximately 523,000 square feet of office space in Columbia, South Carolina, used primarily for operations supporting our Colonial Life segment.

We also occupy office buildings in the United Kingdom which serve as the home offices supporting our Unum UK segment. We own and occupy property located in Dorking, with approximately 63,000 square feet of office space. In addition, approximately 65,000 square feet of office space is leased and occupied in two office buildings located in Bristol and Basingstoke.

Additionally, we lease other office space, for periods principally from five to ten years, for use by our affiliates and sales forces.

Our properties and facilities are suitable and adequate for current operations.


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Refer to Note 13 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for information on legal proceedings.


ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable


26


PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Common stock of Unum Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock symbol is "UNM". Quarterly market prices and dividends declared and paid per share of common stock are as follows:
 
Market Price
 
 
 
High
 
Low
 
Dividend
2012
 
 
 
 
 
4th Quarter
$
21.35

 
$
19.04

 
$
0.1300

3rd Quarter
20.92

 
18.28

 
0.1300

2nd Quarter
24.77

 
18.37

 
0.1050

1st Quarter
24.81

 
20.84

 
0.1050

 
 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
 
 
 
 
4th Quarter
$
25.00

 
$
19.72

 
$
0.1050

3rd Quarter
26.41

 
20.24

 
0.1050

2nd Quarter
27.16

 
24.29

 
0.0925

1st Quarter
27.04

 
24.36

 
0.0925


Our board of directors has the authority to declare cash dividends on shares of our common stock. In determining dividends, the board takes into account a number of factors including our financial condition and results of operations, regulatory limitations on the payment of dividends from subsidiaries, cash requirements, general economic conditions, and other factors the board may deem relevant.  For information on restrictions relating to our subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends to Unum Group and certain of its intermediate holding company subsidiaries, see "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Cash Available from Subsidiaries" contained herein in Item 7 and Note 14 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8. For information relating to compensation plans under which Unum Group's equity securities are authorized for issuance, see Item 12 contained herein.

As of February 20, 2013, there were 12,820 registered holders of common stock. 

The following table provides information about our share repurchase activity for the fourth quarter of 2012:
 
(a) Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
 
(b) Average
Price Paid
per Share (1)
 
(c) Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced
Program (2)
 
(d) Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Program (2)
October 1 - October 31, 2012
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
649,950,390

November 1 - November 30, 2012
3,101,610

 
20.04

 
3,101,610

 
587,795,044

December 1 - December 31, 2012
1,824,908

 
20.74

 
1,824,908

 
549,950,403

Total
4,926,518

 
 
 
4,926,518

 
 
 
(1)
The average price paid per share excludes the cost of commissions.

(2)
In July 2012, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $750.0 million of Unum Group's common stock through January 2014.






27


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(in millions of dollars, except share data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At or for the Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
 
 
As Adjusted  (1)
Income Statement Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Income
$
7,716.1

 
$
7,514.2

 
$
7,431.4

 
$
7,475.5

 
$
7,783.3

Net Investment Income
2,515.2

 
2,519.6

 
2,495.5

 
2,346.6

 
2,389.0

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
56.2

 
(4.9
)
 
24.7

 
11.7

 
(465.9
)
Other Income
227.9

 
249.1

 
241.6

 
257.2

 
275.9

Total
10,515.4

 
10,278.0

 
10,193.2

 
10,091.0

 
9,982.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits (2)
6,722.2

 
7,209.5

 
6,354.1

 
6,291.6

 
6,626.4

Commissions
917.2

 
879.2

 
855.4

 
837.1

 
853.3

Interest and Debt Expense
145.4

 
143.3

 
141.8

 
125.4

 
156.7

Other Expenses (3)
1,481.1

 
1,712.7

 
1,522.0

 
1,553.0

 
1,521.6

Total
9,265.9

 
9,944.7

 
8,873.3

 
8,807.1

 
9,158.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Before Income Tax
1,249.5

 
333.3

 
1,319.9

 
1,283.9

 
824.3

Income Tax (4)
355.1

 
49.1

 
441.2

 
436.6

 
270.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
894.4

 
$
284.2

 
$
878.7

 
$
847.3

 
$
553.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
$
62,236.1

 
$
59,555.2

 
$
56,602.7

 
$
53,778.8

 
$
48,961.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt
$
2,755.4

 
$
2,570.2

 
$
2,631.3

 
$
2,549.6

 
$
2,259.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
$
628.0

 
$
461.8

 
$
351.4

 
$
347.5

 
$
(958.2
)
Other Stockholders' Equity
7,984.6

 
7,707.9

 
8,133.5

 
7,697.5

 
6,899.7

Total Stockholders' Equity
$
8,612.6

 
$
8,169.7

 
$
8,484.9

 
$
8,045.0

 
$
5,941.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Basic
$
3.18

 
$
0.94

 
$
2.70

 
$
2.56

 
$
1.62

  Assuming Dilution
$
3.17

 
$
0.94

 
$
2.69

 
$
2.55

 
$
1.62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders' Equity
$
31.87

 
$
27.91

 
$
26.80

 
$
24.25

 
$
17.94

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Dividends
$
0.470

 
$
0.395

 
$
0.350

 
$
0.315

 
$
0.300

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Basic (000s)
281,355.9

 
302,399.8

 
325,839.0

 
331,266.2

 
341,022.8

   Assuming Dilution (000s)
281,756.8

 
303,571.0

 
327,221.1

 
332,136.2

 
341,560.3


(1) Effective January 1, 2012, we adopted an accounting standards update regarding the capitalization of costs associated with the acquisition of insurance contracts and applied the amendments retrospectively. Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect our retrospective adoption. See Note 1 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further discussion.
 

28


(2) Included is a reserve charge of $573.6 million in 2011 related to our long-term care closed block business and a reserve charge of $183.5 million in 2011 related to our individual disability closed block business. See Note 5 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further discussion.

(3) Includes the net increase in deferred acquisition costs, compensation expense, and other expenses. Included in these expenses are charges of $196.0 million in 2011 related to the impairment of long-term care closed block deferred acquisition costs. See Note 5 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further discussion.

(4) Included are a $41.3 million reduction of income tax in 2011 related to a tax settlement; an income tax charge of $18.6 million in 2011 related to repatriation of dividends from our U.K. subsidiaries; and an income tax charge of $10.2 million in 2010 to reflect the impact of a tax law change.



29


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The discussion and analysis presented in this section should be read in conjunction with the "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" included below the Table of Contents, "Risk Factors" included in Item 1A, "Selected Financial Data" included in Item 6, and the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in Item 8.

Executive Summary

Throughout 2012, we remained focused on disciplined top-line growth in select markets and a sustainable capital generation and deployment strategy. We continue to believe that our strategy of delivering a broad set of financial protection choices to employees while also enabling employers to define their financial contribution in support of those choices should enable us to continue in a leadership position in our markets over the long term

A discussion of our operating performance and capital management follows.

2012 Operating Performance and Capital Management

For 2012, we reported net income of $894.4 million, or $3.17 per diluted common share, compared to 2011 net income of $284.2 million, or $0.94 per diluted common share. After-tax operating income, which excludes several non-operating items as itemized in our "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" contained herein in Item 7, was $887.5 million, or $3.15 per diluted common share, in 2012 compared to $905.4 million, or $2.98 per diluted common share, in 2011. Total operating revenue by segment increased in 2012 relative to 2011, driven by growth in our premium income. Total operating income by segment was lower in 2012 compared to 2011, with growth in our Unum US and Colonial Life segments offset by lower income in our other segments. Although our total operating income by segment declined in 2012, we reported year-over-year earnings per share growth due to our capital management strategy of returning capital to shareholders through repurchases of our common stock. See additional information in "2011 Long-term Care Review and Individual Disability Closed Block Reserves," "Consolidated Operating Results," and "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" contained herein in Item 7.

Our Unum US segment reported an increase in segment operating income of 3.7 percent in 2012 compared to 2011, with growth in premium income, consistent risk results, and continued favorable expense management. Although Unum US premium income increased 3.7 percent in 2012 compared to 2011, the ongoing high levels of unemployment and the competitive environment continue to pressure our premium income growth. In particular, premium growth from existing customers continues to be unfavorably impacted by lower salary growth and lower growth in the number of employees covered under existing policies. The benefit ratio for our Unum US segment for 2012 was generally consistent with the level reported in 2011, with favorable supplemental and voluntary risk results offset by less favorable risk results for group disability and group life. Unum US sales increased 7.5 percent in 2012 compared to 2011, with growth in each of our product lines and in each of our major market segments. Premium persistency was above or generally consistent with the levels of 2011 for most of our product lines and remains high relative to historical levels.

Our Unum UK segment reported a decrease in segment operating income of 30.3 percent in 2012 relative to 2011, as measured in Unum UK's local currency, due primarily to adverse risk results in our group life product line. Premium income grew 2.2 percent in 2012 relative to 2011 as a result of premium rate increases and growth in existing customer accounts, partially offset by lower premium persistency. Premium growth continues to be pressured due to the challenging economic and competitive pricing environment in the U.K. as well as our initiation of premium rate increases. The benefit ratio for Unum UK was 77.9 percent in 2012 compared to 71.8 percent in 2011, driven by adverse risk results in group life and slightly less favorable group disability risk results. Unum UK sales decreased 5.1 percent in 2012 compared to 2011, as measured in Unum UK's local currency, with lower group life, group critical illness, and individual disability product line sales, partially offset by higher sales in group long-term disability. Premium persistency declined, as expected, primarily as a result of our premium rate increases.

Our Colonial Life segment reported an increase in segment operating income of 1.6 percent in 2012 compared to 2011, with higher operating revenue partially offset by less favorable risk results and higher amortization of deferred acquisition costs. Premium income grew 5.2 percent in 2012 compared to 2011. The benefit ratio for Colonial Life was 52.5 percent in 2012 compared to 51.9 percent in 2011 due to less favorable risk results in the life and cancer and critical illness lines of business, partially offset by a more favorable benefit ratio for the accident, sickness, and disability line of business. Colonial Life sales decreased 1.1 percent in 2012 compared to 2011, with a slight increase in core commercial market segment sales, which we define as accounts with fewer than 1,000 lives, offset by declines in large case commercial market segment sales and sales in the public sector market. Persistency continues to be strong and was higher for all product lines in 2012 compared to 2011.

30



Our Closed Block segment reported a decrease in segment operating income of 22.9 percent in 2012 relative to 2011, excluding the charges discussed in "2011 Long-term Care Review and Individual Disability Closed Block Reserves" contained herein in Item 7. Also excluding these charges, individual disability risk results were favorable compared to 2011 due to higher claim recovery rates and a decrease in reserves for existing claims, while long-term care risk results were unfavorable compared to the prior year due to higher claim incidence rates, partially offset by higher claim resolutions.

Our investment portfolio continues to perform well, although our net investment income declined slightly in 2012 compared to 2011, primarily due to a decline in yield in invested assets as we continue to invest new cash flows at lower rates. Our asset quality remains strong, with a net unrealized gain on our fixed maturity securities of $7.2 billion at December 31, 2012, compared to $5.8 billion at December 31, 2011.   

We believe our capital and financial positions are strong. At December 31, 2012, the risk-based capital (RBC) ratio for our traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries, calculated on a weighted average basis using the NAIC Company Action Level formula, was approximately 396 percent, compared to 405 percent at December 31, 2011. The decline relative to 2011 results primarily from higher levels of capital required to support our business growth, but our RBC ratio at year end 2012 is within our target range of 375 percent to 400 percent. Our leverage ratio, when calculated using consolidated debt to total consolidated capital, was 30.4 percent at December 31, 2012, compared to 28.7 percent at December 31, 2011. The increase was due to the August 2012 issuance of $250.0 million of senior notes and the increase in short-term debt related to securities lending agreements outstanding, partially offset by our 2012 principal payments on the debt of Northwind Holdings, LLC (Northwind Holdings) and Tailwind Holdings, LLC (Tailwind Holdings). Our leverage ratio, when calculated excluding the non-recourse debt and associated capital of Northwind Holdings and Tailwind Holdings and the short-term debt arising from securities lending agreements, was 25.3 percent at December 31, 2012, compared to 23.5 percent at December 31, 2011. Cash equivalents and marketable securities held at Unum Group and our other intermediate holding companies are a significant source of liquidity for us and were approximately $805 million and $756 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Further discussion is included in "Consolidated Operating Results," "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures," "Segment Results," "Investments," and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" contained in this Item 7.

Outlook for 2013

We anticipate the general environment for 2013 to be similar to 2012, with below-average economic growth and a continuation of low interest rates. While the environment will remain challenging, the need for our products and services remains strong. We believe we are taking the needed actions to protect our solid margins and returns and the impact of our pricing and risk actions will likely not have a favorable impact on our financial results until 2014 and beyond. While we anticipate that our 2013 operating growth will be below our long-term targets, we currently believe that our per diluted common share after-tax operating income growth will be neutral to positive relative to the level of 2012.

During 2013, we intend to remain focused on disciplined top-line growth in select markets, continued effectiveness in our operating performance, and a consistent, sustainable capital generation and deployment strategy. We continue to believe that our strategy of delivering a broad set of financial protection choices to employees while also enabling employers to define their financial contribution in support of those choices should enable us to continue in a leadership position in our markets over the long term.

2011 Long-term Care Review and Individual Disability Closed Block Reserves

Long-term Care Strategic Review

Following a comprehensive and strategic review of our long-term care business, in February 2012 we announced that we would discontinue selling group long-term care.  We discontinued selling individual long-term care during 2009. Because both group and individual long-term care are considered closed blocks of business, effective December 31, 2011, we reclassified our long-term care products from the Unum US segment to the Closed Block segment.  We also reclassified our other insurance products not actively marketed, including individual life and corporate-owned life insurance, reinsurance pools and management operations, group pension, health insurance, and individual annuities, which were previously reported in the Corporate and Other segment to the Closed Block segment. The inclusion of all closed blocks of business into one operating segment aligns with our reporting and monitoring of our closed blocks of business within a discrete segment and is consistent with our separation of these blocks of business from the lines of business which actively market new products.  Prior period segment results have been restated to reflect these changes in our reporting classifications.


31


As part of the strategic review, and as is typical in the fourth quarter of each year, we analyzed our reserve assumptions for long-term care in conjunction with our annual loss recognition testing. We generally perform loss recognition tests on our deferred acquisition costs and policy reserves in the fourth quarter of each year, but more frequently if appropriate, using best estimate assumptions as of the date of the test. Included in the analysis was a review of our reserve discount rate assumptions and mortality and morbidity assumptions. Our analysis of reserve discount rate assumptions considered the significant decline in long-term interest rates which occurred late in the third quarter of 2011 due to the European Union debt crisis and the Federal Reserve Board's actions, including the announcement of "Operation Twist." We also considered an updated industry study for long-term care experience which was made available mid-year 2011 from the Society of Actuaries. Our analysis of this study, which was completed during the fourth quarter of 2011, showed that lower termination rates than we had previously assumed were beginning to emerge in industry and in our own company experience. Based on our analysis, as of December 31, 2011 we lowered the discount rate assumption to reflect the low interest rate environment and our expectation of future investment portfolio yield rates. We also changed our mortality assumptions to reflect emerging experience due to an increase in life expectancies which increases the ultimate number of people who will utilize long-term care benefits and also lengthens the amount of time a claimant receives long-term care benefits.  We changed our morbidity assumptions to reflect emerging industry experience as well as our own company experience. While our morbidity experience is still emerging and is not fully credible, we modified our assumptions to align more closely with the recently published industry study. Using our revised best estimate assumptions, as of December 31, 2011 we determined that deferred acquisition costs of $196.0 million, as adjusted for the January 1, 2012 retrospective adoption of the accounting standards update related to deferred acquisition costs, were not recoverable and that our policy and claim reserves should be increased by $573.6 million to reflect our current estimate of future benefit obligations. These charges decreased our 2011 net income by $500.3 million. The increase in reserves represented a 10.5 percent increase in long-term care policy and claim reserves as of December 31, 2011, which equaled $5.4 billion subsequent to the charge. 

Claim Reserve Increase for Individual Disability Closed Block Business

Claim reserves supporting our individual disability closed block of business are calculated using assumptions based on actual experience believed to be currently appropriate. Claim reserves are subject to revision as current claim experience emerges and alters our view of future expectations. Claim resolution rates, which measure the resolution of claims from recovery, deaths, settlements, and benefit expirations, are very sensitive to operational and environmental changes and can be volatile. Our claim resolution rate assumption used in determining reserves is our expectation of the resolution rate we will experience over the life of the block of business. We are now able, with a higher degree of confidence, to assess our own experience for older ages in our long duration lifetime claim block as our data has become credible. There is very little industry experience for lifetime disability benefits, as our insurance companies were the primary disability companies in the insurance industry at the time lifetime disability benefits were offered. These benefits were offered during the 1980s and 1990s, recent enough such that claimants are just reaching the older ages and providing us with data to build our claim experience base. Emerging experience indicates a longer life expectancy for our older age, longer duration disabled claimants, which lengthens the time a claimant receives disability benefits. As a result of this experience, as of December 31, 2011 we adjusted our mortality assumption within our claim resolution rate assumption and, as a result, increased our claim reserves for our individual disability closed block of business by $183.5 million and decreased net income by $119.3 million. The increase in reserves represented a 1.5 percent increase in individual disability policy and claim reserves as of December 31, 2011, which equaled $11.9 billion subsequent to the charge. 

Critical Accounting Estimates

We prepare our financial statements in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in our financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates and assumptions could change in the future as more information becomes known, which could impact the amounts reported and disclosed in our financial statements. The accounting estimates deemed to be most critical to our financial position and results of operations are those related to reserves for policy and contract benefits, deferred acquisition costs, valuation of investments, pension and postretirement benefit plans, income taxes, and contingent liabilities. For additional information, refer to our significant accounting policies in Note 1 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8.
 

32


Reserves for Policy and Contract Benefits

Our largest liabilities are reserves for claims that we estimate we will eventually pay to our policyholders. The two primary categories of reserves are policy reserves for claims not yet incurred and claim reserves for claims that have been incurred or are estimated to have been incurred but not yet reported to us. These reserves equaled $39.9 billion and $39.3 billion at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, or approximately 74.4 percent and 76.5 percent of our total liabilities, respectively. Reserves ceded to reinsurers were $6.7 billion at both December 31, 2012 and 2011, and are reported as a reinsurance recoverable in our consolidated balance sheets.

Policy Reserves

Policy reserves are established in the same period we issue a policy and equal the difference between projected future policy benefits and future premiums, allowing a margin for expenses and profit. These reserves relate primarily to our traditional non interest-sensitive products, including our individual disability and voluntary benefits products in our Unum US segment; individual disability products in our Unum UK segment; disability and cancer and critical illness policies in our Colonial Life segment; and individual disability and long-term care products in our Closed Block segment. The reserves are calculated based on assumptions that were appropriate at the date the policy was issued and are not subsequently modified unless the policy reserves become inadequate (i.e. loss recognition occurs).

•
Persistency assumptions are based on our actual historical experience adjusted for future expectations.
•
Claim incidence and claim resolution rate assumptions related to mortality and morbidity are based on actual experience or industry standards adjusted as appropriate to reflect our actual experience and future expectations.
•
Discount rate assumptions are based on our current and expected net investment returns.

In establishing policy reserves, we use assumptions that reflect our best estimate while considering the potential for adverse variances in actual future experience, which results in a total policy reserve balance that has an embedded reserve for adverse deviation. We do not, however, establish an explicit and separate reserve as a provision for adverse deviation from our assumptions.

We perform loss recognition tests on our policy reserves annually, or more frequently if appropriate, using best estimate assumptions as of the date of the test, without a provision for adverse deviation. We group the policy reserves for each major product line within a segment when we perform the loss recognition tests. If the policy reserves determined using these best estimate assumptions are higher than our existing policy reserves net of any deferred acquisition cost balance, the existing policy reserves are increased or deferred acquisition costs are reduced to immediately recognize the deficiency. Thereafter, the policy reserves for the product line are calculated using the same method we used for the loss recognition testing, referred to as the gross premium valuation method, wherein we use our best estimate as of the gross premium valuation (loss recognition) date rather than the initial policy issue date to determine the expected future claims, commissions, and expenses we will pay and the expected future gross premiums we will receive.

Because the key policy reserve assumptions for policy persistency, mortality and morbidity, and discount rates are all locked in at policy issuance based on assumptions appropriate at that time, policy reserve assumptions are generally not changed due to a change in claim status from active to disabled subsequent to policy issuance.  Therefore, we maintain policy reserves for a policy for as long as the policy remains in-force, even after a separate claim reserve is established. Incidence rates in industry standard valuation tables for policy reserves have traditionally included all lives, active and disabled.  In addition, the waiver of premium provision provides funding for the policy reserve while a policyholder is disabled.  As a result, the funding mechanisms and the cost of claims are aligned and require a policy reserve to be held while on claim.  In addition, most policies allow for multiple occurrences of claims, and a policy reserve is consequently still maintained at the time of claim to fund any potential future claims. The policy reserves build up and release over time based on assumptions made at the time of policy issuance such that the reserve is eliminated as policyholders reach the terminal age for coverage, die, or voluntarily lapse the policy. Policy reserves for Unum US, Unum UK, and Colonial Life products, which at December 31, 2012 represented approximately 12.1 percent, 0.2 percent, and 9.7 percent, respectively, of our total gross policy reserves, are determined using the net level premium method as prescribed by GAAP. In applying this method, we use, as applicable by product type, morbidity and mortality incidence rate assumptions, claim resolution rate assumptions, and policy persistency assumptions, among others, to determine our expected future claim payments and expected future premium income. We then apply an interest, or discount, rate to determine the present value of the expected future claims and claim expenses we will pay and the expected future premiums we will receive, with a provision for profit allowed.

Policy reserves for our Closed Block segment include certain older policy forms for individual disability, individual and group long-term care, and certain other products, all of which are no longer actively marketed. The reserves for individual disability and individual and group long-term care, which represented approximately 40.8 percent of our total gross policy reserves at

33


December 31, 2012, are determined using the gross premium valuation method. Reserves for individual disability are based on assumptions established as of January 1, 2004, the date of loss recognition. Reserves for long-term care are based on assumptions established as of December 31, 2011, the date of loss recognition. Key assumptions are persistency, mortality, claim incidence, claim resolution rates, commission rates, and maintenance expense rates. We apply an interest, or discount, rate to determine the present value of the expected future claims, commissions, and expenses we will pay as well as the expected future premiums we will receive, with no provision for future profit. The interest rate is based on our expected net investment returns on the investment portfolio supporting the reserves for these blocks of business. Under the gross premium valuation method, we do not include an embedded provision for the risk of adverse deviation from these assumptions. Gross premium valuation assumptions do not change after the date of loss recognition unless reserves are again determined to be deficient. We perform loss recognition tests on the policy reserves for this block of business annually, or more frequently if appropriate.

Policy reserves for certain other products, excluding individual disability and individual and group long-term care, which are no longer actively marketed and reported in our Closed Block segment represent $5.7 billion on a gross basis, or approximately 37.2 percent of our total policy reserves. We have ceded $4.5 billion of these other products' policy reserves to reinsurers. The ceded reserve balance is reported in our consolidated balance sheets as a reinsurance recoverable. We continue to service a block of group pension products, which we have not ceded, and the policy reserves for these products are based on expected mortality rates and retirement rates. Expected future payments are discounted at interest rates reflecting the anticipated investment returns for the assets supporting the liabilities.

Claim Reserves

Claim reserves are established when a claim is incurred or is estimated to have been incurred but not yet reported (IBNR) to us and, as prescribed by GAAP, equals our long-term best estimate of the present value of the liability for future claim payments and claim adjustment expenses. A claim reserve is based on actual known facts regarding the claim, such as the benefits available under the applicable policy, the covered benefit period, and the age and occupation of the claimant, as well as assumptions derived from our actual historical experience and expected future changes in experience for factors such as the claim duration and discount rate. Reserves for IBNR claims, similar to incurred claim reserves, include our assumptions for claim duration and discount rates but because we do not yet know the facts regarding the specific claims, are also based on historical incidence rate assumptions, including claim reporting patterns, the average cost of claims, and the expected volumes of incurred claims. Our incurred claim reserves and IBNR claim reserves do not include any provision for the risk of adverse deviation from our assumptions.

Claim reserves, unlike policy reserves, are subject to revision as current claim experience and projections of future factors affecting claim experience change. Each quarter we review our emerging experience to ensure that our claim reserves are appropriate. If we believe, based on our actual experience and our view of future events, that our long-term assumptions need to be modified, we adjust our reserves accordingly with a charge or credit to our current period income.

Multiple estimation methods exist to establish claim reserve liabilities, with each method having its own advantages and disadvantages. Available reserving methods utilized to calculate claim reserves include the tabular reserve method, the paid development method, the incurred loss development method, the count and severity method, and the expected claim cost method. No single method is better than the others in all situations and for all product lines. The estimation methods we have chosen are those that we believe produce the most reliable reserves.

Claim reserves supporting our Unum US group and individual disability product lines and our Closed Block individual disability and individual and group long-term care product lines represent approximately 35.9 percent and 47.0 percent, respectively, of our total claim reserves at December 31, 2012. We use a tabular reserve methodology for group and individual long-term disability and group and individual long-term care claims that have been reported. Under the tabular reserve methodology, reserves for reported claims are based on certain characteristics of the actual reported claimants, such as age, length of time disabled, and medical diagnosis. We believe the tabular reserve method is the most accurate to calculate long-term liabilities and allows us to use the most available known facts about each claim. IBNR claim reserves for our long-term products are calculated using the count and severity method using historical patterns of the claims to be reported and the associated claim costs. For Unum US group short-term disability products, an estimate of the value of future payments to be made on claims already submitted, as well as IBNR claims, is determined in aggregate rather than on the individual claimant basis that we use for our long-term products, using historical patterns of claim incidence as well as historical patterns of aggregate claim resolution rates. The average length of time between the event triggering a claim under a policy and the final resolution of those claims is much shorter for these products than for our long-term liabilities and results in less estimation variability.


34


Claim reserves supporting the Unum US group life and accidental death and dismemberment products represent approximately 3.9 percent of our total claim reserves at December 31, 2012. Claim reserves for these products are related primarily to death claims reported but not yet paid, IBNR death claims, and a liability for waiver of premium benefits. The death claim reserve is based on the actual face amount to be paid, the IBNR reserve is calculated using the count and severity method, and the waiver of premium benefits reserve is calculated using the tabular reserve methodology.

Claim reserves supporting our Unum UK segment represent approximately 9.7 percent of our total claim reserves at December 31, 2012, and are calculated using generally the same methodology that we use for Unum US disability and group life reserves. The assumptions used in calculating claim reserves for this line of business are based on standard United Kingdom industry experience, adjusted for Unum UK's own experience.

The majority of the Colonial Life segment lines of business have short-term benefits, which generally have less estimation variability than our long-term products because of the shorter claim payout period. Our claim reserves for Colonial Life's lines of business, which approximate 1.4 percent of our total claim reserves at December 31, 2012, are predominantly determined using the incurred loss development method based on our own experience. The incurred loss development method uses the historical patterns of payments by loss date to predict future claim payments for each loss date. Where the incurred loss development method may not be appropriate, we estimate the incurred claims using an expected claim cost per policy or other measure of exposure. The key assumptions for claim reserves for the Colonial Life lines of business are: (1) the timing, rate, and amount of estimated future claim payments; and (2) the estimated expenses associated with the payment of claims.

The following table displays policy reserves, incurred claim reserves, and IBNR claim reserves by major product line, with the summation of the policy reserves and claim reserves shown both gross and net of the associated reinsurance recoverable. Incurred claim reserves represent reserves determined for each incurred claim and also include estimated amounts for litigation expenses and other expenses associated with the payment of the claims as well as provisions for claims which we estimate will be reopened for our long-term care products. IBNR claim reserves include provisions for incurred but not reported claims and a provision for reopened claims for our disability products. The IBNR and reopened claim reserves for our disability products are developed and maintained in aggregate based on historical monitoring that has only been on a combined basis.


(in millions of dollars)
December 31, 2012
 
Gross
 
Total
 
 
 
Policy
 
 
 
Claim Reserves
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance
 
Total
 
Reserves
 
%
 
Incurred
 
IBNR
 
%
 
Total
 
Ceded
 
Net
Group Disability
$
—

 
—
%
 
$
7,000.8

 
$
596.0

 
30.9
%
 
$
7,596.8

 
$
61.3

 
$
7,535.5

Group Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
73.8

 
0.5

 
790.1

 
168.1

 
3.9

 
1,032.0

 
1.0

 
1,031.0

Individual Disability - Recently Issued
557.8

 
3.6

 
1,093.2

 
126.0

 
5.0

 
1,777.0

 
91.2

 
1,685.8

Voluntary Benefits
1,224.3

 
8.0

 
42.4

 
49.4

 
0.4

 
1,316.1

 
28.6

 
1,287.5

Unum US Segment
1,855.9

 
12.1

 
8,926.5

 
939.5

 
40.2

 
11,721.9

 
182.1

 
11,539.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unum UK Segment
25.6

 
0.2

 
2,251.7

 
142.2

 
9.7

 
2,419.5

 
108.3

 
2,311.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Colonial Life Segment
1,490.3

 
9.7

 
251.4

 
99.4

 
1.4

 
1,841.1

 
9.4

 
1,831.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual Disability
985.7

 
6.4

 
10,406.2

 
297.3

 
43.6

 
11,689.2

 
1,492.7

 
10,196.5

Long-term Care
5,272.5

 
34.4

 
747.0

 
81.3

 
3.4

 
6,100.8

 
47.0

 
6,053.8

Other
5,704.5

 
37.2

 
258.8

 
165.7

 
1.7

 
6,129.0

 
4,829.9

 
1,299.1

Closed Block Segment
11,962.7

 
78.0

 
11,412.0

 
544.3

 
48.7

 
23,919.0

 
6,369.6

 
17,549.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subtotal, Excluding Unrealized Adjustment
$
15,334.5

 
100.0
%
 
$
22,841.6

 
$
1,725.4

 
100.0
%
 
39,901.5

 
6,669.4

 
33,232.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized Adjustment to Reserves for Unrealized Gain on Securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6,277.5

 
351.5

 
5,926.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
46,179.0

 
$
7,020.9

 
$
39,158.1



35


 
December 31, 2011
 
Gross
 
Total
 
 
 
Policy
 
 
 
Claim Reserves
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance
 
Total
 
Reserves
 
%
 
Incurred
 
IBNR
 
%
 
Total
 
Ceded
 
Net
Group Disability
$
—

 
—
%
 
$
7,230.0

 
$
595.7

 
31.8
%
 
$
7,825.7

 
$
63.8

 
$
7,761.9

Group Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
74.3

 
0.5

 
780.5

 
146.2

 
3.8

 
1,001.0

 
1.0

 
1,000.0

Individual Disability - Recently Issued
546.7

 
3.7

 
1,063.9

 
104.5

 
4.8

 
1,715.1

 
91.0

 
1,624.1

Voluntary Benefits
1,138.6

 
7.7

 
42.1

 
45.8

 
0.3

 
1,226.5

 
26.5

 
1,200.0

Unum US Segment
1,759.6

 
11.9

 
9,116.5

 
892.2

 
40.7

 
11,768.3

 
182.3

 
11,586.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unum UK Segment
26.2

 
0.2

 
2,118.7

 
121.4

 
9.1

 
2,266.3

 
108.1

 
2,158.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Colonial Life Segment
1,399.5

 
9.5

 
243.2

 
90.1

 
1.4

 
1,732.8

 
12.2

 
1,720.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual Disability
1,112.3

 
7.6

 
10,494.0

 
299.1

 
43.9

 
11,905.4

 
1,477.2

 
10,428.2

Long-term Care
4,728.3

 
32.1

 
667.8

 
50.3

 
2.9

 
5,446.4

 
48.2

 
5,398.2

Other
5,687.9

 
38.7

 
306.5

 
186.7

 
2.0

 
6,181.1

 
4,824.6

 
1,356.5

Closed Block Segment
11,528.5

 
78.4

 
11,468.3

 
536.1

 
48.8

 
23,532.9

 
6,350.0

 
17,182.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subtotal, Excluding Unrealized Adjustment
$
14,713.8

 
100.0
%
 
$
22,946.7

 
$
1,639.8

 
100.0
%
 
39,300.3

 
6,652.6

 
32,647.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized Adjustment to Reserves for Unrealized Gain on Securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,245.6

 
293.2

 
4,952.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
44,545.9

 
$
6,945.8

 
$
37,600.1


Key Assumptions

The calculation of policy and claim reserves involves numerous assumptions, but the primary assumptions used to calculate reserves are (1) the discount rate, (2) the claim resolution rate, and (3) the claim incidence rate for policy reserves and IBNR claim reserves. Of these assumptions, our discount rate and claim resolution rate assumptions have historically had the most significant effects on our level of reserves because many of our product lines provide benefit payments over an extended period of time.

1.
The discount rate, which is used in calculating both policy reserves and incurred and IBNR claim reserves, is the interest rate that we use to discount future claim payments to determine the present value. A higher discount rate produces a lower reserve. If the discount rate is higher than our future investment returns, our invested assets will not earn enough investment income to support our future claim payments. In this case, the reserves may eventually be insufficient. We set our assumptions based on our current and expected future investment yield of the assets supporting the reserves, considering current and expected future market conditions. If the investment yield on new investments that are purchased is below or above the investment yield of the existing investment portfolio, it is likely that the discount rate assumption on claims will be established to reflect the effect of the new investment yield.

2.
The claim resolution rate, used for both policy reserves and incurred and IBNR claim reserves, is the probability that a disability or long-term care claim will close due to recovery or death of the insured. It is important because it is used to estimate how long benefits will be paid for a claim. Estimated resolution rates that are set too high will result in reserves that are lower than they need to be to pay the claim benefits over time. Claim resolution assumptions involve many factors, including the cause of disability, the policyholder's age, the type of contractual benefits provided, and the time since initially becoming disabled. We primarily use our own claim experience to develop our claim resolution assumptions. These assumptions are established for the probability of death and the probability of recovery from disability. Our studies review actual claim resolution experience over a number of years, with more weight placed on our experience in the more recent years. We also consider any expected future changes in claim resolution experience.

36



3.
The incidence rate, used for policy reserves and IBNR claim reserves, is the rate at which new claims are submitted to us. The incidence rate is affected by many factors, including the age of the insured, the insured's occupation or industry, the benefit plan design, and certain external factors such as consumer confidence and levels of unemployment. We establish our incidence assumption using a historical review of actual incidence results along with an outlook of future incidence expectations.

Establishing reserve assumptions is complex and involves many factors. Reserves, particularly for policies offering insurance coverage for long-term disabilities and long-term care, are dependent on numerous assumptions other than just those presented in the preceding discussion. The impact of internal and external events, such as changes in claims management procedures, economic trends such as the rate of unemployment and the level of consumer confidence, the emergence of new diseases, new trends and developments in medical treatments, and legal trends and legislative changes, among other factors, will influence claim incidence and resolution rates. In addition, for policies offering coverage for disability or long-term care at advanced ages, the level and pattern of mortality rates at advanced ages will impact overall benefit costs. Reserve assumptions differ by product line and by policy type within a product line. Additionally, in any period and over time, our actual experience may have a positive or negative variance from our long-term assumptions, either singularly or collectively, and these variances may offset each other. We test the overall adequacy of our reserves using all assumptions and with a long-term view of our expected experience over the life of a block of business rather than test just one or a few assumptions independently that may be aberrant over a short period of time. Therefore it is not possible to bifurcate the assumptions to evaluate the sensitivity of a change in each assumption, but rather in the aggregate by product line. We have presented in the following section an overview of our trend analysis for key assumptions and the results of variability in our assumptions, in aggregate, for the reserves which we believe are reasonably possible to have a material impact on our future financial results if actual claims yield a materially different amount than what we currently expect and have reserved for, either favorable or unfavorable.

Trends in Key Assumptions

Generally, we do not expect our mortality and morbidity claim incidence trends or our persistency trends to change significantly in the short-term, and to the extent that these trends do change, we expect those changes to be gradual over a longer period of time. However, we have historically experienced an increase in our group long-term disability morbidity claim incidence trends during and following a recessionary period, particularly in our Unum US operations.  During 2012 and 2011, claim incidence rates for Unum US group long-term disability continued to be slightly elevated relative to the level of 2010. Given the current economic conditions, it is possible that our claim incidence rates for this type of product may increase. 

During the fourth quarter of 2011, we completed an extensive review of experience factors for our long-term care business using emerging industry experience as well as our own company experience. An updated industry study for long-term care experience was made available mid-year 2011 from the Society of Actuaries which allowed us to compare our limited company experience to broader industry experience and trends. The trends reflected in emerging industry experience, as well as our own company experience, resulted in a modification to our mortality and morbidity assumptions, which together with the decline in interest rates as noted below, resulted in our recognition of a loss deficiency in our long-term care closed block of business as of December 31, 2011. During 2012, we observed elevated claims experience for our long-term care line of business which we view as temporary in nature. See "Long-term Care Strategic Review" contained in this Item 7.

Throughout the period 2010 to 2012, actual new money interest rates varied with the changing market conditions, and the assumptions we used to discount our reserves during this period generally trended downward slightly for all segments and product lines. In 2011, long-term interest rates declined significantly due to the European Union debt crisis and the Federal Reserve Board's actions, including the announcement of "Operation Twist." Interest rates have continued to remain low relative to historical norms throughout 2012. Reserve discount rate assumptions for new policies and new claims have been adjusted to reflect our current and expected net investment returns. Changes in our average discount rate assumptions tend to occur gradually over a longer period of time because of the long-duration investment portfolio needed to support the reserves for the majority of our lines of business.

Both the mortality rate experience and the retirement rate experience for our block of group pension products have remained stable and consistent with expectations.

Claim resolution rates have a greater chance of significant variability in a shorter period of time than our other reserve assumptions. These rates are reviewed on a quarterly basis for the death and recovery components separately. Claim resolution rates in our Unum US segment group and individual long-term disability product lines and our Closed Block individual disability product line have over the last several years exhibited some variability. Relative to the resolution rate we expect to experience over the life of the block of business, actual quarterly rates during 2011 and 2012 have varied by +5 and -4 percent in our Unum US group long-term disability line of business, between +14 and -13 percent in our Unum US individual disability

37


- recently issued line of business, and between +4 and -4 percent in our Closed Block individual disability line of business. Claim resolution rates are very sensitive to operational and environmental changes and can be volatile over short periods of time. Throughout the period 2010 to 2012, we had generally stable to improving claims management performance, and our claim resolution rates were fairly consistent with or slightly favorable to our long-term assumptions. Our claim resolution rate assumption used in determining reserves is our expectation of the resolution rate we will experience over the life of the block of business and will vary from actual experience in any one period, both favorably and unfavorably.

As our claims data for older ages in our long duration lifetime claim block in our Closed Block individual disability line of business has become credible, we are now able, with a higher degree of confidence, to assess our own experience for this particular claim block. Emerging experience indicates a longer life expectancy for our older age, longer duration disabled claimants, which lengthens the time a claimant receives disability benefits. As a result of this experience, as of December 31, 2011, we adjusted our mortality assumption within our claim resolution rate assumption, resulting in an increase of $183.5 million in our Closed Block individual disability line of business claim reserves. Experience in 2012 remained generally consistent with our updated mortality assumption. See "Claim Reserve Increase for Individual Disability Closed Block Business" contained in this Item 7.

We monitor and test our reserves for adequacy relative to all of our assumptions in the aggregate. In our estimation, scenarios based on reasonably possible variations in each of our reserve assumptions, when modeled together in aggregate, could produce a potential result, either positive or negative, in our Unum US group disability line of business that would change our claim reserve balance by +/- 3.1 percent. Using our actual claim reserve balance at December 31, 2012, this variation would have resulted in an approximate change (either positive or negative) of $230 million to our claim reserves. Using the same sensitivity analysis approach for our Closed Block individual disability line of business, the claim reserve balance could potentially vary by +/- 2.3 percent of our reported balance, which at December 31, 2012, would have resulted in an approximate change (either positive or negative) of $230 million to our claim reserves. The major contributor to the variance for both the Unum US group long-term disability line of business and the Closed Block individual disability line of business is the claim resolution rate. In addition, we consider variability in our reserve assumptions related to long-term care policy reserves.  These reserves are held under the gross premium valuation method with assumptions established as of December 31, 2011, the date of loss recognition. Assumptions for policy reserves do not change after the date of loss recognition unless reserves are again determined to be deficient. As such, positive developments will result in the accumulation of reserve margin, while adverse developments would result in an additional reserve charge.  Variability in our reserve assumptions for long-term care may be mitigated by potential future rate increases, particularly those variations associated with long-term changes in morbidity or mortality experience as well as investment yields.  When modeled in the aggregate, downside scenarios based on reasonably possible adverse variations in each of our reserve assumptions, including the potential impact of future rate increases on expected future premiums we will receive, could require a reserve increase of 7.3 percent of our reported balance, which at December 31, 2012, would have resulted in an approximate increase of $400 million to our policy reserves.  We believe that these ranges provide a reasonable estimate of the possible changes in reserve balances for those product lines where we believe it is possible that variability in the assumptions, in the aggregate, could result in a material impact on our reserve levels, but we record our reserves based on our long-term best estimate. Because these product lines have long-term claim payout periods, there is a greater potential for significant variability in claim costs, either positive or negative.
   
Deferred Acquisition Costs (DAC)

We defer incremental direct costs associated with the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts and amortize (expense) these costs over the life of the related policies. Deferred costs include certain commissions, other agency compensation, selection and policy issue expenses, and field expenses. Acquisition costs that do not vary with the production of new business, such as commissions on group products which are generally level throughout the life of the policy, are excluded from deferral.

Approximately 84 percent of our DAC relates to traditional non interest-sensitive products, and we amortize DAC for these products in proportion to the premium income we expect to receive over the life of the policies. DAC related to interest-sensitive policies is amortized over the lives of the policies in relation to the present value of estimated gross profits from surrender charges, mortality margins, investment returns, and expense margins. Key assumptions used in developing the future amortization of DAC are persistency, premium income, and for our interest-sensitive products, mortality margins and investment returns.  We use our own historical experience and expectation of the future performance of our businesses in determining our assumptions.  For traditional products, the estimated premium income in the early years of the amortization period is generally higher than in the later years due to the anticipated cumulative effect of policy persistency in the early years, which results in a greater proportion of the costs being amortized in the early years of the life of the policy.  During 2012, our key assumptions used to develop the future amortization of acquisition costs deferred during 2012 did not change materially from those used in 2011.  Generally, we do not expect our key assumptions to change significantly in the short-term, and to the extent that these trends do change, we expect those changes to be gradual over a longer period of time.

38



The following are our current assumptions regarding the length of our amortization periods, the approximate DAC balance that remains at the end of years 3, 10, and 15 as a percentage of the cost initially deferred, and our DAC balances as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.
 
 
 
Balance Remaining as a %
 
DAC Balances
 
Amortization
 
of Initial Deferral
 
at December 31
 
Period
 
Year 3
 
Year 10
 
Year 15
 
2012
 
2011
Unum US
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Disability
7
 
25%
 
0%
 
0%
 
$
47.4

 
$
39.4

Group Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
7
 
25% to 30%
 
0%
 
0%
 
40.7

 
32.0

Supplemental and Voluntary:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual Disability - Recently Issued
20
 
70% to 75%
 
50%
 
25%
 
449.1

 
458.0

Voluntary Benefits
15
 
60%
 
15%
 
0%
 
487.1

 
442.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unum UK
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Disability
3
 
7%
 
0%
 
0%
 
4.1

 
4.8

Group Life
3
 
7%
 
0%
 
0%
 
3.2

 
3.5

Supplemental and Voluntary
20
 
57%
 
17%
 
7%
 
31.5

 
32.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Colonial Life
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accident, Sickness, and Disability
15
 
47%
 
13%
 
2%
 
328.9

 
304.9

Life
25
 
72%
 
36%
 
18%
 
195.4

 
199.2

Cancer and Critical Illness
19
 
61%
 
27%
 
11%
 
168.1

 
160.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Totals
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,755.5

 
$
1,677.1


Amortization of DAC is adjusted to reflect actual experience for assumptions which deviate compared to the anticipated experience. Any deviations from projections may result in a change to the rate of amortization in the period such events occur. As an example, for our traditional products, we may experience accelerated amortization if policies terminate earlier than projected, or we may experience a slower rate of amortization if policies persist longer than projected. Our actual experience has not varied materially from our assumptions during the last three years.

We measure the recoverability of DAC by performing loss recognition tests in the fourth quarter of each year, but more frequently if appropriate, using best estimate assumptions as of the date of the test.  Insurance contracts are grouped for each major product line within a segment when we perform loss recognition tests.  If loss recognition testing indicates that DAC is not recoverable, the deficiency is charged to expense. Our loss recognition testing during the fourth quarter of 2011 indicated impairment of our long-term care DAC, and the balance of $196.0 million as of December 31, 2011 was charged to expense. See "Long-term Care Strategic Review" contained in this Item 7 for further discussion.

In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an Accounting Standards Update, now included in Accounting Standards Codification 944 "Financial Services - Insurance," to address diversity in practice regarding the interpretation of which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts qualify as deferred acquisition costs.  The amendments in the update modified the existing guidance and require that only incremental direct costs associated with the successful acquisition of a new or renewal insurance contract can be capitalized. All other costs are to be expensed as incurred. See Note 1 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further discussion of our retrospective adoption of this update.

Valuation of Investments

All of our fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value. Our derivative financial instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, are reported as either assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. We hold an immaterial amount of equity securities, which are also reported at fair value.     


39


Definition of Fair Value

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and therefore represents an exit price, not an entry price. The exit price objective applies regardless of our intent and/or ability to sell the asset or transfer the liability at the measurement date.

The degree of judgment utilized in measuring the fair value of financial instruments generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Financial instruments with readily available active quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices in active markets generally have more pricing observability and less judgment utilized in measuring fair value. An active market for a financial instrument is a market in which transactions for an asset or a similar asset occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and should be used to measure fair value whenever available. Conversely, financial instruments rarely traded or not quoted have less observability and are measured at fair value using valuation techniques that require more judgment. Pricing observability is generally impacted by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new to the market and not yet established, the characteristics specific to the transaction, and overall market conditions.

Valuation Techniques

Valuation techniques used for assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value are generally categorized into three types:

1.
The market approach uses prices and other relevant information from market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. Valuation techniques consistent with the market approach often use market multiples derived from a set of comparables or matrix pricing. Market multiples might lie in ranges with a different multiple for each comparable. The selection of where within the range the appropriate multiple falls requires judgment, considering both quantitative and qualitative factors specific to the measurement. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique used principally to value certain securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but comparing the securities to benchmark or comparable securities.

2.
The income approach converts future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount, or a discounted amount. Income approach techniques rely on current market expectations of future amounts. Examples of income approach valuation techniques include present value techniques, option-pricing models that incorporate present value techniques, and the multi-period excess earnings method.

3.
The cost approach is based upon the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset, or the current replacement cost. That is, from the perspective of a market participant (seller), the price that would be received for the asset is determined based on the cost to a market participant (buyer) to acquire or construct a substitute asset of comparable utility.

We use valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available that can be obtained without undue cost and effort. In some cases, a single valuation technique will be appropriate (for example, when valuing an asset or liability using quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities). In other cases, multiple valuation techniques will be appropriate. If we use multiple valuation techniques to measure fair value, we evaluate and weigh the results, as appropriate, considering the reasonableness of the range indicated by those results. A fair value measurement is the point within that range that is most representative of fair value in the circumstances.

The selection of the valuation method(s) to apply considers the definition of an exit price and depends on the nature of the asset or liability being valued. For assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value, we generally use valuation techniques consistent with the market approach, and to a lesser extent, the income approach. We believe the market approach valuation technique provides more observable data than the income approach, considering the type of investments we hold. The market sources from which we obtain or derive the fair values of our assets and liabilities carried at market value include quoted market prices for actual trades, price quotes from third party pricing vendors, price quotes we obtain from outside brokers, matrix pricing, discounted cash flow, and observable prices for similar publicly traded or privately traded issues that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer. Our fair value measurements could differ significantly based on the valuation technique and available inputs.

When using a pricing service, we obtain the vendor's pricing documentation to ensure we understand their methodologies. We periodically review and approve the selection of our pricing vendors to ensure we are in agreement with their current methodologies. When markets are less active, brokers may rely more on models with inputs based on the information available only to the broker. Our internal investment management professionals, which include portfolio managers and analysts, monitor

40


securities priced by brokers and evaluate their prices for reasonableness based on benchmarking to available primary and secondary market information. In weighing a broker quote as an input to fair value, we place less reliance on quotes that do not reflect the result of market transactions. We also consider the nature of the quote, particularly whether the quote is a binding offer. If prices in an inactive market do not reflect current prices for the same or similar assets, adjustments may be necessary to arrive at fair value. When relevant market data is unavailable, which may be the case during periods of market uncertainty, the income approach can, in suitable circumstances, provide a more appropriate fair value. During 2012, we have applied valuation techniques on a consistent basis to similar assets and liabilities and consistent with those techniques used at year end 2011.

Inputs to Valuation Techniques

Inputs to valuation techniques refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants use in pricing assets or liabilities, including assumptions about risk, for example, the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. We use observable and unobservable inputs in measuring the fair value of our financial instruments.

Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources.

Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.
  
Inputs that may be used include the following:

•
Broker market maker prices and price levels
•
Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE) pricing
•
Prices obtained from external pricing services
•
Benchmark yields (Treasury and interest rate swap curves)
•
Transactional data for new issuance and secondary trades
•
Security cash flows and structures
•
Recent issuance/supply
•
Sector and issuer level spreads
•
Security credit ratings/maturity/capital structure/optionality
•
Corporate actions
•
Underlying collateral
•
Prepayment speeds/loan performance/delinquencies/weighted average life/seasoning
•
Public covenants
•
Comparative bond analysis
•
Derivative spreads
•
Relevant reports issued by analysts and rating agencies 
•
Audited financial statements

The management of our investment portfolio includes establishing pricing policy and reviewing the reasonableness of sources and inputs used in developing pricing. We review all prices obtained to ensure they are consistent with a variety of observable market inputs and to verify the validity of a security’s price. In the event we receive a vendor's market price that does not appear reasonable based on our market analysis, we may challenge the price and request further information about the assumptions and methodologies used by the vendor to price the security. We may change the vendor price based on a better data source such as an actual trade. We also review all price changes from the prior month which fall outside a predetermined corridor. The overall valuation process for determining fair values may include adjustments to valuations obtained from our pricing sources when they do not represent a valid exit price. These adjustments may be made when, in our judgment and considering our knowledge of the financial conditions and industry in which the issuer operates, certain features of the financial instrument require that an adjustment be made to the value originally obtained from our pricing sources. These features may include the complexity of the financial instrument, the market in which the financial instrument is traded, counterparty credit risk, credit structure, concentration, or liquidity. Additionally, an adjustment to the price derived from a model typically reflects our judgment of the inputs that other participants in the market for the financial instrument being measured at fair value would consider in pricing that same financial instrument. In the event an asset is sold, we test the validity of the fair value determined by our valuation techniques by comparing the selling price to the fair value determined for the asset in the immediately preceding month end reporting period closest to the transaction date.


41


The parameters and inputs used to validate a price on a security may be adjusted for assumptions about risk and current market conditions on a quarter to quarter basis, as certain features may be more significant drivers of valuation at the time of pricing. Changes to inputs in valuations are not changes to valuation methodologies; rather, the inputs are modified to reflect direct or indirect impacts on asset classes from changes in market conditions.

Fair values for derivatives other than embedded derivatives in modified coinsurance arrangements are based on market quotes or pricing models and represent the net amount of cash we would have paid or received if the contracts had been settled or closed as of the last day of the period. We analyze credit default swap spreads relative to the average credit spread embedded within the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) setting syndicate in determining the effect of credit risk on our derivatives' fair values.  If net counterparty credit risk for a derivative asset is determined to be material and is not adequately reflected in the LIBOR-based fair value obtained from our pricing sources, we adjust the valuations obtained from our pricing sources. For purposes of valuing net counterparty risk, we measure the fair value of a group of financial assets and financial liabilities on the basis of the price that would be received to sell a net long position or transfer a net short position for a particular risk exposure in an orderly transaction between market participants, at the measurement date and under current market conditions. In regard to our own credit risk component, we adjust the valuation of derivative liabilities wherein the counterparty is exposed to our credit risk when the LIBOR-based valuation of our derivatives obtained from pricing sources does not effectively include an adequate credit component for our own credit risk.

Fair values for our embedded derivative in a modified coinsurance arrangement are estimated using internal pricing models and represent the hypothetical value of the duration mismatch of assets and liabilities, interest rate risk, and third party credit risk embedded in the modified coinsurance arrangement.

Certain of our investments do not have readily determinable market prices and/or observable inputs or may at times be affected by the lack of market liquidity. For these securities, we use internally prepared valuations combining matrix pricing with vendor purchased software programs, including valuations based on estimates of future profitability, to estimate the fair value. Additionally, we may obtain prices from independent third-party brokers to aid in establishing valuations for certain of these securities. Key assumptions used by us to determine fair value for these securities include risk free interest rates, risk premiums, performance of underlying collateral (if any), and other factors involving significant assumptions which may or may not reflect those of an active market.

As of December 31, 2012, the key assumptions we generally used to estimate the fair value of these types of securities included those listed below. Where appropriate, we have noted the assumption used for the prior period as well as the reason for the change.

•
Risk free interest rates of 0.72 percent for five-year maturities to 2.95 percent for 30-year maturities were derived from the current yield curve for U.S. Treasury Bonds with similar maturities. This compares to interest rates of 0.83 percent for five-year maturities to 2.89 percent for 30-year maturities used at December 31, 2011.
•
Current Baa corporate bond spreads ranging from 0.98 percent to 2.23 percent were added to the risk free rate to reflect the lack of liquidity. We used spreads ranging from 1.53 percent to 2.97 percent at December 31, 2011. The changes were based on observable market spreads. Newly issued private placement securities have historically offered yield premiums higher than a similar interest rate spread on comparable newly issued public securities.
•
Additional basis points were added as deemed appropriate for foreign investments, certain industries, and individual securities in certain industries that are considered to be of greater risk.

At December 31, 2012, approximately 4.9 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued using active trades from TRACE pricing or broker market maker prices for which there was current market activity in that specific security (comparable to receiving one binding quote).  The prices obtained were not adjusted, and the assets were classified as Level 1, the highest category of the three-level fair value hierarchy classification wherein inputs are unadjusted and represent quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. 

The remaining 95.1 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on non-binding quotes or other observable and unobservable inputs, as discussed below.
 
•
Approximately 77.5 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on prices from pricing services that generally use observable inputs such as prices for securities or comparable securities in active markets in their valuation techniques. These assets were classified as Level 2. Level 2 assets or liabilities are those valued using inputs (other than prices included in Level 1) that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability through correlation with market data at the measurement date and for the duration of the instrument’s anticipated life.


42


•
Approximately 3.8 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on one or more non-binding broker price levels, if validated by observable market data, or on TRACE prices for identical or similar assets absent current market activity. When only one price is available, it is used if observable inputs and analysis confirms that it is appropriate. These assets, for which we were able to validate the price using other observable market data, were classified as Level 2.

•
Approximately 13.8 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on prices of comparable securities, matrix pricing, market models, and/or internal models or were valued based on non-binding quotes with no other observable market data. These assets were classified as either Level 2 or Level 3, with the categorization dependent on whether there was other observable market data. Level 3 is the lowest category of the fair value hierarchy and reflects the judgment of management regarding what market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities at the measurement date. Financial assets and liabilities categorized as Level 3 are generally those that are valued using unobservable inputs to extrapolate an estimated fair value. 

We consider transactions in inactive or disorderly markets to be less representative of fair value. We use all available observable inputs when measuring fair value, but when significant other unobservable inputs and adjustments are necessary, we classify these assets or liabilities as Level 3.

As of December 31, 2012, approximately 4.9 percent of our fixed maturity securities were categorized as Level 1, 90.7 percent as Level 2, and 4.4 percent as Level 3. During 2012, we transferred $1,186.1 million of fixed maturity securities into Level 3 and $556.6 million of fixed maturity securities out of Level 3. The transfers between levels resulted primarily from a change in observability of three inputs used to determine fair values of the securities transferred: (1) transactional data for new issuance and secondary trades, (2) broker/dealer quotes and pricing, primarily related to changes in the level of activity in the market and whether the market was considered orderly, and (3) comparable bond metrics from which to perform an analysis. For fair value measurements of financial instruments that were transferred either into or out of Level 3, we reflect the transfers using the fair value at the beginning of the period. We believe this allows for greater transparency as all changes in fair value that arise during the reporting period of the transfer are disclosed as a component of our Level 3 reconciliation as shown in Note 2 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8.

Other-than-Temporary Impairment Analysis for Investments

In determining when a decline in fair value below amortized cost of a fixed maturity security is other than temporary, we evaluate the following factors:

•
Whether we expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security
•
Whether we intend to sell the security or will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis
•
Whether the security is current as to principal and interest payments
•
The significance of the decline in value
•
The time period during which there has been a significant decline in value
•
Current and future business prospects and trends of earnings
•
The valuation of the security’s underlying collateral
•
Relevant industry conditions and trends relative to their historical cycles
•
Market conditions
•
Rating agency and governmental actions
•
Bid and offering prices and the level of trading activity
•
Adverse changes in estimated cash flows for securitized investments
•
Changes in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date
•
Any other key measures for the related security.

We evaluate available information, including the factors noted above, both positive and negative, in reaching our conclusions. In particular, we also consider the strength of the issuer’s balance sheet, its debt obligations and near term funding requirements, cash flow and liquidity, the profitability of its core businesses, the availability of marketable assets which could be sold to increase liquidity, its industry fundamentals and regulatory environment, and its access to capital markets. Although all available and applicable factors are considered in our analysis, our expectation of recovering the entire amortized cost basis of the security, whether we intend to sell the security, whether it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, and whether the security is current on principal and interest payments are the most critical factors in determining whether impairments are other than temporary. The significance of the decline in value and the length of time during which there has been a significant decline are also important factors, but we generally do not record an impairment loss based solely on these two factors, since often other more relevant factors will impact our evaluation of a security.

43



While determining other-than-temporary impairments is a judgmental area, we utilize a formal, well-defined, and disciplined process to monitor and evaluate our fixed income investment portfolio, supported by issuer specific research and documentation as of the end of each period. The process results in a thorough evaluation of problem investments and the recording of losses on a timely basis for investments determined to have an other-than-temporary impairment.

If we determine that the decline in value of an investment is other than temporary, the investment is written down to fair value, and an impairment loss is recognized in the current period, either in earnings or in both earnings and other comprehensive income, as applicable. For those fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss for which we have not recognized an other-than-temporary impairment, we believe we will recover the entire amortized cost, we do not intend to sell the security, and we do not believe it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost. There have been no defaults in the repayment obligations of any securities for which we have not recorded an other-than-temporary impairment.

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities which we intend to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell before recovery in value are recognized in earnings and equal the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. For securities which we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell before recovery in value, other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings generally represent the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the present value of our best estimate of cash flows expected to be collected, discounted using the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the date of acquisition.  The determination of cash flows is inherently subjective, and methodologies may vary depending on the circumstances specific to the security. The timing and amount of our cash flow estimates are developed using historical and forecast financial information from the issuer, including its current and projected liquidity position. We also consider industry analyst reports and forecasts, sector credit ratings, future business prospects and earnings trends, issuer refinancing capabilities, actual and/or potential asset sales by the issuer, and other data relevant to the collectibility of the contractual cash flows of the security. We take into account the probability of default, expected recoveries, third party guarantees, quality of collateral, and where our debt security ranks in terms of subordination. We may use the estimated fair value of collateral as a proxy for the present value of cash flows if we believe the security is dependent on the liquidation of collateral for recovery of our investment.  For fixed maturity securities for which we have recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss through earnings, if through subsequent evaluation there is a significant increase in expected cash flows, the difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected is accreted as net investment income. 

We use a comprehensive rating system to evaluate the investment and credit risk of our mortgage loans and to identify specific properties for inspection and reevaluation. Mortgage loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. We establish an allowance for probable losses on mortgage loans based on a review of individual loans, considering the value of the underlying collateral, the value of which is periodically assessed. Mortgage loans are not reported at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets unless the mortgage loan is considered impaired, in which case the impairment is recognized as a realized investment loss in our consolidated statements of income.

There are a number of significant risks inherent in the process of monitoring our investments for impairments and determining when and if an impairment is other than temporary. These risks and uncertainties include the following possibilities:

•
The assessment of a borrower's ability to meet its contractual obligations will change.
•
The economic outlook, either domestic or foreign, may be less favorable or may have a more significant impact on the borrower than anticipated, and as such, the investment may not recover in value.
•
New information may become available concerning the security, such as disclosure of accounting irregularities, fraud, or corporate governance issues.
•
Significant changes in credit spreads may occur in the related industry.
•
Significant increases in interest rates may occur and may not return to levels similar to when securities were initially purchased.
•
Adverse rating agency actions may occur.

See Notes 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further details on our investments and derivatives.


44


Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

We sponsor several defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit (OPEB) plans for our employees, including non-qualified pension plans. The U.S. pension plans comprise the majority of our total benefit obligation and pension expense. Our U.K. operation maintains a separate defined benefit plan for eligible employees. The U.K. defined benefit pension plan was closed to new entrants on December 31, 2002.

Our net periodic benefit costs and the value of our benefit obligations for these plans are determined based on a set of economic and demographic assumptions that represent our best estimate of future expected experience. Major assumptions used in accounting for these plans include the expected discount (interest) rate and the long-term rate of return on plan assets. We also use, as applicable, expected increases in compensation levels and a weighted average annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered benefits, which reflects a health care cost trend rate, and the U.K. pension plan also uses expected cost of living increases to plan benefits.

The assumptions chosen for our pension and OPEB plans are reviewed annually, using a December 31 measurement date for each of our plans. The discount rate assumptions and expected long-term rate of return assumptions have the most significant effect on our net periodic benefit costs associated with these plans. In addition to the effect of changes in our assumptions, the net periodic cost or benefit obligation under our pension and OPEB plans may change due to factors such as actual experience being different from our assumptions, special benefits to terminated employees, or changes in benefits provided under the plans.

Discount Rate Assumptions

The discount rate is an interest assumption used to convert the benefit payment stream to a present value. We set the discount rate assumption at the measurement date for each of our retirement-related benefit plans to reflect the yield of a portfolio of high quality fixed income debt instruments matched against the timing and amounts of projected future benefits. A lower discount rate increases the present value of benefit obligations and increases our costs.
 
The discount rate we used to determine our 2013 and 2012 net periodic benefit costs for our U.S. pension plans was 4.50 percent and 5.40 percent, respectively. The discount rate used for the net periodic benefit costs for 2013 and 2012 for our U.K. pension plan was 4.50 percent and 4.90 percent, respectively. The discount rate used in the net periodic benefit cost for our OPEB plan for 2013 and 2012 was 4.20 percent and 5.20 percent, respectively.
 
Regarding sensitivity analysis, a decrease in the discount rate assumption of 50 basis points would increase our 2012 pension and OPEB expenses by approximately $19.9 million, before tax, and would increase our pension and OPEB benefit obligations by approximately $214.0 million as of December 31, 2012, resulting in an after-tax decrease in stockholders' equity of approximately $141.5 million as of December 31, 2012.
 
An increase in the discount rate assumption of 50 basis points would decrease our 2012 pension and OPEB expenses by approximately $16.6 million, before tax, and would decrease our pension and OPEB benefit obligations by approximately $196.2 million as of December 31, 2012, resulting in an after-tax increase in stockholders' equity of approximately $130.0 million as of December 31, 2012.

Long-term Rate of Return Assumptions

The long-term rate of return assumption is the best estimate of the average annual assumed return that will be produced from the pension trust assets until current benefits are paid. The U.S. pension plans use a compound interest method in computing the rate of return on their pension plan assets. The investment portfolio for our U.S. qualified pension plan contains a diversified blend of domestic and international large cap, mid cap, and small cap equity securities, U.S. government and agency and corporate fixed income securities, private equity funds of funds, and hedge funds of funds. Assets for our U.K. pension plan are invested in pooled funds, including diversified growth funds, which invest in assets such as global equities, hedge funds, commodities, below-investment-grade fixed income securities, and currencies, as well as leveraged, interest rate, and inflation swap funds intended to broadly match part of the interest rate and inflation sensitivities of the plan's liabilities. Assets for our OPEB plan are invested primarily in life insurance contracts. We believe our investment portfolios are well diversified by asset class and sector, with no potential risk concentrations in any one category.
 
Our expectations for the future investment returns of the asset categories are based on a combination of historical market performance, evaluations of investment forecasts obtained from external consultants and economists, and current market yields. For the U.S. pension plans, the methodology underlying the return assumption included the various elements of the expected return for each asset class such as long-term rates of return, volatility of returns, and the correlation of returns between various

45


asset classes. The expected return for the total portfolio is calculated based on the plan's current asset allocation. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through annual liability measurements, periodic asset/liability studies, and quarterly investment portfolio reviews.  Risk tolerance is established through consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition. 
 
The long-term rate of return on asset assumption used in the net periodic pension costs for our U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan for 2013 and 2012 was 7.50 percent for both years. The long-term rate of return on asset assumption used for 2013 and 2012 for our U.K. pension plan was 6.20 percent and 5.80 percent, respectively, and for our OPEB plan was 5.75 percent for both years. The actual rate of return on plan assets is determined based on the fair value of the plan assets at the beginning and the end of the period, adjusted for contributions and benefit payments.
 
A change in the expected long-term rate of return on the pension plan assets of +/-50 basis points would change our 2012 pension plan expense by approximately $7.0 million before tax, but would not materially change our OPEB plan expense. A lower rate of return on plan assets increases our expense.

Benefit Obligation and Fair Value of Plan Assets

The market-related value equals the fair value of assets, determined as of the measurement date. The return on assets fully recognizes all asset gains and losses, including changes in fair value, through the measurement date.
 
During 2012, the fair value of plan assets in our U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan increased $182.8 million, or approximately 15.6 percent, while the fair value of plan assets in our U.K. pension plan increased £5.5 million, or approximately 4.6 percent. Although the effect of these increases in fair value had no impact on our 2012 net periodic pension costs, the favorable rate of return on these plan assets in 2012 will have a favorable impact on our net periodic pension costs for 2013, but we expect this favorable impact to be negated by the decrease in the liability discount rate for these plans. We believe our assumptions appropriately reflect the impact of the current economic environment.

Our pension and OPEB plans have an aggregate unrecognized net actuarial loss of $902.6 million and a net unrecognized prior service credit of $6.5 million, which together represent the cumulative liability and asset gains and losses as well as the portion of prior service credits that have not been recognized in pension expense. As of December 31, 2012, the unrecognized net loss for these two items combined was approximately $896.1 million.

The unrecognized gains or losses are amortized as a component of the net benefit cost. Our 2012, 2011, and 2010 pension and OPEB expense includes $43.4 million, $28.8 million, and $29.1 million, respectively, of amortization of the unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service credit (cost). The unrecognized net actuarial loss for our pension plans, which is $883.3 million at December 31, 2012, will be amortized over the average future working life of pension plan participants, currently estimated at 11 years for both U.S. and U.K. participants, to the extent that it exceeds the 10 percent corridor, as described below. The unrecognized net actuarial loss of $19.3 million for our OPEB plan will be amortized over the average future working life of OPEB plan participants, currently estimated at 5 years, to the extent the loss is outside of a corridor established in accordance with GAAP. The corridor for the pension and OPEB plans is established based on the greater of 10 percent of the plan assets or 10 percent of the benefit obligation.  At December 31, 2012, $648.7 million of the actuarial loss was outside of the corridor for the U.S. plan and £10.7 million was outside of the corridor for the U.K. plan. At December 31, 2012, none of the actuarial loss was outside of the corridor for the OPEB plan.

The fair value of plan assets in our U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan was $1,353.6 million at December 31, 2012, compared to $1,170.8 million at December 31, 2011. The effect of a reduction in the liability discount rate, partially offset by the increase in fair value of plan assets, increased our year end deficit funding level to $454.3 million at December 31, 2012, compared to $274.7 million as of December 31, 2011.

The fair value of plan assets in our OPEB plan was $11.5 million at December 31, 2012, compared to $11.7 million at December 31, 2011. These assets represent life insurance contracts to fund the life insurance benefit portion of our OPEB plan. Our OPEB plan represents a non-vested, non-guaranteed obligation, and current regulations do not require specific funding levels for these benefits, which are comprised of retiree life, medical, and dental benefits. It is our practice to use general assets to pay medical and dental claims as they come due in lieu of utilizing plan assets for the medical and dental benefit portions of our OPEB plan. We expect to continue to receive subsidies under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, based on current law, to partially offset these payments. The expected subsidy included in our consolidated balance sheets is immaterial. We discontinued offering retiree life insurance to future retirees effective December 31, 2012. We will still provide this benefit to those employees who retired prior to December 31, 2012.


46


Our expected return on plan assets and discount rate discussed above will not affect the cash contributions we are required to make to our U.S. pension and OPEB plans because we have met all minimum funding requirements set forth by ERISA. We had no regulatory contribution requirements for 2012 and 2011; however, we elected to make a voluntary contribution of $53 million in 2012 to our U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan. We made no contributions in 2011. We expect to make a voluntary contribution of approximately $50 million to our U.S. qualified defined benefit plan during 2013.
 
During 2006, the U.S. federal government enacted the Pension Protection Act of 2006 which requires companies to fully fund defined benefit pension plans over a seven year period. We have evaluated this requirement and have made estimates of amounts to be funded in the future. Based on this assessment, we do not believe that the funding requirements of the Pension Protection Act will cause a material adverse effect on our liquidity.
 
The fair value of plan assets for our U.K. pension plan was £126.5 million at December 31, 2012, compared to £120.9 million at December 31, 2011. The U.K. pension plan had a surplus of £5.3 million and £11.3 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We contribute to the plan in accordance with a schedule of contributions which requires that we contribute to the plan at the rate of at least 24.8 percent of pensionable salaries for active members of the plan, plus 0.4 percent of pensionable salaries for all employees (including active members of the plan) who are entitled to lump sum death-in-service benefits under the plan, sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirement under U.K. legislation. During 2012 and 2011, we made required contributions of £2.6 million and £2.9 million, respectively. We expect to make contributions of approximately £2.6 million during 2013.
 
See Note 8 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further discussion.

Income Taxes

We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.  In 2011, as part of an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) settlement, we released a $4.1 million valuation allowance related to basis differences in foreign subsidiaries and net operating loss carryforwards in foreign jurisdictions for which we previously believed we would not realize a tax benefit. As of December 31, 2012, we had no valuation allowance.

In evaluating the ability to recover deferred tax assets, we have considered all available positive and negative evidence including past operating results, the existence of cumulative losses in the most recent years, forecasted earnings, future taxable income, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies.  In the event we determine that we most likely would not be able to realize all or part of our deferred tax assets in the future, an increase to the valuation allowance would be charged to earnings in the period such determination is made.  Likewise, if it is later determined that it is more likely than not that those deferred tax assets would be realized, the previously provided valuation allowance would be reversed.
 
The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws in a multitude of jurisdictions, both domestic and foreign.  The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits in various jurisdictions, and a material assessment by a governing tax authority could affect profitability. 

GAAP prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. The evaluation of a tax position is a two step process. The first step is to determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. The second step is to measure a position that satisfies the recognition threshold at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more likely than not threshold but that now satisfy the recognition threshold are recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met. If a previously recognized tax position is settled for an amount that is different from the amount initially measured, the difference will be recognized as a tax benefit or expense in the period the settlement is effective. We believe that tax positions have been reflected in our financial statements at appropriate amounts in conformity with GAAP.

See Note 6 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8.


47


Contingent Liabilities

On a quarterly basis, we review relevant information with respect to litigation and contingencies to be reflected in our consolidated financial statements. An estimated loss is accrued when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. It is possible that our results of operations or cash flows in a particular period could be materially affected by an ultimate unfavorable outcome of pending litigation or regulatory matters depending, in part, on our results of operations or cash flows for the particular period.  See Note 13 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8.

Accounting Developments

For information on new accounting standards and the impact, if any, on our financial position or results of operations, see Note 1 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8.

Consolidated Operating Results
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
% Change
 
2011
 
% Change
 
2010
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Income
$
7,716.1

 
2.7
 %
 
$
7,514.2

 
1.1
 %
 
$
7,431.4

Net Investment Income
2,515.2

 
(0.2
)
 
2,519.6

 
1.0

 
2,495.5

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
56.2

 
N.M.

 
(4.9
)
 
(119.8
)
 
24.7

Other Income
227.9

 
(8.5
)
 
249.1

 
3.1

 
241.6

Total Revenue
10,515.4

 
2.3

 
10,278.0

 
0.8

 
10,193.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
6,722.2

 
(6.8
)
 
7,209.5

 
13.5

 
6,354.1

Commissions
917.2

 
4.3

 
879.2

 
2.8

 
855.4

Interest and Debt Expense
145.4

 
1.5

 
143.3

 
1.1

 
141.8

Deferral of Acquisition Costs
(467.3
)
 
5.6

 
(442.5
)
 
4.7

 
(422.5
)
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
378.7

 
3.6

 
365.7

 
(2.0
)
 
373.3

Impairment of Deferred Acquisition Costs
—

 
(100.0
)
 
196.0

 
—

 
—

Compensation Expense
786.8

 
(2.6
)
 
808.0

 
4.1

 
776.3

Other Expenses
782.9

 
(0.3
)
 
785.5

 
(1.2
)
 
794.9

Total Benefits and Expenses
9,265.9

 
(6.8
)
 
9,944.7

 
12.1

 
8,873.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Before Income Tax
1,249.5

 
274.9

 
333.3

 
(74.7
)
 
1,319.9

Income Tax
355.1

 
N.M.

 
49.1

 
(88.9
)
 
441.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
894.4

 
214.7

 
$
284.2

 
(67.7
)
 
$
878.7

N.M. = not a meaningful percentage

In describing our results, we may at times note certain items and exclude the impact on financial ratios and metrics to enhance the understanding and comparability of our operational performance and the underlying fundamentals, but this exclusion is not an indication that similar items may not recur. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" as follows for additional discussion of these items. Also, as previously discussed, effective January 1, 2012, we adopted an accounting standards update regarding the capitalization of costs associated with the acquisition of insurance contracts and applied the amendments retrospectively. Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect our retrospective adoption. See Note 1 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further discussion.

The comparability of our financial results between years is affected by the fluctuation in the British pound sterling to dollar exchange rate. The functional currency of our U.K. operations is the British pound sterling. In periods when the pound weakens relative to the preceding period, as occurred in 2012 compared to 2011, translating into dollars decreases current period results relative to the prior periods. In periods when the pound strengthens relative to the preceding period, as occurred in 2011 compared to 2010, translating pounds into dollars increases current period results relative to the prior period. Our weighted average pound/dollar exchange rate was 1.584, 1.603, and 1.543 for the years ended 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. If the 2011 and 2010 results for our U.K. operations had been translated at the exchange rate of 2012, our operating revenue by segment in 2011 and 2010 would have been approximately $11.0 million lower and $20.3 million higher,

48


respectively, and our operating income by segment in 2011 and 2010 would have been approximately $2.3 million lower and $5.9 million higher, respectively. However, it is important to distinguish between translating and converting foreign currency. Except for a limited number of transactions, we do not actually convert pounds into dollars. As a result, we view foreign currency translation as a financial reporting item and not a reflection of operations or profitability in the U.K.

Consolidated premium income for both 2012 and 2011 includes premium growth, relative to the preceding years, for each of our three major business segments, although we continue to experience pressure on premium growth in many of our product lines due to the challenging economic and competitive pricing environment. Premium income continues to decline, as expected, in our Closed Block individual disability line of business, but our Closed Block long-term care line of business experienced premium growth during 2012 and 2011, relative to the preceding years, due to limited issuances of group long-term care policies, continued high persistency levels, and the implementation of rate increases for certain of our individual long-term care policies.

Net investment income was slightly lower in 2012 relative to 2011 due primarily to a decline in yield on invested assets, an increase in the amortization of the principal amount invested in our tax credit partnerships, and lower income on our Unum UK inflation index-linked bonds. These declines were partially offset by a higher level of invested assets, higher bond call premiums, an increase in income from private equity partnership investments, and higher prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities. Net investment income increased slightly in 2011 relative to 2010 due primarily to continued growth in invested assets and higher bond call premiums, partially offset by an increase in the amortization of the principal amount invested in tax credit partnerships, a decrease in income on other partnership investments, and lower prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities.

We recognized in earnings a net realized investment gain of $56.2 million in 2012, compared to a loss of $4.9 million in 2011 and a gain of $24.7 million in 2010. Included in these amounts were other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities of $19.9 million and $15.9 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively, all of which were recognized in earnings. We had no other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities during 2012.
  
Also recognized in earnings through realized investment gains and losses was the change in the fair value of an embedded derivative in a modified coinsurance arrangement. Changes in the fair value of this embedded derivative resulted in a realized gain of $51.8 million 2012, compared to a loss of $39.4 million in 2011 and a gain of $21.1 million in 2010. Gains and losses on this embedded derivative result primarily from changes in credit spreads in the overall investment market.

The benefit ratios were 87.1 percent in 2012 compared to 95.9 percent in 2011 and 85.5 percent in 2010. Excluding the 2011 reserve charges in our Closed Block segment, the benefit ratio for 2011 was 85.9 percent. The year-over-year increase in 2012 was primarily attributable to adverse risk results in our Unum UK group life line of business and in our Closed Block long-term care line of business. Risk results in our Unum US segment for 2012 were generally consistent with the level reported in 2011, and the benefit ratio for Colonial Life was only slightly elevated in 2012 compared to 2011. Risk results for 2011 were slightly unfavorable relative to 2010, excluding the reserve charges, with favorable risk results in our Unum US segment and the Closed Block individual disability line of business offset by unfavorable risk results in our Unum UK and Colonial Life segments and our Closed Block long-term care line of business. Further discussion of our line of business risk results for each of our segments is included in "Segment Results" as follows.

Interest and debt expense for 2012 was slightly higher than 2011 due primarily to the issuance of $250.0 million of debt in August 2012, partially offset by the maturity of $225.1 million of debt in March 2011. Interest and debt expense was marginally higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to the September 2010 issuance of $400.0 million of debt, mostly offset by the maturity of $225.1 million of debt in March 2011. We also experienced lower interest expense in 2011 compared to 2010 on $350.0 million of debt which we effectively converted into floating rate debt through the use of an interest rate swap entered into during the fourth quarter of 2010. See "Debt" contained in this Item 7, and Note 7 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further information on our debt.

The deferral of acquisition costs increased in both 2012 and 2011 relative to the prior years, with continued growth in certain of our product lines and the associated increase in deferrable expenses more than offsetting the lower level of deferrable costs in product lines with lower growth.


49


The amortization of deferred acquisition costs continues to increase year-over-year due to continued growth in the level of the deferred asset for certain of our product lines. Also impacting comparability between the years shown are adjustments for actual premium persistency which deviates from assumptions for certain issue years in certain of our traditional product lines as well as the impact from prospective unlocking for actual experience for assumptions which deviate compared to anticipated experience for certain of our interest-sensitive product lines. At December 31, 2011, we determined that our long-term care deferred acquisition costs were not recoverable, and we recognized an impairment charge at that time. Further discussion of deferred acquisition costs and amortization by product line for each of our segments is included in "Segment Results" as follows.

The year-over-year variability in compensation expense primarily relates to incentive compensation which varies with the volume of sales. Also contributing to the variability were higher expenses in 2012, relative to the two preceding years, for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans and higher expenses in 2011, as compared to either 2012 or 2010, due to costs related to the implementation of expense management initiatives. Other expenses were lower in both 2012 and 2011 compared to the prior years due to our continued focus on operating effectiveness and expense management. See Note 8 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further information on our pension and postretirement benefit plans.

Our income tax for 2012, 2011, and 2010 includes reductions of $9.3 million, $6.8 million, and $2.7 million, respectively, to reflect the impact of the decrease in the U.K. corporation tax rate changes on our net deferred tax liability related to our U.K. operations. Other items impacting our reported income tax rate include a release of an $11.0 million tax liability during 2012 related to unrecognized tax benefits, a reduction in federal income taxes of $41.3 million during 2011 due to a final settlement with the IRS, an $18.6 million tax during 2011 related to the repatriation of £150.0 million of dividends from our U.K. subsidiaries, and a tax of $10.2 million during 2010 to reflect the impact of the tax law change related to postretirement prescription drug coverage. Also lowering our income tax rate in 2012 and 2011 relative to the preceding year is an increase in the level of our investments in low-income housing tax credit partnerships. In January 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 retroactively reinstated the active financing income exemption which affects the amount of earnings from foreign subsidiaries that is taxed annually, regardless of whether foreign earnings are repatriated. Our 2012 income tax reflects the taxation of all active financing income from our foreign subsidiaries, the amount of which was immaterial. In the first quarter of 2013, our income tax will reflect reinstatement of the exemption for active financing income, and we will reverse the amounts recorded in our 2012 income tax. See Note 6 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further information on our income taxes.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We analyze our performance using non-GAAP financial measures. A non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's performance, financial position, or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. We believe operating income or loss which excludes the specified items listed in our reconciliation is a better performance measure and a better indicator of the profitability and underlying trends in our business. Realized investment gains or losses depend on market conditions and do not necessarily relate to decisions regarding the underlying business of our segments. Our investment focus is on investment income to support our insurance liabilities as opposed to the generation of realized investment gains or losses. Although we may experience realized investment gains or losses which will affect future earnings levels, a long-term focus is necessary to maintain profitability over the life of the business since our underlying business is long-term in nature, and we need to earn the interest rates assumed in calculating our liabilities. Certain components of the net periodic benefit cost for our pensions and other postretirement benefit plans, namely the amortization of prior period actuarial gains or losses, are primarily driven by market performance and are not indicative of the operational results of our businesses. We believe that excluding the amortization of prior period gains or losses from operating income by segment provides investors with additional information for comparison and analysis of our operating results. Although we manage our non-operating retirement-related gains or losses separately from the operational performance of our business, these gains or losses impact the overall profitability of our company and will increase or decrease over time, depending on market conditions and the resulting impact on the actuarial gains or losses in our pensions and other postretirement benefit plans. We also exclude certain other items from our discussion of financial ratios and metrics in order to enhance the understanding and comparability of our operational performance and the underlying fundamentals, but this exclusion is not an indication that similar items may not recur and does not replace net income or net loss as a measure of our overall profitability. The non-GAAP financial measures of "operating revenue," "operating income" or "operating loss," and "after-tax operating income" differ from revenue, income before income tax, and net income as presented in our consolidated operating results and in income statements prepared in accordance with GAAP due to the exclusion of before-tax realized investment gains or losses, non-operating retirement-related gains or losses, and certain other items.


50


A reconciliation of operating revenue by segment to revenue and operating income by segment to net income is as follows:
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Operating Revenue by Segment
$
10,459.2

 
$
10,282.9

 
$
10,168.5

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
56.2

 
(4.9
)
 
24.7

Total Revenue
$
10,515.4

 
$
10,278.0

 
$
10,193.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income by Segment
$
1,239.7

 
$
370.1

 
$
1,327.4

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
56.2

 
(4.9
)
 
24.7

Non-operating Retirement-related Loss
(46.4
)
 
(31.9
)
 
(32.2
)
Income Tax
(355.1
)
 
(49.1
)
 
(441.2
)
Net Income
$
894.4

 
$
284.2

 
$
878.7


As previously noted, included in before-tax "Operating Income by Segment" shown in the preceding chart are certain other items which we may at times exclude from our discussion of financial ratios and metrics in order to enhance the understanding and comparability of our operational performance and the underlying fundamentals, but this exclusion is not an indication that similar items may not recur. Excluding the before-tax charges of $196.0 million to recognize an impairment of our long-term care deferred acquisition costs and $573.6 million and $183.5 million to increase reserves in our long-term care and individual disability closed blocks, respectively, our operating income by segment was $1,323.2 million for 2011. The after-tax impacts of these charges, as well as certain other items, are reflected in the following reconciliation of after-tax operating income to net income:
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions)
 
per share *
 
(in millions)
 
per share *
 
(in millions)
 
per share *
After-tax Operating Income
$
887.5

 
$
3.15

 
$
905.4

 
$
2.98

 
$
894.3

 
$
2.73

Deferred Acquisition Costs Impairment and Reserve Charges for Long-term Care Closed Block, Net of Tax

—

 
—

 
(500.3
)
 
(1.65
)
 
—

 
—

Reserve Charge for Individual Disability Closed Block, Net of Tax
—

 
—

 
(119.3
)
 
(0.39
)
 
—

 
—

Tax Reduction from IRS Settlement
—

 
—

 
41.3

 
0.14

 
—

 
—

Tax Related to U.K. Repatriation
—

 
—

 
(18.6
)
 
(0.06
)
 
—

 
—

Tax Related to Healthcare Reform Legislation
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(10.2
)
 
(0.03
)
Non-operating Retirement-related Loss, Net of Tax
(30.2
)
 
(0.11
)
 
(20.7
)
 
(0.07
)
 
(21.1
)
 
(0.06
)
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss), Net of Tax
37.1

 
0.13

 
(3.6
)
 
(0.01
)
 
15.7

 
0.05

Net Income
$
894.4

 
$
3.17

 
$
284.2

 
$
0.94

 
$
878.7

 
$
2.69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Assuming Dilution
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



51


Consolidated Sales Results
 
Shown below are sales results for our three major business segments.

(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
% Change
 
2011
 
% Change
 
2010
Unum US
$
760.5

 
7.5
 %
 
$
707.3

 
9.9
 %
 
$
643.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unum UK
£
59.5

 
(5.1
)
 
£
62.7

 
(18.8
)
 
£
77.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Colonial Life
$
361.9

 
(1.1
)
 
$
365.9

 
2.0

 
$
358.8


Sales shown in the preceding chart generally represent the annualized premium income on new sales which we expect to receive and report as premium income during the next 12 months following or beginning in the initial quarter in which the sale is reported, depending on the effective date of the new sale. Sales do not correspond to premium income reported as revenue in accordance with GAAP. This is because new annualized sales premiums reflect current sales performance and what we expect to recognize as premium income over a 12 month period, while premium income reported in our financial statements is reported on an "as earned" basis rather than an annualized basis and also includes renewals and persistency of in-force policies written in prior years as well as current new sales.
Sales, persistency of the existing block of business, and the effectiveness of a renewal program are indicators of growth in premium income. Trends in new sales, as well as existing market share, also indicate the potential for growth in our respective markets and the level of market acceptance of price changes and new product offerings. Sales results may fluctuate significantly due to case size and timing of sales submissions.
See "Segment Results" as follows for a discussion of sales by segment.


52


Segment Results

Our reporting segments are comprised of the following: Unum US, Unum UK, Colonial Life, Closed Block, and Corporate.
Effective January 1, 2012, we adopted an accounting standards update regarding the capitalization of costs associated with the acquisition of insurance contracts and applied the amendments retrospectively. Operating income by segment has been adjusted to reflect our retrospective adoption. See Note 1 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further discussion.

In the following segment financial data, "operating revenue" excludes net realized investment gains or losses. "Operating income" or "operating loss" excludes net realized investment gains or losses, non-operating retirement-related gains or losses, and income tax. These are considered non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures of "operating revenue" and "operating income" or "operating loss" differ from revenue and income before income tax as presented in our consolidated statements of income prepared in accordance with GAAP due to the exclusion of before-tax realized investment gains or losses and non-operating retirement-related gains or losses. We previously allocated the amortization of prior period actuarial gains or losses, the component of the net periodic benefit costs for our pensions and other postretirement benefit plans which we consider to be non-operating, to our Corporate segment. During the first quarter of 2012, we determined that we would modify our segment reporting. Effective January 1, 2012, the amortization of prior period actuarial gains or losses is no longer included in operating income or operating loss by segment. Prior period segment results for our Corporate segment have been adjusted to conform to current year reporting. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" contained in this Item 7.

Financial information for each of our reporting segments is as follows.

Unum US Segment

The Unum US segment includes group long-term and short-term disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment products, and supplemental and voluntary lines of business, which are comprised of individual disability - recently issued insurance and voluntary benefits products.

Unum US Operating Results

Shown below are financial results for the Unum US segment. In the sections following, financial results and key ratios are also presented for the major lines of business within the segment.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
% Change
 
2011
 
% Change
 
2010
Operating Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Income
$
4,456.5

 
3.7
 %
 
$
4,296.0

 
1.0
 %
 
$
4,255.4

Net Investment Income
952.3

 
0.1

 
951.4

 
1.1

 
941.5

Other Income
124.6

 
2.5

 
121.6

 
(1.0
)
 
122.8

Total
5,533.4

 
3.1

 
5,369.0

 
0.9

 
5,319.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
3,238.6

 
4.0

 
3,113.5

 
(0.3
)
 
3,124.4

Commissions
507.5

 
7.1

 
474.0

 
2.9

 
460.6

Interest and Debt Expense
1.1

 
10.0

 
1.0

 
(16.7
)
 
1.2

Deferral of Acquisition Costs
(249.2
)
 
13.1

 
(220.3
)
 
6.0

 
(207.8
)
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
196.5

 
4.5

 
188.1

 
(2.3
)
 
192.6

Other Expenses
991.8

 
(0.4
)
 
995.8

 
1.6

 
979.7

Total
4,686.3

 
2.9

 
4,552.1

 
—

 
4,550.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income Before Income Tax and Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses
$
847.1

 
3.7

 
$
816.9

 
6.2

 
$
769.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Ratio
72.7
%
 
 
 
72.5
%
 
 
 
73.4
%
Other Expense Ratio
22.3
%
 
 
 
23.2
%
 
 
 
23.0
%
Before-tax Operating Income Ratio
19.0
%
 
 
 
19.0
%
 
 
 
18.1
%

53


Unum US Group Disability Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for Unum US group disability.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
% Change
 
2011
 
% Change
 
2010
Operating Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Long-term Disability
$
1,578.8

 
(0.1
)%
 
$
1,580.2

 
(3.6
)%
 
$
1,639.4

Group Short-term Disability
476.7

 
4.7

 
455.2

 
5.6

 
430.9

Total Premium Income
2,055.5

 
1.0

 
2,035.4

 
(1.7
)
 
2,070.3

Net Investment Income
576.9

 
(4.6
)
 
605.0

 
(1.6
)
 
614.6

Other Income
93.7

 
4.8

 
89.4

 
3.1

 
86.7

Total
2,726.1

 
(0.1
)
 
2,729.8

 
(1.5
)
 
2,771.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
1,741.6

 
1.1

 
1,722.1

 
(1.5
)
 
1,747.8

Commissions
159.3

 
(0.1
)
 
159.5

 
(0.1
)
 
159.7

Interest and Debt Expense
1.1

 
10.0

 
1.0

 
(16.7
)
 
1.2

Deferral of Acquisition Costs
(26.3
)
 
20.1

 
(21.9
)
 
20.3

 
(18.2
)
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
18.3

 
(7.6
)
 
19.8

 
(3.4
)
 
20.5

Other Expenses
539.0

 
(1.5
)
 
547.0

 
0.6

 
543.7

Total
2,433.0

 
0.2

 
2,427.5

 
(1.1
)
 
2,454.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income Before Income Tax and Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses
$
293.1

 
(3.0
)
 
$
302.3

 
(4.6
)
 
$
316.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Ratio
84.7
%
 
 
 
84.6
%
 
 
 
84.4
%
Other Expense Ratio
26.2
%
 
 
 
26.9
%
 
 
 
26.3
%
Before-tax Operating Income Ratio
14.3
%
 
 
 
14.9
%
 
 
 
15.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Persistency:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Long-term Disability
90.7
%
 
 
 
90.2
%
 
 
 
89.4
%
Group Short-term Disability
88.0
%
 
 
 
89.9
%
 
 
 
88.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Case Persistency:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Long-term Disability
88.8
%
 
 
 
89.0
%
 
 
 
88.4
%
Group Short-term Disability
88.2
%
 
 
 
88.0
%
 
 
 
87.3
%

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011

Premium income increased slightly in 2012 compared to 2011, with sales growth of 11.9 percent and generally stable persistency levels. As previously discussed, high unemployment levels and the competitive environment continue to pressure our premium income growth, including growth from existing customers. Net investment income declined in 2012 relative to 2011 due to a decrease in income from bond call premiums, a decrease in the level of invested assets, and a decline in yield on invested assets, partially offset by an increase in the level of prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities. Other income for 2012 included fees from administrative services products of $81.7 million compared to $77.9 million in 2011.

The benefit ratio was slightly unfavorable in 2012 compared to 2011, due primarily to a 50 basis point decrease in the discount rate during the third quarter of 2012 for group long-term disability new claim incurrals compared to a 25 basis point decrease during the third quarter of 2011. Also unfavorably impacting the benefit ratio for group disability were higher claim prevalence rates and a higher average weekly indemnity for short-term disability, mostly offset by favorable long-term disability claim recoveries.


54


The deferral of acquisition costs in 2012 was higher than 2011 due primarily to higher sales. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to a decrease in amortization related to internal replacement transactions. The other expense ratio was lower in 2012 relative to 2011 due primarily to higher premium income and our continued focus on operating effectiveness and expense management.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010

Premium income decreased in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to the ongoing high levels of unemployment and the competitive environment, partially offset by higher premium and case persistency. Net investment income was lower in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to a decrease in the level of invested assets and a decline in the level of prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities, partially offset by an increase in bond call premiums. Other income included fees from administrative services products of $77.9 million and $74.9 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The benefit ratio was slightly higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due to an increase in group long-term and short-term disability incidence rates and a decrease in the claim reserve discount rate for group long-term disability new claim incurrals as previously discussed. These unfavorable impacts on the benefit ratio were mostly offset by a higher rate of group long-term disability claim recoveries.

The deferral of acquisition costs in 2011 was higher than 2010 due to a higher level of sales in 2011 and an increase in the associated acquisition costs. The amortization of acquisition costs in 2011 was lower than 2010 due to a decrease in amortization related to internal replacement transactions. Although we continued our focus on operating effectiveness and expense management throughout 2011, the other expense ratio was slightly higher in 2011 relative to 2010 due primarily to an increase in expenses associated with the growth in the fee-based family medical leave products.


55


Unum US Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for Unum US group life and accidental death and dismemberment.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
% Change
 
2011
 
% Change
 
2010
Operating Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Life
$
1,182.1

 
6.8
 %
 
$
1,106.7

 
1.5
 %
 
$
1,090.3

Accidental Death & Dismemberment
115.3

 
5.6

 
109.2

 
2.9

 
106.1

Total Premium Income
1,297.4

 
6.7

 
1,215.9

 
1.6

 
1,196.4

Net Investment Income
146.9

 
8.4

 
135.5

 
4.6

 
129.6

Other Income
1.9

 
(13.6
)
 
2.2

 
(8.3
)
 
2.4

Total
1,446.2

 
6.8

 
1,353.6

 
1.9

 
1,328.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
936.4

 
9.6

 
854.6

 
1.8

 
839.9

Commissions
104.6

 
9.5

 
95.5

 
6.9

 
89.3

Deferral of Acquisition Costs
(22.4
)
 
21.1

 
(18.5
)
 
20.1

 
(15.4
)
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
13.6

 
(4.2
)
 
14.2

 
0.7

 
14.1

Other Expenses
193.1

 
(3.1
)
 
199.3

 
1.4

 
196.5

Total
1,225.3

 
7.0

 
1,145.1

 
1.8

 
1,124.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income Before Income Tax and Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses
$
220.9

 
5.9

 
$
208.5

 
2.2

 
$
204.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Ratio
72.2
%
 
 
 
70.3
%
 
 
 
70.2
%
Other Expense Ratio
14.9
%
 
 
 
16.4
%
 
 
 
16.4
%
Before-tax Operating Income Ratio
17.0
%
 
 
 
17.1
%
 
 
 
17.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Persistency:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Life
90.6
%
 
 
 
88.0
%
 
 
 
91.5
%
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
90.0
%
 
 
 
88.2
%
 
 
 
90.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Case Persistency:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Life
88.3
%
 
 
 
88.6
%
 
 
 
88.3
%
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
88.3
%
 
 
 
88.6
%
 
 
 
88.4
%

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011

Premium income was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to higher sales and favorable premium persistency. Case persistency in 2012 was slightly lower than 2011, but remains strong. Net investment income was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to an increase in income from bond call premiums, an increase in the level of invested assets, and an increase in the level of prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities, partially offset by a decline in yield on invested assets.

The benefit ratio was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to a higher average claim size and a higher claim incidence rate. Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to higher sales. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to a decrease in amortization related to internal replacement transactions. The other expense ratio was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to our continued focus on operating effectiveness and expense management relative to our premium income levels.


56


Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010

Premium income increased in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to higher group life sales, partially offset by lower premium persistency in the large case group life products. Case persistency in 2011 was slightly higher than 2010. Net investment income was higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to an increase in the level of invested assets, partially offset by a decline in the level of prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities.

The 2011 benefit ratio was generally consistent with the benefit ratio of 2010. Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to a higher level of group life sales. The amortization of acquisition costs in 2011 was slightly higher than in 2010 due primarily to volatility in the level of amortization associated with internal replacement transactions.


57


Unum US Supplemental and Voluntary Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for Unum US supplemental and voluntary product lines.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
% Change
 
2011
 
% Change
 
2010
Operating Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual Disability - Recently Issued
$
477.6

 
2.8
 %
 
$
464.7

 
1.5
 %
 
$
457.9

Voluntary Benefits
626.0

 
7.9

 
580.0

 
9.3

 
530.8

Total Premium Income
1,103.6

 
5.6

 
1,044.7

 
5.7

 
988.7

Net Investment Income
228.5

 
8.3

 
210.9

 
6.9

 
197.3

Other Income
29.0

 
(3.3
)
 
30.0

 
(11.0
)
 
33.7

Total
1,361.1

 
5.9

 
1,285.6

 
5.4

 
1,219.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
560.6

 
4.4

 
536.8

 
—

 
536.7

Commissions
243.6

 
11.2

 
219.0

 
3.5

 
211.6

Deferral of Acquisition Costs
(200.5
)
 
11.5

 
(179.9
)
 
3.3

 
(174.2
)
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
164.6

 
6.8

 
154.1

 
(2.5
)
 
158.0

Other Expenses
259.7

 
4.1

 
249.5

 
4.2

 
239.5

Total
1,028.0

 
5.0

 
979.5

 
0.8

 
971.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income Before Income Tax and Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses
$
333.1

 
8.8

 
$
306.1

 
23.4

 
$
248.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual Disability - Recently Issued
52.4
%
 
 
 
52.2
%
 
 
 
53.3
%
Voluntary Benefits
49.5
%
 
 
 
50.7
%
 
 
 
55.1
%
Other Expense Ratio
23.5
%
 
 
 
23.9
%
 
 
 
24.2
%
Before-tax Operating Income Ratio
30.2
%
 
 
 
29.3
%
 
 
 
25.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Adjusted Loss Ratio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual Disability - Recently Issued
31.2
%
 
 
 
30.8
%
 
 
 
32.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Persistency:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual Disability - Recently Issued
91.4
%
 
 
 
89.3
%
 
 
 
90.7
%
Voluntary Benefits
78.9
%
 
 
 
80.5
%
 
 
 
80.1
%

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011

Premium income was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to continued sales growth and stable premium persistency. Net investment income was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to an increase in the level of invested assets, an increase in bond call premiums and other fees, and an increase in the level of prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities, partially offset by a decline in yield on invested assets.

The interest adjusted loss ratio for the individual disability - recently issued line of business was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to higher submitted incidence rates, partially offset by higher claim recoveries. The benefit ratio for voluntary benefits was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 driven primarily by the release of active life reserves associated with individual contracts that terminated and bought voluntary group coverage during 2012.


58


Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due to higher sales. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due to unfavorable premium persistency relative to assumptions for certain issue years within certain of our product lines, including the impact on persistency from the large case customer that terminated the existing individual contracts and bought voluntary group coverage during 2012. Partially offsetting this increase in amortization was a reduction in amortization due to a more favorable year-over-year impact from the prospective unlocking for actual experience for assumptions which deviate compared to anticipated experience for our interest-sensitive voluntary life products. Other expenses have grown approximately 4 percent each year, below the level of premium growth, due to our continued focus on operating effectiveness and expense management.

The individual disability - recently issued product line had goodwill of approximately $187.5 million at December 31, 2012, none of which is currently believed to be at risk for future impairment.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010

Premium income was higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to growth in our voluntary benefits product line. Premium persistency for the individual disability - recently issued product line decreased, while the premium persistency for the voluntary benefits product line increased slightly. Net investment income was higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to an increase in the level of assets supporting these lines of business, partially offset by a decline in the level of prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities and a decline in bond call premiums.

The interest adjusted loss ratio for the individual disability - recently issued line of business in 2011 was lower than 2010 due to lower incidence rates. The benefit ratio for voluntary benefits was lower in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to a lower average paid claim size for voluntary life and lower paid incidence and prevalence rates for voluntary disability.

Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were higher in 2011 than 2010 due to higher sales. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs was lower in 2011 compared to 2010 due to favorable premium persistency relative to assumptions for certain issue years within certain of our product lines as well as prospective unlocking for favorable mortality experience relative to assumptions for our interest-sensitive voluntary life products.

Sales
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
% Change
 
2011
 
% Change
 
2010
Sales by Product
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Disability, Group Life, and AD&D
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Long-term Disability
$
182.2

 
10.4
%
 
$
165.0

 
11.3
 %
 
$
148.2

Group Short-term Disability
97.4

 
14.7

 
84.9

 
5.7

 
80.3

Group Life
188.0

 
1.5

 
185.3

 
11.0

 
166.9

AD&D
19.5

 
10.8

 
17.6

 
(2.8
)
 
18.1

Subtotal
487.1

 
7.6

 
452.8

 
9.5

 
413.5

Supplemental and Voluntary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual Disability - Recently Issued
57.0

 
2.5

 
55.6

 
30.2

 
42.7

Voluntary Benefits
216.4

 
8.8

 
198.9

 
6.3

 
187.2

Subtotal
273.4

 
7.4

 
254.5

 
10.7

 
229.9

Total Sales
$
760.5

 
7.5

 
$
707.3

 
9.9

 
$
643.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales by Market Sector
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Disability, Group Life, and AD&D
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Core Market (< 2,000 lives)
$
334.9

 
4.0
%
 
$
322.1

 
9.6
 %
 
$
294.0

Large Case Market
152.2

 
16.4

 
130.7

 
9.4

 
119.5

Subtotal
487.1

 
7.6

 
452.8

 
9.5

 
413.5

Supplemental and Voluntary
273.4

 
7.4

 
254.5

 
10.7

 
229.9

Total Sales
$
760.5

 
7.5

 
$
707.3

 
9.9

 
$
643.4



59


Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011

Unum US sales were higher in 2012 compared to 2011, with growth in each of our product lines and in each of our major market segments. Sales in our group core market segment were 4.0 percent higher in 2012 relative to 2011, with increases in each of the product lines within this market segment other than accidental death and dismemberment. The number of new accounts added in our group core market segment during 2012 was 1.9 percent higher than the number of new accounts added during 2011.

Sales in our group large case market segment were 16.4 percent higher in 2012 compared to 2011, with increases in each of the product lines within this market segment, other than group life. We continued our disciplined and opportunistic approach to sales growth in the large case market during 2012, and although the level of sales in this market segment was higher than in 2011, our new business pricing was within our guidelines. Our sales mix in 2012 was approximately 69 percent core market and 31 percent large case market, generally consistent with 2011.

Sales of voluntary benefits were 8.8 percent higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to strong large case sales and increases in sales to both new and existing customers. The number of new accounts added in the voluntary benefits product line was 6.9 percent lower in 2012 than the number of new accounts added during 2011. Sales in our individual disability - recently issued line of business, which are primarily concentrated in the multi-life market, were 2.5 percent higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to higher sales to existing customers.

We believe that the group core market and voluntary benefits market, which combined together are approximately 73 percent of our Unum US sales for 2012 and grew approximately 5.8 percent relative to 2011, represent significant growth opportunities. We will also continue to seek disciplined and opportunistic growth in the group large case and individual disability markets.  While in the short term we expect economic trends to continue to pressure our sales growth, we believe we are well positioned to expand existing relationships and leverage our brand and market leadership.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010

Unum US sales were higher in 2011 compared to 2010, with growth in each of our product lines, other than accidental death and dismemberment, and growth in each of our major market segments. Sales in our group core market segment were 9.6 percent higher in 2011 compared to 2010, with increases in each of the product lines within this market segment. The number of new accounts added in our group core market segment during 2011 was 4.4 percent higher than the number of new accounts added during 2010.

Sales in our group large case market segment were 9.4 percent higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due to higher group long-term disability and group life sales, partially offset by lower group short-term disability and accidental, death, and dismemberment sales. Our sales mix of group products in 2011 was approximately 71 percent core market and 29 percent large case market.

Sales of voluntary benefits were 6.3 percent higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to higher sales from existing customers. The number of new accounts added in the voluntary benefits product line was 2.9 percent higher in 2011 than the number of new accounts added during 2010.

Sales in our individual disability - recently issued line of business, which are primarily concentrated in the multi-life market, were 30.2 percent higher in 2011 compared to 2010. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to strong sales in our larger sized markets, as well as the unusually low volume of sales we experienced during 2010 for this line of business.

60


Segment Outlook

We believe that premium and sales growth, particularly growth in existing customer accounts, will continue to be pressured by the ongoing high levels of unemployment and the competitive environment. Although we expect to continue to achieve marginal year-over-year growth in our premium income during 2013 and beyond, opportunities for further premium and sales growth are not expected to re-emerge until the economy improves and employment growth accelerates. Our net investment income may be impacted, either favorably or unfavorably, by fluctuations in bond calls and other types of miscellaneous net investment income. The current interest rate environment is putting near-term pressure on our profit margins by impacting net investment income and claim reserve discount rates. As a result of the continued low interest rate environment and the aging of insureds, we began initiating price increases for our group disability products during the first quarter of 2012 and will continue with the price increases during 2013. We anticipate that the benefit ratio for our group disability product line for 2013 will generally be consistent with the level of 2012, depending on claim incidence rates and claim discount rates. We think future profit margin improvement is achievable, driven primarily by our continued product mix shift and expense efficiencies as our claims performance gradually flattens.

Certain risks and uncertainties are inherent in the disability insurance business. Components of claims experience, such as incidence and recovery rates, may be worse than we expect. Disability claim incidence and claim recovery rates may be influenced by, among other factors, the rate of unemployment and consumer confidence. Within the group disability market, pricing and renewal actions can be taken to react to higher claim rates or lower discount rates, but these actions take time to implement, and there is a risk that the market will not sustain increased prices. In addition, changes in economic and external conditions may not manifest themselves in claims experience for an extended period of time. The current economic conditions may lead to a higher rate of claim incidence, lower levels of claim recoveries, or lower claim discount rates. We have previously taken steps to improve our risk profile, including reducing our exposure to volatile business segments through diversification by market size, product segment, and industry segment. We believe our claims management organization is positioned for stable and sustainable performance levels. Claim incidence levels may fluctuate due to the normal volatility that occurs in group disability business or may be related to economic conditions. We continuously monitor key indicators to assess our risks and attempt to adjust our business plans accordingly.

We believe our Unum US growth strategy is sound and that we will be able to leverage the capabilities, products, and relationships and reputation we have built to deliver growth as the benefits market stabilizes. We continue to see future growth opportunity based on employee choice, defined employer funding, superior service, and effective communication. We intend to maintain our discipline and will continue (i) directing the majority of our efforts on capturing opportunities emerging in our core group and voluntary markets to grow them at above-market rates, (ii) focusing on margins in large case group insurance, while leveraging core market, voluntary, and other shorter-term investments to grow at market rates, and (iii) seeking opportunities to improve margins and return in our supplemental lines of business. We believe we are well positioned strategically in our markets and that opportunities for continued disciplined growth exist in our group core market segment and in the voluntary markets.


61


Unum UK Segment

The Unum UK segment includes insurance for group long-term disability, group life, and supplemental and voluntary lines of business. The supplemental and voluntary lines of business are comprised of individual disability, critical illness, and voluntary benefits products. Unum UK's products are sold primarily in the United Kingdom through field sales personnel and independent brokers and consultants.
Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for the Unum UK segment.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
% Change
 
2011
 
% Change
 
2010
Operating Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Long-term Disability
$
409.7

 
(2.4
)%
 
$
419.6

 
(0.4
)%
 
$
421.2

Group Life
221.3

 
8.7

 
203.6

 
18.6

 
171.6

Supplemental and Voluntary
63.6

 
(1.2
)
 
64.4

 
11.4

 
57.8

Total Premium Income
694.6

 
1.0

 
687.6

 
5.7

 
650.6

Net Investment Income
170.8

 
(10.1
)
 
189.9

 
11.4

 
170.5

Other Income
0.1

 
(66.7
)
 
0.3

 
(75.0
)
 
1.2

Total
865.5

 
(1.4
)
 
877.8

 
6.7

 
822.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
541.4

 
9.6

 
493.8

 
13.3

 
435.8

Commissions
42.6

 
(6.8
)
 
45.7

 
3.6

 
44.1

Deferral of Acquisition Costs
(11.8
)
 
(23.4
)
 
(15.4
)
 
2.0

 
(15.1
)
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
15.7

 
2.6

 
15.3

 
12.5

 
13.6

Other Expenses
146.3

 
(0.9
)
 
147.7

 
9.5

 
134.9

Total
734.2

 
6.9

 
687.1

 
12.0

 
613.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income Before Income Tax and Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses
$
131.3

 
(31.1
)
 
$
190.7

 
(8.8
)
 
$
209.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Ratio
77.9
%
 
 
 
71.8
%
 
 
 
67.0
%
Other Expense Ratio
21.1
%
 
 
 
21.5
%
 
 
 
20.7
%
Before-tax Operating Income Ratio
18.9
%
 
 
 
27.7
%
 
 
 
32.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Persistency:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Long-term Disability
84.0
%
 
 
 
86.6
%
 
 
 
91.3
%
Group Life
82.5
%
 
 
 
89.3
%
 
 
 
92.7
%
Supplemental and Voluntary
84.6
%
 
 
 
87.3
%
 
 
 
88.9
%


62


Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency of Unum UK is the British pound sterling. Unum UK's premium income, net investment income, claims, and expenses are received or paid in pounds, and we hold pound-denominated assets to support Unum UK's pound-denominated policy reserves and liabilities. We translate Unum UK's pound-denominated financial statement items into dollars for our consolidated financial reporting. We translate income statement items using an average exchange rate for the reporting period, and we translate balance sheet items using the exchange rate at the end of the period. We report unrealized foreign currency translation gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income in our consolidated balance sheets.
 
Fluctuations in the pound to dollar exchange rate have an effect on Unum UK's reported financial results and our consolidated financial results. In periods when the pound weakens relative to the preceding period, as occurred in 2012 compared to 2011, translating pounds into dollars decreases current period results relative to the prior period. In periods when the pound strengthens relative to the preceding period, as occurred in 2011 compared to 2010, translating pounds into dollars increases current period results relative to the prior period.  
(in millions of pounds, except ratios)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
% Change
 
2011
 
% Change
 
2010
Operating Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Long-term Disability
£
258.4

 
(1.2
)%
 
£
261.6

 
(3.9
)%
 
£
272.3

Group Life
139.6

 
9.9

 
127.0

 
14.5

 
110.9

Supplemental and Voluntary
40.1

 
—

 
40.1

 
7.2

 
37.4

Total Premium Income
438.1

 
2.2

 
428.7

 
1.9

 
420.6

Net Investment Income
107.7

 
(9.0
)
 
118.4

 
7.4

 
110.2

Other Income
—

 
(100.0
)
 
0.1

 
(88.9
)
 
0.9

Total
545.8

 
(0.3
)
 
547.2

 
2.9

 
531.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
341.4

 
11.0

 
307.7

 
9.3

 
281.4

Commissions
26.9

 
(5.6
)
 
28.5

 
—

 
28.5

Deferral of Acquisition Costs
(7.5
)
 
(21.1
)
 
(9.5
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(9.6
)
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
9.9

 
5.3

 
9.4

 
9.3

 
8.6

Other Expenses
92.2

 
0.1

 
92.1

 
5.4

 
87.4

Total
462.9

 
8.1

 
428.2

 
8.0

 
396.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income Before Income Tax and Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses
£
82.9

 
(30.3
)
 
£
119.0

 
(12.1
)
 
£
135.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Pound/Dollar Exchange Rate
1.584

 
 
 
1.603

 
 
 
1.543


Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011

Premium income was higher in 2012 compared to 2011, although premium growth and persistency continue to be pressured due to the initiation of premium rate increases in our group long-term disability and group life product lines. Group long-term disability premium income was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due to a decline in premium persistency resulting primarily from premium rate increases, partially offset by an increase in premium income due to growth in existing customer accounts. Group life premium income increased in 2012 relative to 2011 as a result of premium rate increases and higher new business sales, partially offset by lower premium persistency resulting primarily from premium rate increases.

Net investment income declined in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to lower income on inflation index-linked bonds, a decrease in invested asset yields, and lower income from bond call premiums, partially offset by an increase in the level of invested assets. We invest in inflation index-linked bonds to support the claim reserves associated with certain of our group policies that provide for inflation-linked increases in benefits.


63


The benefit ratio was higher in 2012 compared to 2011, with unfavorable risk results in both group long-term disability and group life. Group long-term disability risk results were unfavorable in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to less favorable claim recoveries and higher incidence rates. Group life risk results were unfavorable in 2012 compared to 2011 due to a higher average claim size and higher claim volumes. Supplemental and voluntary risk results were favorable in 2012 compared to 2011 due to lower claim incidence rates in the group critical illness and individual disability products.

Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were both lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to a lower level of individual disability product sales. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to an increase in internal replacement transactions. The other expense ratio was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to higher premium income and continued expense management initiatives.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010

Premium income was higher in 2011 compared to 2010, although premium growth was pressured by pricing actions that resulted from the competitive U.K. market. The 2011 growth in group life premium income was due primarily to an increase in the inforce block of business from prior year sales. Persistency, although below the level of 2010, was strong. Net investment income was higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to an increase in the level of invested assets, an increase in bond calls, and higher returns from inflation index-linked bonds.

The benefit ratio was higher in 2011 compared to 2010, driven primarily by unfavorable group long-term disability risk results due to the impact of higher inflation on claim reserves associated with disability policies containing an inflation-linked benefit increase feature, and a lower level of claim recoveries during 2011 compared to 2010, partially offset by improved claim incidence levels during 2011. Group life risk results were favorable in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to improved mortality experience.

Commissions and the deferral and amortization of acquisition costs were generally consistent in 2011 compared to 2010. Other expenses in 2011 were higher than 2010 due to elevated development and marketing expenditures related to Unum UK's growth plans. The other expense ratio for 2011 was favorably impacted by higher premium income relative to 2010.

64


Sales
Shown below are sales results in dollars and in pounds for the Unum UK segment.
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
% Change
 
2011
 
% Change
 
2010
Sales by Product
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Long-term Disability
$
51.2

 
7.1
 %
 
$
47.8

 
(10.0
)%
 
$
53.1

Group Life
38.0

 
(13.2
)
 
43.8

 
(23.6
)
 
57.3

Supplemental and Voluntary
4.9

 
(43.0
)
 
8.6

 
(2.3
)
 
8.8

Total Sales
$
94.1

 
(6.1
)
 
$
100.2

 
(15.9
)
 
$
119.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales by Market Sector
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Disability and Group Life
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Core Market (<500 lives)
$
38.7

 
3.2

 
$
37.5

 
(27.3
)
 
$
51.6

Large Case Market
50.5

 
(6.7
)
 
54.1

 
(8.0
)
 
58.8

Subtotal
89.2

 
(2.6
)
 
91.6

 
(17.0
)
 
110.4

Supplemental and Voluntary
4.9

 
(43.0
)
 
8.6

 
(2.3
)
 
8.8

Total Sales
$
94.1

 
(6.1
)
 
$
100.2

 
(15.9
)
 
$
119.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales by Product
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Long-term Disability
£
32.3

 
8.4
 %
 
£
29.8

 
(13.4
)%
 
£
34.4

Group Life
24.1

 
(12.4
)
 
27.5

 
(25.9
)
 
37.1

Supplemental and Voluntary
3.1

 
(42.6
)
 
5.4

 
(5.3
)
 
5.7

Total Sales
£
59.5

 
(5.1
)
 
£
62.7

 
(18.8
)
 
£
77.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales by Market Sector
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Disability and Group Life
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Core Market (<500 lives)
£
24.4

 
4.3

 
£
23.4

 
(30.1
)
 
£
33.5

Large Case Market
32.0

 
(5.6
)
 
33.9

 
(10.8
)
 
38.0

Subtotal
56.4

 
(1.6
)
 
57.3

 
(19.9
)
 
71.5

Supplemental and Voluntary
3.1

 
(42.6
)
 
5.4

 
(5.3
)
 
5.7

Total Sales
£
59.5

 
(5.1
)
 
£
62.7

 
(18.8
)
 
£
77.2


Sales in Unum UK's group long-term disability product line were higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due to higher sales in both the core market, which we define for Unum UK as employee groups with fewer than 500 lives, and in the large case market, partially offset by lower sales to existing customers. Group life sales were lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due to our discontinuance of new sales of certain of our group life product lines during the third quarter of 2012, lower large case sales, and lower sales to existing customers, partially offset by higher core market sales. Supplemental and voluntary sales were lower in 2012 compared to the 2011 due primarily to lower sales in our group critical illness and individual disability product lines.

Sales in Unum UK's group long-term disability and group life product lines were lower in 2011 compared to 2010 due to a decline in sales in both the core and large case markets. These declines were partially offset by higher sales to existing customers. Sales in the supplemental and voluntary line of business decreased in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to lower individual disability product sales.  

Segment Outlook

Our primary focus during 2013 is to stabilize profitability and improve growth over the medium term. Our shift in business mix and focus on premium rate increases for both group long-term disability and group life is expected to improve profitability. However, pressure on new sales and persistency is likely, and the low interest rate environment is expected to dampen overall earnings growth. We expect that the challenging economic and competitive pricing environment in the U.K. which has continued to negatively impact Unum UK's premium growth may continue in the near term. The current economic conditions may lead to a higher rate of claim incidence, lower levels of claim recoveries, or lower claim discount rates. We continuously monitor key indicators to assess our risks and attempt to adjust our business plans accordingly.


65


In our group disability business, we continue to have a cautious outlook for growth given the current environment. We anticipate returning to more normal levels of premium growth as our rate increases continue to be placed in the market, as persistency stabilizes, and as we continue to increase sales to new and existing customers. In addition, we continue to focus on new market opportunities by raising awareness of the need for income protection. Expanding group disability market penetration remains a significant opportunity and priority in the U.K.

In our group life business, we continue to implement rate increases, and we exited certain group life product lines in 2012. We expect group life premium income to decline in the near term as a result of these actions as well as a shift in business mix, but we believe profit margins will improve. We also entered into reinsurance agreements effective January 1, 2013 to cede a portion of our group life business. These reinsurance agreements will significantly decrease premium income and benefit payments during 2013 but are expected to reduce volatility in our group life line of business.






66


Colonial Life Segment

The Colonial Life segment includes insurance for accident, sickness, and disability products, life products, and cancer and critical illness products issued primarily by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company and marketed to employees at the workplace through an independent contractor agency sales force and brokers.
Operating Results
Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for the Colonial Life segment.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
% Change
 
2011
 
% Change
 
2010
Operating Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accident, Sickness, and Disability
$
724.5

 
4.2
 %
 
$
695.3

 
5.2
 %
 
$
661.0

Life
209.7

 
10.0

 
190.7

 
8.0

 
176.5

Cancer and Critical Illness
260.3

 
4.4

 
249.3

 
4.7

 
238.2

Total Premium Income
1,194.5

 
5.2

 
1,135.3

 
5.5

 
1,075.7

Net Investment Income
138.6

 
4.7

 
132.4

 
8.1

 
122.5

Other Income
0.3

 
(40.0
)
 
0.5

 
(28.6
)
 
0.7

Total
1,333.4

 
5.1

 
1,268.2

 
5.8

 
1,198.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
627.3

 
6.4

 
589.4

 
10.2

 
534.7

Commissions
254.5

 
3.5

 
245.9

 
5.7

 
232.6

Deferral of Acquisition Costs
(206.3
)
 
1.6

 
(203.1
)
 
3.2

 
(196.8
)
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
166.5

 
10.1

 
151.2

 
0.7

 
150.1

Other Expenses
217.1

 
1.1

 
214.7

 
2.9

 
208.6

Total
1,059.1

 
6.1

 
998.1

 
7.4

 
929.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income Before Income Tax and Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses
$
274.3

 
1.6

 
$
270.1

 
0.1

 
$
269.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Ratio
52.5
%
 
 
 
51.9
%
 
 
 
49.7
%
Other Expense Ratio
18.2
%
 
 
 
18.9
%
 
 
 
19.4
%
Before-tax Operating Income Ratio
23.0
%
 
 
 
23.8
%
 
 
 
25.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Persistency:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accident, Sickness, and Disability
75.7
%
 
 
 
73.8
%
 
 
 
75.9
%
Life
85.7
%
 
 
 
85.0
%
 
 
 
86.0
%
Cancer and Critical Illness
84.5
%
 
 
 
84.0
%
 
 
 
84.9
%

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011

Premium income increased in 2012 relative to 2011 due primarily to prior period sales growth and improved persistency. Net investment income was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 as a result of growth in the level of invested assets, an increase in income from private equity partnership investments, and a higher level of fees from mortgage loan prepayments, partially offset by a decline in income from bond call premiums and a decrease in yield.

The benefit ratio was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 for the life and cancer and critical illness lines of business, partially offset by a lower benefit ratio for the accident, sickness, and disability line of business.  The increase in the life benefit ratio in 2012 was driven by higher mortality rates, which can exhibit volatility from period to period.  The slight increase in the cancer and critical illness benefit ratio in 2012 was due primarily to a higher level of paid claims in the cancer line of business and a higher active life reserve change due to favorable persistency for certain issue years. The slight decrease in the accident, sickness, and disability benefit ratio in 2012 was due to favorable claim experience in the disability product line.


67


Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were both higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to an increase in costs related to growth in new business premium. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due to an increase in the level of the deferred asset as well as a less favorable year-over-year impact from the prospective unlocking for actual experience for assumptions which deviate compared to anticipated experience for our interest-sensitive life product. The other expense ratio was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to higher premium income and a continued focus on expense management.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010

Premium income was higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to prior period sales growth and stable persistency for the life and cancer and critical illness lines of business, partially offset by lower persistency for the accident, sickness, and disability line of business. Net investment income was higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to growth in the level of assets and higher bond call premiums, partially offset by a decrease in income from private equity partnership investments.

The overall benefit ratio was higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due to less favorable risk results in the accident, sickness, and disability product line due to a higher level of incurred claims in our accident and disability products.  Risk results in the life product line were slightly lower in 2011 compared to 2010. Risk results in the cancer and critical illness product line were generally consistent in 2011 compared to 2010.

Commissions and the deferral of acquisition costs were both higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to an increase in costs related to growth in new business premium. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs was higher due to an increase in the level of the deferred asset. The other expense ratio was lower in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to higher premium income and a continued focus on expense management.
Sales 
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
% Change
 
2011
 
% Change
 
2010
Sales by Product
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accident, Sickness, and Disability
$
233.0

 
(4.1
)%
 
$
242.9

 
2.3
 %
 
$
237.4

Life
67.3

 
2.7

 
65.5

 
(0.3
)
 
65.7

Cancer and Critical Illness
61.6

 
7.1

 
57.5

 
3.2

 
55.7

Total Sales
$
361.9

 
(1.1
)
 
$
365.9

 
2.0

 
$
358.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales by Market Sector
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Core Market (<1,000 lives)
$
248.3

 
0.1
 %
 
$
248.0

 
4.5
 %
 
$
237.4

Large Case Market
40.9

 
(6.8
)
 
43.9

 
(7.4
)
 
47.4

Subtotal
289.2

 
(0.9
)
 
291.9

 
2.5

 
284.8

Public
72.7

 
(1.8
)
 
74.0

 
—

 
74.0

Total Sales
$
361.9

 
(1.1
)
 
$
365.9

 
2.0

 
$
358.8


Colonial Life's sales were lower in 2012 relative to 2011, with a decrease in new account sales partially offset by an increase in existing account sales. Commercial market sales in 2012 were lower than 2011, with a 6.8 percent decrease in large case commercial market segment sales partially offset by a slight increase in the core commercial market segment, which we define as accounts with fewer than 1,000 lives. Sales were 1.8 percent lower in the public sector market in 2012 compared to 2011. The number of new accounts decreased 5.0 percent in 2012 compared to 2011, while the average new case size was 4.2 percent lower.

Colonial Life's sales were higher in 2011 compared to 2010, with new account sales 1.6 percent above the level of 2010, and existing account sales 2.2 percent higher than in 2010. Commercial market sales were 2.5 percent higher in 2011 compared to 2010, driven primarily by a sales increase of 4.5 percent in the core commercial market segment. Sales in the large case commercial market segment decreased 7.4 percent in 2011 compared to 2010. In the public sector market, sales were generally consistent in 2011 compared to 2010. Sales results for 2011 were unfavorably impacted by our decision to discontinue selling our limited benefit medical product. The number of new accounts declined 1.8 percent in 2011 compared to 2010, while the average new case size was 3.4 percent higher for 2011 compared to 2010.


68


Segment Outlook

Current economic conditions continue to affect employment growth and buying conditions which, in turn, impact sales and premium growth. While lower than expected sales presents a challenge in the near term, we believe proper execution of our growth strategy and a gradual improvement in the economy will deliver sales and premium growth that are in line with long-term expectations. We see the continuing U.S. economic conditions and the increasing competition in the voluntary market as external risks to achievement of our business plans. We continuously monitor key indicators to assess our risks and attempt to adjust our business plans accordingly.

Premium growth has remained positive during 2012 and 2011, due in part to strong persistency, and we expect the level of sales to improve in 2013. We expect volatility in net investment income to continue in 2013 as a result of fluctuations in bond calls and other types of miscellaneous net investment income. Periods of economic downturns have historically had minimal impact on the risk results of Colonial Life, due primarily to a diversified product portfolio that is designed with short duration, indemnity benefits.  We believe that strong profit margins will continue, and we expect our overall benefit ratio in 2013 to be generally consistent with the 2012 level.

We believe we have a stable business model, with service levels and customer retention that allow us to focus on and deliver premium growth despite the recent marketplace changes and uncertainties. We believe we are well positioned for growth and that opportunities exist to accelerate growth during the next several years by (i) focusing on target market segments, (ii) driving new sales in the public sector market, (iii) growing the reach and effectiveness of our distribution, and (iv) effectively serving our customers.


 


69


Closed Block Segment

The Closed Block segment consists of our closed individual disability and individual and group long-term care lines of business, as well as certain other insurance products. The individual disability line of business generally consists of those policies in-force before the substantial changes in product offerings, pricing, distribution, and underwriting, which generally occurred during the period 1994 through 1998. Long-term care includes group long-term care, which we announced in the first quarter of 2012 that we would discontinue selling, and individual long-term care, which we discontinued selling in 2009. The other insurance products line of business consists of certain other products no longer actively marketed, including individual life and corporate-owned life insurance, reinsurance pools and management operations, group pension, health insurance, and individual annuities.
 
Operating Results

Shown below are financial results and key performance indicators for the Closed Block segment.
(in millions of dollars, except ratios)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
% Change
 
2011
 
% Change
 
2010
Operating Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual Disability
$
736.4

 
(6.4
)%
 
$
787.0

 
(7.1
)%
 
$
847.0

Long-term Care
631.9

 
3.9

 
608.1

 
1.5

 
599.2

All Other
2.2

 
N.M.

 
0.2

 
(94.3
)
 
3.5

Total Premium Income
1,370.5

 
(1.8
)
 
1,395.3

 
(3.8
)
 
1,449.7

Net Investment Income
1,230.5

 
3.4

 
1,189.7

 
2.0

 
1,166.4

Other Income
100.1

 
(5.7
)
 
106.1

 
(6.6
)
 
113.6

Total
2,701.1

 
0.4

 
2,691.1

 
(1.4
)
 
2,729.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
2,314.9

 
(23.2
)
 
3,012.8

 
33.4

 
2,259.2

Commissions
112.6

 
(0.9
)
 
113.6

 
(3.8
)
 
118.1

Interest and Debt Expense
10.4

 
(1.0
)
 
10.5

 
(10.3
)
 
11.7

Deferral of Acquisition Costs
—

 
(100.0
)
 
(3.7
)
 
32.1

 
(2.8
)
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
—

 
(100.0
)
 
11.1

 
(34.7
)
 
17.0

Impairment of Long-term Care Deferred Acquisition Costs
—

 
(100.0
)
 
196.0

 
—

 
—

Other Expenses
167.7

 
(6.8
)
 
180.0

 
(13.4
)
 
207.9

Total
2,605.6

 
(26.0
)
 
3,520.3

 
34.8

 
2,611.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income (Loss) Before Income Tax and Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses
$
95.5

 
111.5

 
$
(829.2
)
 
N.M.

 
$
118.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Adjusted Loss Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual Disability (1)
83.0
%
 
 
 
108.0
 %
 
 
 
85.0
%
Long-term Care (2)
90.1
%
 
 
 
179.3
 %
 
 
 
80.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Ratios (% of Premium Income):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Expense Ratio
12.2
%
 
 
 
12.9
 %
 
 
 
14.3
%
Before-tax Operating Income (Loss) Ratio (3)
7.0
%
 
 
 
(59.4
)%
 
 
 
8.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Persistency:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individual Disability
92.5
%
 
 
 
92.9
 %
 
 
 
93.0
%
Long-term Care
95.8
%
 
 
 
96.0
 %
 
 
 
95.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N.M. = not a meaningful percentage
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


70


(1) Included in this ratio for 2011 is a before-tax reserve charge of $183.5 million.  Excluding this charge, the interest adjusted loss ratio for individual disability would have been 84.7%.

(2) Included in this ratio for 2011 is a before-tax reserve charge of $573.6 million.  Excluding this charge, the interest adjusted loss ratio for long-term care would have been 84.9%.

(3) Included in this ratio for 2011 are before-tax charges of $183.5 million for individual disability reserves, $573.6 million for long-term care reserves, and $196.0 million for impairment of our long-term care deferred acquisition costs. Excluding these charges, the before-tax operating income ratio would have been 8.9%.

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011

Total premium income decreased in 2012 compared to 2011, with lower individual disability premium income partially offset by higher long-term care premium income. The decrease in individual disability premium income was due to the run-off of this closed line of business, driven by expected policy terminations and maturities. The increase in long-term care premium income was due to issuances of group long-term care policies and the implementation of rate increases on certain of our individual long-term care policies. Although we announced in the first quarter of 2012 that we would no longer sell group long-term care, we had group cases which were already in the quoting and/or underwriting process at the time of our announcement and for which we have now issued the policies.

We continue to file requests with various state insurance departments for premium rate increases on certain of our individual and group long-term care policies. The rate increases reflect current interest rates and claim experience, higher expected future claims, persistency, and other factors related to pricing long-term care coverage.  In states for which a rate increase is submitted and approved, customers are also given options for coverage changes or other approaches that might fit their current financial and insurance needs.

Net investment income was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due to higher asset levels, higher bond call premiums, and higher prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities and other fees, partially offset by a decline in yield on invested assets. Other income, which includes the underlying results of certain blocks of reinsured business and the net investment income of portfolios held by those ceding companies to support the block we have reinsured, was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due to lower investment income in the portfolios held by the ceding companies.

Individual disability risk results for 2012 were favorable compared to 2011 due to the previously discussed 2011 reserve charge. Excluding this charge, individual disability risk results were favorable compared to 2011 due to higher claim recovery rates and a decrease in reserves for existing claims. Long-term care risk results were favorable in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to the 2011 reserve charge. Excluding this charge, risk results were unfavorable compared to 2011 due to higher claim incidence rates, partially offset by higher claim resolutions.

Interest and debt expense in 2012 was generally consistent with 2011, as principal repayments on the amount of outstanding debt issued by Northwind Holdings were offset by an increase in floating-rate interest on this debt. We had no amortization of deferred acquisition costs in 2012 due to the long-term care impairment charge recognized at December 31, 2011. The other expense ratio was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to a decrease in selling and underwriting costs due to our discontinuance of the sale of group long-term care in 2012 and our continued focus on operating effectiveness and expense management.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010

Total premium income decreased in 2011 compared to 2010, with lower individual disability premium income partially offset by higher long-term care premium income. The decrease in individual disability premium income is due to the continued run-off of this closed line of business. The increase in long-term care premium income for 2011 relative to 2010 was driven by strong persistency and higher sales of group long-term care.

Net investment income was higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due to primarily to higher asset levels, partially offset by a decline in the level of prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities and lower income from bond call premiums. Other income decreased in 2011 compared to 2010 due to lower investment income in the portfolios held by the ceding companies.


71


Individual disability risk results in 2011 were unfavorable relative to 2010 due to the previously discussed 2011 reserve charge. Excluding the reserve charge, risk results were slightly favorable compared to 2010 due to higher claim recovery rates, partially offset by higher claim incidence rates. Long-term care risk results were unfavorable in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to the 2011 reserve charge. Excluding the reserve charge, risk results were unfavorable compared to 2010 due to increases in active life reserves, which were driven by favorable premium persistency relative to assumptions for certain issue years. Claim incidence rates for long-term care were also higher in 2011 compared to 2010.

Interest and debt expense was lower in 2011 compared to 2010 due to a decline in the amount of outstanding debt issued by Northwind Holdings as a result of principal repayments. The deferral of acquisition costs was higher in 2011 relative to 2010 due to the increase in deferrable expenses associated with higher sales of group long-term care products. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs was lower in 2011 than in 2010 due to lower levels of accelerated amortization related to favorable premium persistency relative to assumptions for certain issue years. As previously discussed, at December 31, 2011, we determined that our long-term care deferred acquisition costs were not recoverable, and we recognized an impairment charge at that time. The other expense ratio was favorable in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to lower claim litigation costs and lower expenses related to claim volumes.

    Segment Outlook

We expect that this segment may experience volatility in net investment income due to the variability in interest rates on floating rate assets and also due to volatility of bond call premiums relative to historical levels. A portion of this volatility in interest income will be offset by commensurate changes in the interest expense on our individual disability floating rate debt.

We expect that operating revenue and income for this segment will continue to decline over time as these closed blocks of business wind down, although we do expect additional premium income associated with long-term care rate increases. We also expect a small amount of new group long-term care business to continue to be issued where we are required to do so under the terms of existing group policies. Profitability of our long-tailed products is affected by claims experience related to mortality and morbidity, investment returns, and persistency.  We believe that the interest adjusted loss ratios for the individual disability and long-term care lines of business will be relatively flat over the long term, but these product lines may experience quarterly volatility, particularly in the near-term for our long-term care product lines as our claim block matures. Claim resolution rates, which measure the resolution of claims from recovery, deaths, settlements, and benefit expirations, are very sensitive to operational and environmental changes and can be volatile. Our claim resolution rate assumption used in determining reserves is our expectation of the resolution rate we will experience over the life of the block of business and will vary from actual experience in any one period. It is possible that variability in any of our reserve assumptions, including, but not limited to, interest rates, mortality, morbidity, and persistency, could result in a material impact on our reserve levels, including adjustments to reserves previously established under loss recognition. 


72


Corporate Segment

The Corporate segment includes investment income on corporate assets not specifically allocated to a line of business, interest expense on corporate debt other than non-recourse debt, and certain other corporate income and expense not allocated to a line of business.
Operating Results
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
% Change
 
2011
 
% Change
 
2010
Operating Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Investment Income
$
23.0

 
(59.1
)%
 
$
56.2

 
(40.6
)%
 
$
94.6

Other Income
2.8

 
(86.4
)
 
20.6

 
N.M.

 
3.3

Total
25.8

 
(66.4
)
 
76.8

 
(21.6
)
 
97.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and Debt Expense
133.9

 
1.6

 
131.8

 
2.2

 
128.9

Other Expenses
0.4

 
(98.3
)
 
23.4

 
196.2

 
7.9

Total
134.3

 
(13.5
)
 
155.2

 
13.5

 
136.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Loss Before Non-operating Retirement-related Loss, Income Tax, and Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses
$
(108.5
)
 
(38.4
)
 
$
(78.4
)
 
(101.5
)
 
$
(38.9
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N.M. = not a meaningful percentage
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011

Net investment income was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due to lower asset levels, a lower proportion of assets invested at long-term interest rates, a decrease in bond call premiums, and a decrease in investment income attributable to tax credit partnerships. The negative impact on net investment income and operating income by segment due to the higher level of investment in tax credit partnerships is offset by a lower income tax rate due to the tax benefits recognized as a result of these investments. Other income was lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to $17.5 million of interest income recognized in 2011 related to an IRS settlement of our appeal to the IRS related to tax years 1996 to 2004.

Interest and debt expense was higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to the issuance of $250.0 million of 5.75% senior notes in August 2012, partially offset by the maturity of $225.1 million of 7.625% senior notes in March 2011. Other expenses were lower in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to a lower level of expense accruals during 2012, comparatively higher expenses in 2011 due in part to corporate initiatives, and state income taxes recognized during 2011 as a result of the repatriation of U.K. dividends from our U.K. subsidiaries in 2011. Partially offsetting these decreases in other expenses was an impairment of a long-lived fixed asset recognized during 2012.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010

Net investment income was lower in 2011 compared to 2010 due to lower short-term interest rates, lower asset levels, a lower proportion of assets invested at long-term interest rates, a decrease in bond call premiums, and a decrease in investment income attributable to tax credit partnerships. Other income was higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due to $17.5 million of interest income related to the IRS settlement, as previously discussed.

Interest and debt expense was higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to the September 2010 issuance of $400.0 million of 5.625% senior notes, partially offset by the maturity of our $225.1 million senior notes in March 2011 and lower effective interest rates on certain senior notes which we effectively converted into floating rate debt through the use of interest rate swaps. Other expenses were higher in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to the previously discussed 2011 increases in expense accruals and state income taxes.

73


Segment Outlook

We expect the quality of our investment portfolio to remain strong. The negative impact on net investment income due to the higher level of investment in tax credit partnerships may be such that net investment income for our Corporate segment could be negatively impacted, resulting in a higher operating segment loss for Corporate. However, this would be offset by a lower income tax rate due to the tax benefits recognized as a result of these investments. We are currently holding capital at our insurance subsidiaries and holding companies at levels that exceed our long-term requirements. We expect to continue to generate excess capital on an annual basis through our statutory earnings. While we intend to maintain our disciplined approach to risk management, we believe we are well positioned with substantial flexibility to preserve our capital strength and at the same time explore opportunities to deploy the excess capital that is generated each period.

Investments
Overview

Our investment portfolio is well diversified by type of investment and industry sector. We have established an investment strategy that we believe will provide for adequate cash flows from operations and allow us to hold our securities through periods where significant decreases in fair value occur. We believe our emphasis on risk management in our investment portfolio, including credit and interest rate management, has positioned us well and generally reduced the volatility in our results.

Below is a summary of our formal investment policy, including the overall quality and diversification objectives:

•
The majority of investments are in high quality publicly traded securities to ensure the desired liquidity and preserve the capital value of our portfolios.
•
The long-term nature of our insurance liabilities also allows us to invest in less liquid investments to obtain superior returns. A maximum of 10 percent of the total investment portfolio may be invested in below-investment-grade securities, 2 percent in equity securities, 3 percent in tax credit partnerships, 35 percent in private placements, and 10 percent in commercial mortgage loans. The remaining assets can be held in publicly traded investment-grade corporate securities, mortgage/asset backed securities, bank loans, government and government agencies, and municipal securities.
•
We intend to manage the risk of losses due to changes in interest rates by matching asset duration with liabilities, in the aggregate.
•
The weighted average credit quality rating of the portfolio should be Baa1 or higher.
•
The maximum investment per issuer group is limited based on internal limits reviewed by the finance committee of Unum Group's board of directors and approved by the boards of directors of our insurance subsidiaries and is more restrictive than the five percent limit generally allowed by the state insurance departments which regulate the type of investments our insurance subsidiaries are allowed to own. These internal limits are as follows:
 
 Rating
 
Internal Limit
 
 
($ in millions)
AAA/AA
 
$
200
 
A
 
175
 
BBB+
 
150
 
BBB
 
125
 
BBB-
 
90
 
BB+
 
75
 
BB
 
60
 
BB-
 
50
 
B+
 
30
 
B/B-
 
20
 
CCC
 
10
 

74



•
The portfolio is to be diversified across industry classification and geographic lines.
•
Derivative instruments may be used to replicate permitted asset classes, hedge interest rate risk and foreign currency risk, and match liability duration and cash flows consistent with the plan reviewed by the finance committee of Unum Group's board of directors and approved by the boards of directors of our insurance subsidiaries.
•
Asset mix guidelines and limits are established by us, reviewed by the finance committee of Unum Group's board of directors, and approved by the boards of directors of our insurance subsidiaries.
•
The allocation of assets and the selection and timing of the acquisition and disposition of investments are subject to ratification, on a weekly basis, by an investment subcommittee appointed by the boards of directors of our insurance subsidiaries. These actions are also reviewed by the finance committee of Unum Group's board of directors on a quarterly basis.
•
We review these investment policies and guidelines annually, or more frequently if deemed necessary, and recommend adjustments, as appropriate. Any revisions are reviewed by the finance committee of Unum Group's board of directors and must be approved by the boards of directors of our insurance subsidiaries.

See "Critical Accounting Estimates" contained in this Item 7 for further discussion of our valuation of investments.
Investment Results

Net investment income was slightly lower in 2012 relative to 2011 due primarily to a decline in yield on invested assets, an increase in the amortization of the principal amount invested in our tax credit partnerships, and lower income on our Unum UK inflation index-linked bonds. These declines were partially offset by a higher level of invested assets, higher bond call premiums, an increase in income from private equity partnership investments, and higher prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities.

Net investment income increased slightly in 2011 relative to 2010 due primarily to continued growth in invested assets and higher bond call premiums, partially offset by an increase in the amortization of the principal amount invested in our to tax credit partnerships, a decrease in income on other partnership investments, and lower prepayment income on mortgage-backed securities.

The duration weighted book yield on the fixed income securities in our investment portfolio was 6.47 percent as of December 31, 2012, compared to a yield of 6.67 percent as of December 31, 2011. We actively manage our asset and liability cash flow match and our asset and liability duration match with the objective of reducing interest rate risk. Duration is a measure of the percentage change in the fair values of assets and liabilities for a given change in interest rates. Cash flows from the in-force asset and liability portfolios are projected at current interest rate levels and also at levels reflecting an increase and a decrease in interest rates to obtain a range of projected cash flows under the different interest rate scenarios.  These results enable us to assess the impact of projected changes in cash flows and duration resulting from potential changes in interest rates.
 
To assess the impact of a duration mismatch, we measure the potential changes in estimated fair value based on a hypothetical change in interest rates to quantify a dollar value change. Although we test the asset and liability portfolios under various interest rate scenarios as part of our modeling, the majority of our liabilities related to insurance contracts are not interest rate sensitive, and we therefore have minimal exposure to policy withdrawal risk. Our determination of investment strategy relies more on long-term measures such as reserve adequacy analysis and the relationship between the portfolio yields supporting our various product lines and the aggregate discount rates embedded in the reserves.

75


Realized investment gains and losses, before tax, are as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Fixed Maturity Securities
 
 
 
 
 
     Gross Gains on Sales
$
29.3

 
$
74.0

 
$
61.1

     Gross Losses on Sales
(20.4
)
 
(24.0
)
 
(41.3
)
     Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Loss
—

 
(19.9
)
 
(15.9
)
Mortgage Loans and Other Invested Assets
 
 
 
 
 
     Gross Gains on Sales
5.0

 
7.1

 
7.9

     Gross Losses on Sales
(4.3
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(0.5
)
     Impairment Loss
(1.9
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(3.8
)
Foreign Currency Transactions
(3.3
)
 
(1.6
)

(3.9
)
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement
51.8

 
(39.4
)
 
21.1

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
$
56.2

 
$
(4.9
)
 
$
24.7


Realized Investment Losses $10.0 Million or Greater from Sale of Fixed Maturity Securities

During 2012, we recognized a loss of $11.2 million on the sale of securities issued by a large U.S. department store chain. In 2011 the company's management was replaced by a new team of executives that embarked on a radically different retailing strategy. While the company had ample liquidity and sizable value in real estate assets, initial operating results under this new strategy have been significantly below market expectations, and there is uncertainty as to whether this new strategy will be successful. Because of this, we had concerns that liquidity could be compromised over an extended period of time. At the time of disposition, these securities had been in an unrealized loss position for a period of greater than three years.

We had no individual realized investment losses of $10.0 million or greater from the sale of fixed-maturity securities during 2011 and 2010.

Realized Investment Losses $10.0 Million or Greater from Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

We had no individual realized investment losses of $10.0 million or greater from other-than-temporary impairments during 2012 and 2011.

During 2010, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $10.2 million on securities issued by a Netherlands financial services company.  The company recorded significant impairment losses in its securities and real estate portfolios during 2009 and 2008 and required a significant amount of government aid. At the time of the impairment loss, these securities had been in an unrealized loss position for a period of greater than three years.

Embedded Derivative in a Modified Coinsurance Arrangement

We report changes in the fair value of an embedded derivative in a modified coinsurance arrangement as realized investment gains and losses, as required under the provisions of GAAP. GAAP requires us to include in our realized investment gains and losses a calculation intended to estimate the value of the option of our reinsurance counterparty to cancel the reinsurance contract with us. However, neither party can unilaterally terminate the reinsurance agreement except in extreme circumstances resulting from regulatory supervision, delinquency proceedings, or other direct regulatory action. Cash settlements or collateral related to this embedded derivative are not required at any time during the reinsurance contract or at termination of the reinsurance contract, and any accumulated embedded derivative gain or loss reduces to zero over time as the reinsured business winds down. We therefore view the effect of realized gains and losses recognized for this embedded derivative as a reporting requirement that will not result in a permanent change in assets or stockholders' equity.

The change in fair value of this embedded derivative recognized as a realized gain or loss during 2012, 2011, and 2010, resulted primarily from a change in credit spreads in the overall investment market. The fair value of this embedded derivative was $(83.9) million at December 31, 2012, compared to $(135.7) million at December 31, 2011, and is reported in other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

76


Fixed Maturity Securities
The fair values and associated unrealized gains and losses of our fixed maturity securities portfolio, by industry classification, are as follows:
Fixed Maturity Securities - By Industry Classification
As of December 31, 2012
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Classification
 
Fair Value
 
Net Unrealized Gain
 
Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Securities with Gross Unrealized Loss
 
Gross Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Securities with Gross Unrealized Gain
 
Gross Unrealized Gain
Basic Industry
 
$
2,593.2

 
$
311.5

 
$
165.9

 
$
10.2

 
$
2,427.3

 
$
321.7

Capital Goods
 
3,898.3

 
556.4

 
173.6

 
6.0

 
3,724.7

 
562.4

Communications
 
3,112.2

 
555.9

 
108.5

 
3.3

 
3,003.7

 
559.2

Consumer Cyclical
 
1,228.2

 
179.9

 
85.8

 
0.7

 
1,142.4

 
180.6

Consumer Non-Cyclical
 
6,035.6

 
1,027.5

 
65.8

 
2.0

 
5,969.8

 
1,029.5

Energy (Oil & Gas)
 
3,949.9

 
763.5

 
45.2

 
1.3

 
3,904.7

 
764.8

Financial Institutions
 
3,611.5

 
404.9

 
121.8

 
7.6

 
3,489.7

 
412.5

Mortgage/Asset-Backed
 
2,216.5

 
288.6

 
8.2

 
0.5

 
2,208.3

 
289.1

Sovereigns
 
1,507.0

 
226.6

 
—

 
—

 
1,507.0

 
226.6

Technology
 
1,047.1

 
147.1

 
71.5

 
0.4

 
975.6

 
147.5

Transportation
 
1,434.4

 
267.1

 
—

 
—

 
1,434.4

 
267.1

U.S. Government Agencies and Municipalities
 
3,155.6

 
636.3

 
79.4

 
8.9

 
3,076.2

 
645.2

Public Utilities
 
11,144.2

 
1,849.9

 
257.9

 
15.1

 
10,886.3

 
1,865.0

Redeemable Preferred Stocks
 
39.3

 
6.3

 
—

 
—

 
39.3

 
6.3

Total
 
$
44,973.0

 
$
7,221.5

 
$
1,183.6

 
$
56.0

 
$
43,789.4

 
$
7,277.5



77


The following two tables show the length of time our investment-grade and below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities had been in a gross unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2012 and at the end of the prior four quarters. The relationships of the current fair value to amortized cost are not necessarily indicative of the fair value to amortized cost relationships for the securities throughout the entire time that the securities have been in an unrealized loss position nor are they necessarily indicative of the relationships after December 31, 2012. We held no securities at December 31, 2012 with a gross unrealized loss of $10.0 million or greater.
Unrealized Loss on Investment-Grade Fixed Maturity Securities
Length of Time in Unrealized Loss Position
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
December 31
 
September 30
 
June 30
 
March 31
 
December 31
Fair Value < 100% >= 70% of Amortized Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<= 90 days
$
3.9

 
$
0.7

 
$
11.2

 
$
15.6

 
$
12.8

> 90 <= 180 days
0.4

 
0.4

 
4.1

 
7.1

 
34.3

> 180 <= 270 days
0.4

 
0.9

 
0.7

 
9.6

 
8.0

> 270 days <= 1 year
0.3

 
—

 
7.8

 
2.2

 
—

> 1 year <= 2 years
0.2

 
9.3

 
31.9

 
19.3

 
33.7

> 2 years <= 3 years
5.9

 
8.9

 
0.2

 
0.2

 
1.1

> 3 years
12.3

 
17.8

 
28.8

 
34.0

 
40.9

Sub-total
23.4

 
38.0

 
84.7

 
88.0

 
130.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value < 70% >= 40% of Amortized Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
> 3 years
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
9.5

Sub-total
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
9.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
23.4

 
$
38.0

 
$
84.7

 
$
88.0

 
$
140.3


Unrealized Loss on Below-Investment-Grade Fixed Maturity Securities
Length of Time in Unrealized Loss Position
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
December 31
 
September 30
 
June 30
 
March 31
 
December 31
Fair Value < 100% >= 70% of Amortized Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<= 90 days
$
0.3

 
$
4.1

 
$
7.6

 
$
4.8

 
$
3.3

> 90 <= 180 days
1.4

 
3.9

 
6.2

 
9.5

 
11.9

> 180 <= 270 days
2.6

 
5.4

 
4.4

 
7.9

 
8.5

> 270 days <= 1 year
2.5

 
3.9

 
3.0

 
6.5

 
0.7

> 1 year <= 2 years
6.8

 
4.5

 
17.8

 
15.7

 
13.0

> 2 years <= 3 years
6.2

 
9.4

 
8.2

 
—

 
—

> 3 years
12.5

 
20.7

 
35.6

 
24.6

 
37.3

Sub-total
32.3

 
51.9

 
82.8

 
69.0

 
74.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value < 70% >= 40% of Amortized Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
> 1 year <= 2 years
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5.0

> 3 years
0.3

 
1.1

 
0.3

 
0.4

 
2.2

Sub-total
0.3

 
1.1

 
0.3

 
0.4

 
7.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
32.6

 
$
53.0

 
$
83.1

 
$
69.4

 
$
81.9

 

78


At December 31, 2012, we had minimal exposure to investments for which the payment of interest and principal is guaranteed under a financial guaranty insurance policy, and all such securities are rated investment-grade absent the guaranty insurance policy. At December 31, 2012, we held $212.8 million fair value ($204.9 million amortized cost) of perpetual debentures, or "hybrid" securities, that generally have no fixed maturity date. Interest on these securities due on any payment date may be deferred by the issuer. The interest payments are generally deferrable only to the extent that the issuer has suspended dividends or other distributions or payments to any of its shareholders or any other perpetual debt instrument.

At December 31, 2012, our mortgage/asset-backed securities had an average life of 3.85 years, effective duration of 3.47 years, and a weighted average credit rating of Aa1. The mortgage/asset-backed securities are valued on a monthly basis using valuations supplied by the brokerage firms that are dealers in these securities as well as independent pricing services. One of the risks involved in investing in mortgage/asset-backed securities is the uncertainty of the timing of cash flows from the underlying loans due to prepayment of principal with the possibility of reinvesting the funds in a lower interest rate environment. We use models which incorporate economic variables and possible future interest rate scenarios to predict future prepayment rates. The timing of prepayment cash flows may also cause volatility in our recognition of investment income. We recognize investment income on these securities using a constant effective yield based on projected prepayments of the underlying loans and the estimated economic life of the securities.  Actual prepayment experience is reviewed periodically, and effective yields are recalculated when differences arise between prepayments originally projected and the actual prepayments received and currently projected.  The effective yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis, and the adjustment is reflected in net investment income.
 
We have no exposure to subprime mortgages, "Alt-A" loans, or collateralized debt obligations in our investment portfolios. We have not invested in mortgage-backed derivatives, such as interest-only, principal-only, or residuals, where market values can be highly volatile relative to changes in interest rates. The credit quality of our mortgage-backed securities portfolio has not been negatively impacted by the issues in the market concerning subprime mortgage loans. The change in value of our mortgage-backed securities portfolio has moved in line with that of prime agency-backed mortgage-backed securities.

As of December 31, 2012, the amortized cost and fair value of our below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities was $2,990.6 million and $3,159.3 million, respectively. Below-investment-grade securities are inherently more risky than investment-grade securities since the risk of default by the issuer, by definition and as exhibited by bond rating, is higher. Also, the secondary market for certain below-investment-grade issues can be highly illiquid. Additional downgrades may occur, but we do not anticipate any liquidity problems resulting from our investments in below-investment-grade securities, nor do we expect these investments to adversely affect our ability to hold our other investments to maturity.
Investments in Issuers in Certain European Countries and Other Countries with Risk of Sovereign Default
Our investments are chosen for specific portfolio management purposes, including asset and liability management and portfolio diversification across geographic lines and sectors to minimize non-market risks. In our approach to investing in fixed maturity securities, specific investments within approved countries and industry sectors are evaluated for their market position and specific strengths and potential weaknesses.  For each security, we consider the political, legal and financial environment of the sovereign entity in which an issuer is domiciled and operates. The country of domicile is based on consideration of the issuer's headquarters, in addition to location of the assets and the country in which the majority of sales and earnings are derived.  We continually evaluate our foreign investment risk exposure, including that within certain countries in the European Union, specifically Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Our monitoring is heightened for investments in these specific countries due to our concerns over the current economic and political environments as well as the banking crisis, and we believe these investments are more vulnerable to potential credit problems.  We have neither direct nor indirect exposure to sovereign debt of any other countries for which we believe there is a heightened risk of sovereign default.

We do not have foreign currency risk, as the cash flows from these investments are either denominated in currencies or hedged into currencies to match the related liabilities. We have no direct exposure to sovereign debt of these countries and have not used credit derivatives to hedge our exposure or to sell credit protection.



79


European Fixed Maturity Securities Exposure - By Country
As of December 31, 2012
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
Greece
$
54.1

 
$
50.2

Ireland
67.5

 
66.3

Italy
243.7

 
235.3

Portugal
49.0

 
46.8

Spain
241.2

 
223.1

Total
$
655.5

 
$
621.7


We have no unfunded commitments to issuers domiciled in these countries. Further discussion on our exposure to each country is as follows:
Greece
We have no direct exposure to Greek financial institutions.  Our singular holding domiciled in Greece is a geographically diversified company, generates less than 10 percent of its revenue from Greece, and was rated investment-grade as of December 31, 2012. The company aggregates cash and manages its debt payments outside the country in which it is domiciled, which we believe enables the company to place low reliance on the banking system of Greece. The company intends to change its domicile to Switzerland, pending required shareholder approval. As of December 31, 2012, this company was current on its obligations to us, and we believe it will continue to meet its debt obligations.
Ireland
We have no direct exposure to Irish financial institutions.  In November 2010, Ireland received a support package valued at €85 billion from the International Monetary Fund/European Union based on its plan of recovery. Thus far, Ireland appears committed to fiscal consolidation.  However, we believe there are risks associated with the austerity and recessionary pressures.  As of December 31, 2012, all of our Irish investments were current on their obligations to us, and we believe they will continue to meet their debt obligations.  For those securities in an unrealized loss position, we have the intent to hold these investments to recovery in value. As a result, we did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment losses on these investments as of December 31, 2012.
Italy
We have no direct exposure to Italian financial institutions.  We believe there are risks associated with the debt sustainability of Italy given its political and recessionary pressures. As of December 31, 2012, all of our Italian investments were current on their obligations to us, and we believe they will continue to meet their debt obligations.  For those securities in an unrealized loss position, we have the intent to hold these investments to recovery in value. As a result, we did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment losses on these investments as of December 31, 2012.
Portugal
We have no direct exposure to Portuguese financial institutions.  In May 2011, Portugal received a support package valued at €78 billion from the International Monetary Fund/European Union.  We believe there is risk that Portugal will be unable to achieve the deficit reduction targets set out in this loan agreement, and future aid may be required. As of December 31, 2012, our singular holding domiciled in Portugal is a geographically diversified utility company that was downgraded to below-investment-grade during the first quarter of 2012. As of December 31, 2012, this company was current on its obligations to us, and we believe it will continue to meet its debt obligations.


80


Spain
We have no direct exposure to Spanish financial institutions, although we do own fixed maturity securities of a certain United Kingdom subsidiary of a Spanish financial institution. We believe there are risks associated with Spain's high unemployment, large budget deficit, banking sector problems, recessionary pressures, and potential regional secession issues. All but one of our Spanish domiciled securities were rated investment-grade as of December 31, 2012, and all were current on their obligations to us. We believe they will continue to have the ability to meet their debt obligations. For those securities in an unrealized loss position, we have the intent to hold these investments to recovery in value. As a result, we did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment losses on these investments as of December 31, 2012.

Risk Management
While we have no direct sovereign holdings in the aforementioned countries, we have performed comprehensive stress testing and scenario analyses on all of our corporate holdings of issuers domiciled in these countries. We have performed stress tests under a number of scenarios including deep recession, liquidity crisis, and currency redenomination with significant devaluation. We continue to closely monitor this situation.

Potential risks for these corporate holdings include a lack of access to credit in their countries of domicile and redenomination risk as it pertains to their outstanding liabilities. Under either of these scenarios, we believe the risk is largely mitigated because our holdings in these countries are non-financial and operate in defensive industries that provide essential services. Most are market leaders with access to diverse, global capital markets. Current developments regarding ratings downgrades, bailout packages, or higher sovereign interest rates have not had a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

Mortgage Loans

Our mortgage loan portfolio was $1,712.7 million and $1,612.3 million on an amortized cost basis at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Our mortgage loan portfolio is comprised entirely of commercial mortgage loans. We believe our mortgage loan portfolio is well diversified geographically and among property types. The incidence of problem mortgage loans and foreclosure activity continues to be low. Due to conservative underwriting, we expect the level of problem loans to remain low relative to the industry.

We held two mortgage loans at December 31, 2012 and 2011 which were considered impaired and were carried at the estimated net realizable values of $17.4 million and $22.5 million, respectively, net of a valuation allowance of $1.5 million at each period end.
Derivative Financial Instruments

We use derivative financial instruments primarily to manage reinvestment risk, duration, and currency risk. Historically, we have utilized current and forward interest rate swaps and options on forward interest rate swaps, current and forward currency swaps, forward treasury locks, currency forward contracts, and forward contracts on specific fixed income securities. Our current credit exposure on derivatives, which is limited to the value of those contracts in a net gain position less collateral held, was $8.7 million at December 31, 2012. We held no cash collateral from our counterparties at December 31, 2012. The carrying value of cash and fixed maturity securities posted as collateral to our counterparties was $1.8 million and $108.6 million, respectively, at December 31, 2012. We believe that our credit risk is mitigated by our use of multiple counterparties, all of which have a median credit rating of A3 or better, and by our use of cross-collateralization agreements.
Other

Our exposure to non-current investments, defined as foreclosed real estate and invested assets which are delinquent as to interest and/or principal payments, totaled $63.3 million and $58.6 million on a fair value basis at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
See Notes 3 and 4 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further discussion of our investments and our derivative financial instruments.



81


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our liquidity requirements are met primarily by cash flows provided from operations, principally in our insurance subsidiaries. Premium and investment income, as well as maturities and sales of invested assets, provide the primary sources of cash. Debt and/or securities offerings provide an additional source of liquidity. Cash is applied to the payment of policy benefits, costs of acquiring new business (principally commissions), operating expenses, and taxes, as well as purchases of new investments.

We have established an investment strategy that we believe will provide for adequate cash flows from operations. We attempt to match our asset cash flows and durations with expected liability cash flows and durations to meet the funding requirements of our business. However, deterioration in the credit market may delay our ability to sell our positions in certain of our fixed maturity securities in a timely manner and adversely impact the price we receive for such securities, which may negatively impact our cash flows. Furthermore, if we experience defaults on securities held in the investment portfolios of our insurance subsidiaries, this will negatively impact statutory capital, which could reduce our insurance subsidiaries' capacity to pay dividends to our holding companies. A reduction in dividends to our holding companies could force us to seek external financing to avoid impairing our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders or meet our debt and other payment obligations.

Our policy benefits are primarily in the form of claim payments, and we have minimal exposure to the policy withdrawal risk associated with deposit products such as individual life policies or annuities. A decrease in demand for our insurance products or an increase in the incidence of new claims or the duration of existing claims could negatively impact our cash flows from operations. However, our historical pattern of benefits paid to revenues is consistent, even during cycles of economic downturns, which serves to minimize liquidity risk.

We have met all minimum pension funding requirements set forth by ERISA. We made a voluntary contribution of $53.0 million to our U.S. qualified defined benefit plan during 2012, and we expect to make contributions of approximately $50.0 million during 2013. We have estimated our future funding requirements under the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and do not believe that the funding requirements will cause a material adverse effect on our liquidity.

We also contribute to our U.K. pension plan sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirement under U.K. legislation. We made required contributions of £2.6 million during 2012, and we expect to make contributions of approximately £2.6 million during 2013.

In August 2012, we issued $250.0 million of senior notes. These notes, due in 2042, bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.75% and are payable semi-annually. The net proceeds are expected to be used for general corporate purposes.

In May 2010, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500.0 million of Unum Group's common stock, with the pace of repurchase activity to depend upon various factors such as the level of available cash, alternative uses for cash, and our stock price. The $500.0 million share repurchase program had an expiration date of May 2011. In February 2011, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of Unum Group's common stock, in addition to the amount remaining to be repurchased under the $500.0 million authorization. The $1.0 billion share repurchase program had an expiration date of August 2012. In July 2012, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $750.0 million of Unum Group's common stock. The $750.0 million share repurchase program has an expiration date of January 2014 and replaced the previous authorization of $1.0 billion that was scheduled to expire in August 2012.
  
During 2011, we repurchased 7.1 million shares, at a cost of $200.0 million, using an accelerated repurchase agreement with a financial counterparty. Under the terms of the repurchase agreement, we received a price adjustment based on the volume weighted-average price of our common stock during the term of the agreement. The price adjustment resulted in the delivery to us of 0.6 million additional shares. In total, we repurchased 7.7 million shares of our common stock under this agreement, which completed the $500.0 million repurchase authorization and initiated the $1.0 billion repurchase program. In addition to these repurchases, during 2011 we repurchased an additional 17.7 million shares on the open market at a cost of $419.9 million, for a total repurchase of 25.4 million shares during 2011.

During 2012, we repurchased 23.6 million shares on the open market at a cost of $500.6 million. The dollar value of shares remaining under the $1.0 billion repurchase program, prior to its replacement, was $224.7 million. As previously noted, this share repurchase program was superseded and replaced by the $750.0 million share repurchase program authorized in July 2012. The dollar value of shares remaining under the $750.0 million repurchase program was $550.0 million at December 31, 2012.


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Cash equivalents and marketable securities held at Unum Group and our other intermediate holding companies are a significant source of liquidity for us and were approximately $805 million and $756 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The December 31, 2012 balance, of which $193 million was held in certain of our foreign subsidiaries in the U.K., was comprised primarily of commercial paper, fixed maturity securities with a current average maturity of 1.5 years, and various money-market funds.  No significant restrictions exist on our ability to use or access these funds. We currently have no intent, nor do we foresee a need, to repatriate funds from our foreign subsidiaries in the U.K. We believe we hold domestic resources sufficient to fund our liquidity requirements for the next 12 months and that our current level of holding company cash and marketable securities can be utilized to mitigate potential losses from defaults. If we repatriate additional funds from our subsidiaries in the U.K., the amounts repatriated would be subject to repatriation tax effects which generally equal the difference in the U.S. tax rate and the U.K. tax rate.

Unum Limited will be impacted by new capital requirements and risk management standards under Solvency II, the effective adoption date of which is expected to be no earlier than January 1, 2015.  Solvency II requirements have not been fully finalized, but the current proposals contain amended requirements on capital adequacy and risk management for insurers. Although the impact of Solvency II cannot be determined at this time, its implementation could result in increased capital, supervisory, and disclosure requirements for our U.K. subsidiaries.

Our Bermuda-based insurance subsidiary is subject to regulation by the BMA. Since 2010, the BMA has been engaged in a comprehensive review and assessment of its insurance regulatory and solvency framework.  The impact of the proposed changes cannot be determined at this time, nor is the effective adoption date known, but the implementation of these requirements could result in increased capital and governance requirements for our Bermuda-based insurance subsidiary. See "Capital Requirements" contained herein in Item 1 for additional information. 

During 2013, we intend to retain a level of capital in our traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries such that we maintain a weighted average RBC level well above capital adequacy requirements. We also expect both Unum Limited and our Bermuda-based insurance subsidiary to operate above their respective capital adequacy requirements and minimum solvency margins.

As requirements of Dodd-Frank begin to take effect in 2013 and in subsequent years, to the extent that we enter into derivatives that are subject to centralized exchanges and cleared through a regulated clearinghouse, we may be subject to stricter collateral requirements which could have an adverse effect on our overall liquidity.

Consolidated Cash Flows
Operating Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,379.6 million for 2012, compared to $1,193.7 million and $1,196.8 million for 2011 and 2010, respectively. Operating cash flows are primarily attributable to the receipt of premium and investment income, offset by payments of claims, commissions, expenses, and income taxes. Premium income growth is dependent not only on new sales, but on renewals of existing business, renewal price increases, and persistency. Investment income growth is dependent on the growth in the underlying assets supporting our insurance reserves and on the earned yield. The level of commissions and operating expenses is attributable to the level of sales and the first year acquisition expenses associated with new business as well as the maintenance of existing business. The level of paid claims is affected partially by the growth and aging of the block of business and also by the general economy, as previously discussed in the operating results by segment. Operating cash flows for 2012, 2011 and 2010 include pension and other postretirement benefit contributions of approximately $74.3 million, $20.3 million, and $188.2 million.
The variance in the income tax adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities for 2011 compared to both the prior and subsequent years was due primarily to decreases in the deferred tax liability related to the 2011 deferred acquisition cost charge and reserve charges for our long-term care and individual disability closed blocks of business.
Investing Cash Flows
Investing cash inflows consist primarily of the proceeds from the sales and maturities of investments.  Investing cash outflows consist primarily of payments for purchases of investments.  Net cash used by investing activities was $1,113.4 million for 2012, compared to $410.3 million and $1,073.7 million for 2011 and 2010, respectively.


83


Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities decreased in 2012 compared to 2011, as we had ample liquidity provided from other sources, primarily maturities of available-for-sale securities. Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities were higher in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to a significant increase in proceeds from bond calls and prepayments on mortgage-backed securities.  Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities were slightly higher in 2011 compared to 2010. Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities were lower in 2011 compared to 2010, primarily due to a significant decrease in bond calls. 

Proceeds from sales and maturities of other investments were higher in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to an increase in proceeds from terminations of derivative contracts within our cash flow hedging programs and an increase in maturities from mortgage loans, partially offset by a decrease in distributions received from private equity partnerships.  Proceeds from sales and maturities of other investments were slightly lower in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to a decrease in maturities from mortgage loans, offset by an increase in distributions received from private equity partnerships and an increase in proceeds from terminations of derivative contracts within our cash flow hedging programs.  

Purchases of available-for-sale securities were higher in 2012 compared to 2011 due to an increase in funds available for reinvestment during 2012 resulting from maturities of fixed maturity securities, as previously noted. We also moved cash out of short-term investments and into fixed maturity securities during the year. Purchases of available-for-sale securities were lower in 2011 compared to 2010 as a result of the decline in funds available for reinvestment due to the decrease in bond calls, as previously noted.

Purchases of other investments increased in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to an increase in funding of mortgage loans and decreased in 2011 compared to 2010 as a result of a decrease in funding of mortgage loans, partially offset by a slight increase in funding of tax credit partnerships.

Net purchases of short-term investments decreased in 2012 compared to 2011 due to our use of available cash to purchase fixed maturity securities, partially offset by an increase in available funds from cash collateral received under our securities lending program. Net purchases of short-term investments decreased in 2011 compared to 2010 due to our use of cash to fund the payment for our debt maturing in 2011.  In both 2012 and 2011, cash received from the disposition of short-term investments provided funding for our share repurchases.
Financing Cash Flows
Financing cash flows consist primarily of borrowings and repayments of debt, issuance or repurchase of common stock, and dividends paid to stockholders. Net cash used by financing activities was $305.5 million in 2012, compared to $720.4 million and $141.1 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

In August 2012, we received proceeds of $250.0 million, less debt issuance costs of $2.2 million and a debt discount of $1.4 million, from the issuance of $250.0 million of 5.75% senior notes.

During 2012 and 2011, the balance outstanding under our securities lending program increased by $143.5 million and $312.3 million, respectively. We did not utilize our securities lending program during 2010.

During 2012, 2011, and 2010, Tailwind Holdings made principal payments of $10.0 million each year on its floating rate, senior secured non-recourse notes, and Northwind Holdings made principal payments of $60.0 million, $74.4 million, and $58.3 million, respectively, on its floating rate, senior secured non-recourse notes.

During 2012, 2011, and 2010, we repurchased 23.6 million, 25.4 million, and 16.4 million shares of Unum Group's common stock at costs of $500.6 million, $619.9 million, and $356.0 million, respectively. Approximately $3.9 million of the amount repurchased during 2012 was settled in January 2013.

During 2011, we made short-term debt repayments of $225.1 million at the maturity date of our senior notes due March 2011.

During 2010, we received proceeds of $400.0 million, less debt issuance costs of $3.0 million and a debt discount of $0.5 million, from the issuance of $400.0 million of 5.625% senior notes. During 2010, we purchased and retired $10.0 million of our 7.08% medium notes.

See "Debt" contained in this Item 7 and Note 7 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further information.

84


Cash Available from Subsidiaries

Unum Group and certain of its intermediate holding company subsidiaries depend on payments from subsidiaries to pay dividends to stockholders, to pay debt obligations, and/or to pay expenses. These payments by our insurance and non-insurance subsidiaries may take the form of dividends, operating and investment management fees, and/or interest payments on loans from the parent to a subsidiary.

Restrictions under applicable state insurance laws limit the amount of dividends that can be paid to a parent company from its insurance subsidiaries in any 12-month period without prior approval by regulatory authorities. For life insurance companies domiciled in the United States, that limitation generally equals, depending on the state of domicile, either ten percent of an insurer's statutory surplus with respect to policyholders as of the preceding year end or the statutory net gain from operations, excluding realized investment gains and losses, of the preceding year. The payment of dividends to a parent company from its insurance subsidiaries is generally further limited to the amount of unassigned statutory surplus.

Unum Group and/or certain of its intermediate holding company subsidiaries may also receive dividends from its United Kingdom-based affiliate, Unum Limited, subject to applicable insurance company regulations and capital guidance in the United Kingdom.

Northwind Holdings' and Tailwind Holdings' ability to meet their debt payment obligations is dependent upon the receipt of dividends from Northwind Reinsurance Company (Northwind Re) and Tailwind Reinsurance Company (Tailwind Re), respectively. The ability of Northwind Re and Tailwind Re to pay dividends to their respective parent companies will depend on their satisfaction of applicable regulatory requirements and on the performance of the business reinsured by Northwind Re and Tailwind Re.
 
The payment of dividends to the parent company from our subsidiaries also requires the approval of the individual subsidiary's board of directors.

The amount available during 2012 for the payment of ordinary dividends from Unum Group's traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries was $634.4 million, of which $600.0 million was declared and paid. The amount available during 2012 from Unum Limited was £187.0 million, of which £75.0 million was declared and paid to one of our U.K. holding companies. During 2012, Tailwind Re and Northwind Re paid dividends of $16.9 million and $83.0 million to Tailwind Holdings and Northwind Holdings, respectively.

Although we may not utilize the entire amount of available dividends, based on the restrictions under current law, $623.7 million is available during 2013 for the payment of ordinary dividends to Unum Group from its traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries, which excludes Northwind Re and Tailwind Re, our special purpose financial captive insurance companies. Approximately £144.7 million is available for the payment of dividends from Unum Limited to Unum Group and/or our U.K. holding companies during 2013, subject to regulatory approval.

Unum Group's RBC ratio for its traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries, calculated on a weighted average basis using the NAIC Company Action Level formula, was approximately 396 percent at December 31, 2012, compared to 405 percent at December 31, 2011. The individual RBC ratios for Northwind Re and Tailwind Re are calculated using the NAIC Company Action Level formula and have target levels of 200 percent. Both Northwind Re and Tailwind Re are approximately at their target levels. The individual RBC ratio for each of our insurance subsidiaries is above the range that would require state regulatory action.

The ability of Unum Group and certain of its intermediate holding company subsidiaries to continue to receive dividends from their insurance subsidiaries generally depends on the level of earnings of those insurance subsidiaries and additional factors such as RBC ratios and FSA capital adequacy requirements, funding growth objectives at an affiliate level, and maintaining appropriate capital adequacy ratios to support desired ratings. Insurance regulatory restrictions do not limit the amount of dividends available for distribution from non-insurance subsidiaries except where the non-insurance subsidiaries are held directly or indirectly by an insurance subsidiary and only indirectly by Unum Group. We intend to retain a level of capital in our traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries such that we maintain a weighted average RBC level above capital adequacy requirements. We also expect Unum Limited to operate above FSA capital adequacy requirements and minimum solvency margins.

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Debt

At December 31, 2012, we had short-term debt of $455.8 million, consisting entirely of securities lending agreements, and long-term debt of $2,755.4 million, consisting primarily of senior secured notes and junior subordinated debt securities. Our leverage ratio, when calculated using consolidated debt to total consolidated capital, was 30.4 percent at December 31, 2012, compared to 28.7 percent at December 31, 2011. Our leverage ratio, when calculated excluding the non-recourse debt and associated capital of Tailwind Holdings and Northwind Holdings and the short-term debt arising from securities lending agreements, was 25.3 percent at December 31, 2012, compared to 23.5 percent at December 31, 2011. The increase in our consolidated debt to total consolidated capital leverage ratio is due primarily to the issuance of $250.0 million senior notes in August 2012 and the increase in short-term debt related to securities lending agreements outstanding at December 31, 2012, partially offset by our principal payments on the debt of Northwind Holdings and Tailwind Holdings during 2012. Leverage is measured as total debt to total capital, which we define as total long-term and short-term debt plus stockholders' equity, excluding the net unrealized gain or loss on securities and the net gain or loss on cash flow hedges. We believe that a leverage ratio which excludes the net unrealized gains and losses on securities and the net gain or loss on cash flow hedges, both of which tend to fluctuate depending on market conditions and general economic trends, and which also excludes the non-recourse debt and associated capital of Tailwind Holdings and Northwind Holdings and the short-term debt arising from securities lending is a better indicator of our ability to meet our financial obligations.

We monitor our compliance with our debt covenants.  There are no significant financial covenants associated with any of our outstanding debt obligations.  We remain in compliance with all debt covenants and have not observed any current trends that would cause a breach of any debt covenants.

Purchases and Retirement of Debt

In 2011, we made debt repayments of $225.1 million at the maturity date of our remaining 7.625% senior notes due March 2011. In 2010, we purchased and retired $10.0 million of our 7.08% medium-term notes due 2024.

During 2012, 2011, and 2010, Tailwind Holdings made principal payments of $10.0 million each year on its floating rate, senior secured non-recourse notes due 2036. During 2012, 2011, and 2010, Northwind Holdings made principal payments of $60.0 million, $74.4 million, and $58.3 million, respectively, on its floating rate, senior secured non-recourse notes due 2037.

In January 2013, Tailwind Holdings purchased and retired the outstanding principal of $62.5 million on its notes. The transaction resulted in an immaterial gain which will be included in our first quarter 2013 operating results.

Issuance of Debt

In August 2012, we issued $250.0 million of unsecured senior notes in a public offering. These notes, due 2042, bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.75% and are payable semi-annually. The notes are callable at or above par and rank equally in right of payment with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The balance outstanding on these notes was $250.0 million at December 31, 2012.

In 2010, we issued $400.0 million of unsecured senior notes in a public offering. These notes, due in 2020, bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.625% and are payable semi-annually. The notes are callable at or above par and rank equally in right of payment with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. In addition, these notes are effectively subordinated to any indebtedness of our subsidiaries. The balance outstanding on these notes was $400.0 million at December 31, 2012.

In 2009, we issued $350.0 million of unsecured senior notes in a public offering. These notes, due in 2016, bear interest at a fixed rate of 7.125% and are payable semi-annually. The notes are callable at or above par and rank equally in right of payment with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The balance outstanding on these notes was $350.0 million at December 31, 2012.

In 2007, Northwind Holdings issued $800.0 million floating rate, insured, senior, secured notes, due 2037, in a private offering. Recourse for the payment of principal, interest, and other amounts due on the notes will be limited to the collateral for the notes and other assets of Northwind Holdings, consisting primarily of the stock of its sole subsidiary Northwind Re, a Vermont special purpose financial captive insurance company. Northwind Holdings' ability to meet its payment obligations under the notes will be dependent principally upon its receipt of dividends from Northwind Re. The ability of Northwind Re to pay dividends to Northwind Holdings will depend on its satisfaction of applicable regulatory requirements and on the performance of the reinsured claims of Provident, Paul Revere and Unum America (the ceding insurers) reinsured by Northwind Re. None of Unum Group, the ceding insurers, Northwind Re or any other affiliate of Northwind Holdings is an obligor or guarantor with respect to the notes. The balance outstanding on these notes was $500.0 million at December 31, 2012.

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In 2006, Tailwind Holdings issued $130.0 million floating rate, insured, senior, secured notes, due 2036, in a private offering. Recourse for the payment of principal, interest, and other amounts due on the notes will be limited to the collateral for the notes and the other assets of Tailwind Holdings, consisting primarily of the stock of its sole subsidiary Tailwind Re, a South Carolina special purpose financial captive insurance company. Tailwind Holdings' ability to meet its payment obligations under the notes will be dependent principally upon its receipt of dividends from Tailwind Re. The ability of Tailwind Re to pay dividends to Tailwind Holdings will depend on its satisfaction of applicable regulatory requirements and on the performance of the reinsured claims of Unum America reinsured by Tailwind Re. None of Unum Group, Unum America, Tailwind Re or any other affiliate of Tailwind Holdings is an obligor or guarantor on the notes. The balance outstanding on these notes was $62.5 million at December 31, 2012, the entire amount of which was purchased and retired in January 2013.

In 2005, Unum Group repatriated $454.8 million in unremitted foreign earnings from its U.K. subsidiaries, and as part of its repatriation plan, UnumProvident Finance Company plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unum Group, issued $400.0 million of 6.85% senior debentures, due 2015, in a private offering. The debentures are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Unum Group. The aggregate principal amount outstanding was $296.9 million at December 31, 2012.

In 2002, Unum Group completed two long-term offerings, issuing $250.0 million of 7.375% senior debentures due 2032 and $150.0 million of 7.25% public income notes due 2032. The public income notes were called and retired in 2007. The 7.375% notes have an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $39.5 million at December 31, 2012.

In 1998, Unum Group completed public offerings of $200.0 million of 7.25% senior notes due 2028, $200.0 million of 7.0% senior notes due 2018, and $250.0 million of 6.75% senior notes due 2028. None of these amounts have been reduced other than the 6.75% notes, which have an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $165.8 million at December 31, 2012.

In 1998, Provident Financing Trust I (the trust) issued $300.0 million of 7.405% capital securities in a public offering. These capital securities, which mature in 2038, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Unum Group, have a liquidation value of $1,000 per capital security, and have a mandatory redemption feature under certain circumstances. Unum Group issued 7.405% junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures, which mature in 2038, to the trust in connection with the capital securities offering. The securities issued by the trust have an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $226.5 million at December 31, 2012.

Unum Group has medium-term notes with an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $50.8 million at December 31, 2012 which were initially issued in three separate series in 1990, 1993, and 1996, pursuant to an indenture dated September 15, 1990.  The notes are fixed maturity rate notes with fixed maturity dates ranging between nine months to thirty years from the issuance date. 

Interest and Debt Expense

Interest paid on long-term and short-term debt and related securities during 2012, 2011, and 2010, was $139.6 million, $145.4 million, and $140.7 million, respectively.

Shelf Registration

We have a shelf registration, which we renewed in 2011, with the Securities and Exchange Commission to issue various types of securities, including common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depository shares, stock purchase contracts, units and warrants, or preferred securities of wholly-owned finance trusts.  The shelf registration enables us to raise funds from the offering of any securities covered by the shelf registration as well as any combination thereof, subject to market conditions and our capital needs.

See Note 7 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for additional information.

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Commitments

The following table summarizes contractual obligations and our reinsurance recoverable by period as of December 31, 2012:

(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
In 1 Year or Less
 
After 1 Year up to 3 Years
 
After 3 Years up to 5 Years
 
After 5 Years
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payments Due
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term Debt
$
455.8

 
$
455.8

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt
4,672.9

 
145.8

 
585.9

 
576.0

 
3,365.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholder Liabilities
41,973.1

 
4,613.5

 
7,094.9

 
5,310.5

 
24,954.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
2,237.0

 
74.4

 
253.7

 
256.8

 
1,652.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Miscellaneous Liabilities
575.2

 
523.8

 
11.8

 
9.0

 
30.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Leases
216.8

 
33.7

 
54.0

 
31.1

 
98.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase Obligations
275.0

 
236.0

 
33.6

 
3.8

 
1.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
50,405.8

 
$
6,083.0

 
$
8,033.9

 
$
6,187.2

 
$
30,101.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Receipts Due
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance Recoverable
$
7,502.5

 
$
328.4

 
$
786.8

 
$
544.9

 
$
5,842.4


Excluded from the preceding table are tax liabilities of approximately $6.8 million for which we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of potential cash settlements, if any, with taxing authorities. See Note 6 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for additional information.

Short-term and long-term debt includes contractual principal and interest payments and therefore exceeds the amount shown in the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 7 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for additional information.

Policyholder liability maturities and the related reinsurance recoverable represent the projected payout of the current in-force policyholder liabilities and the expected cash inflows from reinsurers for liabilities ceded and therefore incorporate uncertainties as to the timing and amount of claim payments. We utilize extensive liability modeling to project future cash flows from the in-force business. The primary assumptions used to project future cash flows are claim incidence rates for mortality and morbidity, claim resolution rates, persistency rates, and interest rates. These cash flows are discounted to determine the current value of the projected claim payments. The timing and amount of payments on policyholder liabilities may vary significantly from the projections above. See our previous discussion of asset and liability management under "Investments" contained in this Item 7 and Note 1 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for additional information.

Pensions and other postretirement benefit obligations include our defined benefit pension and postretirement plans for our employees, including non-qualified pension plans. Pension plan obligations, other than the non-qualified plans, represent our expected contributions to the pension plans. Amounts in the one year or less category equal our expected contributions within the next 12 months. The remaining years' contributions are projected based on the expected future contributions as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Non-qualified pension plan and other postretirement benefit obligations represent the expected benefit payments related to these plans. The pensions and other postretirement benefit projections reflect expected future service. These projections are not discounted with respect to interest and therefore exceed the amount recorded in the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 8 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 and "Critical Accounting Estimates" contained in this Item 7 for additional information.


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Miscellaneous liabilities include commissions due and accrued, deferred compensation liabilities, state premium taxes payable, amounts due to reinsurance companies, accounts payable, obligations to return unrestricted cash collateral to our derivatives counterparties, and various other liabilities that represent contractual obligations. Obligations where the timing of the payment was uncertain are included in the one year or less category. See Note 4 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for additional information on our derivatives.

At December 31, 2012, we had legally binding unfunded commitments, which are recognized as liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets, of $83.7 million and $5.1 million to fund tax credit partnership investments and transferable state tax credits, respectively, with a corresponding recognition of other long-term investments and other assets, respectively. These commitments are represented in the purchase obligation line on the preceding schedule and will be funded over the next several years.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As noted in the preceding commitments table, we have operating lease commitments totaling $216.8 million at December 31, 2012. Operating leases include noncancelable obligations on certain office space, equipment, and software.

Purchase obligations include off-balance sheet non-binding commitments of $29.0 million to fund certain of our investments in private placement securities, $71.3 million to fund certain private equity partnerships, and $47.3 million to fund certain commercial mortgage loans. These are shown in the preceding table based on the expiration date of the commitments. The funds will be due upon satisfaction of contractual notice from the partnership trustee, issuer of the private placement securities, or borrower. The amounts may or may not be funded. Also included are obligations with outside parties for computer data processing services and related functions and software maintenance agreements. The aggregate obligation remaining under these agreements was $35.6 million at December 31, 2012.

As part of our regular investing strategy, we receive collateral from unaffiliated third parties through transactions which include both securities lending and also short-term agreements to purchase securities with the agreement to resell them at a later specified date. For both types of transactions, we require that a minimum of 102 percent of the fair value of the securities loaned or securities purchased under repurchase agreements be maintained as collateral. Generally, cash is received as collateral under these agreements. In the event that securities are received as collateral, we are not permitted to sell or re-post them. We also post our fixed maturity securities as collateral to unaffiliated third parties through transactions including both securities lending and also short-term agreements to sell securities with the agreement to repurchase them at a later specified date. See "Transfers of Financial Assets" as follows for further discussion.

To help limit the credit exposure of the derivatives, we enter into master netting agreements with our counterparties whereby contracts in a gain position can be offset against contracts in a loss position. We also typically enter into bilateral, cross-collateralization agreements with our counterparties to help limit the credit exposure of the derivatives. These agreements require the counterparty in a loss position to submit acceptable collateral with the other counterparty in the event the net loss position meets or exceeds an agreed upon amount. Our current credit exposure on derivatives, which is limited to the value of those contracts in a net gain position less collateral held, was $8.7 million at December 31, 2012. We post fixed maturity securities or cash as collateral to our counterparties. Fixed maturity securities with a carrying value of $108.6 million and cash of $1.8 million were posted as collateral to our counterparties at December 31, 2012.

Our derivatives counterparties have posted non-cash collateral in various segregated custody accounts to which we have a security interest in the event of counterparty default. This collateral, which is not reflected in the preceding table, had a fair value of $58.9 million at December 31, 2012.
Transfers of Financial Assets

To manage our cash position more efficiently, we may enter into repurchase agreements with unaffiliated financial institutions. We generally use repurchase agreements as a means to finance the purchase of invested assets or for short-term general business purposes until projected cash flows become available from our operations or existing investments. Our repurchase agreements are typically outstanding for less than 30 days. We post collateral through our repurchase agreement transactions whereby the counterparty commits to purchase securities with the agreement to resell them to us at a later, specified date. The fair value of collateral posted is generally 102 percent of the cash received.



89


As previously noted, our investment policy also permits us to lend fixed maturity securities to unaffiliated financial institutions in short-term securities lending agreements, which increase our investment income with minimal risk. We account for all of our securities lending agreements and repurchase agreements as collateralized financings. We had $455.8 million of securities lending agreements outstanding which were collateralized by cash at December 31, 2012 and were reported as short-term debt in our consolidated balance sheets. The cash received as collateral was reinvested in short-term investments. The average balance during the year ended December 31, 2012 was $431.0 million, and the maximum amount outstanding at any month end was $467.1 million. In addition, at December 31, 2012, we had $14.5 million of off-balance sheet securities lending agreements which were collateralized by securities that we were neither permitted to sell nor control. The average balance of these off-balance sheet transactions during 2012 was $15.7 million, and the maximum amount outstanding at any month end was $16.9 million.

We had no repurchase agreements outstanding at December 31, 2012. The average balance during the year ended December 31, 2012 was $2.7 million, and the maximum amount outstanding at any month end was $16.2 million. Our use of repurchase agreements and securities lending agreements can fluctuate during any given period and will depend on our liquidity position, the availability of long-term investments that meet our purchasing criteria, and our general business needs.
Ratings

AM Best, Fitch, Moody's, and S&P are among the third parties that assign issuer credit ratings to Unum Group and financial strength ratings to our insurance subsidiaries. Issuer credit ratings reflect an agency's opinion of the overall financial capacity of a company to meet its senior debt obligations. Financial strength ratings are specific to each individual insurance subsidiary and reflect each rating agency's view of the overall financial strength (capital levels, earnings, growth, investments, business mix, operating performance, and market position) of the insuring entity and its ability to meet its obligations to policyholders. Both the issuer credit ratings and financial strength ratings incorporate quantitative and qualitative analyses by rating agencies and are routinely reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis.
 
We compete based in part on the financial strength ratings provided by rating agencies. A downgrade of our financial strength ratings can be expected to adversely affect us and could potentially, among other things, adversely affect our relationships with distributors of our products and services and retention of our sales force, negatively impact persistency and new sales, particularly large case group sales and individual sales, and generally adversely affect our ability to compete. A downgrade in the issuer credit rating assigned to Unum Group can be expected to adversely affect our cost of capital or our ability to raise additional capital.
 
The table below reflects the issuer credit ratings for Unum Group and the financial strength ratings for each of our traditional insurance subsidiaries as of the date of this filing.
 
 
AM Best
 
Fitch
 
Moody's
 
S&P
Issuer Credit Ratings
bbb (Good)
 
BBB (Good)
 
Baa2 (Adequate)
 
BBB (Adequate)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Strength Ratings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Provident Life and Accident
A (Excellent)
 
A (Strong)
 
A2 (Good)
 
A (Strong)
    Provident Life and Casualty
A (Excellent)
 
A (Strong)
 
Not Rated
 
Not Rated
    Unum Life of America
A (Excellent)
 
A (Strong)
 
A2 (Good)
 
A (Strong)
    First Unum Life
A (Excellent)
 
A (Strong)
 
A2 (Good)
 
A (Strong)
    Colonial Life & Accident
A (Excellent)
 
A (Strong)
 
A2 (Good)
 
A (Strong)
    Paul Revere Life
A (Excellent)
 
A (Strong)
 
A2 (Good)
 
A (Strong)
    Paul Revere Variable
B++ (Good)
 
A (Strong)
 
A2 (Good)
 
Not Rated
    Unum Limited
Not Rated
 
Not Rated
 
Not Rated
 
A- (Strong)

We maintain an ongoing dialogue with the four rating agencies that evaluate us in order to inform them of progress we are making regarding our strategic objectives and financial plans, as well as other pertinent issues. A significant component of our communications involves our annual review meeting with each of the four agencies. We hold other meetings throughout the year regarding our business, including, but not limited to, quarterly updates.
 

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On February 6, 2012, August 3, 2012, and February 11, 2013, Fitch affirmed its A rating of Unum's domestic insurance subsidiaries and affirmed the senior debt rating of Unum Group at BBB. Fitch's rating outlook for all ratings is "stable." On March 15, 2012 and January 30, 2013, AM Best affirmed its A rating of Unum's primary domestic insurance subsidiaries and affirmed the bbb issuer credit rating for Unum Group. AM Best's outlook for all ratings is "stable." On August 16, 2012, Moody's upgraded the financial strength rating of Unum's primary domestic insurance subsidiaries from A3 to A2 and raised the credit ratings of Unum Group's senior debt from Baa3 to Baa2. Moody's outlook for all ratings is "stable." On October 9, 2012, S&P raised its credit rating of Unum Group's senior debt from BBB- to BBB and raised the financial strength ratings of Unum's primary domestic insurance subsidiaries from A- to A. S&P revised the outlook on all ratings to "stable."
 
There have been no other changes in any of the rating agencies' outlook statements or ratings during 2012 or during 2013 prior to the date of this filing.
 
Agency ratings are not directed toward the holders of our securities and are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold our securities. Each rating is subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization, and each rating should be regarded as an independent assessment, not conditional on any other rating. Given the dynamic nature of the ratings process, changes by these or other rating agencies may or may not occur in the near-term. Based on our ongoing dialogue with the rating agencies concerning our improved insurance risk profile, our financial flexibility, our operating performance, and the quality of our investment portfolio, we do not expect any negative actions from any of the four rating agencies related to either Unum Group's current issuer credit ratings or the financial strength ratings of its insurance subsidiaries. However, in the event that we are unable to meet the rating agency specific guideline values to maintain our current ratings, including but not limited to maintenance of our capital management metrics at the threshold values stated and maintenance of our financial flexibility and operational consistency, we could be placed on a negative credit watch, with a potential for a downgrade to both our issuer credit ratings and our financial strength ratings.

See "Ratings" contained herein in Item 1 and "Risk Factors" contained herein in Item 1A for further discussion.


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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are subject to various market risk exposures, including interest rate risk and foreign exchange rate risk. The following discussion regarding our risk management activities includes forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. Estimates of future performance and economic conditions are reflected assuming certain changes in market rates and prices were to occur (sensitivity analysis). Caution should be used in evaluating our overall market risk from the information presented below, as actual results may differ. See "Investments" contained herein in Item 7 and Notes 2, 3, and 4 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further discussions of the qualitative aspects of market risk, including derivative financial instrument activity.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to interest rate changes results from our holdings of financial instruments such as fixed rate investments, derivatives, and interest-sensitive liabilities. Fixed rate investments include fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans, policy loans, and short-term investments. Fixed maturity securities include U.S. and foreign government bonds, securities issued by government agencies, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and redeemable preferred stock, all of which are subject to risk resulting from interest rate fluctuations. Certain of our financial instruments, fixed maturity securities and derivatives, are carried at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of these financial instruments may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates. A rise in interest rates may decrease the net unrealized gain related to these financial instruments, but may improve our ability to earn higher rates of return on new purchases of fixed maturity securities. Conversely, a decline in interest rates may increase the net unrealized gain, but new securities may be purchased at lower rates of return. Although changes in fair value of fixed maturity securities and derivatives due to changes in interest rates may impact amounts reported in our consolidated balance sheets, these changes will not cause an economic gain or loss unless we sell investments, terminate derivative positions, determine that an investment is other than temporarily impaired, or determine that a derivative instrument is no longer an effective hedge.

Other fixed rate investments, such as mortgage loans and policy loans, are carried at amortized cost and unpaid balances, respectively, rather than fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. These investments may have fair values substantially higher or lower than the carrying values reflected in our balance sheets. A change in interest rates could impact our financial position if we sold our mortgage loan investments at times of low market value. A change in interest rates would not impact our financial position at repayment of policy loans, as ultimately the cash surrender values or death benefits would be reduced for the carrying value of any outstanding policy loans. Carrying amounts for short-term investments approximate fair value, and we believe we have minimal interest rate risk exposure from these investments.

We believe that the risk of being forced to liquidate investments or terminate derivative positions is minimal, primarily due to the level of capital at our insurance subsidiaries, the level of cash and marketable securities at our holding companies, and our investment strategy which we believe provides for adequate cash flows to meet the funding requirements of our business. We may in certain circumstances, however, need to sell investments due to changes in regulatory or capital requirements, changes in tax laws, rating agency decisions, and/or unexpected changes in liquidity needs.

Although our policy benefits are primarily in the form of claim payments and we therefore have minimal exposure to the policy withdrawal risk associated with deposit products such as individual life policies or annuities, the fair values of liabilities under all insurance contracts are taken into consideration in our overall management of interest rate risk, which minimizes exposure to changing interest rates through the matching of investment cash flows with amounts due under insurance contracts. Changes in interest rates and individuals' behavior affect the amount and timing of asset and liability cash flows. We actively manage our asset and liability cash flow match and our asset and liability duration match to limit interest rate risk. Due to the long duration of our long-term care product, we may be unable to purchase appropriate assets with cash flows and durations such that the timing and/or amount of our investment cash flows may not match those of our maturing liabilities.  Sustained periods of low interest rates could result in lower than expected profitability or increases in reserves. We model and test asset and liability portfolios to improve interest rate risk management and net yields. Testing the asset and liability portfolios under various interest rate and economic scenarios enables us to choose what we believe to be the most appropriate investment strategy, as well as to limit the risk of disadvantageous outcomes. We use this analysis in determining hedging strategies and utilizing derivative financial instruments. We use current and forward interest rate swaps, options on forward interest rate swaps, and forward treasury locks to hedge interest rate risks and to match asset durations and cash flows with corresponding liabilities.



92


Long-term debt is not carried at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. If we modify or replace existing long-term debt instruments at current market rates, we may incur a gain or loss on the transaction. We believe our debt-related risk to changes in interest rates is relatively minimal. In the near term, we expect that our need for external financing is small, but changes in our business could increase our need.

We measure our financial instruments' market risk related to changes in interest rates using a sensitivity analysis. This analysis estimates potential changes in fair values as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 based on a hypothetical immediate increase of 100 basis points in interest rates from year end levels. The selection of a 100 basis point immediate parallel change in interest rates should not be construed as our prediction of future market events, but only as an illustration of the potential effect of such an event.

The hypothetical potential changes in fair value of our financial instruments at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are shown as follows:
 
December 31, 2012
(in millions of dollars)
Notional Amount of Derivatives
Fair Value
Hypothetical
 
FV + 100 BP
Change in FV
Assets
 
 
 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities (1)
 
$
44,973.0

$
41,290.1

$
(3,682.9
)
Mortgage Loans
 
1,937.1

1,847.2

(89.9
)
Policy Loans, Net of Reinsurance Ceded
 
302.6

283.5

(19.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Unrealized Adjustment to Reserves, Net of Reinsurance Ceded and Other (2)
 
$
(5,993.0
)
$
(3,267.5
)
$
2,725.5

Long-term Debt
 
(2,968.8
)
(2,780.3
)
188.5

 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives (1)
 
 
 
 
Swaps
$
1,432.8

$
(88.9
)
$
(146.4
)
$
(57.5
)
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement
 
(83.9
)
(92.3
)
(8.4
)
 
December 31, 2011
(in millions of dollars)
Notional Amount of Derivatives
Fair Value
Hypothetical
 
FV + 100 BP
Change in FV
Assets
 
 
 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities (1)
 
$
42,486.7

$
38,912.6

$
(3,574.1
)
Mortgage Loans
 
1,789.8

1,716.2

(73.6
)
Policy Loans, Net of Reinsurance Ceded
 
286.1

270.0

(16.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Unrealized Adjustment to Reserves, Net of Reinsurance Ceded and Other (2)
 
$
(5,007.3
)
$
(2,326.4
)
$
2,680.9

Long-term Debt
 
(2,540.2
)
(2,400.6
)
139.6

 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives (1)
 
 
 
 
Swaps
$
1,413.0

$
(36.0
)
$
(118.8
)
$
(82.8
)
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement
 
(135.7
)
(138.4
)
(2.7
)

(1) These assets and liabilities are carried at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. Changes in fair value resulting from changes in interest rates may affect the fair value at which the item is reported in our consolidated balance sheets. The corresponding offsetting change is reported in other comprehensive income or loss, net of deferred taxes, except for changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative which is reported as a component of net realized investment gain or loss.

(2) The adjustment to reserves and other for unrealized investment gains and losses reflects the adjustments to deferred acquisition costs and policyholder liabilities that would be necessary if the unrealized investment gains and losses related to the fixed maturity securities and derivatives had been realized. Changes in this adjustment are also reported as a component of other comprehensive income or loss, net of deferred taxes.

93


The effect of a change in interest rates on asset prices was determined using a duration implied methodology for corporate bonds and government and government agency securities whereby the duration of each security was used to estimate the change in price for the security assuming an increase of 100 basis points in interest rates. The effect of a change in interest rates on the mortgage-backed securities was estimated using a mortgage analytic system which takes into account the impact of changing prepayment speeds resulting from a 100 basis point increase in interest rates on the change in price of the mortgage-backed securities. These hypothetical prices were compared to the actual prices for the period to compute the overall change in market value. The changes in the fair values shown in the chart above for all other items were determined using discounted cash flows analyses. Because we actively manage our investments and liabilities, actual changes could be less than those estimated above.

Foreign Currency Risk

The functional currency of our U.K. operations is the British pound sterling. We are exposed to foreign currency risk arising from fluctuations in the British pound sterling to U.S. dollar exchange rates primarily as they relate to the translation of the financial results of our U.K. operations. Fluctuations in the pound to dollar exchange rate have an effect on our reported financial results. We do not hedge against the possible impact of this risk. Because we do not actually convert pounds into dollars except for a limited number of transactions, we view foreign currency translation as a financial reporting issue and not a reflection of operations or profitability in the U.K.

Assuming the pound to dollar exchange rate decreased 10 percent from the December 31, 2012 and 2011 levels, stockholders' equity as reported in U.S. dollars as of and for the periods then ended would have been lower by approximately $109.5 million and $107.9 million, respectively. Assuming the pound to dollar average exchange rate decreased 10 percent from the actual average exchange rates for 2012 and 2011, segment operating income, which excludes net realized investment gains and losses and income tax, as reported in U.S. dollars would have decreased approximately $12.6 million and $18.8 million, respectively, for the years then ended.

Dividends paid by Unum Limited are generally held at our U.K. finance subsidiary or our U.K. holding company. If these funds are repatriated to our U.S. holding company, we would at that time be subject to foreign currency risk as the value of the dividend, when converted into U.S. dollars, would be dependent upon the foreign exchange rate at the time of conversion.

We are also exposed to foreign currency risk related to certain foreign investment securities denominated in local currencies and U.S. dollar-denominated debt issued by one of our U.K. subsidiaries. We use current and forward currency swaps to hedge or minimize the foreign exchange risk associated with these instruments.

See "Consolidated Operating Results" and "Unum UK Segment" contained herein in Item 7 for further information concerning foreign currency translation.

Risk Management
 
Effectively taking and managing risks is essential to the success of our Company. To facilitate this effort, we have a formal Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program, with a framework comprising the following key components:
 
•
Risk culture and governance
•
Risk appetite policy
•
Risk identification and prioritization
•
Risk and capital modeling
•
Risk management activities
•
Risk reporting

Through adherence to the objectives highlighted by the key components of our ERM framework, we believe we are better positioned to fulfill our corporate mission, improve and protect stockholder value, and reduce reputational risk.


94


Risk Culture and Governance

We employ a decentralized risk management model under which risk-based decisions are made daily on a local level. To achieve long-term success, we believe risk management must be the responsibility of all employees. The individual and collective decisions of our employees play a key role in successfully managing our overall risk profile. We strive for a culture of accountability, risk management, and strict compliance, and we believe these values allow our employees to feel comfortable identifying issues as well as taking ownership for addressing potential problems.

Our risk culture is reinforced by our system of risk governance. We employ a multi-layered risk control system. Our three lines of defense model is depicted below.

1st Line: The Business
 
2nd Line: Risk and Control
 
3rd Line: Independent Review
All Unum Employees
 
Risk Committees and Chief Risk Officer
 
Internal Audit and Internal Controls
Frontline Business Management
 
Chief Actuary
 
Audit Committee of Unum Group Board
 
 
Compliance Officers and Staff
 
Unum Group Board

Business units are primarily responsible for managing their principal risks. Our risk committees, chief risk officer (CRO), chief actuary, and compliance officers and staff serve in risk and control functions responsible for providing risk oversight, or the second line of risk control. The internal audit team and internal controls team provide a second level of independent review, or our third line of risk control. The audit committee of Unum Group's board of directors (the board) oversees the entire ERM governance process, effectively providing independent review for our third line of risk control.
The board has an active role, as a whole and through its committees, in overseeing management of our risks. The board is responsible for managing strategic risk and regularly reviews information regarding our capital, liquidity, and operations, as well as the risks associated with each, and receives an ERM report from our CRO at least annually, or more frequently as appropriate. The audit committee of the board is responsible for oversight of our risk management process, including financial risk, operational risk, and any other risk not specifically assigned to another board committee. The CRO provides a report on our risks and risk management processes to the audit committee of the board at least quarterly. The finance committee of the board is responsible for oversight of risks associated with investments, capital, and related financial matters. The human capital committee of the board is responsible for oversight of risks relating to our compensation plans and programs. The CRO performs an annual risk assessment of our incentive compensation programs to ensure incentive plans are balanced and consistent with the risk levels embedded in our financial and business plans. Results of this assessment are presented to our human capital committee of the board annually, and conclusions from this assessment are reported in our proxy statement. The regulatory compliance committee of the board is responsible for oversight of risks related to regulatory, compliance, policy, and legal matters, both current and emerging, and whether of a local, state, federal, or international nature. While each committee is responsible for evaluating certain risks and overseeing the management of such risks, the entire board is regularly informed through committee reports about such risks in addition to the risk information it receives directly.
The executive risk management committee is responsible for overseeing our enterprise-wide risk management program. The CRO, who is a member of the executive risk management committee, has primary responsibility for our ERM program and is supported by corporate risk committees and by the risk committees of our primary operating segments.
Operating segment risk committees for Unum US, Unum UK, Colonial Life, and Closed Block are responsible for oversight of risks specific to their businesses. These committees are responsible for identifying, measuring, reporting, and managing insurance and operational risks within their respective areas, consistent with enterprise risk management guidance. Corporate risk committees oversee the operational, global technology services, investment, and capital management risks on a corporate level.

Risk Appetite Policy

Our risk appetite policy describes the types of risks we are willing to take, as well as the amount of enterprise risk exposure we deem acceptable in pursuit of our goals, with an objective of clearly defining boundaries for our risk-taking activities.


95


The starting point of our philosophy and approach to our ERM strategy is our corporate strategy. In contrast to many multi-line peer companies, we do not offer retirement savings, traditional medical benefits, or property and casualty insurance. Our corporate strategy is focused on providing group, individual, and voluntary benefits, either as stand-alone products or combined with other coverages, that create comprehensive benefits solutions for employers. We have market leadership positions in the product lines we offer and have over 160 years of experience. We believe this combination of focused expertise and extensive experience is a competitive advantage and forms the foundation of our approach to risk management.

We believe our sound and consistent business practices, strong internal compliance program, and comprehensive risk management strategy enable us to operate efficiently and to identify and address potential areas of risk in our business. We take and manage risks to achieve our business and strategic objectives, and our risk appetite statement sets boundaries for risk-taking activities that link earnings, capital, and operational processes, as well as summarizes our most material risk limits and controls. We monitor our risk profile against our established risk tolerance and limits. Risks falling outside our risk tolerance and limits are reported to the applicable governance group, where decisions are made pertaining to acceptance of the risk or implementation of remediation plans or corrective actions as deemed appropriate by that governance group.

Risk Identification and Prioritization

Risk identification and prioritization is an ongoing process, whereby we identify and assess our risk positions and exposures, including notable risk events. Additionally, we identify emerging risks and analyze how material future risks might affect us. Knowing the potential risks we face allows us to monitor and manage their potential effects including adjusting our strategies as appropriate and holding capital levels which provide financial flexibility.

Risk committees have primary responsibility for identifying and prioritizing risks within their respective areas. In addition, we maintain a risk, ethics, and compliance (REC) leaders program. The goal of the program is to further embed REC management into our culture in a visible and effective manner. This group assists with the early identification of issues, timely referrals, problem solving, and communication.

Individual employees can report material concerns and identified risks through a variety of options, such as discussion with management, contacting a REC leader or the ERM team, or utilizing the Company's anonymous hotline and electronic reporting mechanism.

We face a wide range of risks, and our continued success depends on our ability to identify and appropriately manage our risk exposures. For additional information on certain risks that may adversely affect our business, operating results, or financial condition see "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" contained herein on page 1 and "Risk Factors" contained herein in Item 1A.

Risk and Capital Modeling

We assess material risks, including how they affect us and how individual risks interrelate, to provide valuable information to management in order that they may effectively manage our risks. We use qualitative and quantitative approaches to assess existing and emerging risks and to develop mitigating strategies to limit our exposure to both.

We utilize stress testing and scenario analysis for risk management and to shape our business, financial, and strategic planning activities. Both are key components of our risk appetite policy and play an important role in monitoring, assessing, managing, and mitigating our primary risk exposures.
In particular, stress testing of our capital and liquidity management strategies enables us to identify areas of high exposure, assess mitigating actions, develop contingency plans, and guide decisions around our target capital and liquidity levels. For example, we periodically perform stress tests on certain categories of assets or liabilities to support development of capital and liquidity risk contingency plans. These tests help ensure that we have a buffer to support our operations in uncertain times and financial flexibility to respond to market opportunities. Stress testing is also central to reserve adequacy testing, cash flow testing, and asset and liability management.
In addition, we aim to constantly improve our capital modeling techniques and methodologies that are used to determine a level of capital that is commensurate with our risk profile and to ensure compliance with evolving regulatory and rating agency requirements. Our capital modeling reflects appropriate aggregation of risks and diversification benefits resulting from our mix of products and business units.

96



Our internal capital modeling and allocation aids us in making significant business decisions including strategic planning, capital management, risk limit determination, reinsurance purchases, hedging activities, asset allocation, pricing, and corporate development.

Risk Management Activities

We accept and manage strategic, credit, and insurance risks in accordance with our corporate strategy, investment policy, and annual business plans. The following fundamental principles are embedded in our risk management efforts across our Company.

•
We believe in the benefits of specialization and a focused business strategy. We seek profitable risk-taking in areas where we have established risk management skills and capabilities.
•
We seek to manage our exposure to insurance risk through a combination of prudent underwriting with effective risk selection, maintaining pricing discipline, sound reserving practices, and high quality claims management. Detailed underwriting guidelines and claim policies are tools used to manage our insurance risk exposure. We also monitor exposures against internally prescribed limits, and we diversify to reduce potential concentration risk and volatility.
•
We maintain a detailed set of investment policies and guidelines, including fundamental credit analysis, that are used to manage our credit risk exposure and diversify our risks across asset classes and issuers.
•
Finally, we foster a risk culture that embeds our corporate values and our code of conduct in our daily operations and preserves our reputation with customers and other key stakeholders. We monitor a composite set of operational risk metrics that measure operating effectiveness from the customer perspective.

Risk Reporting

Regular internal and external risk reporting is an integral part of our ERM framework. Internally, ERM reports are a standard part of our quarterly senior management and board meetings. The reports summarize our existing and emerging risk exposures, as well as report against the tolerances and limits defined by our risk appetite policy. 

Externally, we are subject to a number of regulatory and rating agency risk examinations, and risk reports are often included. By 2015, we must comply with the ORSA requirements, which are intended to become a regular part of reviews of insurers' ERM programs. We believe the ORSA will provide strong evidence of the strengths of our ERM framework, measurement approaches, key assumptions utilized in assessing our risks, and prospective solvency assessments under both normal and stressed conditions. We have implemented, and will continue to implement, actions to prepare for compliance with this evolving standard. See "Regulation" contained herein in Item 1 for additional information regarding the ORSA.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


Board of Directors and Stockholders
Unum Group

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Unum Group and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the index at Item 15(a)(2).  These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedules based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Unum Group and subsidiaries at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, Unum Group and subsidiaries changed its method of accounting for deferred acquisition costs as a result of the adoption of amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification resulting from Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-26, "Insurance (Topic 944): Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts," effective January 1, 2012.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Unum Group and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 22, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP



Chattanooga, Tennessee
February 22, 2013





98


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Unum Group and Subsidiaries
 
 
December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
As Adjusted
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments
 
 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities - at fair value (amortized cost: $37,751.5; $36,640.7)
$
44,973.0

 
$
42,486.7

Mortgage Loans
1,712.7

 
1,612.3

Policy Loans
3,133.8

 
3,051.4

Other Long-term Investments
625.0

 
639.2

Short-term Investments
1,460.3

 
1,423.5

Total Investments
51,904.8

 
49,213.1

 
 
 
 
Other Assets
 
 
 
Cash and Bank Deposits
77.3

 
116.6

Accounts and Premiums Receivable
1,632.6

 
1,672.2

Reinsurance Recoverable
4,842.6

 
4,854.6

Accrued Investment Income
694.6

 
681.8

Deferred Acquisition Costs
1,755.5

 
1,677.1

Goodwill
201.7

 
201.2

Property and Equipment
501.6

 
493.3

Other Assets
625.4

 
645.3

 
 
 
 
Total Assets
$
62,236.1

 
$
59,555.2

    
 See notes to consolidated financial statements.

99


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - Continued

Unum Group and Subsidiaries

 
December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
As Adjusted
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Policy and Contract Benefits
$
1,484.6

 
$
1,494.0

Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits
44,694.4

 
43,051.9

Unearned Premiums
426.7

 
433.2

Other Policyholders’ Funds
1,644.9

 
1,625.9

Income Tax Payable
54.2

 
38.2

Deferred Income Tax
269.4

 
44.7

Short-term Debt
455.8

 
312.3

Long-term Debt
2,755.4

 
2,570.2

Other Liabilities
1,838.1

 
1,815.1

 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities
53,623.5

 
51,385.5

 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities - Note 13

 

 
 
 
 
Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
Common Stock, $0.10 par
 
 
 
Authorized: 725,000,000 shares
 
 
 
Issued: 359,751,943 and 358,691,567 shares
36.0

 
35.9

Additional Paid-in Capital
2,607.7

 
2,591.1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 
Net Unrealized Gain on Securities Not Other-Than-Temporarily Impaired
873.5

 
614.8

Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges
401.6

 
408.7

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
(72.6
)
 
(117.6
)
Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs
(574.5
)
 
(444.1
)
Retained Earnings
7,371.6

 
6,611.0

Treasury Stock - at cost: 89,546,758 and 65,975,613 shares
(2,030.7
)
 
(1,530.1
)
 
 
 
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
8,612.6

 
8,169.7

 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
$
62,236.1

 
$
59,555.2


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

100


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Unum Group and Subsidiaries
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars, except share data)
 
 
 
As Adjusted
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Income
$
7,716.1

 
$
7,514.2

 
$
7,431.4

Net Investment Income
2,515.2

 
2,519.6

 
2,495.5

Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
 
 
 
 
 
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Loss on Fixed Maturity Securities
—

 
(19.9
)
 
(15.9
)
Other Net Realized Investment Gain
56.2

 
15.0

 
40.6

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
56.2

 
(4.9
)
 
24.7

Other Income
227.9

 
249.1

 
241.6

Total Revenue
10,515.4

 
10,278.0

 
10,193.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
6,722.2

 
7,209.5

 
6,354.1

Commissions
917.2

 
879.2

 
855.4

Interest and Debt Expense
145.4

 
143.3

 
141.8

Deferral of Acquisition Costs
(467.3
)
 
(442.5
)
 
(422.5
)
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
378.7

 
365.7

 
373.3

Impairment of Deferred Acquisition Costs
—

 
196.0

 
—

Compensation Expense
786.8

 
808.0

 
776.3

Other Expenses
782.9

 
785.5

 
794.9

Total Benefits and Expenses
9,265.9

 
9,944.7

 
8,873.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Before Income Tax
1,249.5

 
333.3

 
1,319.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Tax (Benefit)
 
 
 
 
 
Current
206.6

 
230.5

 
301.0

Deferred
148.5

 
(181.4
)
 
140.2

Total Income Tax
355.1


49.1


441.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
894.4

 
$
284.2

 
$
878.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income Per Common Share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
3.18

 
$
0.94

 
$
2.70

Assuming Dilution
$
3.17

 
$
0.94

 
$
2.69


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

101


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Unum Group and Subsidiaries
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
As Adjusted
Net Income
$
894.4

 
$
284.2

 
$
878.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 
 
 
Change in Net Unrealized Gains on Securities Before Reclassification Adjustment:
 
 
 
 
 
Change in Net Unrealized Gains on Securities Not Other-Than-Temporarily Impaired (net of tax expense of $470.9; $812.4; $522.6)
926.4

 
1,544.4

 
989.0

Change in Net Unrealized Gains on Securities Other-Than-Temporarily Impaired (net of tax benefit of $ - ; $1.1; $0.5)
—

 
(2.1
)
 
(0.9
)
Total Change in Net Unrealized Gains on Securities Before Reclassification Adjustment (net of tax expense of $470.9; $811.3; $522.1)
926.4

 
1,542.3

 
988.1

Reclassification Adjustment for Net Realized Investment Gain (net of tax expense of $3.2; $13.0; $3.5)
(7.6
)
 
(22.5
)
 
(6.4
)
Change in Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges (net of tax expense (benefit) of $(4.3); $25.2; $(5.0))
(7.1
)
 
47.7

 
(9.8
)
Change in Adjustment to Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits, Net of Reinsurance and Other (net of tax benefit of $325.6; $701.5; $499.6)
(660.1
)
 
(1,321.1
)
 
(948.3
)
Change in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment (net of tax expense of $ - ; $ - ; $0.6)
45.0

 
(10.5
)
 
(31.8
)
Change in Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs (net of tax benefit of $68.0; $67.4; $12.7)
(130.4
)
 
(125.5
)
 
12.1

Total Other Comprehensive Income
166.2

 
110.4

 
3.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive Income
$
1,060.6

 
$
394.6

 
$
882.6


See notes to consolidated financial statements.


102


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Unum Group and Subsidiaries
     
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
As Adjusted
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at Beginning of Year
$
35.9

 
$
36.5

 
$
36.4

Common Stock Activity
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.1

Retirement of Repurchased Common Shares
—

 
(0.8
)
 
—

Balance at End of Year
36.0

 
35.9

 
36.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at Beginning of Year
2,591.1

 
2,615.4

 
2,587.4

Common Stock Activity
16.6

 
30.9

 
28.0

Retirement of Repurchased Common Shares
—

 
(55.2
)
 
—

Balance at End of Year
2,607.7

 
2,591.1

 
2,615.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at Beginning of Year
461.8

 
351.4

 
347.5

Change During Year
166.2

 
110.4

 
3.9

Balance at End of Year
628.0

 
461.8

 
351.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Retained Earnings
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at Beginning of Year
6,611.0

 
6,591.8

 
5,827.9

Net Income
894.4

 
284.2

 
878.7

Dividends to Stockholders (per common share: $0.470; $0.395; $0.350)
(133.8
)
 
(121.0
)
 
(114.8
)
Retirement of Repurchased Common Shares
—

 
(144.0
)
 
—

Balance at End of Year
7,371.6

 
6,611.0

 
6,591.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
Treasury Stock
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at Beginning of Year
(1,530.1
)
 
(1,110.2
)
 
(754.2
)
Purchases of Treasury Stock
(500.6
)
 
(419.9
)
 
(356.0
)
Balance at End of Year
(2,030.7
)
 
(1,530.1
)
 
(1,110.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Stockholders' Equity at End of Year
$
8,612.6

 
$
8,169.7

 
$
8,484.9


See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 

103


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Unum Group and Subsidiaries
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
As Adjusted
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
894.4

 
$
284.2

 
$
878.7

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Change in Receivables
40.4

 
37.0

 
1.7

Change in Deferred Acquisition Costs
(88.6
)
 
(76.8
)
 
(49.2
)
Impairment of Deferred Acquisition Costs
—

 
196.0

 
—

Change in Insurance Reserves and Liabilities
508.4

 
1,113.9

 
537.8

Change in Income Taxes
168.0

 
(274.4
)
 
160.3

Change in Other Accrued Liabilities
18.6

 
68.4

 
(95.5
)
Non-cash Adjustments to Net Investment Income
(221.3
)
 
(240.6
)
 
(276.2
)
Net Realized Investment (Gain) Loss
(56.2
)
 
4.9

 
(24.7
)
Depreciation
84.3

 
81.1

 
75.4

Other, Net
31.6

 
—

 
(11.5
)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
1,379.6

 
1,193.7

 
1,196.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from Sales of Fixed Maturity Securities
595.9

 
1,181.9

 
1,122.8

Proceeds from Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities
2,160.5

 
1,692.7

 
2,192.8

Proceeds from Sales and Maturities of Other Investments
182.2

 
131.9

 
140.3

Purchase of Fixed Maturity Securities
(3,512.8
)
 
(2,760.1
)
 
(3,798.6
)
Purchase of Other Investments
(353.8
)
 
(304.1
)
 
(332.8
)
Net Purchases of Short-term Investments
(80.1
)
 
(254.6
)
 
(288.1
)
Other, Net
(105.3
)
 
(98.0
)
 
(110.1
)
Net Cash Used by Investing Activities
(1,113.4
)
 
(410.3
)
 
(1,073.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Net Short-term Debt Borrowings
143.5

 
87.2

 
—

Issuance of Long-term Debt
246.4

 
—

 
396.9

Long-term Debt Repayments
(70.0
)
 
(84.4
)
 
(78.3
)
Issuance of Common Stock
4.9

 
14.8

 
10.0

Repurchase of Common Stock
(496.7
)
 
(619.9
)
 
(356.0
)
Dividends Paid to Stockholders
(133.8
)
 
(121.0
)
 
(114.8
)
Other, Net
0.2

 
2.9

 
1.1

Net Cash Used by Financing Activities
(305.5
)
 
(720.4
)
 
(141.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Bank Deposits
(39.3
)
 
63.0

 
(18.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Bank Deposits at Beginning of Year
116.6

 
53.6

 
71.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Bank Deposits at End of Year
$
77.3

 
$
116.6

 
$
53.6


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

104
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Unum Group and Subsidiaries



Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Unum Group and its subsidiaries (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Such accounting principles differ from statutory accounting principles (see Note 14). Intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Description of Business: We are the largest provider of group and individual disability products in the United States and the United Kingdom. We also provide a complementary portfolio of other insurance products, including life insurance, employer- and employee-paid group benefits, and other related services. We market our products primarily to employers interested in providing benefits to their employees.

We have three major business segments: Unum US, Unum UK, and Colonial Life. Our other reporting segments are Closed Block and Corporate. See Note 12 for further discussion of our operating segments.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Such estimates and assumptions could change in the future as more information becomes known, which could impact the amounts reported and disclosed herein.

Fixed Maturity Securities: Fixed maturity securities include long-term bonds and redeemable preferred stocks. Fixed maturity securities not bought and held for the purpose of selling in the near term but for which we do not have the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value. Changes in the fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities, except for amounts related to other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings, are reported as a component of other comprehensive income. These amounts are net of income tax and valuation adjustments to deferred acquisition costs and reserves for future policy and contract benefits which would have been recorded had the related unrealized gain or loss on these securities been realized.

Interest income is recorded as part of net investment income when earned, using an effective yield method giving effect to amortization of premium and accretion of discount. Included within fixed maturity securities are mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities.  We recognize investment income on these securities using a constant effective yield based on projected prepayments of the underlying loans and the estimated economic life of the securities.  Actual prepayment experience is reviewed periodically, and effective yields are recalculated when differences arise between prepayments originally projected and the actual prepayments received and currently projected.  The effective yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis, and the adjustment is reflected in net investment income. For fixed maturity securities on which collection of investment income is uncertain, we discontinue the accrual of investment income and recognize investment income when interest and dividends are received. Payment terms specified for fixed maturity securities may include a prepayment penalty for unscheduled payoff of the investment.  Prepayment penalties are recognized as investment income when received.

In determining when a decline in fair value below amortized cost of a fixed maturity security is other than temporary, we evaluate available information, both positive and negative, in reaching our conclusions. Although available and applicable factors are considered in our analysis, our expectation of recovering the entire amortized cost basis of the security, whether we intend to sell the security, whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, and whether the security is current on principal and interest payments are the most critical factors in determining whether impairments are other than temporary. The significance of the decline in value and the length of time during which there has been a significant decline are also important factors, but we generally do not record an impairment loss based solely on these two factors, since often other more relevant factors will impact our evaluation of a security. See also Notes 2 and 3.

Mortgage Loans: Mortgage loans are generally held for investment and are carried at amortized cost less an allowance for probable losses. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan's contractual interest rate. Prepayment penalties are recognized as investment income when received.


105
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies - Continued


We use a comprehensive rating system to evaluate the investment and credit risk of our mortgage loans and to identify specific properties for further inspection, analysis, and reevaluation. For mortgage loans on which collection of investment income is uncertain, we discontinue the accrual of investment income and recognize investment income in the period when an interest payment is received. We typically do not resume the accrual of interest on mortgage loans on nonaccrual status until there are significant improvements in the underlying financial condition of the borrower. We consider a loan to be delinquent if full payment is not received in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. Mortgage loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. We establish an allowance for probable losses on mortgage loans based on a review of individual loans and considering the underlying collateral, the value of which is periodically assessed. Additions and reductions to our allowance are reported as a component of net realized investment gain or loss. We do not purchase mortgage loans with existing credit impairments. See also Note 3.

Policy Loans: Policy loans are presented at unpaid balances directly related to policyholders. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan's contractual interest rate. Included in policy loans are $2,912.7 million and $2,838.3 million of policy loans ceded to reinsurers at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Other Long-term Investments: Other long-term investments are comprised primarily of freestanding derivatives with a positive fair value, tax credit partnerships, and private equity partnerships. Freestanding derivatives are more fully described in the derivatives accounting policy which follows.

Tax credit partnerships in which we have invested were formed for the purpose of investing in the construction and rehabilitation of low-income housing.  Because the partnerships are structured such that there is no return of principal, the primary sources of investment return from our tax credit partnerships are tax credits and tax benefits derived from passive losses on the investments, both of which may exhibit variability over the life of the investment.  These partnerships are accounted for using either the equity or the effective yield method, depending primarily on whether the tax credits are guaranteed through a letter of credit, a tax indemnity agreement, or another similar arrangement. Tax credits received from these partnerships are reported in our consolidated statements of income as either a reduction of state premium taxes, which are a component of other expenses, or a reduction of income tax. For those partnerships accounted for under the equity method, the amortization of the principal amount invested in these partnerships is reported as a component of net investment income. For those partnerships accounted for under the effective yield method, amortization of the principal amount invested is reported as a component of income tax or other expenses.

Our investments in private equity partnerships are passive in nature.  The underlying investments held by these partnerships include both equity and debt securities and are accounted for using the equity or cost method, depending on the level of ownership and the degree of our influence over partnership operating and financial policies. For partnerships accounted for under the equity method, our portion of partnership earnings is reported as a component of net investment income in our consolidated statements of income. For those partnerships accounted for under the cost method, we record income received from partnership distributions as either a component of net investment income or of net realized investment gain or loss, in accordance with the source of the funds distributed from the partnership.

Short-term Investments: Short-term investments are carried at cost. Short-term investments include investments maturing within one year, such as corporate commercial paper and U.S. Treasury bills, bank term deposits, and other cash accounts and cash equivalents earning interest.

Cash and Bank Deposits: Cash and bank deposits include cash on hand and non-interest bearing cash and deposit accounts.

Derivative Financial Instruments: Derivative financial instruments (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) are recognized as either assets or liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets and are reported at fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value of a derivative depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship, and further, on the type of hedging relationship. To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging transaction, we formally document the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as the designation of the hedge as either a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge. Included in this documentation is how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risk(s) related to specific assets or liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific forecasted transactions as well as a description of the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument's effectiveness and the method that will be used to measure

106
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies - Continued


ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk(s) of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and periodically throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship, using qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative methods include comparison of critical terms of the derivative to the hedged item. Quantitative methods include regression or other statistical analysis of changes in fair value or cash flows associated with the hedge relationship. For those derivatives that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, the derivative is designated, based upon the exposure being hedged, as one of the following:

Fair value hedge. Changes in the fair value of the derivative, including amounts measured as ineffectiveness, and changes in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged are recognized in current earnings as a component of net realized investment gain or loss during the period of change in fair value.  The gain or loss on the termination of a fair value hedge is recognized in current earnings as a component of net realized investment gain or loss. When interest rate swaps are used in hedge accounting relationships, periodic settlements are recorded in the same income statement line as the related settlements of the hedged items.

Cash flow hedge. To the extent it is effective, changes in the fair value of the derivative are reported in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings and reported on the same income statement line item as the hedged item and in the same period or periods during which the hedged item affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the hedge, if any, is recognized in current earnings as a component of net realized investment gain or loss during the period of change in fair value. The gain or loss on the termination of an effective cash flow hedge is reported in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings and reported on the same income statement line item as the hedged item and in the same period or periods during which the hedged item affects earnings.

Gains or losses on the termination of ineffective hedges are reported in current earnings as a component of net realized investment gain or loss. In the event a hedged item is disposed of or the anticipated transaction being hedged is no longer likely to occur, we will terminate the related derivative and recognize the gain or loss on termination in current earnings as a component of net realized investment gain or loss. In the event a hedged item is disposed of subsequent to the termination of the hedging transaction, we reclassify any remaining gain or loss on the cash flow hedge out of accumulated other comprehensive income into current earnings as a component of the same income statement line item wherein we report the gain or loss on disposition of the hedged item.

Our freestanding derivatives all qualify as hedges and have been designated as either cash flow hedges or fair value hedges. We do not have any speculative positions in our freestanding derivatives. For a derivative not designated as a hedging instrument, the change in fair value is recognized in earnings during the period of change. Changes in the fair values of certain embedded derivatives are reported as a component of net realized investment gain or loss during the period of change.

In our consolidated balance sheets, we do not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral arising from those master netting agreements.

Fair Value Measurement: All of our fixed maturity securities are reported at fair value. Our derivative financial instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, are reported as either assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. We hold an immaterial amount of equity securities, which are also reported at fair value. We define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value represents an exit price, not an entry price. The exit price objective applies regardless of our intent and/or ability to sell the asset or transfer the liability at the measurement date.

Valuation techniques used for assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value are generally categorized into three types:  the market approach, the income approach, and the cost approach. We use valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available. In some cases, a single valuation technique will be appropriate. In other cases, multiple valuation techniques will be appropriate. If we use multiple valuation techniques to measure fair value, we evaluate and weigh the results, as appropriate, considering the reasonableness of the range indicated by those results. A fair value measurement is the point within that range that is most representative of fair value in the circumstances.


107
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies - Continued


The selection of the valuation method(s) to apply considers the definition of an exit price and depends on the nature of the asset or liability being valued. For assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value, we generally use valuation techniques consistent with the market approach, and to a lesser extent, the income approach. Inputs to valuation techniques refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants use in pricing assets or liabilities, including assumptions about risk, for example, the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

We prioritize the inputs to fair valuation techniques and use unobservable inputs to the extent that observable inputs are not available. We categorize our assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value into a three-level hierarchy, based on the significance of the inputs. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to inputs which are unadjusted and represent quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). See also Note 2.

Realized Investment Gains and Losses: Realized investment gains and losses are reported as a component of revenue in the consolidated statements of income and are based upon specific identification of the investments sold. If we determine that the decline in value of an investment is other than temporary, the investment is written down to fair value, and an impairment loss is recognized in the current period, either in earnings or in both earnings and other comprehensive income, as applicable. Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities which we intend to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell before recovery in value are recognized in earnings and equal the entire difference between the security's amortized cost basis and its fair value. For securities which we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell before recovery in value, other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings generally represent the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the present value of our best estimate of cash flows expected to be collected, discounted using the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the date of acquisition.  For fixed maturity securities for which we have recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss through earnings, if through subsequent evaluation there is a significant increase in expected cash flows, the difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected is accreted as net investment income.

Deferred Acquisition Costs: Incremental direct costs associated with the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts have been deferred. Such costs include commissions, other agency compensation, certain selection and policy issue expenses, and certain field expenses. Acquisition costs that do not vary with the production of new business, such as commissions on group products which are generally level throughout the life of the policy, are excluded from deferral. Deferred acquisition costs are subject to recoverability testing at the time of policy issue and loss recognition testing in subsequent years.

Deferred acquisition costs related to traditional policies are amortized over the premium paying period of the related policies in proportion to the ratio of the present value of annual expected premium income to the present value of total expected premium income. Any deviations from projected business in force resulting from actual policy terminations differing from expected levels may result in a change to the rate of amortization in the period such events occur. Generally, the amortization periods for these policies approximate the estimated lives of the policies.

Deferred acquisition costs related to interest-sensitive policies are amortized over the lives of the policies in relation to the present value of estimated gross profits from surrender charges, mortality margins, investment returns, and expense margins. Adjustments are made to reflect actual experience for assumptions which deviate compared to anticipated experience.

Internal replacement transactions wherein the modification does not substantially change the policy are accounted for as continuations of the replaced contracts. Unamortized deferred acquisition costs from the original policy continue to be amortized over the expected life of the new policy, and the costs of replacing the policy are accounted for as policy maintenance costs and expensed as incurred. Internal replacement transactions, principally on group contracts, that result in a policy that is substantially changed are accounted for as an extinguishment of the original policy and the issuance of a new policy. Unamortized deferred acquisition costs on the original policy that was replaced are immediately expensed, and the costs of acquiring the new policy are capitalized and amortized in accordance with our accounting policies for deferred acquisition costs.

108
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies - Continued


Loss recognition is generally performed on an annual basis, or more frequently if appropriate, using best estimate assumptions as to future experience as of the date of the test. Insurance contracts are grouped for each major product line within a segment when we perform the loss recognition tests. If loss recognition testing indicates that deferred acquisition costs are not recoverable, the deficiency is charged to expense.

Goodwill: Goodwill is the excess of the amount paid to acquire a business over the fair value of the net assets acquired. We review the carrying amount of goodwill for impairment during the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount might not be recoverable. Goodwill impairment testing compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill.  The fair values of the reporting units are determined using discounted cash flow models.  The critical estimates necessary in determining fair value are projected earnings and the discount rate.  We set our discount rate assumption based on an expected risk adjusted cost of capital.  If the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill relates is less than the carrying amount of the unamortized goodwill, the carrying amount is reduced with a corresponding charge to expense. 

Property and Equipment: Property and equipment is reported at cost less accumulated depreciation, which is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life. The accumulated depreciation for property and equipment was $705.0 million and $670.9 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Value of Business Acquired: Value of business acquired represents the present value of future profits recorded in connection with the acquisition of a block of insurance policies. The asset is amortized based upon expected future premium income for traditional insurance policies and estimated future gross profits for interest-sensitive insurance policies. The value of business acquired, which is included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets, was $23.5 million and $30.3 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The accumulated amortization for value of business acquired was $131.5 million and $119.3 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The amortization of value of business acquired, which is included in other expenses in the consolidated statements of income, was $7.5 million, $7.4 million, and $7.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. We periodically review the carrying amount of value of business acquired using the same methods used to evaluate deferred acquisition costs.

Policy and Contract Benefits: Policy and contract benefits represent amounts paid and expected to be paid based on reported losses and estimates of incurred but not reported losses for traditional life and accident and health products. For interest-sensitive products, benefits are the amounts paid and expected to be paid on insured claims in excess of the policyholders' policy fund balances.

Policy and Contract Benefits Liabilities: Policy reserves represent future policy and contract benefits for claims not yet incurred. Policy reserves for traditional life and accident and health products are determined using the net level premium method. The reserves are calculated based upon assumptions as to interest, persistency, morbidity, and mortality that were appropriate at the date of issue. Interest rate assumptions are based on actual and expected net investment returns. Persistency assumptions are based on our actual historical experience adjusted for future expectations. Morbidity and mortality assumptions are based on actual experience or industry standards adjusted as appropriate to reflect our actual experience and future expectations. The assumptions vary by plan, year of issue, and policy duration and include a provision for adverse deviation.

Policy reserves for group single premium annuities have been provided on a net single premium method. The reserves are calculated based on assumptions as to interest, mortality, and retirement that were appropriate at the date of issue. Mortality assumptions are based upon industry standards adjusted as appropriate to reflect our actual experience and future expectations. The assumptions vary by year of issue.

Policy reserves for interest-sensitive products are principally policyholder account values.


109
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies - Continued


We perform loss recognition tests on our policy reserves annually, or more frequently if appropriate, using best estimate assumptions as of the date of the test, without a provision for adverse deviation. We group the policy reserves for each major product line within a segment when we perform the loss recognition tests. If the policy reserves determined using these best estimate assumptions are higher than our existing policy reserves net of any deferred acquisition cost balance, the existing policy reserves are increased or deferred acquisition costs are reduced to immediately recognize the deficiency.

Claim reserves represent future policy and contract benefits for claims that have been incurred or are estimated to have been incurred but not yet reported to us. Our claim reserves relate primarily to disability policies and are calculated based on assumptions as to interest and claim resolution rates that are currently appropriate. Claim resolution rate assumptions are based on our actual experience. The interest rate assumptions used for discounting claim reserves are based on projected portfolio yield rates, after consideration for defaults and investment expenses, for the assets supporting the liabilities for the various product lines. Unlike policy reserves, claim reserves are subject to revision as current claim experience and projections of future experience change.

Policyholders' Funds: Policyholders' funds represent customer deposits plus interest credited at contract rates. We control interest rate risk by investing in quality assets which have an aggregate duration that closely matches the expected duration of the liabilities.

Income Tax: Deferred taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial statement purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred taxes have been measured using enacted statutory income tax rates and laws that are currently in effect. We record deferred tax assets for tax positions taken in the U.S. and other tax jurisdictions based on our assessment of whether a position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based solely on its technical merits.  A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that an amount will not be realized.

Short-term and Long-term Debt: Debt is generally carried at the unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized discount or premium. Short-term debt consists of debt due within the next twelve months, including that portion of debt otherwise classified as long-term, and securities lending agreements collateralized by cash. We account for all of our securities lending agreements and repurchase agreements as collateralized financings, and the carrying amount of the related short-term debt represents our liability to return cash collateral to the counterparty. Original issue discount or premium as well as debt issue costs are recognized as a component of interest expense over the period the debt is expected to be outstanding. The carrying amount of long-term debt that is part of a fair value hedge program includes an adjustment to reflect the effect of the change in fair value attributable to the risk being hedged. Net interest settlements for fair value hedges on our long-term debt are recognized as a component of interest expense.

Treasury Stock and Retirement of Common Stock: Treasury stock is reflected as a reduction of stockholders' equity at cost. When shares are retired, the par value is removed from common stock, and the excess of the repurchase price over par is allocated between additional paid-in capital and retained earnings.

Revenue Recognition: Traditional life and accident and health products are long-duration contracts, and premium income is recognized as revenue when due from policyholders. If the contracts are experience rated, the estimated ultimate premium is recognized as revenue over the period of the contract. The estimated ultimate premium, which is revised to reflect current experience, is based on estimated claim costs, expenses, and profit margins.

For interest-sensitive products, the amounts collected from policyholders are considered deposits, and only the deductions during the period for cost of insurance, policy administration, and surrenders are included in revenue. Policyholders' funds represent funds deposited by contract holders and are not included in revenue.

Reinsurance: We routinely enter into reinsurance agreements with other insurance companies to spread risk and thereby limit losses from large exposures. For each of our reinsurance agreements, we determine if the agreement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk in accordance with applicable accounting standards. If we determine that a reinsurance agreement does not expose the reinsurer to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk, we record the agreement using the deposit method of accounting.  


110
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies - Continued


Reinsurance activity is accounted for on a basis consistent with the terms of the reinsurance contracts and the accounting used for the original policies issued. Premium income and benefits and change in reserves for future benefits are presented in our consolidated statements of income net of reinsurance ceded. Ceded liabilities for policy and contract benefits, future policy and contract benefits, and unearned premiums are reported on a gross basis in our consolidated balance sheets, as are ceded policy loans. Our reinsurance recoverable includes the balances due from reinsurers under the terms of the reinsurance agreements for these ceded balances as well as settlement amounts currently due.

Where applicable, gains or losses on reinsurance transactions are deferred and amortized into earnings based upon expected future premium income for traditional insurance policies and estimated future gross profits for interest-sensitive insurance policies. The deferred gain on reinsurance included in other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $67.4 million and $81.0 million, respectively.

Under ceded reinsurance agreements wherein we are not relieved of our legal liability to our policyholders, if the assuming reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations, we remain contingently liable. We evaluate the financial condition of reinsurers and monitor concentration of credit risk to minimize this exposure. We may also require assets in trust, letters of credit, or other acceptable collateral to support our reinsurance recoverable balances. In the event that reinsurers do not meet their obligations to us under the terms of the reinsurance agreements, certain amounts reported in our reinsurance recoverable could become uncollectible, in which case the reinsurance recoverable balances are stated net of allowances for uncollectible reinsurance.

Premium Tax Expense: Premium tax expense is included in other expenses in the consolidated statements of income. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, premium tax expense was $136.0 million, $134.9 million, and $129.4 million, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation: The cost of stock-based compensation is generally measured based on the grant-date fair value of the award. We use the Black-Scholes options valuation model for estimating the fair value of stock options. Nonvested stock awards are valued based on the fair value of common stock at the grant date and cash-settled awards are measured each reporting period based on the current stock price. Stock-based awards that do not require future service are expensed immediately, and stock-based awards that require future service are amortized over the relevant service period, with an offsetting increase to additional paid-in capital in stockholders' equity.

Earnings Per Share: We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Earnings per share assuming dilution is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period plus the shares representing the dilutive effect of stock-based awards. In computing earnings per share assuming dilution, only potential common shares resulting from stock-based awards that are dilutive (those that reduce earnings per share) are included. We use the treasury stock method to account for the effect of outstanding stock options and nonvested stock awards on the computation of earnings per share assuming dilution.

Translation of Foreign Currency: Revenues and expenses of our foreign operations are translated at average exchange rates. Assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange on the balance sheet dates. The translation gain or loss is generally reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred tax. We do not provide for deferred taxes to the extent unremitted foreign earnings are deemed permanently invested.

Accounting for Participating Individual Life Insurance: Participating policies issued by one of our subsidiaries prior to its 1986 conversion from a mutual to a stock life insurance company will remain participating as long as the policies remain in-force. A Participation Fund Account (PFA) was established for the benefit of all such individual participating life and annuity policies and contracts. The assets of the PFA provide for the benefit, dividend, and certain expense obligations of the participating individual life insurance policies and annuity contracts. The assets of the PFA were $380.4 million and $385.5 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.


111
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies - Continued


Accounting Updates Adopted in 2012:

Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 220 "Comprehensive Income"

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an update related to the financial statement presentation of comprehensive income. This update requires that non-owner changes in stockholders' equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In the two-statement approach, the first statement should present net income and its components, followed consecutively by a second statement presenting total other comprehensive income, the components of other comprehensive income, and the total of comprehensive income. In December 2011, the FASB issued an update to indefinitely defer the effective date pertaining to the presentation of reclassification adjustments and reinstated the previous requirement to present reclassification adjustments either on the face of the statement or in financial statement footnotes. We adopted these updates effective January 1, 2012. The adoption of these updates modified our financial statement presentation but had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.

ASC 350 "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other"

In September 2011, the FASB issued an update which gives companies the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2012. The adoption of this update had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.

ASC 820 "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures"

In May 2011, the FASB issued an update to require additional disclosures regarding fair value measurements and to provide clarifying guidance on the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. Specifically, the update requires additional information on Level 1 and Level 2 transfers within the fair value hierarchy; the categorization by level of the fair value hierarchy for items that are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position, but for which the fair value of such items is required to be disclosed; and information about the sensitivity of a fair value measurement in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy to changes in unobservable inputs and any interrelationships between those unobservable inputs. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2012. The adoption of this update expanded our disclosures but had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.

ASC 860 "Transfers and Servicing"

In April 2011, the FASB issued an update to revise the criteria for assessing effective control for repurchase agreements and other agreements that both entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before their maturity. The determination of whether the transfer of a financial asset subject to a repurchase agreement is a sale is based, in part, on whether the entity maintains effective control over the financial asset. This update removes from the assessment of effective control the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial asset on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee, and the related requirement to demonstrate that the transferor possess adequate collateral to fund substantially all the cost of purchasing replacement financial assets. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2012. The adoption of this update had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.

ASC 944 "Financial Services - Insurance"

In October 2010, the FASB issued an update to address the diversity in practice regarding the interpretation of which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts qualify as deferred acquisition costs.  The amendments in the update require that only incremental direct costs associated with the successful acquisition of a new or renewal insurance contract can be capitalized. All other costs are to be expensed as incurred. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2012 and applied the amendments retrospectively, adjusting all prior periods in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The cumulative effect of the adoption as of January 1, 2010, was a decrease to stockholders' equity of $455.1 million. The following table summarizes the effects on our financial statements.

112
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies - Continued


 
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
 Historical
 
 
 
Effect
 
 Historical
 
 
 
Effect
 
 Accounting
 
 As
 
of
 
 Accounting
 
 As
 
of
 
 Method
 
 Adjusted
 
 Change
 
 Method
 
 Adjusted
 
 Change
 
(in millions of dollars, except share data)
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferral of Acquisition Costs
$
(628.3
)
 
$
(442.5
)
 
$
185.8

 
$
(607.7
)
 
$
(422.5
)
 
$
185.2

Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
533.8

 
365.7

 
(168.1
)
 
547.1

 
373.3

 
(173.8
)
Impairment of Deferred Acquisition Costs
289.8

 
196.0

 
(93.8
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Income Tax (Benefit) - Deferred
(208.7
)
 
(181.4
)
 
27.3

 
144.2

 
140.2

 
(4.0
)
Net Income
235.4

 
284.2

 
48.8

 
886.1

 
878.7

 
(7.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income Per Common Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
0.78

 
0.94

 
0.16

 
2.72

 
2.70

 
(0.02
)
Assuming Dilution
0.78

 
0.94

 
0.16

 
2.71

 
2.69

 
(0.02
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
235.4

 
$
284.2

 
$
48.8

 
$
886.1

 
$
878.7

 
$
(7.4
)
Change in Adjustment to Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits, Net of Reinsurance and Other
(1,324.4
)
 
(1,321.1
)
 
3.3

 
(950.9
)
 
(948.3
)
 
2.6

Change in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
(10.6
)
 
(10.5
)
 
0.1

 
(32.2
)
 
(31.8
)
 
0.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at Beginning of Year
$
341.9

 
$
351.4

 
$
9.5

 
$
341.0

 
$
347.5

 
$
6.5

Change During Year
107.0

 
110.4

 
3.4

 
0.9

 
3.9

 
3.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retained Earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at Beginning of Year
7,060.8

 
6,591.8

 
(469.0
)
 
6,289.5

 
5,827.9

 
(461.6
)
Net Income
235.4

 
284.2

 
48.8

 
886.1

 
878.7

 
(7.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
235.4

 
$
284.2

 
$
48.8

 
$
886.1

 
$
878.7

 
$
(7.4
)
Change in Deferred Acquisition Costs
(94.5
)
 
(76.8
)
 
17.7

 
(60.6
)
 
(49.2
)
 
11.4

Impairment of Deferred Acquisition Costs
289.8

 
196.0

 
(93.8
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Change in Income Taxes
(301.7
)
 
(274.4
)
 
27.3

 
164.3

 
160.3

 
(4.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Acquisition Costs
$
2,300.9

 
$
1,677.1

 
$
(623.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Income Tax
261.2

 
44.7

 
(216.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Unrealized Gain on Securities Not Other-Than-Temporarily Impaired
605.8

 
614.8

 
9.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
(121.5
)
 
(117.6
)
 
3.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
Retained Earnings
7,031.2

 
6,611.0

 
(420.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 


113
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies - Continued


Accounting Updates Adopted in 2011:

ASC 310 "Receivables"

In April 2011, the FASB issued an update to provide additional clarification to help creditors in determining whether a creditor has granted a concession as well as whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties for purposes of determining whether a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. We adopted this update effective July 1, 2011. The adoption of this update expanded our disclosures but had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Accounting Updates Adopted in 2010:

ASC 310 "Receivables"

In July 2010, the FASB issued an update to require additional disclosures regarding the credit quality of financing receivables, including the entity's credit risk exposure, its assessment of risk in estimating its allowance for credit losses, changes in the allowance for credit losses and the reason for those changes, and troubled debt restructuring. We adopted all of the required disclosures effective December 31, 2010 except for troubled debt restructuring disclosures which were deferred by the FASB. The adoption of this update expanded our disclosures but had no effect on our financial position or results of operation.

ASC 810 "Consolidation"

In June 2009, the FASB issued an update to require a qualitative rather than a quantitative analysis to determine the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and require enhanced disclosures about an enterprise's involvement with a variable interest entity. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2010. The adoption of this update had no effect on our financial position or results of operations. 

ASC 820 "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures"

In January 2010, the FASB issued an update to require a number of additional disclosures regarding fair value measurements. Specifically, the update requires a reporting entity to disclose the amounts of significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the three tier fair value hierarchy and the reasons for these transfers, as well as the reasons for any transfers in or out of Level 3, effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2009. The update also requires information in the reconciliation of recurring Level 3 measurements about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis, effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2010. We adopted this update in its entirety, including early adoption of the additional Level 3 information, effective January 1, 2010. The adoption of this update expanded our disclosures but had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.

ASC 860 "Transfers and Servicing"

In June 2009, the FASB issued an update to eliminate the exceptions for qualifying special-purpose entities from the consolidation guidance and eliminate the exception that permitted sale accounting for certain mortgage securitizations when a transferor has not surrendered control over the transferred financial assets. In addition, this update clarifies certain requirements for financial assets that are eligible for sale accounting and requires enhanced disclosures about the risks that a transferor continues to be exposed to because of its continuing involvement in transferred financial assets. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2010. The adoption of this update had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.


114
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies - Continued


Accounting Updates Outstanding:
 
ASC 210 "Balance Sheet - Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities"

In December 2011, the FASB issued an update to require additional disclosures and information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset on the balance sheet or are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement. These disclosures are intended to provide information that will enable users of financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on an entity's financial position, including the effect or potential effect of rights of setoff associated with certain financial instruments and derivative instruments. In January 2013, the FASB issued an update to clarify the scope of transactions that are subject to the disclosures about offsetting. Specifically, the update applies only to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions to the extent they are subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The amendments in these updates are effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The adoption of these updates will expand our disclosures but will have no effect on our financial position or results of operations.

ASC 220 "Comprehensive Income"

In February 2013, the FASB issued an update to improve the transparency of reporting reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by requiring additional information to be presented regarding certain reclassification adjustments. The amendments in the update, which do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements, are effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this update will expand our disclosures but will have no effect on our financial position or results of operations.


115
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 2 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments 
 
Presented as follows are the carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments. The carrying values of financial instruments such as short-term investments, cash and bank deposits, accounts and premiums receivable, accrued investment income, and short-term debt approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments. As such, these financial instruments are not included in the following chart. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current presentation.

 
December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
(in millions of dollars)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities
$
44,973.0

 
$
44,973.0

 
$
42,486.7

 
$
42,486.7

Mortgage Loans
1,712.7

 
1,937.1

 
1,612.3

 
1,789.8

Policy Loans
3,133.8

 
3,215.3

 
3,051.4

 
3,124.4

Other Long-term Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
81.6

 
81.6

 
137.7

 
137.7

Equity Securities
14.6

 
14.6

 
11.2

 
11.2

Miscellaneous Long-term Investments
455.1

 
455.1

 
436.4

 
436.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholders' Funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Annuity Products
$
640.1

 
$
640.1

 
$
641.1

 
$
641.1

Supplementary Contracts without Life Contingencies
535.5

 
535.5

 
502.6

 
502.6

Long-term Debt
2,755.4

 
2,968.8

 
2,570.2

 
2,540.2

Other Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
170.5

 
170.5

 
173.7

 
173.7

Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement
83.9

 
83.9

 
135.7

 
135.7

Unfunded Commitments to Investment Partnerships
83.7

 
83.7

 
160.6

 
160.6



116
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 2 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued 

The methods and assumptions used to estimate fair values of financial instruments are discussed as follows.

Fair Value Measurements for Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value

Mortgage Loans: Fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses and interest rates currently being offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings and maturities. Loans with similar characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations. These financial instruments are assigned a Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Policy Loans: Fair values for policy loans, net of reinsurance ceded, are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses and interest rates currently being offered to policyholders with similar policies. Carrying amounts for ceded policy loans, which equal $2,912.7 million and $2,838.3 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, approximate fair value and are reported on a gross basis in our consolidated balance sheets. A change in interest rates for ceded policy loans will not impact our financial position because the benefits and risks are fully ceded to reinsuring counterparties. These financial instruments are assigned a Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Miscellaneous Long-term Investments: Carrying amounts for tax credit partnerships equal the unamortized balance of our contractual commitments and approximate fair value. Fair values for private equity partnerships are primarily derived from valuations provided by the general partner in the partnerships' financial statements. These financial instruments are assigned a Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Policyholders' Funds: Policyholders' funds are comprised primarily of deferred annuity products and supplementary contracts without life contingencies and represent customer deposits plus interest credited at contract rates. Carrying amounts approximate fair value. These financial instruments are assigned a Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Fair values for insurance contracts other than investment contracts are not required to be disclosed. However, the fair values of liabilities under all insurance contracts are taken into consideration in our overall management of interest rate risk, which seeks to minimize exposure to changing interest rates through the matching of investment maturities with amounts due under insurance contracts.

Long-term Debt: Fair values for long-term debt are obtained from independent pricing services or discounted cash flow analyses based on current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. Debt instruments which are valued using active trades from independent pricing services for which there was current market activity in that specific debt instrument have a fair value of $1,212.0 million at December 31, 2012 and are assigned a Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Debt instruments which are valued based on prices from pricing services that generally use observable inputs for securities or comparable securities in active markets in their valuation techniques have a fair value of $1,756.8 million at December 31, 2012 and are assigned a Level 2.

Unfunded Commitments to Investment Partnerships: Unfunded equity commitments represent legally binding amounts that we have committed to certain investment partnerships subject to the partnerships meeting specified conditions. When these conditions are met, we are obligated to invest these amounts in the partnerships. Carrying amounts approximate fair value. These financial instruments are assigned a Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.


117
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 2 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued 

Fair Value Measurements for Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value

We report fixed maturity securities, derivative financial instruments, and equity securities at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. The degree of judgment utilized in measuring the fair value of financial instruments generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Financial instruments with readily available active quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices in active markets generally have more pricing observability and less judgment utilized in measuring fair value. An active market for a financial instrument is a market in which transactions for an asset or a similar asset occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and should be used to measure fair value whenever available. Conversely, financial instruments rarely traded or not quoted have less observability and are measured at fair value using valuation techniques that require more judgment. Pricing observability is generally impacted by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new to the market and not yet established, the characteristics specific to the transaction, and overall market conditions.

Valuation techniques used for assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value are generally categorized into three types. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information from market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The income approach converts future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount, or a discounted amount. The cost approach is based upon the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset, or the current replacement cost.

We use valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available that can be obtained without undue cost and effort. In some cases, a single valuation technique will be appropriate (for example, when valuing an asset or liability using quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities). In other cases, multiple valuation techniques will be appropriate. If we use multiple valuation techniques to measure fair value, we evaluate and weigh the results, as appropriate, considering the reasonableness of the range indicated by those results. A fair value measurement is the point within that range that is most representative of fair value in the circumstances.

The selection of the valuation method(s) to apply considers the definition of an exit price and depends on the nature of the asset or liability being valued. For assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value, we generally use valuation techniques consistent with the market approach, and to a lesser extent, the income approach. We believe the market approach valuation technique provides more observable data than the income approach, considering the type of investments we hold. Our fair value measurements could differ significantly based on the valuation technique and available inputs. When using a pricing service, we obtain the vendor's pricing documentation to ensure we understand their methodologies. We periodically review and approve the selection of our pricing vendors to ensure we are in agreement with their current methodologies. When markets are less active, brokers may rely more on models with inputs based on the information available only to the broker. Our internal investment management professionals, which include portfolio managers and analysts, monitor securities priced by brokers and evaluate their prices for reasonableness based on benchmarking to available primary and secondary market information. In weighing a broker quote as an input to fair value, we place less reliance on quotes that do not reflect the result of market transactions. We also consider the nature of the quote, particularly whether the quote is a binding offer. If prices in an inactive market do not reflect current prices for the same or similar assets, adjustments may be necessary to arrive at fair value. When relevant market data is unavailable, which may be the case during periods of market uncertainty, the income approach can, in suitable circumstances, provide a more appropriate fair value. During 2012, we have applied valuation techniques on a consistent basis to similar assets and liabilities and consistent with those techniques used at year end 2011.


118
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 2 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued 

We use observable and unobservable inputs in measuring the fair value of our financial instruments. Inputs that may be used include the following:

•
Broker market maker prices and price levels
•
Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE) pricing
•
Prices obtained from external pricing services
•
Benchmark yields (Treasury and interest rate swap curves)
•
Transactional data for new issuance and secondary trades
•
Security cash flows and structures
•
Recent issuance/supply
•
Sector and issuer level spreads
•
Security credit ratings/maturity/capital structure/optionality
•
Corporate actions
•
Underlying collateral
•
Prepayment speeds/loan performance/delinquencies/weighted average life/seasoning
•
Public covenants
•
Comparative bond analysis
•
Derivative spreads
•
Relevant reports issued by analysts and rating agencies 
•
Audited financial statements

The management of our investment portfolio includes establishing pricing policy and reviewing the reasonableness of sources and inputs used in developing pricing. We review all prices obtained to ensure they are consistent with a variety of observable market inputs and to verify the validity of a security's price.  In the event we receive a vendor's market price that does not appear reasonable based on our market analysis, we may challenge the price and request further information about the assumptions and methodologies used by the vendor to price the security. We may change the vendor price based on a better data source such as an actual trade. We also review all price changes from the prior month which fall outside a predetermined corridor. The overall valuation process for determining fair values may include adjustments to valuations obtained from our pricing sources when they do not represent a valid exit price. These adjustments may be made when, in our judgment and considering our knowledge of the financial conditions and industry in which the issuer operates, certain features of the financial instrument require that an adjustment be made to the value originally obtained from our pricing sources. These features may include the complexity of the financial instrument, the market in which the financial instrument is traded, counterparty credit risk, credit structure, concentration, or liquidity. Additionally, an adjustment to the price derived from a model typically reflects our judgment of the inputs that other participants in the market for the financial instrument being measured at fair value would consider in pricing that same financial instrument. In the event an asset is sold, we test the validity of the fair value determined by our valuation techniques by comparing the selling price to the fair value determined for the asset in the immediately preceding month end reporting period closest to the transaction date.
The parameters and inputs used to validate a price on a security may be adjusted for assumptions about risk and current market conditions on a quarter to quarter basis, as certain features may be more significant drivers of valuation at the time of pricing. Changes to inputs in valuations are not changes to valuation methodologies; rather, the inputs are modified to reflect direct or indirect impacts on asset classes from changes in market conditions.

Fair values for derivatives other than embedded derivatives in modified coinsurance arrangements are based on market quotes or pricing models and represent the net amount of cash we would have paid or received if the contracts had been settled or closed as of the last day of the period. We analyze credit default swap spreads relative to the average credit spread embedded within the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) setting syndicate in determining the effect of credit risk on our derivatives' fair values.  If net counterparty credit risk for a derivative asset is determined to be material and is not adequately reflected in the LIBOR-based fair value obtained from our pricing sources, we adjust the valuations obtained from our pricing sources. For purposes of valuing net counterparty risk, we measure the fair value of a group of financial assets and financial liabilities on the basis of the price that would be received to sell a net long position or transfer a net short position for a particular risk exposure in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. In regard to our own credit risk component, we adjust the valuation of derivative liabilities wherein the counterparty is exposed to our credit risk when the LIBOR-based valuation of our derivatives obtained from pricing sources does not effectively include an adequate credit component for our own credit risk.

119
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 2 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued 

Fair values for our embedded derivative in a modified coinsurance arrangement are estimated using internal pricing models and represent the hypothetical value of the duration mismatch of assets and liabilities, interest rate risk, and third party credit risk embedded in the modified coinsurance arrangement.

Certain of our investments do not have readily determinable market prices and/or observable inputs or may at times be affected by the lack of market liquidity. For these securities, we use internally prepared valuations combining matrix pricing with vendor purchased software programs, including valuations based on estimates of future profitability, to estimate the fair value. Additionally, we may obtain prices from independent third-party brokers to aid in establishing valuations for certain of these securities. Key assumptions used by us to determine fair value for these securities include risk free interest rates, risk premiums, performance of underlying collateral (if any), and other factors involving significant assumptions which may or may not reflect those of an active market.

At December 31, 2012, approximately 4.9 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued using active trades from TRACE pricing or broker market maker prices for which there was current market activity in that specific security (comparable to receiving one binding quote).  The prices obtained were not adjusted, and the assets were classified as Level 1, the highest category of the three-level fair value hierarchy classification wherein inputs are unadjusted and represent quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

The remaining 95.1 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on non-binding quotes or other observable and unobservable inputs, as discussed below.

•
Approximately 77.5 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on prices from pricing services that generally use observable inputs such as prices for securities or comparable securities in active markets in their valuation techniques. These assets were classified as Level 2.  Level 2 assets or liabilities are those valued using inputs (other than prices included in Level 1) that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability through correlation with market data at the measurement date and for the duration of the instrument's anticipated life.

•
Approximately 3.8 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on one or more non-binding broker price levels, if validated by observable market data, or on TRACE prices for identical or similar assets absent current market activity. When only one price is available, it is used if observable inputs and analysis confirms that it is appropriate. These assets, for which we were able to validate the price using other observable market data, were classified as Level 2.

•
Approximately 13.8 percent of our fixed maturity securities were valued based on prices of comparable securities, matrix pricing, market models, and/or internal models or were valued based on non-binding quotes with no other observable market data. These assets were classified as either Level 2 or Level 3, with the categorization dependent on whether there was other observable market data.  Level 3 is the lowest category of the fair value hierarchy and reflects the judgment of management regarding what market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities at the measurement date. Financial assets and liabilities categorized as Level 3 are generally those that are valued using unobservable inputs to extrapolate an estimated fair value.

We consider transactions in inactive or disorderly markets to be less representative of fair value. We use all available observable inputs when measuring fair value, but when significant other unobservable inputs and adjustments are necessary, we classify these assets or liabilities as Level 3.



120
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 2 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued 

Fair value measurements by input level for financial instruments carried at fair value are as follows:
 
December 31, 2012
 
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
or Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
 
(in millions of dollars)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities
$
104.1

 
$
1,244.7

 
$
—

 
$
1,348.8

States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions
53.0

 
1,625.1

 
128.7

 
1,806.8

Foreign Governments
—

 
1,424.9

 
82.1

 
1,507.0

Public Utilities
84.2

 
10,485.6

 
574.4

 
11,144.2

Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
—

 
2,216.0

 
0.5

 
2,216.5

All Other Corporate Bonds
1,977.1

 
23,755.5

 
1,177.8

 
26,910.4

Redeemable Preferred Stocks
—

 
14.5

 
24.8

 
39.3

Total Fixed Maturity Securities
2,218.4

 
40,766.3

 
1,988.3

 
44,973.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Long-term Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate Swaps
—

 
76.5

 
—

 
76.5

Foreign Exchange Contracts
—

 
5.1

 
—

 
5.1

Total Derivatives
—

 
81.6

 
—

 
81.6

Equity Securities
—

 
10.3

 
4.3

 
14.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate Swaps
$
—

 
$
31.7

 
$
—

 
$
31.7

Foreign Exchange Contracts
—

 
138.8

 
—

 
138.8

Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement
—

 
—

 
83.9

 
83.9

Total Derivatives
—

 
170.5

 
83.9

 
254.4

 

121
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 2 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued 

 
December 31, 2011
 
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
or Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
 
(in millions of dollars)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities
$
326.6

 
$
977.8

 
$
—

 
$
1,304.4

States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions
107.3

 
1,416.2

 
68.1

 
1,591.6

Foreign Governments
—

 
1,376.7

 
—

 
1,376.7

Public Utilities
718.0

 
9,576.4

 
338.9

 
10,633.3

Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
—

 
2,941.5

 
31.7

 
2,973.2

All Other Corporate Bonds
3,469.5

 
20,415.1

 
665.5

 
24,550.1

Redeemable Preferred Stocks
—

 
20.2

 
37.2

 
57.4

Total Fixed Maturity Securities
4,621.4

 
36,723.9

 
1,141.4

 
42,486.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Long-term Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Interest Rate Swaps
—

 
134.2

 
—

 
134.2

 Foreign Exchange Contracts
—

 
3.5

 
—

 
3.5

 Total Derivatives
—

 
137.7

 
—

 
137.7

Equity Securities
—

 
—

 
11.2

 
11.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate Swaps
$
—

 
$
32.9

 
$
—

 
$
32.9

Foreign Exchange Contracts
—

 
140.8

 
—

 
140.8

Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement
—

 
—

 
135.7

 
135.7

Total Derivatives
—

 
173.7

 
135.7

 
309.4



122
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 2 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued 

Transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 are as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
Transfers into
 
Level 1 from
Level 2
 
Level 2 from
Level 1
 
Level 1 from
Level 2
 
Level 2 from
Level 1
 
(in millions of dollars)
Fixed Maturity Securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities
$
—

 
$
224.7

 
$
169.8

 
$
—

States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions
—

 
43.8

 
47.7

 
274.9

Foreign Governments
—

 
—

 
—

 
0.7

Public Utilities
47.1

 
653.1

 
362.1

 
534.2

All Other Corporate Bonds
1,068.6

 
2,808.9

 
1,426.5

 
2,452.7

Total Fixed Maturity Securities
$
1,115.7

 
$
3,730.5

 
$
2,006.1

 
$
3,262.5


Transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 occurred due to the change in availability of either a TRACE or broker market maker price. Depending on current market conditions, the availability of these Level 1 prices can vary from period to period. For fair value measurements of financial instruments that were transferred either into or out of Level 1 or 2, we reflect the transfers using the fair value at the beginning of the period.


123
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 2 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued 

Changes in assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) are as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2012
 
 
 
Total Realized and
Unrealized Investment
Gains (Losses) Included in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning
of Year
 
Earnings
 
Other
Comprehensive
Income or Loss
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Level 3 Transfers
 
End of
Year
 
Into
 
Out of
 
 
(in millions of dollars)
Fixed Maturity Securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions
$
68.1

 
$
—

 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
18.4

 
$
(0.7
)
 
$
43.2

 
$
—

 
$
128.7

Foreign Governments
—

 
—

 
5.0

 
15.4

 
—

 
61.7

 
—

 
82.1

Public Utilities
338.9

 
—

 
22.3

 
47.9

 
(4.2
)
 
481.4

 
(311.9
)
 
574.4

Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
31.7

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(0.1
)
 
—

 
(31.1
)
 
0.5

All Other Corporate Bonds
665.5

 
1.2

 
40.8

 
151.6

 
(67.5
)
 
599.8

 
(213.6
)
 
1,177.8

Redeemable Preferred Stocks
37.2

 
(1.0
)
 
2.9

 
—

 
(14.3
)
 
—

 
—

 
24.8

Total Fixed Maturity Securities
1,141.4

 
0.2

 
70.7

 
233.3

 
(86.8
)
 
1,186.1

 
(556.6
)
 
1,988.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
11.2

 
(0.1
)
 
—

 
—

 
(0.1
)
 
—

 
(6.7
)
 
4.3

Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement
(135.7
)
 
51.8

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(83.9
)
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
 
Total Realized and
Unrealized Investment
Gains (Losses) Included in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning
of Year
 
Earnings
 
Other
Comprehensive
Income or Loss
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Level 3 Transfers
 
End of
Year
 
Into
 
Out of
 
 
(in millions of dollars)
Fixed Maturity Securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
2.5

 
$
28.0

 
$
—

 
$
37.6

 
$
—

 
$
68.1

Public Utilities
173.6

 
0.2

 
26.9

 
34.8

 
(3.2
)
 
259.9

 
(153.3
)
 
338.9

Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
0.7

 
—

 
(0.8
)
 
31.9

 
(0.1
)
 
—

 
—

 
31.7

All Other Corporate Bonds
829.7

 
(2.4
)
 
8.9

 
133.6

 
(81.4
)
 
250.1

 
(473.0
)
 
665.5

Redeemable Preferred Stocks
21.7

 
—

 
1.2

 
—

 
—

 
14.3

 
—

 
37.2

Total Fixed Maturity Securities
1,025.7

 
(2.2
)
 
38.7

 
228.3

 
(84.7
)
 
561.9

 
(626.3
)
 
1,141.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
1.5

 
(0.6
)
 
(1.7
)
 
3.0

 
—

 
9.0

 
—

 
11.2

Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement
(96.3
)
 
(39.4
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(135.7
)

124
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


 Note 2 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued 

Realized and unrealized investment gains and losses presented in the preceding tables represent gains and losses only for the time during which the applicable financial instruments were classified as Level 3. The transfers between levels resulted primarily from a change in observability of three inputs used to determine fair values of the securities transferred: (1) transactional data for new issuance and secondary trades, (2) broker/dealer quotes and pricing, primarily related to changes in the level of activity in the market and whether the market was considered orderly, and (3) comparable bond metrics from which to perform an analysis. For fair value measurements of financial instruments that were transferred either into or out of Level 3, we reflect the transfers using the fair value at the beginning of the period. Gains (losses) for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 which are included in earnings and are attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets or liabilities valued using significant unobservable inputs and still held at each year end were $51.8 million and $(39.4) million, respectively. These amounts relate entirely to the changes in fair value of an embedded derivative in a modified coinsurance arrangement which are reported as realized investment gains and losses.

Quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements, all of which are internally derived, is as follows:
 
December 31, 2012
 
Fair Value
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range/Weighted Average
 
(in millions of dollars)
Fixed Maturity Securities
 
 
 
 
 
Public Utilities
$
17.4

 
- Comparability Adjustment
(b)
0.20% - 0.20% / 0.20%
States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions - Private
42.7

 
- Comparability Adjustment
- Lack of Marketability
- Volatility of Credit
(b)
(d)
(e)
0.25% - 0.25% / 0.25%
0.25% - 0.25% / 0.25%
0.15% - 0.15% / 0.15%
Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities - Private
0.5

 
- Discount for Size
(c)
5.74% - 5.84% / 5.81%
All Other Corporate Bonds - Private
391.8

 
- Change in Benchmark Reference
- Comparability Adjustment
- Discount for Size
- Lack of Marketability
- Volatility of Credit
- Market Convention
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
0.04% - 2.89% / 0.28%
1.48% - 1.48% / 1.48%
0.10% - 0.50% / 0.24%
0.10% - 1.00% / 0.46%
(0.25)% -7.72% / 1.51%
Priced at Par
All Other Corporate Bonds - Public
165.0

 
- Change in Benchmark Reference
- Comparability Adjustment
- Discount for Size
- Lack of Marketability
- Volatility of Credit
- Market Convention
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
0.25% - 0.25% / 0.25%
(0.59)% - 1.00% / 0.27%
0.25% - 0.25% / 0.25%
0.20% - 0.30% / 0.24%
(0.30)% - (0.30)% / (0.30)%
Priced at Par
Equity Securities - Private
4.0

 
- Market Convention
(f)
Priced at Cost or Owner's Equity
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement
(83.9
)
 
- Projected Liability Cash Flows
(g)
Actuarial Assumptions

(a)
Represents basis point adjustments for changes in benchmark spreads associated with various ratings categories
(b)
Represents basis point adjustments for changes in benchmark spreads associated with various industry sectors
(c)
Represents basis point adjustments based on issue/issuer size relative to the benchmark
(d)
Represents basis point adjustments to apply a discount due to the illiquidity of an investment
(e)
Represents basis point adjustments for credit-specific factors
(f)
Represents a decision to price based on par value, cost, or owner's equity when limited data is available
(g)
Represents various actuarial assumptions required to derive the liability cash flows including incidence, termination, and lapse rates


125
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 2 - Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued 

Isolated increases in unobservable inputs other than market convention will result in a lower fair value measurement, whereas isolated decreases will result in a higher fair value measurement. The unobservable input for market convention is not sensitive to input movements. The projected liability cash flows used in the fair value measurement of our Level 3 embedded derivative are based on expected claim payments. If claim payments increase, the projected liability cash flows will increase, resulting in a decrease in the fair value of the embedded derivative. Decreases in projected liability cash flows will result in an increase in the fair value of the embedded derivative.

Note 3 - Investments

Fixed Maturity Securities

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, all fixed maturity securities were classified as available-for-sale. The amortized cost and fair values of securities by security type are shown as follows.
 
December 31, 2012
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gain
 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value
 
(in millions of dollars)
United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities
$
1,020.9

 
$
329.0

 
$
1.1

 
$
1,348.8

States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions
1,498.4

 
316.2

 
7.8

 
1,806.8

Foreign Governments
1,280.4

 
226.6

 
—

 
1,507.0

Public Utilities
9,294.3

 
1,865.0

 
15.1

 
11,144.2

Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
1,927.9

 
289.1

 
0.5

 
2,216.5

All Other Corporate Bonds
22,696.6

 
4,245.3

 
31.5

 
26,910.4

Redeemable Preferred Stocks
33.0

 
6.3

 
—

 
39.3

Total Fixed Maturity Securities
$
37,751.5

 
$
7,277.5

 
$
56.0

 
$
44,973.0

 
December 31, 2011
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gain
 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value
 
(in millions of dollars)
United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities
$
1,005.8

 
$
299.7

 
$
1.1

 
$
1,304.4

States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions
1,377.8

 
222.6

 
8.8

 
1,591.6

Foreign Governments
1,139.4

 
237.3

 
—

 
1,376.7

Public Utilities
9,015.7

 
1,646.2

 
28.6

 
10,633.3

Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
2,634.6

 
344.1

 
5.5

 
2,973.2

All Other Corporate Bonds
21,411.6

 
3,314.8

 
176.3

 
24,550.1

Redeemable Preferred Stocks
55.8

 
3.5

 
1.9

 
57.4

Total Fixed Maturity Securities
$
36,640.7

 
$
6,068.2

 
$
222.2

 
$
42,486.7


As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we held no fixed maturity securities for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment had previously been recognized in other comprehensive income.


126
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 3 - Investments



The following charts indicate the length of time our fixed maturity securities have been in a gross unrealized loss position.
 
December 31, 2012
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Greater
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss
 
(in millions of dollars)
United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
6.5

 
$
1.1

States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions
30.8

 
0.9

 
42.1

 
6.9

Public Utilities
110.3

 
3.9

 
147.6

 
11.2

Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
4.4

 
—

 
3.8

 
0.5

All Other Corporate Bonds
441.3

 
7.0

 
396.8

 
24.5

Total Fixed Maturity Securities
$
586.8

 
$
11.8

 
$
596.8

 
$
44.2

 
December 31, 2011
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Greater
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss
 
(in millions of dollars)
United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
6.3

 
$
1.1

States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions
51.6

 
1.3

 
75.3

 
7.5

Public Utilities
192.0

 
7.9

 
142.2

 
20.7

Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
94.2

 
4.8

 
19.6

 
0.7

All Other Corporate Bonds
1,703.9

 
65.5

 
684.9

 
110.8

Redeemable Preferred Stocks
—

 
—

 
20.9

 
1.9

Total Fixed Maturity Securities
$
2,041.7

 
$
79.5

 
$
949.2

 
$
142.7


The following is a distribution of the maturity dates for fixed maturity securities. The maturity dates have not been adjusted for possible calls or prepayments.
 
December 31, 2012
 
Total
Amortized Cost
 
Unrealized Gain Position
 
Unrealized Loss Position
 
 
Gross Gain
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Loss
 
Fair Value
 
(in millions of dollars)
1 year or less
$
956.4

 
$
21.2

 
$
934.1

 
$
0.5

 
$
43.0

Over 1 year through 5 years
5,922.8

 
628.1

 
6,449.8

 
5.0

 
96.1

Over 5 years through 10 years
9,752.3

 
1,606.4

 
10,997.0

 
7.6

 
354.1

Over 10 years
19,192.1

 
4,732.7

 
23,200.2

 
42.4

 
682.2

 
35,823.6

 
6,988.4

 
41,581.1

 
55.5

 
1,175.4

Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
1,927.9

 
289.1

 
2,208.3

 
0.5

 
8.2

Total Fixed Maturity Securities
$
37,751.5

 
$
7,277.5

 
$
43,789.4

 
$
56.0

 
$
1,183.6


127

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 3 - Investments - Continued

 
December 31, 2011
 
Total
Amortized Cost
 
Unrealized Gain Position
 
Unrealized Loss Position
 
 
Gross Gain
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Loss
 
Fair Value
 
(in millions of dollars)
1 year or less
$
715.1

 
$
16.0

 
$
701.4

 
$
0.1

 
$
29.6

Over 1 year through 5 years
5,161.5

 
449.8

 
4,949.0

 
20.7

 
641.6

Over 5 years through 10 years
9,630.5

 
1,266.3

 
9,903.8

 
52.8

 
940.2

Over 10 years
18,499.0

 
3,992.0

 
21,082.2

 
143.1

 
1,265.7

 
34,006.1

 
5,724.1

 
36,636.4

 
216.7

 
2,877.1

Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
2,634.6

 
344.1

 
2,859.4

 
5.5

 
113.8

Total Fixed Maturity Securities
$
36,640.7

 
$
6,068.2

 
$
39,495.8

 
$
222.2

 
$
2,990.9


At December 31, 2012, the fair value of investment-grade fixed maturity securities was $41,813.7 million, with a gross unrealized gain of $7,076.2 million and a gross unrealized loss of $23.4 million. The gross unrealized loss on investment-grade fixed maturity securities was 41.8 percent of the total gross unrealized loss on fixed maturity securities. Unrealized losses on investment-grade fixed maturity securities principally relate to changes in interest rates or changes in market or sector credit spreads which occurred subsequent to the acquisition of the securities.

At December 31, 2012, the fair value of below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities was $3,159.3 million, with a gross unrealized gain of $201.3 million and a gross unrealized loss of $32.6 million. The gross unrealized loss on below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities was 58.2 percent of the total gross unrealized loss on fixed maturity securities. Generally, below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities are more likely to develop credit concerns than investment-grade securities. At December 31, 2012, the unrealized losses in our below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities were generally due to credit spreads in certain industries or sectors and, to a lesser extent, credit concerns related to specific securities. For each specific security in an unrealized loss position, we believe that there are positive factors which mitigate credit concerns and that the securities for which we have not recorded an other-than-temporary impairment will recover in value.

As of December 31, 2012, we held 45 individual investment-grade fixed maturity securities and 29 individual below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position, of which 16 investment-grade fixed maturity securities and 18 below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities had been in an unrealized loss position continuously for over one year.

In determining when a decline in fair value below amortized cost of a fixed maturity security is other than temporary, we evaluate the following factors:

•
Whether we expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security
•
Whether we intend to sell the security or will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis
•
Whether the security is current as to principal and interest payments
•
The significance of the decline in value
•
The time period during which there has been a significant decline in value
•
Current and future business prospects and trends of earnings
•
The valuation of the security's underlying collateral
•
Relevant industry conditions and trends relative to their historical cycles
•
Market conditions
•
Rating agency and governmental actions
•
Bid and offering prices and the level of trading activity
•
Adverse changes in estimated cash flows for securitized investments
•
Changes in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date
•
Any other key measures for the related security


128

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 3 - Investments - Continued

We evaluate available information, including the factors noted above, both positive and negative, in reaching our conclusions. In particular, we also consider the strength of the issuer's balance sheet, its debt obligations and near term funding requirements, cash flow and liquidity, the profitability of its core businesses, the availability of marketable assets which could be sold to increase liquidity, its industry fundamentals and regulatory environment, and its access to capital markets. Although available and applicable factors are considered in our analysis, our expectation of recovering the entire amortized cost basis of the security, whether we intend to sell the security, whether it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, and whether the security is current on principal and interest payments are the most critical factors in determining whether impairments are other than temporary. The significance of the decline in value and the length of time during which there has been a significant decline are also important factors, but we generally do not record an impairment loss based solely on these two factors, since often other more relevant factors will impact our evaluation of a security.

While determining other-than-temporary impairments is a judgmental area, we utilize a formal, well-defined, and disciplined process to monitor and evaluate our fixed income investment portfolio, supported by issuer specific research and documentation as of the end of each period. The process results in a thorough evaluation of problem investments and the recording of losses on a timely basis for investments determined to have an other-than-temporary impairment.

If we determine that the decline in value of an investment is other than temporary, the investment is written down to fair value, and an impairment loss is recognized in the current period, either in earnings or in both earnings and other comprehensive income, as applicable. For those fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss for which we have not recognized an other-than-temporary impairment, we believe we will recover the entire amortized cost, we do not intend to sell the security, and we do not believe it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost. There have been no defaults in the repayment obligations of any securities for which we have not recorded an other-than-temporary impairment.

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities which we intend to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell before recovery in value are recognized in earnings and equal the entire difference between the security's amortized cost basis and its fair value. For securities which we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell before recovery in value, other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings generally represent the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the present value of our best estimate of cash flows expected to be collected, discounted using the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the date of acquisition.  The determination of cash flows is inherently subjective, and methodologies may vary depending on the circumstances specific to the security. The timing and amount of our cash flow estimates are developed using historical and forecast financial information from the issuer, including its current and projected liquidity position. We also consider industry analyst reports and forecasts, sector credit ratings, future business prospects and earnings trends, issuer refinancing capabilities, actual and/or potential asset sales by the issuer, and other data relevant to the collectibility of the contractual cash flows of the security. We take into account the probability of default, expected recoveries, third party guarantees, quality of collateral, and where our debt security ranks in terms of subordination. We may use the estimated fair value of collateral as a proxy for the present value of cash flows if we believe the security is dependent on the liquidation of collateral for recovery of our investment.  For fixed maturity securities for which we have recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss through earnings, if through subsequent evaluation there is a significant increase in expected cash flows, the difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected is accreted as net investment income.



129

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 3 - Investments - Continued

The following table presents the before-tax credit related portion of an other-than-temporary impairment on a fixed maturity security still held for the periods shown for which a portion of the other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in other comprehensive income. This fixed maturity security was sold during 2011. We held no fixed maturity securities during 2012 for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in other comprehensive income.
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
Balance at Beginning of Year
$
—

 
$
8.5

 
$
18.3

Sales or Maturities of Securities
—

 
(8.5
)
 
(9.8
)
Balance at End of Year
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
8.5


At December 31, 2012, we had non-binding commitments of $29.0 million to fund private placement fixed maturity securities. 
Variable Interest Entities

We invest in variable interests issued by variable interest entities. These investments include tax credit partnerships, private equity partnerships, and special purpose entities. For those variable interests that are not consolidated in our financial statements, we are not the primary beneficiary because we have neither the power to direct the activities that are most significant to economic performance nor the responsibility to absorb a majority of the expected losses. The determination of whether we are the primary beneficiary is performed at the time of our initial investment and at the date of each subsequent reporting period.

As of December 31, 2012, the carrying amount of our variable interest entity investments that are not consolidated under the provisions of GAAP was $447.1 million, comprised of $331.5 million of tax credit partnerships and $115.6 million of private equity partnerships. These variable interest entity investments are reported as other long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets.

Additionally, we recognize a liability for all legally binding unfunded commitments to these partnerships, with a corresponding recognition of an invested asset.  Our liability for legally binding unfunded commitments to the tax credit partnerships was $83.7 million at December 31, 2012. Contractually, we are a limited partner in these investments, and our maximum exposure to loss is limited to the carrying value of our investment. We also had non-binding commitments of $71.3 million to fund certain private equity partnerships at December 31, 2012, the amount of which may or may not be funded.

We are the sole beneficiary of a special purpose entity which is consolidated under the provisions of GAAP.  This entity is a securitized asset trust containing a highly rated bond for principal protection and several partnership equity investments.  We contributed the bond and partnership investments into the trust at the time it was established.  The trust supports our investment objectives and allows us to maintain our investment in the partnerships while at the same time protecting the principal of the investment.  There are no restrictions on the assets held in this trust, and the trust is free to dispose of the assets at any time.  Because the assets in the trust are not liquid investments, we periodically provide funding to the underlying partnerships in the trust upon satisfaction of contractual notice from the partnerships.  The fair values of the bond and partnerships were $140.8 million and $8.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2012.  The bonds are reported as fixed maturity securities, and the partnerships are reported as other long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2012, we had no commitments to fund the underlying partnerships, nor did we fund any amounts to the partnerships during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, or 2010.


130

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 3 - Investments - Continued

Mortgage Loans

Our mortgage loan portfolio is well diversified by both geographic region and property type to reduce risk of concentration. All of our mortgage loans are collateralized by commercial real estate. When issuing a new loan, our general policy is not to exceed a loan-to-value ratio, or the ratio of the loan balance to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, of 75 percent. We update the loan-to-value ratios at least every three years for each loan, and properties undergo a general inspection at least every two years. Our general policy for newly issued loans is to have a debt service coverage ratio greater than 1.25 times on a normalized 25 year amortization period. We update our debt service coverage ratios annually.

Mortgage loans by property type and geographic region are as follows:
 
December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
Carrying
 
Percent of
 
Carrying
 
Percent of
 
Amount
 
Total
 
Amount
 
Total
Property Type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Apartment
$
34.0

 
2.0
%
 
$
28.0

 
1.8
%
     Industrial
513.4

 
30.0

 
502.0

 
31.1

     Mixed
78.4

 
4.6

 
93.5

 
5.8

     Office
713.4

 
41.6

 
659.3

 
40.9

     Retail
373.5

 
21.8

 
322.4

 
20.0

     Other
—

 
—

 
7.1

 
0.4

Total
$
1,712.7

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,612.3

 
100.0
%
Region
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     New England
$
114.3

 
6.7
%
 
$
147.0

 
9.1
%
     Mid-Atlantic
160.0

 
9.3

 
174.1

 
10.8

     East North Central
224.7

 
13.1

 
212.7

 
13.2

     West North Central
160.8

 
9.4

 
151.2

 
9.4

     South Atlantic
440.9

 
25.7

 
383.8

 
23.8

     East South Central
79.6

 
4.7

 
52.4

 
3.3

     West South Central
159.5

 
9.3

 
160.4

 
9.9

     Mountain
90.5

 
5.3

 
69.5

 
4.3

     Pacific
282.4

 
16.5

 
261.2

 
16.2

Total
$
1,712.7

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,612.3

 
100.0
%

We evaluate each of our mortgage loans individually for impairment and assign an internal credit quality rating based on a comprehensive rating system used to evaluate the credit risk of the loan. The factors we use to derive our internal credit ratings may include the following:

•
Loan-to-value ratio
•
Debt service coverage ratio based on current operating income
•
Property location, including regional economics, trends and demographics
•
Age, condition, and construction quality of property
•
Current and historical occupancy of property
•
Lease terms relative to market
•
Tenant size and financial strength
•
Borrower's financial strength
•
Borrower's equity in transaction
•
Additional collateral, if any

131

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 3 - Investments - Continued


Although all available and applicable factors are considered in our analysis, loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios are the most critical factors in determining whether we will initially issue the loan and also in assigning values and determining impairment. We assign an overall rating to each loan using an internal rating scale of Aa (highest quality) to B (lowest quality). We review and adjust, as needed, our internal credit quality ratings on an annual basis. This review process is performed more frequently for mortgage loans deemed to have a higher risk of delinquency.

Mortgage loans, sorted by the applicable credit quality indicators, are as follows:
 
December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions of dollars)
Internal Rating
 
 
 
     Aa
$
11.5

 
$
10.9

     A
659.4

 
712.6

     Baa
994.5

 
855.0

     Ba
34.2

 
20.7

     B
13.1

 
13.1

Total
$
1,712.7

 
$
1,612.3

Loan-to-Value Ratio
 
 
 
     <= 65%
$
624.7

 
$
578.4

     > 65% <= 75%
858.8

 
802.3

     > 75% <= 85%
142.5

 
165.1

     > 85%
86.7

 
66.5

Total
$
1,712.7

 
$
1,612.3


Based on an analysis of the above risk factors, as well as other current information, if we determine that it is probable we will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of a mortgage loan, we establish an allowance for credit loss. If we expect to foreclose on the property, the amount of the allowance typically equals the excess carrying value of the mortgage loan over the fair value of the underlying collateral. If we expect to retain the mortgage loan until payoff, the allowance equals the excess carrying value of the mortgage loan over the expected future cash flows of the loan. The projection of future cash flows and the determination of whether a borrower can make the contractual payments is inherently subjective, and methodologies may vary depending on the circumstances specific to a loan. Additions and reductions to our allowance for credit losses on mortgage loans are reported as a component of net realized investment gains and losses. There have been no changes to our accounting policies or methodology from the prior period regarding estimating the allowance for credit losses on our mortgage loans.

The activity in the allowance for credit losses is as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
Balance at Beginning of Year
$
1.5

 
$
1.5

 
$
3.2

Provision
1.8

 
—

 
2.4

Charge-offs, Net of Recoveries
(1.8
)
 
—

 
(4.1
)
Balance at End of Year
$
1.5

 
$
1.5

 
$
1.5



132

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 3 - Investments - Continued

Impaired mortgage loans are as follows:
 
December 31, 2012
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
Unpaid
 
 
 
Recorded
 
Principal
 
Related
 
Investment
 
Balance
 
Allowance
With No Related Allowance Recorded
$
4.3

 
$
4.3

 
$
—

With an Allowance Recorded
13.1

 
14.6

 
1.5

Total
$
17.4

 
$
18.9

 
$
1.5

 
 
December 31, 2011
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
Unpaid
 
 
 
Recorded
 
Principal
 
Related
 
Investment
 
Balance
 
Allowance
With No Related Allowance Recorded
$
9.4

 
$
9.4

 
$
—

With an Allowance Recorded
13.1

 
14.6

 
1.5

Total
$
22.5

 
$
24.0

 
$
1.5


For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, our average investment in impaired mortgage loans was $19.1 million, $21.3 million, and $22.9 million, respectively. For each of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, we recognized $0.8 million of interest income on mortgage loans subsequent to impairment. During 2010, no interest income was recognized on mortgage loans subsequent to impairment.

A summary of our troubled debt restructurings is as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
Foreclosure
 
 
 
 
 
    Carrying Amount
$
17.3

 
$
19.9

 
$
7.2

    Number of Loans
3

 
2

 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
Payoff/Sale
 
 
 
 
 
    Carrying Amount
$
—

 
$
3.2

 
$
4.7

    Realized Loss
$
—

 
$
0.2

 
$
1.4

    Number of Loans
—

 
1

 
3


We had no realized losses on loan foreclosures for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 other than the initial impairment losses recognized prior to foreclosure.

For mortgage loans that are past due regarding principal and/or interest payments and for which collection of investment income is uncertain, we discontinue the accrual of investment income. At December 31, 2012 and 2011 we had no mortgage loans greater than 90 days past due for which we were still accruing interest income. At December 31, 2012, we held one mortgage loan for which we had discontinued the accrual of investment income that was greater than 90 days past due and had a carrying value of $4.3 million. At December 31, 2011, we held one mortgage loan that was greater than 90 days past due and had a carrying value of $9.4 million.

At December 31, 2012, we had non-binding commitments of $47.3 million to fund certain commercial mortgage loans, the amount of which may or may not be funded.


133

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 3 - Investments - Continued

Transfers of Financial Assets

To manage our cash position more efficiently, we may enter into repurchase agreements with unaffiliated financial institutions. We generally use repurchase agreements as a means to finance the purchase of invested assets or for short-term general business purposes until projected cash flows become available from our operations or existing investments. Our repurchase agreements are typically outstanding for less than 30 days. We post collateral through our repurchase agreement transactions whereby the counterparty commits to purchase securities with the agreement to resell them to us at a later, specified date. The fair value of collateral posted is generally 102 percent of the cash received.

Our investment policy also permits us to lend fixed maturity securities to unaffiliated financial institutions in short-term securities lending agreements. These agreements increase our investment income with minimal risk. Our securities lending policy requires that a minimum of 102 percent of the fair value of the securities loaned be maintained as collateral. Generally, cash is received as collateral under these agreements and is typically reinvested in short-term investments. In the event that securities are received as collateral, we are not permitted to sell or re-post them.

We account for all of our securities lending agreements and repurchase agreements as collateralized financings. As of December 31, 2012, the carrying amount of fixed maturity securities loaned to third parties under our securities lending program was $452.8 million, for which we received collateral in the form of cash and securities of $455.8 million and $14.5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, the carrying amount of fixed maturity securities loaned to third parties under our securities lending program was $319.1 million, for which we received collateral in the form of cash and securities of $312.3 million and $16.7 million, respectively. We had no outstanding repurchase agreements at December 31, 2012 and 2011.
 

134

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 3 - Investments - Continued

Net Investment Income
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
Fixed Maturity Securities
$
2,404.0

 
$
2,425.2

 
$
2,401.9

Derivative Financial Instruments
28.9

 
22.9

 
17.2

Mortgage Loans
107.1

 
100.1

 
91.1

Policy Loans
14.8

 
14.1

 
13.9

Other Long-term Investments
15.2

 
13.1

 
18.5

Short-term Investments
4.3

 
2.9

 
3.2

Gross Investment Income
2,574.3

 
2,578.3

 
2,545.8

    Less Investment Expenses
26.9

 
26.9

 
28.2

    Less Investment Income on PFA Assets
16.1

 
17.4

 
18.8

    Less Amortization of Tax Credit Partnerships
16.1

 
14.4

 
3.3

Net Investment Income
$
2,515.2

 
$
2,519.6

 
$
2,495.5


Realized Investment Gain and Loss

Realized investment gains and losses reported in our consolidated statements of income are as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
Fixed Maturity Securities
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Gains on Sales
$
29.3

 
$
74.0

 
$
61.1

Gross Losses on Sales
(20.4
)
 
(24.0
)
 
(41.3
)
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Loss
—

 
(19.9
)
 
(15.9
)
Mortgage Loans and Other Invested Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Gains on Sales
5.0

 
7.1

 
7.9

Gross Losses on Sales
(4.3
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(0.5
)
Impairment Loss
(1.9
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(3.8
)
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement
51.8

 
(39.4
)
 
21.1

Foreign Currency Transactions
(3.3
)
 
(1.6
)
 
(3.9
)
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
$
56.2

 
$
(4.9
)
 
$
24.7


Note 4 - Derivative Financial Instruments

Purpose of Derivatives

We are exposed to certain risks relating to our ongoing business operations. The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are interest rate risk, risk related to matching duration for our assets and liabilities, and foreign currency risk. Historically, we have utilized current and forward interest rate swaps and options on forward interest rate swaps, current and forward currency swaps, forward treasury locks, currency forward contracts, and forward contracts on specific fixed income securities. Hedging transactions are primarily associated with our individual and group long-term care and individual and group disability products. All other product portfolios are periodically reviewed to determine if hedging strategies would be appropriate for risk management purposes.


135
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 4 - Derivative Financial Instruments

Our cash flow hedging programs are as follows:

•
Interest rate swaps are used to hedge interest rate risks and to improve the matching of assets and liabilities. An interest rate swap is an agreement in which we agree with other parties to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate and variable rate interest amounts. The purpose of these swaps is to hedge the anticipated purchase of fixed maturity securities thereby protecting us from the potential adverse impact of declining interest rates on the associated policy reserves. We also use interest rate swaps to hedge the potential adverse impact of rising interest rates in anticipation of issuing fixed rate long-term debt.

•
Foreign currency interest rate swaps have historically been used to hedge the currency risk of certain foreign currency-denominated fixed maturity securities owned for portfolio diversification and to hedge the currency risk associated with certain of the interest payments and debt repayments of the U.S. dollar-denominated debt issued by one of our U.K. subsidiaries. For hedges of fixed maturity securities, we agree to pay, at specified intervals, fixed rate foreign currency-denominated principal and interest payments in exchange for fixed rate payments in the functional currency of the operating segment. For hedges of debt issued, we agree to pay, at specified intervals, fixed rate foreign currency-denominated principal and interest payments to the counterparty in exchange for fixed rate U.S. dollar-denominated interest payments.

•
Forward treasury locks are used to minimize interest rate risk associated with the anticipated purchase or disposal of fixed maturity securities. A forward treasury lock is a derivative contract without an initial investment where we and the counterparty agree to purchase or sell a specific U.S. Treasury bond at a future date at a pre-determined price.

•
Foreign currency forward contracts are used to minimize foreign currency risks. A foreign currency forward is a derivative without an initial investment where we and the counterparty agree to exchange a specific amount of currencies, at a specific exchange rate, on a specific date. We have used these forward contracts to hedge the foreign currency risk associated with certain of the debt repayments of the U.S. dollar-denominated debt issued by one of our U.K. subsidiaries and to hedge the currency risk of certain foreign currency-denominated fixed maturity securities owned for diversification purposes.

Our fair value hedging programs are as follows:

•
Interest rate swaps are used to effectively convert certain of our fixed rate securities into floating rate securities which are used to fund our floating rate long-term debt. Under these swap agreements, we receive a variable rate of interest and pay a fixed rate of interest. Additionally, we use interest rate swaps to effectively convert certain fixed rate long-term debt into floating rate long-term debt. Under these swap agreements, we receive a fixed rate of interest and pay a variable rate of interest.

Derivative Risks

The basic types of risks associated with derivatives are market risk (that the value of the derivative will be adversely impacted by changes in the market, primarily the change in interest and exchange rates) and credit risk (that the counterparty will not perform according to the terms of the contract). The market risk of the derivatives should generally offset the market risk associated with the hedged financial instrument or liability.


136

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 4 - Derivative Financial Instruments - Continued

To help limit the credit exposure of the derivatives, we enter into master netting agreements with our counterparties whereby contracts in a gain position can be offset against contracts in a loss position. We also typically enter into bilateral, cross-collateralization agreements with our counterparties to help limit the credit exposure of the derivatives. These agreements require the counterparty in a loss position to submit acceptable collateral with the other counterparty in the event the net loss position meets or exceeds an agreed upon amount. Our current credit exposure on derivatives, which is limited to the value of those contracts in a net gain position less collateral held, was $8.7 million at December 31, 2012. We held no cash collateral from our counterparties as of December 31, 2012. We held cash collateral of $45.6 million from our counterparties as of December 31, 2011. This unrestricted cash collateral is included in short-term investments, and the associated obligation to return the collateral to our counterparties is included in other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. We post either fixed maturity securities or cash as collateral to our counterparties. The carrying value of fixed maturity securities posted as collateral to our counterparties was $108.6 million and $114.9 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We had $1.8 million cash posted as collateral to our counterparties at December 31, 2012. We had no cash posted as collateral to our counterparties at December 31, 2011.

The majority of our derivative instruments contain provisions that require us to maintain specified issuer credit ratings and financial strength ratings. Should our ratings fall below these specified levels, we would be in violation of the provisions, and our derivatives counterparties could terminate our contracts and request immediate payment. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position was $170.5 million and $173.7 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Hedging Activity

The table below summarizes, by notional amounts, the activity for each category of derivatives.
 
Swaps
 
 
 
 
 
Receive
Variable/Pay
Fixed
 
Receive
Fixed/Pay
Fixed
 
Receive
Fixed/Pay
Variable
 
Forwards
 
Total
 
(in millions of dollars)
Balance at December 31, 2009
$
174.0

 
$
661.9

 
$
780.0

 
$
4.8

 
$
1,620.7

Additions
250.0

 
—

 
350.0

 
115.6

 
715.6

Terminations
250.0

 
44.0

 
240.0

 
120.4

 
654.4

Balance at December 31, 2010
174.0

 
617.9

 
890.0

 
—

 
1,681.9

Additions
—

 
—

 
—

 
46.9

 
46.9

Terminations
—

 
63.9

 
205.0

 
46.9

 
315.8

Balance at December 31, 2011
174.0

 
554.0

 
685.0

 
—

 
1,413.0

       Additions
—

 
—

 
250.0

 
86.0

 
336.0

Terminations
—

 
45.2

 
185.0

 
86.0

 
316.2

Balance at December 31, 2012
$
174.0

 
$
508.8

 
$
750.0

 
$
—

 
$
1,432.8


The following table summarizes the timing of anticipated settlements of interest rate swaps outstanding under our cash flow hedging programs at December 31, 2012, whereby we receive a fixed rate and pay a variable rate. The weighted average variable interest rates assume current market conditions.
 
2013
 
(in millions of dollars)
Notional Value
$
150.0

Weighted Average Receive Rate
6.34
%
Weighted Average Pay Rate
0.31
%


137

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 4 - Derivative Financial Instruments - Continued

Cash Flow Hedges

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had $150.0 million and $335.0 million, respectively, notional amount of forward starting interest rate swaps to hedge the anticipated purchase of fixed maturity securities and $508.8 million and $554.0 million, respectively, notional amount of open current and forward foreign currency swaps to hedge fixed income foreign currency-denominated securities.

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, there was no material ineffectiveness related to our cash flow hedges, and no component of the derivative instruments' gain or loss was excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

As of December 31, 2012, we expect to amortize approximately $41.4 million of net deferred gains on derivative instruments during the next twelve months. This amount will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings and reported on the same income statement line item as the hedged item. The income statement line items that will be affected by this amortization are net investment income and interest and debt expense. The estimated amortization includes the impact of certain derivative contracts that have not yet been terminated as of December 31, 2012. Fluctuations in fair values of these derivatives between December 31, 2012 and the date of termination will vary our projected amortization. Amounts that will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings to offset the earnings impact of foreign currency translation of hedged items are not estimable.

As of December 31, 2012, we are hedging the variability of future cash flows associated with forecasted transactions through the year 2038.

Fair Value Hedges

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had $174.0 million notional amounts of receive variable, pay fixed interest rate swaps to hedge the changes in fair value of certain fixed rate securities held. These swaps effectively convert the associated fixed rate securities into floating rate securities, which are used to fund our floating rate long-term debt. Changes in the fair value of the derivative and changes in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged are recognized in current earnings as a component of net realized investment gain or loss during the period of change in fair value.  For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the change in fair value of the hedged fixed maturity securities attributable to the hedged benchmark interest rate resulted in a gain (loss) of $(1.2) million, $8.1 million, and $7.7 million, respectively, with an offsetting gain or loss on the related interest rate swaps.

We use receive fixed, pay variable interest rate swaps to hedge the changes in fair value of certain of our fixed rate long-term debt. These swaps effectively convert the associated fixed rate long-term debt into floating rate debt and provide for a better matching of interest rates with our short-term investments, which have frequent interest rate resets similar to a floating rate security. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we entered into an additional $250.0 million notional amount interest rate swap, bringing our total as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, to $600.0 million and $350.0 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the change in fair value of the hedged debt attributable to the hedged benchmark interest rate resulted in a gain (loss) of $(6.6) million, $(23.2) million, and $14.4 million, respectively, with an offsetting gain or loss on the related interest rate swaps.

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, there was no material ineffectiveness related to our fair value hedges, and no component of the derivative instruments' gain or loss was excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. There were no instances wherein we discontinued fair value hedge accounting due to a hedged firm commitment no longer qualifying as a fair value hedge.


138

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 4 - Derivative Financial Instruments - Continued

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

We have an embedded derivative in a modified coinsurance arrangement for which we include in our realized investment gains and losses a calculation intended to estimate the value of the option of our reinsurance counterparty to cancel the reinsurance contract with us. However, neither party can unilaterally terminate the reinsurance agreement except in extreme circumstances resulting from regulatory supervision, delinquency proceedings, or other direct regulatory action. Cash settlements or collateral related to this embedded derivative are not required at any time during the reinsurance contract or at termination of the reinsurance contract. There are no credit-related counterparty triggers, and any accumulated embedded derivative gain or loss reduces to zero over time as the reinsured business winds down.

Locations and Amounts of Derivative Financial Instruments

The following tables summarize the location and fair values of derivative financial instruments, as reported in our consolidated balance sheets.
 
December 31, 2012
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
(in millions of dollars)
Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate Swaps
Other L-T Investments
 
$
76.5

 
Other Liabilities
 
$
31.7

Foreign Exchange Contracts
Other L-T Investments
 
5.1

 
Other Liabilities
 
138.8

Total
 
 
$
81.6

 
 
 
$
170.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement
 
 
 
 
Other Liabilities
 
$
83.9

 
December 31, 2011
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
(in millions of dollars)
Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate Swaps
Other L-T Investments
 
$
134.2

 
Other Liabilities
 
$
32.9

Foreign Exchange Contracts
Other L-T Investments
 
3.5

 
Other Liabilities
 
140.8

Total
 
 
$
137.7

 
 
 
$
173.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embedded Derivative in Modified Coinsurance Arrangement
 
 
 
 
Other Liabilities
 
$
135.7



139

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 4 - Derivative Financial Instruments - Continued

The following tables summarize the location of and gains and losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments, as reported in our consolidated statements of income and consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
 
Year Ended December 31, 2012
 
Gain Recognized in OCI
on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
 
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
(in millions of dollars)
Interest Rate Swaps and Forwards
$
77.9

 
$
40.0

 
(1)
Interest Rate Swaps
—

 
4.1

 
(2)
Interest Rate Swaps
—

 
(1.7
)
 
(3)
Foreign Exchange Contracts
—

 
(5.3
)
 
(1)
Foreign Exchange Contracts
3.5

 
(17.0
)
 
(2)
Total
$
81.4

 
$
20.1

 
 

(1)
Gain (loss) recognized in net investment income
(2)
Gain (loss) recognized in net realized investment gain (loss)
(3)
Loss recognized in interest and debt expense
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
Gain Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)
 
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
(in millions of dollars)
Interest Rate Swaps and Forwards
$
50.3

 
$
34.8

 
(1)
Interest Rate Swaps
—

 
3.5

 
(2)
Interest Rate Swaps
—

 
(1.6
)
 
(3)
Foreign Exchange Contracts
—

 
(1.1
)
 
(1)
Foreign Exchange Contracts
22.4

 
10.1

 
(2)
Total
$
72.7

 
$
45.7

 
 

(1)
Gain (loss) recognized in net investment income
(2)
Gain recognized in net realized investment gain (loss)
(3)
Loss recognized in interest and debt expense

140

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 4 - Derivative Financial Instruments - Continued

 
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)
 
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
(in millions of dollars)
Interest Rate Swaps and Forwards
$
28.1

 
$
29.5

 
(1)
Interest Rate Swaps
—

 
7.3

 
(2)
Interest Rate Swaps
—

 
(0.5
)
 
(3)
Interest Rate Swaps
—

 
(0.4
)
 
(4)
Foreign Exchange Contracts
—

 
(1.9
)
 
(1)
Foreign Exchange Contracts
(32.2
)
 
(25.6
)
 
(2)
Foreign Exchange Contracts
—

 
2.3

 
(3)
Total
$
(4.1
)
 
$
10.7

 
 

(1)
Gain (loss) recognized in net investment income
(2)
Gain (loss) recognized in net realized investment gain (loss)
(3)
Gain (loss) recognized in interest and debt expense
(4)
Loss recognized in other income
The following table summarizes the location of and gains (losses) on our embedded derivative in a modified coinsurance arrangement, as reported in our consolidated statements of income.
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
$
51.8

 
$
(39.4
)
 
$
21.1


141
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 5 - Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses


Changes in the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses are as follows:
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
Balance at January 1
$
24,586.5

 
$
24,339.4

 
$
24,585.7

   Less Reinsurance Recoverable
2,042.6

 
2,028.2

 
2,179.3

Net Balance at January 1
22,543.9

 
22,311.2

 
22,406.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Incurred Related to
 
 
 
 
 
   Current Year
4,946.2

 
4,684.4

 
4,517.9

   Prior Years
 
 
 
 
 
      Interest
1,247.6

 
1,262.9

 
1,268.9

      All Other Incurred
(175.7
)
 
209.1

 
(61.3
)
      Foreign Currency
101.1

 
(10.9
)
 
(73.9
)
Total Incurred
6,119.2

 
6,145.5

 
5,651.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
Paid Related to
 
 
 
 
 
   Current Year
(1,715.4
)
 
(1,588.6
)
 
(1,514.8
)
   Prior Years
(4,386.6
)
 
(4,324.2
)
 
(4,232.0
)
Total Paid
(6,102.0
)
 
(5,912.8
)
 
(5,746.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Balance at December 31
22,561.1

 
22,543.9

 
22,311.2

   Plus Reinsurance Recoverable
2,006.0

 
2,042.6

 
2,028.2

Balance at December 31
$
24,567.1

 
$
24,586.5

 
$
24,339.4


The majority of the net balances are related to disability claims with long-tail payouts on which interest earned on assets backing liabilities is an integral part of pricing and reserving. Interest accrued on prior year reserves has been calculated on the opening reserve balance less one-half year's cash payments at our average reserve discount rate used during 2012, 2011, and 2010.

We generally perform loss recognition tests on our deferred acquisition costs and policy reserves in the fourth quarter of each year, but more frequently if appropriate, using best estimate assumptions as of the date of the test. Included in our analysis for the long-term care product line during the fourth quarter of 2011 was a review of our reserve discount rate, mortality, and morbidity assumptions. Our analysis of reserve discount rate assumptions considered the significant decline in long-term interest rates which occurred late in the third quarter of 2011 due to the European Union debt crisis and the Federal Reserve Board's actions, including the announcement of "Operation Twist." We also considered an updated industry study for long-term care experience which was made available mid-year 2011 from the Society of Actuaries. Our analysis of this study, which was completed during the fourth quarter of 2011, showed that lower termination rates than we had previously assumed were beginning to emerge in industry and in our own company experience. Based on our analysis, as of December 31, 2011 we lowered the discount rate assumption to reflect the low interest rate environment and our expectation of future investment portfolio yield rates. We also changed our mortality assumptions to reflect emerging experience due to an increase in life expectancies which increases the ultimate number of people who will utilize long-term care benefits and also lengthens the amount of time a claimant receives long-term care benefits.  We changed our morbidity assumptions to reflect emerging industry experience as well as our own company experience. While our morbidity experience is still emerging and is not fully credible, we modified our assumptions to align more closely with the recently published industry study. Using our revised best estimate assumptions, as of December 31, 2011 we determined that deferred acquisition costs of $196.0 million, as adjusted for the January 1, 2012 retrospective adoption of the accounting standards update related to deferred acquisition costs, were not recoverable and that our policy and claim reserves should be increased by $573.6 million to reflect our current estimate of future benefit obligations. Of this amount, $248.1 million was related to claim reserves, and approximately $215.0 million can be attributed to prior year incurred claims, thereby impacting the results shown in the preceding chart.


142
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 5 - Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses - Continued

In December 2011, we analyzed our reserve assumptions for individual disability closed block claim reserves. Claim reserves supporting our individual disability closed block of business are calculated using assumptions based on actual experience believed to be currently appropriate. Claim reserves are subject to revision as current claim experience emerges and alters our view of future expectations. Claim resolution rates, which measure the resolution of claims from recovery, deaths, settlements, and benefit expirations, are very sensitive to operational and environmental changes and can be volatile. Our claim resolution rate assumption used in determining reserves is our expectation of the resolution rate we will experience over the life of the block of business. We are now able, with a higher degree of confidence, to assess our own experience for older ages in our long duration lifetime claim block as our data has become credible. There is very little industry experience for lifetime disability benefits, as our insurance companies were the primary disability companies in the insurance industry at the time lifetime disability benefits were offered. These benefits were offered during the 1980s and 1990s, recent enough such that claimants are just reaching the older ages and providing us with data to build our claim experience base. Emerging experience indicates a longer life expectancy for our older age, longer duration disabled claimants, which lengthens the time a claimant receives disability benefits. As a result of this experience, as of December 31, 2011 we adjusted our mortality assumption within our claim resolution rate assumption and, as a result, increased our claim reserves for our individual disability closed block of business by $183.5 million. Of this amount, approximately $176.0 million can be attributed to prior year incurred claims, thereby impacting the results shown in the preceding chart.  

"Incurred Related to Prior Years - All Other Incurred" for 2012 was generally consistent with the level of 2011, excluding the 2011 reserve charges discussed in the preceding paragraphs. Throughout the period 2010 to 2012, we had generally stable to improving claims management performance, and our claim resolution rates were fairly consistent with or slightly favorable to our long-term assumptions. Our claims management performance during 2012 for Unum US group long-term disability exceeded our long-term assumptions for claim resolution rates. For the Closed Block individual disability and long-term care lines of business, the claims management performance in 2012 was consistent with the level of 2011. Our claim resolution rate assumption used in determining reserves is our expectation of the resolution rate we will experience over the life of the block of business and will vary from actual experience in any one period, both favorably and unfavorably.

A reconciliation of policy and contract benefits and reserves for future policy and contract benefits as reported in our consolidated balance sheets to the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses is as follows:
 
December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
Policy and Contract Benefits
$
1,484.6

 
$
1,494.0

 
$
1,565.0

Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits
44,694.4

 
43,051.9

 
39,715.0

Total
46,179.0

 
44,545.9

 
41,280.0

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
   Life Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits
7,571.1

 
7,454.2

 
7,380.7

   Accident and Health Active Life Reserves
7,763.3

 
7,259.6

 
6,451.6

   Unrealized Adjustment to Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits
6,277.5

 
5,245.6

 
3,108.3

Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses
$
24,567.1

 
$
24,586.5

 
$
24,339.4


The unrealized adjustment to reserves for future policy and contract benefits reflects the changes that would be necessary to policyholder liabilities if the unrealized investment gains and losses related to the available-for-sale securities had been realized. Changes in these adjustments are reported as a component of other comprehensive income or loss.


143
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries




Note 6 - Income Tax

Total income tax expense (benefit) is allocated as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
Net Income
$
355.1

 
$
49.1

 
$
441.2

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Paid-in Capital
 
 
 
 
 
   Stock-Based Compensation
3.5

 
(3.3
)
 
(2.7
)
Stockholders' Equity - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 
 
 
Change in Net Unrealized Gains on Securities Not Other-Than Temporarily Impaired
467.7

 
799.4

 
519.1

Change in Net Unrealized Gains and Losses on Securities Other-Than Temporarily Impaired
—

 
(1.1
)
 
(0.5
)
Change in Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges
(4.3
)
 
25.2

 
(5.0
)
Change in Adjustment to Reserves for Future Policy and Contract Benefits, Net of Reinsurance and Other
(325.6
)
 
(701.5
)
 
(499.6
)
Change in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
—

 
—

 
0.6

Change in Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs
(68.0
)
 
(67.4
)
 
(12.7
)
Total
$
428.4

 
$
100.4

 
$
440.4


A reconciliation of the income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income from operations before income tax, computed at U.S. federal statutory tax rates, to the income tax expense (benefit) as included in our consolidated statements of income, is as follows. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year reporting.
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Statutory Income Tax
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
Prior Year Taxes
(0.9
)
 
(11.0
)
 
0.4

Foreign Items
(2.0
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(1.3
)
Tax Credits
(2.7
)
 
(5.9
)
 
(0.6
)
Other Items, Net
(1.0
)
 
(3.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Effective Tax
28.4
 %
 
14.7
 %
 
33.4
 %

Our deferred income tax asset and liability consists of the following:
 
December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions of dollars)
Deferred Tax Liability
 
 
 
   Deferred Acquisition Costs
$
62.8

 
$
35.6

   Unrealized Gains and Losses
643.9

 
512.7

   Other
252.0

 
138.2

Gross Deferred Tax Liability
958.7

 
686.5

 
 
 
 
Deferred Tax Asset
 
 
 
   Invested Assets
373.5

 
349.8

   Employee Benefits
315.2

 
262.3

   Other
0.6

 
29.7

Gross Deferred Tax Asset
689.3

 
641.8

 
 
 
 
Total Net Deferred Tax Liability
$
269.4

 
$
44.7



144
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries




Note 6 - Income Tax - Continued

Our consolidated statements of income include amounts subject to both domestic and foreign taxation. The income and related tax expense (benefit) are as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
Income Before Tax
 
 
 
 
 
   United States - Federal
$
1,128.4

 
$
160.5

 
$
1,113.1

   Foreign
121.1

 
172.8

 
206.8

   Total
$
1,249.5

 
$
333.3

 
$
1,319.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Tax Expense
 
 
 
 
 
   United States - Federal
$
164.4

 
$
218.4

 
$
246.9

   Foreign
42.2

 
12.1

 
54.1

   Total
206.6

 
230.5

 
301.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
 
 
 
 
   United States - Federal
173.5

 
(203.4
)
 
144.5

   Foreign
(25.0
)
 
22.0

 
(4.3
)
   Total
148.5

 
(181.4
)
 
140.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
355.1

 
$
49.1

 
$
441.2


During 2010, the U.K. government enacted an income tax rate reduction, with additional enactments occurring during 2011 and 2012. The ultimate goal is to reduce the rate from 28 percent to 21 percent by 2014. Although the rate reductions in each instance became or will become effective during the following year, we are required to adjust deferred tax assets and liabilities through income on the date of enactment of a rate change.  As a result, we recorded income tax benefits of $9.3 million and $6.8 million, respectively, for the two percent tax rate reductions enacted during each of the years 2012 and 2011 and $2.7 million for the one percent rate reduction enacted during 2010.
We consider the unremitted earnings of our foreign operations to be permanently invested and therefore have not provided U.S. deferred taxes on the cumulative earnings of our non-U.S. affiliates. Deferred taxes are provided for earnings of non-U.S. affiliates when we plan to remit those earnings. As of December 31, 2012, we have not made a provision for U.S. taxes on approximately $992.2 million of the excess of the carrying amount for financial reporting over the tax basis of investments in foreign subsidiaries that are essentially permanent in duration. The determination of a deferred tax liability related to investments in these foreign subsidiaries is not practicable.


145
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries




Note 6 - Income Tax - Continued

Our consolidated statements of income include the following changes in unrecognized tax benefits:
 
December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
Balance at Beginning of Year
$
86.9

 
$
138.9

 
$
146.8

Tax Positions Taken During Prior Years
 
 
 
 
 
Additions
13.3

 
4.4

 
3.6

Subtractions
(0.6
)
 
(11.8
)
 
(11.5
)
Settlements with Tax Authorities
(23.5
)
 
(44.6
)
 
—

Lapses of Statute of Limitations
(61.1
)
 
—

 
—

Tax Positions Taken During Current Year
2.5

 
—

 
—

Balance at End of Year
17.5

 
86.9

 
138.9

Less Tax Attributable to Temporary Items Included Above
(15.0
)
 
(86.9
)
 
(123.7
)
Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits that if Recognized Would Affect the Effective Tax Rate
$
2.5

 
$
—

 
$
15.2


Included in the balances at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 are $15.0 million, $86.9 million, and $123.7 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits for tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. Other than potential interest and penalties, the disallowance of the shorter deductibility period would not affect our results of operations but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority.

We recognize interest expense and penalties, if applicable, related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense net of federal income tax. We recognized a reduction of interest expense associated with unrecognized tax benefits of $10.4 million and $13.1 million for 2012 and 2011, respectively.  We recognized an increase in interest expense related to unrecognized tax expense of $5.5 million during 2010. The total amounts of accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were $1.9 million, $12.3 million, and $25.4 million, respectively. It is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits could decrease within the next 12 months by $0 to $10.0 million as a result of additional Internal Revenue Service (IRS) settlements, advance payments of taxes, and claims for refund.
 
We file federal and state income tax returns in the United States and in foreign jurisdictions. We are under continuous examination by the IRS with regard to our U.S. federal income tax returns. The IRS audit of our 2009 and 2010 years commenced in 2012. During 2012, we also finalized all issues with the IRS related to our 2007 and 2008 years and recognized a reduction of our federal income taxes of $11.0 million. During 2011, the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation approved our final settlement with the IRS for tax years 1996 to 2004.  The settlement resulted from our administrative appeal of audit adjustments relating primarily to insurance tax reserves and losses incurred by foreign subsidiaries.  As a result of the settlement, we recognized in our 2011 operating results a reduction in our federal income taxes of $41.3 million as well as interest income of $17.5 million before tax and $11.4 million after tax.  We received a cash refund of taxes and interest under this settlement of $60.4 million in 2012.

During 2010, the IRS completed its examination of tax years 2005 and 2006 and issued a revenue agent's report (RAR). In 2011, we filed a protest to the RAR with respect to all significant adverse proposed adjustments.  In 2012, we reached a tentative settlement with IRS Appeals for these years and expect to receive final approval of the settlement in 2013, with no material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

Tax years subsequent to 2008 remain subject to examination by tax authorities in the U.S. and tax years subsequent to 2009 remain subject to examination in major foreign jurisdictions. We believe sufficient provision has been made for all potential adjustments for years that are not closed by the statute of limitations in all major tax jurisdictions, and that any such adjustments would not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.


146
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries




Note 6 - Income Tax - Continued

In January 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act retroactively reinstated the active financing income exemption which affects the amount of earnings from foreign subsidiaries that is taxed annually, regardless of whether foreign earnings are repatriated. Our 2012 income tax expense reflects the taxation of all active financing income from our foreign subsidiaries, the amount of which was immaterial. In the first quarter of 2013, our income tax expense will reflect reinstatement of the exemption of active financing income, and we will reverse the amounts recorded in 2012.

In March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 were signed into law.  Among other things, the legislation reduced the tax benefits available to an employer that receives a postretirement prescription drug coverage subsidy from the federal government under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003.  Under the legislation, to the extent our future postretirement prescription drug coverage expenses are reimbursed under the subsidy program, the expenses covered by the subsidy will no longer be tax deductible after 2012.  Employers that receive the subsidy were required to recognize the deferred tax effects relating to the future postretirement prescription drug coverage in the period the legislation was enacted.  Our income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 includes a non-cash tax charge of $10.2 million to reflect the impact of the tax law change.

As of December 31, 2012, we had no net operating loss carryforward for U.S. income taxes. We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.  As of December 31, 2012, we had no valuation allowance. In 2011, as part of an IRS settlement, we released a $4.1 million valuation allowance related to basis differences in foreign subsidiaries and net operating loss carryforwards in foreign jurisdictions for which we previously believed we would not realize a tax benefit.

Total income taxes paid net of refunds during 2012, 2011, and 2010 were $185.0 million, $303.5 million, and $273.0 million, respectively.



147
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries



Note 7 - Debt

Long-term and short-term debt consists of the following:
 
December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions of dollars)
Long-term Debt
 
 
 
Senior Secured Notes, variable due 2037, callable at or above par
$
500.0

 
$
560.0

Senior Secured Notes, variable due 2036, callable at or above par
62.5

 
72.5

Notes @ 5.75% due 2042, callable at or above par
248.6

 
—

Notes @ 7.375% due 2032, callable at or above par
39.5

 
39.5

Notes @ 6.75% due 2028, callable at or above par
165.8

 
165.8

Notes @ 7.25% due 2028, callable at or above par
200.0

 
200.0

Notes @ 5.625% due 2020, callable at or above par
399.6

 
399.6

Notes @ 7.125% due 2016, callable at or above par
350.0

 
350.0

Notes @ 6.85% due 2015, callable at or above par
296.7

 
296.7

Notes @ 7.0% due 2018, non-callable
200.0

 
200.0

Medium-term Notes @ 7.0% to 7.2% due 2023 to 2028, non-callable
50.8

 
50.8

Junior Subordinated Debt Securities @ 7.405% due 2038
226.5

 
226.5

Fair Value Hedges Adjustment
15.4

 
8.8

Total
2,755.4

 
2,570.2

Short-term Debt
 
 
 
Securities Lending Agreements - See Note 3
455.8

 
312.3

Total
$
3,211.2

 
$
2,882.5


Collateralized debt, which consists of the senior secured notes, ranks highest in priority, followed by unsecured notes, which consists of notes and medium-term notes, followed by junior subordinated debt securities. The junior subordinated debt securities due 2038 are callable under limited, specified circumstances. The remaining callable debt may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time.

The aggregate contractual principal maturities are $296.9 million in 2015, $350.0 million in 2016, and $2,095.1 million in 2018 and thereafter.

Senior Secured Notes

In 2007, Northwind Holdings, LLC (Northwind Holdings), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unum Group, issued $800.0 million of insured, senior, secured notes due 2037 (the Northwind notes) in a private offering. The Northwind notes bear interest at a floating rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 0.78%.
  
Northwind Holdings’ ability to meet its obligations to pay principal, interest, and other amounts due on the Northwind notes will be dependent principally on its receipt of dividends from Northwind Reinsurance Company (Northwind Re), the sole subsidiary of Northwind Holdings. Northwind Re reinsured the risks attributable to specified individual disability insurance policies issued by or reinsured by Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company, Unum Life Insurance Company of America (Unum America), and The Paul Revere Life Insurance Company (collectively, the ceding insurers) pursuant to separate reinsurance agreements between Northwind Re and each of the ceding insurers. The ability of Northwind Re to pay dividends to Northwind Holdings will depend on its satisfaction of applicable regulatory requirements and the performance of the reinsured policies.


148
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries



Note 7 - Debt - Continued

Recourse for the payment of principal, interest, and other amounts due on the Northwind notes is limited to the collateral for the Northwind notes and the other assets, if any, of Northwind Holdings. The collateral consists of a first priority, perfected security interest in (a) the debt service coverage account (Northwind DSCA) that Northwind Holdings is required to maintain in accordance with the indenture pursuant to which the Northwind notes were issued (the Northwind indenture), (b) the capital stock of Northwind Re and the dividends and distributions on such capital stock, and (c) Northwind Holdings' rights under the transaction documents related to the Northwind notes to which Northwind Holdings is a party. At December 31, 2012, the amount in the Northwind DSCA was $29.3 million. None of Unum Group, the ceding insurers, Northwind Re, or any other affiliate of Northwind Holdings is an obligor or guarantor with respect to the Northwind notes.

Northwind Holdings is required to repay a portion of the outstanding principal under the Northwind notes at par on the quarterly scheduled payment dates under the Northwind notes in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) a targeted amortization amount as defined in the Northwind indenture and (ii) the amount of the remaining available funds in the Northwind DSCA minus an amount equal to the minimum balance that is required to be maintained in the Northwind DSCA under the Northwind indenture, provided that Northwind Holdings has sufficient funds available to pay its other expenses, including interest payments on the Northwind notes, and to maintain the minimum balance in the Northwind DSCA as required under the Northwind indenture. During 2012, 2011, and 2010, Northwind Holdings made principal payments of $60.0 million, $74.4 million, and $58.3 million, respectively, on the Northwind notes.

In 2006, Tailwind Holdings, LLC (Tailwind Holdings), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unum Group, issued $130.0 million of insured, senior, secured notes due 2036 (the Tailwind notes) in a private offering. The Tailwind notes bear interest at a floating rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 0.35%.

Tailwind Holdings' ability to meet its obligations to pay principal, interest, and other amounts due on the Tailwind notes will be dependent principally on its receipt of dividends from Tailwind Reinsurance Company (Tailwind Re), the sole subsidiary of Tailwind Holdings. Tailwind Re reinsured Unum America's liability with respect to certain specified long-term disability claims incurred between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2001 that were in payment status on January 1, 2006 pursuant to a reinsurance agreement between Tailwind Re and Unum America. The ability of Tailwind Re to pay dividends to Tailwind Holdings will depend on its satisfaction of applicable regulatory requirements and the performance of the reinsured claims.

Recourse for the payment of principal, interest, and other amounts due on the Tailwind notes is limited to the collateral for the Tailwind notes and the other assets, if any, of Tailwind Holdings. The collateral consists of a first priority, perfected security interest in (a) the debt service coverage account (Tailwind DSCA) that Tailwind Holdings is required to maintain in accordance with the indenture pursuant to which the Tailwind notes were issued (the Tailwind indenture), (b) the capital stock of Tailwind Re and the dividends and distributions on such capital stock, and (c) Tailwind Holdings' rights under the transaction documents related to the Tailwind notes to which Tailwind Holdings is a party. At December 31, 2012, the amount in the Tailwind DSCA was $21.5 million. None of Unum Group, Unum America, Tailwind Re, or any other affiliate of Tailwind Holdings is an obligor or guarantor with respect to the Tailwind notes.

Tailwind Holdings is required to repay a portion of the outstanding principal under the Tailwind notes at par on the quarterly scheduled payment dates under the Tailwind notes in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) a targeted amortization amount as defined in the Tailwind indenture and (ii) the amount of the remaining available funds in the Tailwind DSCA minus an amount equal to the minimum balance that is required to be maintained in the Tailwind DSCA under the Tailwind indenture, provided that Tailwind Holdings has sufficient funds available to pay its other expenses, including interest payments on the Tailwind notes, and to maintain the minimum balance in the Tailwind DSCA as required under the Tailwind indenture. During 2012, 2011, and 2010, Tailwind Holdings made principal payments of $10.0 million each year on the Tailwind notes. 

In January 2013, we purchased and retired the outstanding principal of $62.5 million on our Tailwind notes. The transaction resulted in an immaterial gain which will be included in our first quarter 2013 operating results.


149
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries



Note 7 - Debt - Continued

Unsecured Notes

In August 2012, we issued $250.0 million of unsecured senior notes in a public offering.

In 2010, we issued $400.0 million of unsecured senior notes in a public offering, and we purchased and retired $10.0 million of our 7.08% medium-term notes due 2024.

In 2005, UnumProvident Finance Company plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unum Group, issued 6.85% senior debentures due 2015. These debentures are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Unum Group.

Fair Value Hedges

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had $600.0 million and $350.0 million, respectively, notional amount interest rate swaps which effectively convert certain of our unsecured senior notes into floating rate debt. Under these agreements, we receive fixed rates of interest and pay variable rates of interest, based off of three-month LIBOR.

Junior Subordinated Debt Securities

In 1998, Provident Financing Trust I (the trust) issued $300.0 million of 7.405% capital securities in a public offering. These capital securities, which mature in 2038, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Unum Group, have a liquidation value of $1,000 per capital security, and have a mandatory redemption feature under certain circumstances. Unum Group issued 7.405% junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures to the trust in connection with the capital securities offering. The debentures mature in 2038. The sole assets of the trust are the junior subordinated debt securities.

Short-term Debt

In 2011, the remaining $225.1 million of our 7.625% senior notes due March 2011 matured.

Interest and Debt Expense

Interest paid on long-term and short-term debt and related securities during 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $139.6 million, $145.4 million, and $140.7 million, respectively.

Shelf Registration

We have a shelf registration, which we renewed in 2011, with the Securities and Exchange Commission to issue various types of securities, including common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depository shares, stock purchase contracts, units and warrants, or preferred securities of wholly-owned finance trusts.  The shelf registration enables us to raise funds from the offering of any securities covered by the shelf registration as well as any combination thereof, subject to market conditions and our capital needs.


150
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 8 - Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits

We sponsor several defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit (OPEB) plans for our employees, including non-qualified pension plans. The U.S. plans comprise the majority of our total benefit obligation and benefit cost. We maintain a separate defined benefit plan for eligible employees in our U.K. operation. The U.K. defined benefit pension plan was closed to new entrants on December 31, 2002.

The following tables provide the changes in the benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets and statements of the funded status of the plans.
 
Pension Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Plans
 
Non U.S. Plans
 
OPEB
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions of dollars)
Change in Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year
$
1,579.8

 
$
1,352.7

 
$
170.4

 
$
152.9

 
$
190.9

 
$
185.1

Service Cost
48.8

 
42.7

 
4.2

 
4.8

 
1.6

 
1.9

Interest Cost
84.4

 
77.6

 
8.5

 
8.8

 
9.6

 
10.0

Plan Participant Contributions
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3.5

 
3.4

Actuarial (Gain) Loss
291.4

 
138.4

 
9.4

 
9.3

 
19.1

 
5.6

Benefits and Expenses Paid
(36.5
)
 
(31.6
)
 
(3.9
)
 
(4.1
)
 
(16.7
)
 
(15.1
)
Plan Amendment
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(5.0
)
 
—

Curtailment
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(4.2
)
 
—

Change in Foreign Exchange Rates
—

 
—

 
8.8

 
(1.3
)
 
—

 
—

Benefit Obligation at End of Year
$
1,967.9

 
$
1,579.8

 
$
197.4

 
$
170.4

 
$
198.8

 
$
190.9

 
Accumulated Benefit Obligation at December 31
$
1,822.3

 
$
1,462.2

 
$
187.3

 
$
160.9

 
N/A
 
N/A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year
$
1,170.8

 
$
1,179.6

 
$
188.0

 
$
176.0

 
$
11.7

 
$
11.9

Actual Return on Plan Assets
161.8

 
18.5

 
8.6

 
12.5

 
0.3

 
0.2

Employer Contributions
57.5

 
4.3

 
4.1

 
4.7

 
12.7

 
11.3

Plan Participant Contributions
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3.5

 
3.4

Benefits and Expenses Paid
(36.5
)
 
(31.6
)
 
(3.9
)
 
(4.1
)
 
(16.7
)
 
(15.1
)
Change in Foreign Exchange Rates
—

 
—

 
8.8

 
(1.1
)
 
—

 
—

Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year
$
1,353.6

 
$
1,170.8

 
$
205.6

 
$
188.0

 
$
11.5

 
$
11.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underfunded (Overfunded) Status
$
614.3

 
$
409.0

 
$
(8.2
)
 
$
(17.6
)
 
$
187.3

 
$
179.2



151
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 8 - Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Continued

The amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheets for our pension and OPEB plans at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
 
Pension Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Plans
 
Non U.S. Plans
 
OPEB
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions of dollars)
Current Liability
$
4.6

 
$
4.5

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
15.6

 
$
14.4

Noncurrent Liability
609.7

 
404.5

 
—

 
—

 
171.7

 
164.8

Noncurrent Asset
—

 
—

 
(8.2
)
 
(17.6
)
 
—

 
—

Underfunded (Overfunded) Status
$
614.3

 
$
409.0

 
$
(8.2
)
 
$
(17.6
)
 
$
187.3

 
$
179.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Net Actuarial Gain (Loss)
$
(845.4
)
 
$
(673.1
)
 
$
(37.9
)
 
$
(25.0
)
 
$
(19.3
)
 
$
(4.1
)
   Prior Service Credit (Cost)
(0.6
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
 
7.3

 
4.9

 
(846.0
)
 
(673.3
)
 
(38.1
)
 
(25.2
)
 
(12.0
)
 
0.8

   Deferred Income Tax Asset
306.3

 
235.7

 
11.1

 
8.0

 
4.2

 
9.9

Total Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
$
(539.7
)
 
$
(437.6
)
 
$
(27.0
)
 
$
(17.2
)
 
$
(7.8
)
 
$
10.7


The following table provides the changes recognized in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
 
Pension Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Plans
 
Non U.S. Plans
 
OPEB
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions of dollars)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at Beginning of Year
$
(437.6
)
 
$
(323.2
)
 
$
(17.2
)
 
$
(10.7
)
 
$
10.7

 
$
15.3

Net Actuarial Loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization
45.9

 
31.9

 
0.5

 
—

 
—

 
—

Curtailment
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4.2

 
—

All Other Changes
(218.2
)
 
(207.5
)
 
(13.4
)
 
(8.7
)
 
(19.4
)
 
(5.5
)
Prior Service Credit

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization
(0.4
)
 
(0.5
)
 
—

 
—

 
(2.6
)
 
(2.6
)
Plan Amendment
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5.0

 
—

Change in Deferred Income Tax Asset
70.6

 
61.7

 
3.1

 
2.2

 
(5.7
)
 
3.5

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at End of Year
$
(539.7
)
 
$
(437.6
)
 
$
(27.0
)
 
$
(17.2
)
 
$
(7.8
)
 
$
10.7


We discontinued offering retiree life insurance to future retirees effective December 31, 2012 but continue to provide this benefit to employees who retired prior to that date. The curtailment gain of $4.2 million and the prior service credit of $5.0 million, both of which are included in the table above, reflect this OPEB plan amendment.

152
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 8 - Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Continued

Plan Assets

The objective of our pension and OPEB plans is to maximize long-term return, within acceptable risk levels, in a manner that is consistent with the fiduciary standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), while maintaining sufficient liquidity to pay current benefits and expenses.
 
Assets for our U.S. pension plans include a diversified blend of domestic and international large cap, mid cap, and small cap equity securities, U.S. government and agency fixed income securities, corporate fixed income securities, private equity funds of funds, hedge funds of funds, and cash equivalents. The large cap and mid cap equity securities are comprised of equity index funds that are designed to track the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 and S&P 400 Mid Cap indices, respectively. Small cap equity securities consist of individual equity securities as well as index funds that track the Russell 2000 index. International equity investments consist of equity funds that are benchmarked against either the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Europe Australasia Far East Index or the MSCI All Country World Index Excluding U.S. These international funds may allocate a certain percentage of their assets to forward currency contracts. It is the policy of these funds to utilize the contracts solely for the purpose of mitigating exposure to foreign currency risk. Emerging market equity investments consist of index funds that are benchmarked against the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. U.S. government and agency fixed income securities are comprised of treasury bonds and U.S. agency asset-backed securities. Corporate fixed income securities consist of investment-grade and below-investment-grade corporate bonds as well as certain asset-backed securities. Alternative investments, which include private equity funds of funds and hedge funds of funds, utilize proprietary strategies that are intended to have a low correlation to the U.S. stock market. The target allocations for invested assets are 60 percent equity securities, 30 percent fixed income securities, and 10 percent alternative investments. Prohibited investments include, but are not limited to, unlisted securities, futures contracts, options, short sales, and investments in securities issued by the Company or its affiliates.
 
Assets for our U.K. pension plan are primarily invested in a pooled diversified growth fund. This fund invests in assets such as global equities, hedge funds, commodities, below-investment-grade fixed income securities, and currencies. The objectives of the fund are to generate capital appreciation over the course of a complete economic and market cycle and to deliver equity-like returns in the medium-to-long term while maintaining approximately two thirds of the volatility of equity markets. Performance of this fund is measured against the U.K. inflation rate plus four percent. The remaining assets in the U.K. plan are invested in leveraged interest rate and inflation swap funds of varying durations designed to broadly match the interest rate and inflation sensitivities of the plan's liabilities. The current target allocation for the assets is 75 percent diversified growth assets and 25 percent interest rate and inflation swap funds. There are no categories of investments that are specifically prohibited by the U.K. plan, but there are general guidelines that ensure prudent investment action is taken. Such guidelines include the prevention of the plan from using derivatives for speculative purposes and limiting the concentration of risk in any one type of investment.
 
Assets for life insurance benefits payable to certain former retirees covered under the OPEB plan are invested in life insurance contracts issued by one of our insurance subsidiaries. The terms of these contracts are consistent in all material respects with those the subsidiary offers to unaffiliated parties that are similarly situated. There are no categories of investments specifically prohibited by the OPEB plan.
 
We believe our investment portfolios are well diversified by asset class and sector, with no potential risk concentrations in any one category.

153
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 8 - Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Continued

The categorization of fair value measurements by input level for the invested assets in our U.S. pension plans is as follows:
 
December 31, 2012
 
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
or Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
 
(in millions of dollars)
Invested Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   U.S. Large Cap
$
—

 
$
269.2

 
$
—

 
$
269.2

   U.S. Mid Cap
—

 
111.6

 
—

 
111.6

   U.S. Small Cap
83.9

 
120.1

 
—

 
204.0

   International
106.4

 
102.9

 
—

 
209.3

   Emerging Markets
—

 
73.9

 
—

 
73.9

Fixed Income Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   U.S. Government and Agencies
138.0

 
8.6

 
—

 
146.6

   Corporate
84.1

 
154.4

 
—

 
238.5

Alternative Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Private Equity Funds of Funds
—

 
—

 
28.7

 
28.7

   Hedge Funds of Funds
—

 
—

 
56.1

 
56.1

Cash Equivalents
13.1

 
—

 
—

 
13.1

Total
$
425.5

 
$
840.7

 
$
84.8

 
$
1,351.0


 
December 31, 2011
 
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
or Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
 
(in millions of dollars)
Invested Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   U.S. Large Cap
$
—

 
$
237.4

 
$
—

 
$
237.4

   U.S. Mid Cap
—

 
96.4

 
—

 
96.4

   U.S. Small Cap
131.1

 
45.0

 
—

 
176.1

   International
80.3

 
85.1

 
—

 
165.4

   Emerging Markets
—

 
51.6

 
—

 
51.6

Fixed Income Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   U.S. Government and Agencies
145.7

 
9.5

 
—

 
155.2

   Corporate
71.8

 
139.4

 
—

 
211.2

Alternative Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Private Equity Funds of Funds
—

 
—

 
23.7

 
23.7

   Hedge Funds of Funds
—

 
—

 
44.3

 
44.3

Cash Equivalents
6.2

 
—

 
—

 
6.2

Total
$
435.1

 
$
664.4

 
$
68.0

 
$
1,167.5


Level 1 equity and fixed income securities consist of individual holdings and funds that are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices from active markets for identical securities. Level 2 equity securities consist of funds that are valued based on the net asset value (NAV) of the underlying holdings. These investments have no unfunded commitments and no specific redemption restrictions. Level 2 fixed income securities are valued using observable inputs through market corroborated pricing.


154
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 8 - Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Continued

Alternative investments, which include hedge funds of funds and private equity funds of funds, are valued based on the NAV of the underlying holdings in a period ranging from one month to one quarter in arrears. We evaluate the need for adjustments to the NAV based on market conditions and discussions with fund managers in the period subsequent to the valuation date and prior to issuance of the financial statements. We made no adjustments to the NAV for 2012 or 2011. Redemptions on the hedge funds of funds can be made on either a quarterly or bi-annual basis, depending on the fund, with prior notice of at least 90 calendar days. Because of these redemption restrictions, we have classified the hedge funds of funds as Level 3 because we do not have the unrestricted ability to redeem our investment at NAV at any given time. The private equity funds of funds cannot be redeemed by investors, and distributions are received following the maturity of the underlying assets. It is estimated that these underlying assets will begin to mature between five and eight years from the date of initial investment. Accordingly, we have assigned a Level 3 classification to the private equity funds of funds due to the redemption restrictions.

Changes in our U.S. pension plans' assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2012
 
Beginning
of Year
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Level 3 Transfers
 
End of
Year
 
 
Held at Year End
 
Sold During the Year
 
 
Into
 
Out of
 
 
(in millions of dollars)
Private Equity Funds of Funds
$
23.7

 
$
0.5

 
$
1.0

 
$
6.0

 
$
(2.5
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
28.7

Hedge Funds of Funds
44.3

 
3.8

 
—

 
11.8

 
(3.8
)
 
—

 
—

 
56.1

   Total
$
68.0

 
$
4.3

 
$
1.0

 
$
17.8

 
$
(6.3
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
84.8

 
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
Beginning
of Year
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Level 3 Transfers
 
End of
Year
 
 
Held at Year End
 
Sold During the Year
 
 
Into
 
Out of
 
 
(in millions of dollars)
Private Equity Funds of Funds
$
15.0

 
$
3.0

 
$
—

 
$
6.5

 
$
(0.8
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
23.7

Hedge Funds of Funds
46.0

 
(1.6
)
 
(0.1
)
 
6.9

 
(6.9
)
 
—

 
—

 
44.3

   Total
$
61.0

 
$
1.4

 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
13.4

 
$
(7.7
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
68.0


The categorization of fair value measurements by input level for the assets in our U.K. pension plan is as follows:
 
December 31, 2012
 
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
or Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
 
(in millions of dollars)
Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diversified Growth Assets
$
—

 
$
154.7

 
$
—

 
$
154.7

Fixed Interest and Index-linked Securities
—

 
43.5

 
—

 
43.5

Cash Equivalents
7.4

 
—

 
—

 
7.4

Total Plan Assets
$
7.4

 
$
198.2

 
$
—

 
$
205.6




155
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 8 - Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Continued
 
December 31, 2011
 
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
or Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
 
(in millions of dollars)
Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diversified Growth Assets
$
—

 
$
123.7

 
$
—

 
$
123.7

Fixed Interest and Index-linked Securities
—

 
63.5

 
—

 
63.5

Cash Equivalents
0.8

 
—

 
—

 
0.8

Total Plan Assets
$
0.8

 
$
187.2

 
$
—

 
$
188.0


Level 2 assets consist of funds that are valued based on the NAV of the underlying holdings. These investments have no unfunded commitments and no specific redemption restrictions.

The categorization of fair value measurements by input level for the assets in our OPEB plan is as follows:
 
December 31, 2012
 
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
or Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
 
(in millions of dollars)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life Insurance Contracts
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
11.5

 
$
11.5

 
December 31, 2011
 
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
or Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
 
(in millions of dollars)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life Insurance Contracts
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
11.7

 
$
11.7


The fair value is represented by the actuarial present value of future cash flows of the contracts.


156
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 8 - Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Continued

Changes in our OPEB plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2012
 
Beginning
of Year
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
Contributions
 
Net Benefits and Expenses Paid
 
End of Year
 
 
(in millions of dollars)
Life Insurance Contracts
$
11.7

 
$
0.3

 
$
16.2

 
$
(16.7
)
 
$
11.5

 
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
Beginning
of Year
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
Contributions
 
Net Benefits and Expenses Paid
 
End of Year
 
 
(in millions of dollars)
Life Insurance Contracts
$
11.9

 
$
0.2

 
$
14.7

 
$
(15.1
)
 
$
11.7


For the years end December 31, 2012 and 2011, the actual return on plan assets relates solely to investments still held at the reporting date. There were no transfers into or out of level 3 during 2012 or 2011.

Measurement Assumptions

We use a December 31 measurement date for each of our plans. The weighted average assumptions used in the measurement of our benefit obligations as of December 31 and our net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
 
Pension Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Plans
 
Non U.S. Plans
 
OPEB
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Benefit Obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Discount Rate
4.50
%
 
5.40
%
 
4.50
%
 
4.90
%
 
4.20
%
 
5.20
%
   Rate of Compensation Increase
4.00
%
 
4.00
%
 
3.75
%
 
3.85
%
 
—
%
 
—
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Discount Rate
5.40
%
 
5.80
%
 
4.90
%
 
5.60
%
 
5.20
%
 
5.60
%
   Expected Return on Plan Assets
7.50
%
 
7.50
%
 
5.80
%
 
6.70
%
 
5.75
%
 
5.75
%
   Rate of Compensation Increase
4.00
%
 
4.00
%
 
3.85
%
 
4.50
%
 
—
%
 
—
%

We set the discount rate assumption annually for each of our retirement-related benefit plans at the measurement date to reflect the yield of a portfolio of high quality fixed income debt instruments matched against the projected cash flows for future benefits.
 
Our long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption is an estimate, based on statistical analysis, of the average annual assumed return that will be produced from the plan assets until current benefits are paid. The market-related value equals the fair value of assets, determined as of the measurement date.  Our expectations for the future investment returns of the asset categories were based on a combination of historical market performance and evaluations of investment forecasts obtained from external consultants and economists.

The methodology underlying the return assumption included the various elements of the expected return for each asset class such as long-term rates of return, volatility of returns, and the correlation of returns between various asset classes. The expected return for the total portfolio was calculated based on the plan's strategic asset allocation.  Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through annual liability measurements, periodic asset/liability studies, and quarterly investment portfolio reviews.  Risk tolerance is established through consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition.


157
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 8 - Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Continued

The expected return assumption for the life insurance reserve for our OPEB plan at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was 5.75 percent, which was based on full investment in fixed income securities with an average book yield of 5.77 percent and 6.27 percent in 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Our rate of compensation increase assumption is generally based on periodic studies of compensation trends.

For measurement purposes at December 31, 2012 and 2011, the annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered postretirement health care benefits assumed for the next calendar year was 8.00 percent and 8.50 percent, respectively, for benefits payable to both retirees prior to Medicare eligibility as well as Medicare eligible retirees. The rate was assumed to change gradually to 5.00 percent by 2019 and remain at that level thereafter.

The medical and dental premium used to determine the per retiree employer subsidy are capped. If the cap is not reached by the year 2015, the caps are then set equal to the year 2015 premium. Certain of the current retirees and all future retirees are subject to the cap.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The following table provides the components of the net periodic benefit cost for the plans described above for the years ended December 31.
 
Pension Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Plans
 
Non U.S. Plans
 
OPEB
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
Service Cost
$
48.8

 
$
42.7

 
$
36.5

 
$
4.2

 
$
4.8

 
$
4.9

 
$
1.6

 
$
1.9

 
$
2.6

Interest Cost
84.4

 
77.6

 
71.1

 
8.5

 
8.8

 
9.5

 
9.6

 
10.0

 
10.8

Expected Return on Plan Assets
(88.8
)
 
(87.6
)
 
(70.5
)
 
(11.1
)
 
(12.2
)
 
(10.7
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(0.6
)
Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Net Actuarial Loss
45.9

 
31.9

 
29.8

 
0.5

 
—

 
2.4

 
—

 
—

 
—

   Prior Service Credit
(0.4
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(0.5
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2.6
)
 
(2.6
)
 
(2.6
)
Total
$
89.9

 
$
64.1

 
$
66.4

 
$
2.1

 
$
1.4

 
$
6.1

 
$
7.9

 
$
8.6

 
$
10.2


A one percent increase or decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate at December 31, 2012 would have increased (decreased) the service cost and interest cost by $0.2 million and $(0.2) million, respectively, and the postretirement benefit obligation by $3.9 million and $(2.9) million, respectively.

Our OPEB plan currently receives a subsidy from the federal government under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Medicare Act). This act allows an employer to choose whether to coordinate prescription drug benefits under a retiree medical plan with the Medicare prescription drug benefit or to keep the company plan design as it is and receive a subsidy from the federal government. When the Medicare Act became effective in 2006, we initially elected to receive the subsidy from the federal government with plans to defer our coordination with the new prescription drug benefit until a later date. This anticipated change was reflected in the net periodic benefit cost. In 2009, we amended the plan design to stop the deferral of coordination of benefits and elected to continue receiving the existing subsidy from the federal government. This election resulted in a $4.4 million prior service credit that began amortization in 2010. We received subsidy payments of $1.3 million in both 2012 and 2011. Our expected benefit payments in future years have been reduced by the amount of subsidy payments we expect to receive.

The unrecognized net actuarial loss and prior service credit included in accumulated other comprehensive income and expected to be amortized and included in net periodic pension cost during 2013 is $59.8 million before tax and $39.1 million after tax. The prior service credit expected to be amortized and included as a reduction to net periodic cost for our OPEB plan during 2013 is $5.0 million before tax and $3.2 million after tax.


158
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 8 - Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - Continued

Benefit Payments

The following table provides expected benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate.
 
Pension Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Plans
 
Non U.S. Plans
 
OPEB
 
(in millions of dollars)
Year
 
 
 
 
Gross
 
Subsidy Payments
 
Net
2013
$
38.5

 
$
5.0

 
$
17.3

 
$
1.7

 
$
15.6

2014
43.3

 
5.6

 
17.4

 
1.9

 
15.5

2015
47.8

 
5.8

 
17.4

 
2.1

 
15.3

2016
53.9

 
6.4

 
17.2

 
2.3

 
14.9

2017
59.4

 
6.7

 
16.8

 
2.4

 
14.4

2018-2022
408.5

 
39.8

 
77.8

 
14.6

 
63.2


Funding Policy

The funding policy for our U.S. qualified defined benefit plan is to contribute annually an amount at least equal to the minimum annual contribution required under ERISA and other applicable laws, but generally not greater than the maximum amount that can be deducted for federal income tax purposes. We had no regulatory contribution requirements for our U.S. qualified plan for 2012 and 2011; however, we elected to make a voluntary contribution of $53.0 million in 2012 and expect to make a voluntary contribution of approximately $50.0 million during 2013. The funding policy for our U.S. non-qualified defined benefit pension plan is to contribute the amount of the benefit payments made during the year. Our expected return on plan assets and discount rate will not affect the cash contributions we are required to make to our U.S. pension and OPEB plans because we have met all minimum funding requirements required under ERISA.

We contribute to our U.K. plan in accordance with a schedule of contributions which requires that we contribute to the plan at the rate of at least 24.8 percent of pensionable salaries for active members of the plan, plus 0.4 percent of pensionable salaries for all employees (including active members of the plan) who are entitled to lump sum death in service benefits under the plan, sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirement under U.K. legislation. We made contributions of $4.1 million and $4.7 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively, or approximately £2.6 million and £2.9 million. We expect to make contributions of approximately £2.6 million during 2013.

Our OPEB plan represents a non-vested, non-guaranteed obligation, and current regulations do not require specific funding levels for these benefits, which are comprised of retiree life, medical, and dental benefits. It is our practice to use general assets to pay medical and dental claims as they come due in lieu of utilizing plan assets for the medical and dental benefit portions of our OPEB plan.


159
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity and Earnings Per Common Share

Common Stock

In July 2012, February 2011, and May 2010, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $750.0 million, $1.0 billion, and $500.0 million, respectively, of Unum Group's common stock. At December 31, 2012, no amounts were remaining for the purchase of shares under either the February 2011 or May 2010 repurchase program. The July 2012 share repurchase program has an expiration date of January 2014, and the dollar value of shares remaining under this program was $550.0 million at December 31, 2012.

Common stock repurchases were classified as follows in our consolidated statements of stockholders' equity:
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
Shares
 
Cost (1)
 
Shares
 
Cost (1)
 
Shares
 
Cost (1)
 
(in millions)
Treasury Stock
23.6

 
$
500.6

 
17.7

 
$
419.9

 
16.4

 
$
356.0

Retirement of Common Shares (2)
—

 
—

 
7.7

 
200.0

 
—

 
—

Total
23.6

 
$
500.6

 
25.4

 
619.9

 
16.4

 
356.0


(1) Includes commissions of $0.6 million, $0.3 million, and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

(2) In February 2011, we repurchased 7.1 million shares, at a cost of $200.0 million, using an accelerated repurchase agreement with a financial counterparty. As part of this transaction, we simultaneously entered into a forward contract indexed to the price of Unum Group common stock, which subjected the transaction to a future price adjustment. Under the terms of the repurchase agreement, we were to receive, or be required to pay, a price adjustment based on the volume weighted average price of Unum Group common stock during the term of the agreement, less a discount. Any price adjustment payable to us was to be settled in shares of Unum Group common stock. Any price adjustment we would have been required to pay would have been settled in either cash or common stock at our option. The final price adjustment settlement occurred in March 2011, resulting in the delivery to us of 0.6 million additional shares.

Preferred Stock

Unum Group has 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized with a par value of $0.10 per share. No preferred stock has been issued to date.

Earnings Per Common Share

Net income per common share is determined as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars, except share data)
Numerator
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
894.4

 
$
284.2

 
$
878.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator (000s)
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Common Shares - Basic
281,355.9

 
302,399.8

 
325,839.0

Dilution for Assumed Exercises of Stock Options and Nonvested Stock Awards
400.9

 
1,171.2

 
1,382.1

Weighted Average Common Shares - Assuming Dilution
281,756.8

 
303,571.0

 
327,221.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income Per Common Share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
3.18

 
$
0.94

 
$
2.70

Assuming Dilution
$
3.17

 
$
0.94

 
$
2.69


160
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity and Earnings Per Common Share - Continued

We use the treasury stock method to account for the effect of outstanding stock options and nonvested stock awards on the computation of dilutive earnings per share. Under this method, these potential common shares will each have a dilutive effect, as individually measured, when the average market price of Unum Group common stock during the period exceeds the exercise price of the stock options and/or the grant price of the nonvested stock awards. For further discussion of stock-based awards see Note 10.

The outstanding stock options have exercise prices ranging from $11.37 to $26.29, and the nonvested stock awards have grant prices ranging from $19.38 to $26.31.

In computing earnings per share assuming dilution, only potential common shares that are dilutive (those that reduce earnings per share) are included. Potential common shares not included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share because their impact would be antidilutive, based on current market prices, approximated 2.5 million, 2.1 million, and 3.5 million shares of common stock for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Note 10 - Stock-Based Compensation

Description of Stock Plans

Under the stock incentive plan of 2012 (the 2012 Plan), up to 20 million shares of common stock are available for awards to our employees, officers, consultants, and directors.  Awards may be in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, and other stock-based awards.  Each full value award, defined as any award other than a stock option or stock appreciation right, is counted as 1.76 shares. The exercise price for stock options issued cannot be less than the fair value of the underlying common stock as of the grant date. Stock options generally have a term of eight years after the date of grant and vest after three years.  At December 31, 2012, approximately 19.87 million shares were available for future grants under the 2012 Plan.

Under the stock incentive plan of 2007 (the 2007 Plan), which was terminated in May 2012 for purposes of any further grants, up to 35 million shares of common stock were available for awards to our employees, officers, consultants, and directors.  Awards could be in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, and other stock-based awards.  Each full value award, defined as any award other than a stock option or stock appreciation right, was counted as 2.7 shares. Awards granted before the termination of the 2007 Plan remain outstanding in accordance with the plan's terms. Stock options generally have a term of eight years after the date of grant and vest after three years. 

Under the stock plan of 1999 (the 1999 Plan), which was terminated in May 2007 for purposes of any further grants other than reload grants, up to 17.5 million shares of common stock were available for awards to our employees, officers, brokers, and directors. Awards could be in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, dividend equivalent awards, or any other right or interest relating to stock. Awards granted before the termination of the 1999 Plan remain outstanding in accordance with the plan's terms. Stock options under the 1999 Plan have a maximum term of ten years after the date of grant and generally vest after three years.

We issue new shares of common stock for all of our stock plan vestings and exercises.


161
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 10 - Stock-Based Compensation - Continued

Nonvested Stock Awards

Activity for nonvested stock awards classified as equity is as follows:
 
 
 
Weighted Average
 
Shares
 
Grant Date
 
(000s)
 
Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
1,661

 
$
20.36

Granted
864

 
22.96

Vested
(1,070
)
 
18.18

Forfeited
(52
)
 
23.59

Outstanding at December 31, 2012
1,403

 
23.57


Nonvested stock awards vest over a one to three year service period, beginning at the date of grant, and the compensation cost is recognized ratably during the vesting period.  Forfeitable dividend equivalents on nonvested stock awards are accrued in the form of additional restricted stock units. Compensation cost for nonvested stock awards subject to accelerated vesting upon retirement is recognized over the implicit service period. 

The weighted average grant date fair value per share for nonvested stock awards granted during 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $22.96, $26.13, and $20.91, respectively.  The total fair value of shares vested during 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $19.5 million, $19.2 million, and $19.0 million, respectively. At December 31, 2012, we had $10.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock awards that will be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.8 years.

Cash-Settled Awards

Activity for cash-settled awards classified as a liability is as follows:
 
 
 
Weighted Average
 
Shares
 
Grant Date
 
(000s)
 
Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
153

 
$
23.80

Granted
117

 
23.23

Vested
(63
)
 
23.25

Outstanding at December 31, 2012
207

 
23.72


Cash-settled awards vest over a one to three year service period, beginning at the date of grant, and the compensation cost is recognized ratably during the vesting period.  Forfeitable dividend equivalents on cash-settled awards are accrued in the form of additional units.  Compensation cost for cash-settled awards subject to accelerated vesting upon retirement is recognized over the implicit service period.
The amount payable per unit awarded is equal to the price per share of Unum Group's common stock at settlement of the award, and as such, we measure the value of the award each reporting period based on the current stock price. The effects of changes in the stock price during the service period are recognized as compensation cost over the service period. Changes in the amount of the liability due to stock price changes after the service period are compensation cost of the period in which the changes occur.

The weighted average grant date fair value per unit for cash-settled awards granted during 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $23.23, $26.22, and $20.79, respectively.  The total fair value of cash-settled awards vested during 2012 and 2011 was $1.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively, and the total fair value of cash-settled awards paid during 2012 and 2011 was $1.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively. No cash-settled awards vested prior to 2011. There is no unrecognized compensation cost related to the cash-settled awards, other than future changes in the liability due to future stock price changes, as the units do not require additional future service.


162
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 10 - Stock-Based Compensation - Continued

Stock Options

Stock option activity is summarized as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
Remaining
 
Intrinsic
 
Shares
 
Weighted Average
 
Contractual Term
 
Value
 
(000s)
 
Exercise Price
 
(in years)
 
(in millions)
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
1,477

 
$
20.13

 
 
 
 
Granted
276

 
23.35

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(62
)
 
11.37

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2012
1,691

 
20.98

 
4.6
 
$
3.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable at December 31, 2012
1,202

 
$
19.86

 
3.7
 
$
3.1


All outstanding stock options at December 31, 2012 are expected to vest. Stock options vest over a one to three year service period, beginning at the date of grant, and the compensation cost is recognized ratably during the vesting period. Compensation cost for stock options subject to accelerated vesting upon retirement is recognized over the implicit service period.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $0.6 million, $3.9 million, and $3.2 million, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested during 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $2.3 million, $2.7 million, and $2.5 million, respectively. At December 31, 2012, we had $0.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options that will be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.8 years.

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $9.78, $11.73, and $9.04, respectively. We estimated the fair value on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The following assumptions were used to value the 2012, 2011, and 2010 grants:

•
Expected volatility of 52 percent, 53 percent, and 55 percent, respectively, based on our historical daily stock prices.
•
Expected life of 6.0 years, 5.5 years, and 5.0 years, respectively, based on historical average years to exercise.
•
Expected dividend yield of 1.80 percent, 1.41 percent, and 1.59 percent, respectively, based on the dividend rate at the date of grant.
•
Risk free interest rate of 1.13 percent, 2.37 percent, and 2.33 percent, respectively, based on the yield of treasury bonds at the date of grant.

Expense

Compensation expense for the stock plans, as reported in our consolidated statements of income, is as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
Nonvested Stock Awards and Cash-Settled Awards
$
20.9

 
$
19.6

 
$
20.7

Stock Options
2.7

 
2.7

 
2.5

Other
0.6

 
1.2

 
2.0

Total Compensation Expense, Before Income Tax
$
24.2

 
$
23.5

 
$
25.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Compensation Expense, Net of Income Tax
$
15.6

 
$
15.3

 
$
17.2


Cash received under all share-based payment arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $4.9 million, $14.8 million, and $10.0 million, respectively.


163
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries




Note 11 - Reinsurance

Our reinsurance recoverable at December 31, 2012 relates to 85 companies. Thirteen major companies account for approximately 92 percent of our reinsurance recoverable at December 31, 2012, and are all companies rated A or better by A.M. Best Company (AM Best) or are fully securitized by letters of credit or investment-grade fixed maturity securities held in trust. Approximately seven percent of our reinsurance recoverable relates to business reinsured either with companies rated A- or better by AM Best, with overseas entities with equivalent ratings or backed by letters of credit or trust agreements, or through reinsurance arrangements wherein we retain the assets in our general account. The remaining one percent of our reinsurance recoverable is held by companies either rated below A- by AM Best or not rated.

Reinsurance data is as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
Direct Premium Income
$
7,736.0

 
$
7,521.5

 
$
7,434.3

Reinsurance Assumed
210.9

 
216.6

 
241.3

Reinsurance Ceded
(230.8
)
 
(223.9
)
 
(244.2
)
Net Premium Income
$
7,716.1

 
$
7,514.2

 
$
7,431.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Ceded Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits
$
591.7

 
$
609.2

 
$
602.2


We entered into reinsurance agreements, effective January 1, 2013, with external reinsurance partners whereby the agreements provide 50 percent coverage up to £0.5 million per covered life and 100 percent coverage, per covered life, above that amount for the existing in-force block of Unum UK group life business as well as new policies issued during the term of the agreements. 

Note 12 - Segment Information

We have three major business segments: Unum US, Unum UK, and Colonial Life. Our other segments are the Closed Block segment and the Corporate Segment.

The Unum US segment includes group long-term and short-term disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment products, and supplemental and voluntary lines of business, comprised of recently issued disability insurance and voluntary benefits products. These products are marketed through our field sales personnel who work in conjunction with independent brokers and consultants.

The Unum UK segment includes insurance for group long-term disability, group life, and supplemental and voluntary lines of business. The supplemental and voluntary lines of business are comprised of individual disability, critical illness, and voluntary benefits products. Unum UK's products are sold primarily in the United Kingdom through field sales personnel and independent brokers and consultants.

The Colonial Life segment includes insurance for accident, sickness, and disability products, life products, and cancer and critical illness products marketed to employees at the workplace through an agency sales force and brokers.

The Closed Block segment consists of individual disability, group and individual long-term care, and other insurance products no longer actively marketed. The individual disability line of business in this segment generally consists of policies we sold prior to the mid 1990s and entirely discontinued selling in 2004, other than update features contractually allowable on existing policies. Other insurance products include individual life and corporate-owned life insurance, reinsurance pools and management operations, group pension, health insurance, and individual annuities.

The Corporate segment includes investment income on corporate assets not specifically allocated to a line of business, interest expense on corporate debt other than non-recourse debt, and certain other corporate income and expense not allocated to a line of business.


164
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 12 - Segment Information - Continued

In the following segment financial data, "operating revenue" excludes net realized investment gains and losses. "Operating income" or "operating loss" excludes net realized investment gains and losses, non-operating retirement-related gains or losses, and income tax. These are considered non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures of "operating revenue" and "operating income" or "operating loss" differ from revenue and income before income tax as presented in our consolidated statements of income prepared in accordance with GAAP due to the exclusion of before-tax realized investment gains and losses and non-operating retirement-related gains or losses. We previously allocated the amortization of prior period actuarial gains or losses, the component of the net periodic benefit costs for our pensions and other postretirement benefit plans which we consider to be non-operating, to our Corporate segment. Effective January 1, 2012, we modified our segment reporting such that the amortization of prior period actuarial gains or losses is no longer included in operating income or operating loss by segment. Prior period segment results for our Corporate segment have been adjusted to conform to current year reporting.

We measure segment performance excluding realized investment gains and losses and non-operating retirement-related gains or losses because we believe that this performance measure is a better indicator of the ongoing businesses and the underlying trends in the businesses. We believe operating income or loss which excludes the specified items listed in our reconciliation is a better performance measure and a better indicator of the profitability and underlying trends in our business. Realized investment gains or losses depend on market conditions and do not necessarily relate to decisions regarding the underlying business of our segments. Our investment focus is on investment income to support our insurance liabilities as opposed to the generation of realized investment gains or losses. Although we may experience realized investment gains or losses which will affect future earnings levels, a long-term focus is necessary to maintain profitability over the life of the business since our underlying business is long-term in nature, and we need to earn the interest rates assumed in calculating our liabilities. Certain components of the net periodic benefit cost for our pensions and other postretirement benefit plans, namely the amortization of prior period actuarial gains or losses, are primarily driven by market performance and are not indicative of the operational results of our businesses. We believe that excluding the amortization of prior period gains or losses from operating income by segment provides investors with additional information for comparison and analysis of our operating results. Although we manage our non-operating retirement-related gains or losses separately from the operational performance of our business, these gains or losses impact the overall profitability of our company and will increase or decrease over time, depending on market conditions and the resulting impact on the actuarial gains or losses in our pensions and other postretirement benefit plans. The exclusion of these items from segment performance does not replace net income or net loss as a measure of our overall profitability.

A reconciliation of total operating revenue and operating income by segment to revenue and net income as reported in our consolidated statements of income follows:
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
Operating Revenue by Segment
$
10,459.2

 
$
10,282.9

 
$
10,168.5

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
56.2

 
(4.9
)
 
24.7

Total Revenue
$
10,515.4

 
$
10,278.0

 
$
10,193.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income by Segment
$
1,239.7

 
$
370.1

 
$
1,327.4

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
56.2

 
(4.9
)
 
24.7

Non-operating Retirement-related Loss
(46.4
)
 
(31.9
)
 
(32.2
)
Income Tax
(355.1
)
 
(49.1
)
 
(441.2
)
Net Income
$
894.4

 
$
284.2

 
$
878.7



165
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 12 - Segment Information - Continued

Premium income by major line of business within each of our segments is presented as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
Unum US
 
 
 
 
 
Group Disability
 
 
 
 
 
Group Long-term Disability
$
1,578.8

 
$
1,580.2

 
$
1,639.4

Group Short-term Disability
476.7

 
455.2

 
430.9

Group Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
 
 
 
 
 
Group Life
1,182.1

 
1,106.7

 
1,090.3

Accidental Death & Dismemberment
115.3

 
109.2

 
106.1

Supplemental and Voluntary
 
 
 
 
 
Individual Disability - Recently Issued
477.6

 
464.7

 
457.9

Voluntary Benefits
626.0

 
580.0

 
530.8

 
4,456.5

 
4,296.0

 
4,255.4

Unum UK
 
 
 
 
 
Group Long-term Disability
409.7

 
419.6

 
421.2

Group Life
221.3

 
203.6

 
171.6

Supplemental and Voluntary
63.6

 
64.4

 
57.8

 
694.6

 
687.6

 
650.6

Colonial Life
 
 
 
 
 
Accident, Sickness, and Disability
724.5

 
695.3

 
661.0

Life
209.7

 
190.7

 
176.5

Cancer and Critical Illness
260.3

 
249.3

 
238.2

 
1,194.5

 
1,135.3

 
1,075.7

Closed Block
 
 
 
 
 
Individual Disability
736.4

 
787.0

 
847.0

Long-term Care
631.9

 
608.1

 
599.2

All Other
2.2

 
0.2

 
3.5

 
1,370.5

 
1,395.3

 
1,449.7

Total
$
7,716.1

 
$
7,514.2

 
$
7,431.4



166
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 12 - Segment Information - Continued

Selected operating statement data by segment is presented as follows:
 
Unum US
 
Unum UK
 
Colonial Life
 
Closed Block
 
Corporate
 
Total
 
(in millions of dollars)
Year Ended December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Income
$
4,456.5

 
$
694.6

 
$
1,194.5

 
$
1,370.5

 
$
—

 
$
7,716.1

Net Investment Income
952.3

 
170.8

 
138.6

 
1,230.5

 
23.0

 
2,515.2

Other Income
124.6

 
0.1

 
0.3

 
100.1

 
2.8

 
227.9

Operating Revenue
$
5,533.4

 
$
865.5

 
$
1,333.4

 
$
2,701.1

 
$
25.8

 
$
10,459.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income (Loss)
$
847.1

 
$
131.3

 
$
274.3

 
$
95.5

 
$
(108.5
)
 
$
1,239.7

Interest and Debt Expense
$
1.1

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
10.4

 
$
133.9

 
$
145.4

Depreciation and Amortization
$
255.6

 
$
27.2

 
$
181.0

 
$
3.9

 
$
0.8

 
$
468.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Income
$
4,296.0

 
$
687.6

 
$
1,135.3

 
$
1,395.3

 
$
—

 
$
7,514.2

Net Investment Income
951.4

 
189.9

 
132.4

 
1,189.7

 
56.2

 
2,519.6

Other Income
121.6

 
0.3

 
0.5

 
106.1

 
20.6

 
249.1

Operating Revenue
$
5,369.0

 
$
877.8

 
$
1,268.2

 
$
2,691.1

 
$
76.8

 
$
10,282.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income (Loss)
$
816.9

 
$
190.7

 
$
270.1

 
$
(829.2
)
 
$
(78.4
)
 
$
370.1

Interest and Debt Expense
$
1.0

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
10.5

 
$
131.8

 
$
143.3

Depreciation and Amortization
$
245.9

 
$
26.8

 
$
164.6

 
$
16.9

 
$
0.8

 
$
455.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Income
$
4,255.4

 
$
650.6

 
$
1,075.7

 
$
1,449.7

 
$
—

 
$
7,431.4

Net Investment Income
941.5

 
170.5

 
122.5

 
1,166.4

 
94.6

 
2,495.5

Other Income
122.8

 
1.2

 
0.7

 
113.6

 
3.3

 
241.6

Operating Revenue
$
5,319.7

 
$
822.3

 
$
1,198.9

 
$
2,729.7

 
$
97.9

 
$
10,168.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income (Loss)
$
769.0

 
$
209.0

 
$
269.7

 
$
118.6

 
$
(38.9
)
 
$
1,327.4

Interest and Debt Expense
$
1.2

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
11.7

 
$
128.9

 
$
141.8

Depreciation and Amortization
$
245.6

 
$
24.8

 
$
163.0

 
$
23.6

 
$
1.1

 
$
458.1



167
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 12 - Segment Information - Continued

The following table provides the changes in deferred acquisition costs by segment:
 
 
 
 
 
Colonial
 
Closed
 
 
 
Unum US
 
Unum UK
 
Life
 
Block
 
Total
 
(in millions of dollars)
Year Ended December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Year
$
971.8

 
$
40.9

 
$
664.4

 
$
—

 
$
1,677.1

Capitalized
249.2

 
11.8

 
206.3

 
—

 
467.3

Amortization
(196.5
)
 
(15.7
)
 
(166.5
)
 
—

 
(378.7
)
Adjustment Related to Unrealized Investment Gains/Losses
(0.2
)
 
—

 
(11.8
)
 
—

 
(12.0
)
Foreign Currency
—

 
1.8

 
—

 
—

 
1.8

End of Year
$
1,024.3

 
$
38.8

 
$
692.4

 
$
—

 
$
1,755.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Year
$
943.7

 
$
41.0

 
$
628.0

 
$
203.4

 
$
1,816.1

Capitalized
220.3

 
15.4

 
203.1

 
3.7

 
442.5

Amortization
(188.1
)
 
(15.3
)
 
(151.2
)
 
(11.1
)
 
(365.7
)
Impairment of Long-term Care Deferred Acquisition Costs
—

 
—

 
—

 
(196.0
)
 
(196.0
)
Adjustment Related to Unrealized Investment Gains/Losses
(4.1
)
 
—

 
(15.5
)
 
—

 
(19.6
)
Foreign Currency
—

 
(0.2
)
 
—

 
—

 
(0.2
)
End of Year
$
971.8

 
$
40.9

 
$
664.4

 
$
—

 
$
1,677.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Year
$
932.4

 
$
40.8

 
$
593.5

 
$
217.6

 
$
1,784.3

Capitalized
207.8

 
15.1

 
196.8

 
2.8

 
422.5

Amortization
(192.6
)
 
(13.6
)
 
(150.1
)
 
(17.0
)
 
(373.3
)
Adjustment Related to Unrealized Investment Gains/Losses
(3.9
)
 
—

 
(12.2
)
 
—

 
(16.1
)
Foreign Currency
—

 
(1.3
)
 
—

 
—

 
(1.3
)
End of Year
$
943.7

 
$
41.0

 
$
628.0

 
$
203.4

 
$
1,816.1


Assets by segment are as follows:
 
December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions of dollars)
Unum US
$
19,391.2

 
$
18,583.6

Unum UK
3,975.8

 
3,549.5

Colonial Life
3,434.9

 
3,167.8

Closed Block
33,069.2

 
31,439.5

Corporate
2,365.0

 
2,814.8

Total
$
62,236.1

 
$
59,555.2



168
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 12 - Segment Information - Continued

Revenue is primarily derived from sources in the United States and the United Kingdom. There are no material revenues or assets attributable to foreign operations other than those reported in our Unum UK segment.

We report goodwill in our Unum US segment and in our Unum UK segment, which are the segments expected to benefit from the originating business combinations. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, goodwill was $201.7 million and $201.2 million, respectively, with $190.0 million attributable to Unum US and the remainder attributable to Unum UK.

Stockholders' equity is allocated to the operating segments on the basis of an internal allocation formula that reflects the volume and risk components of each operating segment's business and aligns allocated equity with our target capital levels for regulatory and rating agency purposes. We modify this formula periodically to recognize changes in the views of capital requirements.

Note 13 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

Commitments

We have noncancelable lease obligations on certain office space and equipment. As of December 31, 2012, the aggregate net minimum lease payments were $216.8 million payable as follows: $33.7 million in 2013, $30.6 million in 2014, $23.4 million in 2015, $17.1 million in 2016, $14.0 million in 2017, and $98.0 million thereafter. Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $41.6 million, $36.1 million, and $29.3 million, respectively.

At December 31, 2012, we had unfunded commitments of $71.3 million for certain of our private equity partnerships, $29.0 million for certain private placement fixed maturity securities, and $47.3 million for certain mortgage loans.  The funds are not legally binding at December 31, 2012 and may or may not be funded during the term of the investments.

Contingent Liabilities
 
We are a defendant in a number of litigation matters. In some of these matters, no specified amount is sought. In others, very large or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are asserted. There is a wide variation of pleading practice permitted in the United States courts with respect to requests for monetary damages, including some courts in which no specified amount is required and others which allow the plaintiff to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of that court. Further, some jurisdictions permit plaintiffs to allege damages well in excess of reasonably possible verdicts. Based on our extensive experience and that of others in the industry with respect to litigating or resolving claims through settlement over an extended period of time, we believe that the monetary damages asserted in a lawsuit or claim bear little relation to the merits of the case, or the likely disposition value. Therefore, the specific monetary relief sought is not stated.
 
Unless indicated otherwise in the descriptions below, reserves have not been established for litigation and contingencies. An estimated loss is accrued when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.
 
Claims Handling Matters
 
We and our insurance subsidiaries, in the ordinary course of our business, are engaged in claim litigation where disputes arise as a result of a denial or termination of benefits. Most typically these lawsuits are filed on behalf of a single claimant or policyholder, and in some of these individual actions punitive damages are sought, such as claims alleging bad faith in the handling of insurance claims. For our general claim litigation, we maintain reserves based on experience to satisfy judgments and settlements in the normal course. We expect that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to general claim litigation, after consideration of the reserves maintained, will not be material to our consolidated financial condition. Nevertheless, given the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain claim litigation involving punitive damages could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations in a period, depending on the results of operations for the particular period.
 

169
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 13 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities - Continued

From time to time class action allegations are pursued where the claimant or policyholder purports to represent a larger number of individuals who are similarly situated. Since each insurance claim is evaluated based on its own merits, there is rarely a single act or series of actions, which can properly be addressed by a class action. Nevertheless, we monitor these cases closely and defend ourselves appropriately where these allegations are made.
Miscellaneous Matters
     
In September 2008, we received service of a complaint, in an adversary proceeding in connection with the bankruptcy case In re Quebecor World (USA) Inc., et al. entitled Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Quebecor World (USA) Inc., et al., v. American United Life Insurance Company, et al., filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.  The complaint alleges that we received preference payments relating to notes held by certain of our insurance subsidiaries and seeks to avoid and recover such payments plus interest and cost of the action.  In July 2011, the Bankruptcy Court ruled in our favor, granting a summary judgment motion to dismiss the case against us and the other defendants. In September 2012, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York affirmed the Bankruptcy Court's decision to dismiss the case. In October 2012, the plaintiff filed a notice of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
In October 2010, Denise Merrimon, Bobby S. Mowery, and all others similarly situated vs. Unum Life Insurance Company of America, was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maine. This class action alleges that we breached fiduciary duties owed to certain beneficiaries under certain group life insurance policies when we paid life insurance proceeds by establishing interest-bearing retained asset accounts rather than by mailing checks. Plaintiffs seek to represent a class of beneficiaries under group life insurance contracts that were part of ERISA employee welfare benefit plans and under which we paid death benefits via retained asset accounts. The plaintiffs' principal theories in the case are: (1) funds held in retained asset accounts were plan assets, and the proceeds earned by us from investing those funds belonged to the beneficiaries, and (2) payment of claims using retained asset accounts did not constitute payment under Maine's late payment statute, requiring us to pay interest on the undrawn retained asset account funds at an annual rate of 18 percent. In February 2012, the District Court issued an opinion rejecting both of plaintiffs' principal theories and ordering judgment for us. At the same time, however, the District Court held that we breached a fiduciary duty to the beneficiaries by failing to pay rates comparable to the best rates available in the market for demand deposits. The District Court also certified a class of people who, during a certain period of time, were beneficiaries under certain group life insurance contracts that were part of ERISA employee welfare benefit plans and were paid death benefits using retained asset accounts.  The District Court authorized the parties to make an immediate appeal of its decision to the First Circuit Court of Appeals, and each of the parties sought leave for an early appeal on the issues raised by the District Court's rulings, but the First Circuit decided not to hear the appeal at this time. Therefore, the parties are required to wait until the proceedings in the District Court have concluded for further resolution of those issues. The First Circuit did not rule on or discuss the merits of the case. The case is proceeding in the District Court where notice to class members and discovery on the issue of damages have been completed. In February 2013, we filed a motion requesting the court reconsider its prior summary judgment ruling as well as a motion challenging the admissibility of the testimony of plaintiffs' expert witness.
In March 2011, we received a request for information from an independent third party as part of an examination on behalf of 32 states and the District of Columbia to evaluate our compliance with the unclaimed property laws of the participating states. Industry-wide practices are currently under review concerning the identification and handling of unclaimed property by insurers, and numerous other insurers are under similar examination. We are cooperating fully with this examination.

In July 2011, the New York State Department of Financial Services issued a special request to approximately 160 insurers, including Unum Group's New York licensed insurance subsidiaries, which requires the insurers to cross-check their life insurance policies, annuity contracts, and retained asset accounts with the latest version of the Social Security Master Death Index to identify any matches. Insurers are also requested to investigate the matches to determine if death benefits are due, to locate the beneficiaries, and to make payments where appropriate. We accrued an estimated loss contingency in the fourth quarter of 2011, the amount of which was immaterial to our consolidated financial position and results of operations. We completed our review during the first quarter of 2012. The estimated loss contingency which we established in the fourth quarter of 2011 was sufficient.


170
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries


Note 13 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities - Continued

It is possible other state jurisdictions may pursue similar investigations or inquiries or issue directives similar to the New York State Department of Financial Services' letter. It is possible that the audits and related activity may result in additional payments to beneficiaries, the payment of abandoned funds under state law, and/or administrative penalties. We are currently unable to estimate the reasonably possible amount of any additional payments.
In December 2012, State of West Virginia ex rel. John D. Perdue v. Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company and State of West Virginia ex rel. John D. Perdue v. Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company were filed in the Circuit Court of Putnam County, West Virginia. These two separate complaints allege violations of the West Virginia Uniform Unclaimed Property Act by failing to identify and report all unclaimed insurance policy proceeds due to be escheated to West Virginia.  The complaints seek to examine company records and assess penalties and costs in an undetermined amount.

Summary

Various lawsuits against us, in addition to those discussed above, have arisen in the normal course of business. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning our compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations.

Given the complexity and scope of our litigation and regulatory matters, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations or legal proceedings or provide reasonable estimates of potential losses, except if noted in connection with specific matters. It is possible that our results of operations or cash flows in a particular period could be materially affected by an ultimate unfavorable outcome of pending litigation or regulatory matters depending, in part, on our results of operations or cash flows for the particular period. We believe, however, that the ultimate outcome of all pending litigation and regulatory matters, after consideration of applicable reserves and rights to indemnification, should not have a material adverse effect on our financial position.



171

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 14 - Statutory Financial Information

Statutory Net Income, Capital and Surplus, and Dividends

Statutory net income for U.S. life insurance companies is reported in conformity with statutory accounting principles prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and adopted by applicable domiciliary state laws. The commissioners of the states of domicile have the right to permit other specific practices that may deviate from prescribed practices. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, or 2010, none of the states of domicile for our U.S. insurance subsidiaries had adopted accounting practices that differed materially from statutory accounting principles prescribed by the NAIC.

The statutory operating results of our traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries, which exclude Tailwind Re and Northwind Re, as well as the statutory results for these two special purpose financial captive U.S. insurance subsidiaries, are as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
Combined Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
Traditional U.S. Insurance Subsidiaries
$
624.5

 
$
642.9

 
$
628.8

Tailwind Re and Northwind Re
$
69.7

 
$
80.0

 
$
79.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
Combined Net Gain from Operations
 
 
 
 
 
Traditional U.S. Insurance Subsidiaries
$
649.8

 
$
664.0

 
$
645.7

Tailwind Re and Northwind Re
$
69.3

 
$
80.4

 
$
79.2


Statutory capital and surplus is as follows:
 
December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions of dollars)
Combined Capital and Surplus
 
 
 
Traditional U.S. Insurance Subsidiaries
$
3,426.5

 
$
3,461.3

Tailwind Re and Northwind Re
$
1,188.4

 
$
1,226.5


Restrictions under applicable state insurance laws limit the amount of dividends that can be paid to a parent company from its insurance subsidiaries in any 12-month period without prior approval by regulatory authorities. For life insurance companies domiciled in the United States, that limitation generally equals, depending on the state of domicile, either ten percent of an insurer's statutory surplus with respect to policyholders as of the preceding year end or the statutory net gain from operations, excluding realized investment gains and losses, of the preceding year.

The payment of dividends to a parent company from its insurance subsidiaries is generally further limited to the amount of unassigned statutory surplus. Based on the restrictions under current law, $623.7 million is available during 2013 for the payment of ordinary dividends to Unum Group from its traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries, which exclude Tailwind Re and Northwind Re. The ability of Tailwind Re and Northwind Re to pay dividends to their respective parent companies, Tailwind Holdings and Northwind Holdings, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Unum Group, will depend on their satisfaction of applicable regulatory requirements and on the performance of the business reinsured by Tailwind Re and Northwind Re.

We also have the ability to receive dividends from our United Kingdom insurance subsidiary, Unum Limited, subject to applicable insurance company regulations and capital guidance in the United Kingdom. Approximately £144.7 million is available for the payment of dividends from Unum Limited during 2013, subject to regulatory approval.

Deposits

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, our U.S. insurance subsidiaries had on deposit with U.S. regulatory authorities securities with a book value of $277.5 million and $294.3 million, respectively, held for the protection of policyholders.

172

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Note 15 - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

The following is a summary of our unaudited quarterly results of operations for 2012 and 2011:
 
2012
 
4th
 
3rd
 
2nd
 
1st
 
(in millions of dollars, except share data)
Premium Income
$
1,937.2

 
$
1,929.4

 
$
1,927.6

 
$
1,921.9

Net Investment Income
643.0

 
619.2

 
633.5

 
619.5

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
24.6

 
21.3

 
(2.1
)
 
12.4

Total Revenue
2,658.2

 
2,628.0

 
2,617.9

 
2,611.3

Income Before Income Tax
322.7

 
320.4

 
296.4

 
310.0

Net Income
233.9

 
230.2

 
216.4

 
213.9

Net Income Per Common Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
0.86

 
0.83

 
0.76

 
0.74

Assuming Dilution
0.85

 
0.83

 
0.76

 
0.73

 
2011
 
4th
 
3rd
 
2nd
 
1st
 
(in millions of dollars, except share data)
Premium Income
$
1,888.5

 
$
1,881.2

 
$
1,875.0

 
$
1,869.5

Net Investment Income
634.6

 
629.2

 
637.1

 
618.7

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss)
7.4

 
(23.9
)
 
(3.6
)
 
15.2

Total Revenue
2,604.8

 
2,545.6

 
2,564.5

 
2,563.1

Income (Loss) Before Income Tax
(617.3
)
 
288.7

 
334.5

 
327.4

Net Income (Loss)
(369.0
)
 
202.0

 
227.6

 
223.6

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
(1.26
)
 
0.68

 
0.74

 
0.72

Assuming Dilution
(1.26
)
 
0.68

 
0.74

 
0.71


Items incurring during the fourth quarter of 2011 that affected the comparability of our financial results by quarter are as follows:
 
•
A deferred acquisition costs impairment charge of $196.0 million before tax and $127.5 million after tax and a reserve charge of $573.6 million before tax and $372.8 million after tax related to our long-term care closed block business.
•
A reserve charge of $183.5 million before tax and $119.3 million after tax related to our individual disability closed block business.
•
An income tax benefit of $41.3 million due to a final settlement with the IRS with respect to our appeal of audit adjustments for the tax years 1996 to 2004.
•
An income tax charge of $18.6 million related to the repatriation of £150.0 million of dividends from our U.K. subsidiaries.

See Notes 5 and 6 for further discussion of the above items.



173


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None


ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, these officers concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2012.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, during the quarter ended December 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  The Company's internal control over financial reporting encompasses the processes and procedures management has established to (i) maintain records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the Company's transactions and dispositions of assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; (iii) provide reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures are appropriately authorized; and (iv) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, any projection of the evaluation of effectiveness to future periods is subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

We assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and concluded that, as of December 31, 2012, we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting.

Attestation Report of the Company's Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial statements included herein, audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2012, and issued the attestation report included as follows.


174


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Unum Group

We have audited Unum Group and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Unum Group and subsidiaries' management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying "Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting". Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Unum Group and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Unum Group and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, and our report dated February 22, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP



Chattanooga, Tennessee
February 22, 2013


175


ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None


176


PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Directors and Executive Officers

The information required by this Item with respect to directors is included under the caption "Information About the Board of Directors," sub-captions "Nominees for Election as Directors with Terms Expiring in 2016" and "Continuing Directors," in our definitive proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information required by this Item with respect to our executive officers is included under the caption "Executive Officers of the Registrant" contained herein in Item 1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information required by this Item with respect to compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is included under the caption "Ownership of Company Securities," sub-caption "Section 16(a) - Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance," in our definitive proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information required by this Item with respect to a code of ethics for our chief executive officer and certain senior financial officers is included under the caption "Corporate Governance," sub-caption "Codes of Conduct and Ethics," in our definitive proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information required by this Item with respect to the audit committee and audit committee financial experts is included under the caption "Corporate Governance," sub-captions "Committees of the Board" and "Audit Committee," in our definitive proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

Corporate Governance

Our internet website address is www.unum.com. We have adopted corporate governance guidelines, a code of conduct applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees, and charters for the audit, human capital, governance, finance and regulatory compliance committees of our board of directors in accordance with the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). In addition, our board of directors has adopted a code of ethics applicable to our chief executive officer and certain senior financial officers in accordance with the requirements of the SEC. These documents are available free of charge on our website and in print at the request of any shareholder from the Office of the Corporate Secretary, Unum Group, 1 Fountain Square, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37402, or by calling toll-free 1-800-718-8824. We will post on our website amendments to or waivers from any provision of our code of conduct and our code of ethics, as required by the rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing standards of the NYSE.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item with respect to executive compensation is included under the caption "Information About the Board of Directors," sub-caption "Director Compensation," and under the captions "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" and "Report of the Human Capital Committee," in our definitive proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.


177



ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this Item with respect to equity compensation plan information is included under the caption "Equity Compensation Plan Information" in our definitive proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information required by this Item with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is included under the caption, “Ownership of Company Securities," sub-captions "Security Ownership of Directors and Officers" and "Security Ownership of Certain Shareholders," in our definitive proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this Item with respect to certain relationships and related transactions and director independence is included under the caption "Corporate Governance," sub-captions "Director Independence" and "Related Party Transactions and Policy," in our definitive proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item with respect to fees paid to Ernst & Young LLP in 2012 and 2011 and our audit committee's pre-approval policies and procedures is included under the caption "Items to Be Voted On," sub-captions "Independent Auditor Fees" and "Policy for Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services," in our definitive proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.



178



PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)
List of Documents filed as part of this report:
   Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following report and consolidated financial statements of Unum Group and Subsidiaries are included in Item 8.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2)
Financial Statement Schedules
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I.
 
 
II.
 
 
III.
 
 
IV.
 
 
V.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedules not referred to have been omitted as inapplicable or because they are not required by Regulation S-X.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3)
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Index to Exhibits on page 192 of this report.
 



179

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
Unum Group
 
(Registrant)
 
By:
/s/ Thomas R. Watjen
 
 
Thomas R. Watjen
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
Date:
February 22, 2013

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name
 
Title
 
Date
/s/ Thomas R. Watjen
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
February 22, 2013
Thomas R. Watjen
 
and a Director (principal executive officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Richard P. McKenney
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
February 22, 2013
Richard P. McKenney
 
(principal financial officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Vicki W. Corbett
 
Senior Vice President, Controller (controller)
 
February 22, 2013
Vicki W. Corbett
 
 
 
 


180

Name
 
Title
 
Date
*
 
Director
 
February 22, 2013
E. Michael Caulfield
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 
February 22, 2013
Pamela H. Godwin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 
February 22, 2013
Ronald E. Goldsberry
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 
February 22, 2013
Kevin T. Kabat
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 
February 22, 2013
Timothy F. Keaney
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 
February 22, 2013
Thomas Kinser
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 
February 22, 2013
Gloria C. Larson
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 
February 22, 2013
A. S. MacMillan, Jr.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 
February 22, 2013
Edward J. Muhl
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 
February 22, 2013
Michael J. Passarella
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 
February 22, 2013
William J. Ryan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* By: /s/ Susan N. Roth
 
For all of the Directors
 
February 22, 2013
Susan N. Roth
 
 
 
 
Attorney-in-Fact
 
 
 
 




181



SCHEDULE I--SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS -
OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES

Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Type of Investment
 
Cost or Amortized Cost (1)
 
Fair Value
 
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet
 
 
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities
 
$
1,020.9

 
$
1,348.8

 
$
1,348.8

 
      States, Municipalities, and Political Subdivisions
 
1,498.4

 
1,806.8

 
1,806.8

 
      Foreign Governments
 
1,280.4

 
1,507.0

 
1,507.0

 
      Public Utilities
 
9,294.3

 
11,144.2

 
11,144.2

 
      Mortgage/Asset-Backed Securities
 
1,927.9

 
2,216.5

 
2,216.5

 
      All Other Corporate Bonds
 
22,696.6

 
26,910.4

 
26,910.4

 
   Redeemable Preferred Stocks
 
33.0

 
39.3

 
39.3

 
              Total
 
37,751.5

 
$
44,973.0

 
44,973.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage Loans
 
1,712.7

 
 
 
1,712.7

 
Policy Loans
 
3,133.8

 
 
 
3,133.8

 
Other Long-term Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Derivatives
 
—

 
 
 
81.6

(2)
      Equity Securities
 
11.2

 
 
 
14.6

 
      Miscellaneous Long-term Investments
 
515.5

 
 
 
528.8

(3)
Short-term Investments
 
1,460.3

 
 
 
1,460.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
44,585.0

 
 
 
$
51,904.8

 















(1)
Amortized cost for fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans represents original cost reduced by repayments, write-downs from other-than-temporary declines in fair value, amortization of premiums, and accretion of discounts.

(2)
Derivatives are carried at fair value.

(3)
Difference between amortized cost and carrying value primarily results from changes in our partnership owner's equity since acquisition.



182



SCHEDULE II--CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

Unum Group (Parent Company)

BALANCE SHEETS

 
December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
As Adjusted
Assets
 
 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities - at fair value (amortized cost: $217.7; $167.7)
$
224.6

 
$
172.7

Other Long-term Investments
73.0

 
54.2

Short-term Investments
433.5

 
473.9

Investment in Subsidiaries
10,079.1

 
9,296.8

Other Assets
723.2

 
618.6

Total Assets
$
11,533.4

 
$
10,616.2

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Short-term Debt
$
6.6

 
$
2.5

Long-term Debt
1,896.2

 
1,641.0

Pension and Postretirement Benefits
801.6

 
588.2

Other Liabilities
216.4

 
214.8

Total Liabilities
2,920.8

 
2,446.5

 
 
 
 
Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
Common Stock
36.0

 
35.9

Additional Paid-in Capital
2,607.7

 
2,591.1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
628.0

 
461.8

Retained Earnings
7,371.6

 
6,611.0

Treasury Stock
(2,030.7
)
 
(1,530.1
)
Total Stockholders' Equity
8,612.6

 
8,169.7

 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
$
11,533.4

 
$
10,616.2





















See notes to condensed financial information.

183


SCHEDULE II--CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Continued)

Unum Group (Parent Company)

STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
As Adjusted
Dividends from Subsidiaries
$
670.8

 
$
800.0

 
$
576.0

Interest from Subsidiaries
0.6

 
0.6

 
0.6

Other Income
54.4

 
64.4

 
56.1

Total Revenue
725.8

 
865.0

 
632.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and Debt Expense
114.2

 
112.1

 
112.3

Other Expenses
65.5

 
57.7

 
47.6

Total Expenses
179.7

 
169.8

 
159.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Before Income Tax and Equity in Undistributed Earnings (Loss) of Subsidiaries
546.1

 
695.2

 
472.8

Income Tax Benefits
(25.7
)
 
(13.9
)
 
(3.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Before Equity in Undistributed Earnings (Loss) of Subsidiaries
571.8

 
709.1

 
476.4

Equity in Undistributed Earnings (Loss) of Subsidiaries
322.6

 
(424.9
)
 
402.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
894.4

 
$
284.2

 
$
878.7































See notes to condensed financial information.

184


SCHEDULE II--CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Continued)

Unum Group (Parent Company)

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
Year Ended December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in millions of dollars)
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
$
677.3

 
$
827.8

 
$
490.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from Sales of Fixed Maturity Securities
—

 
133.9

 
3.8

Proceeds from Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities
47.7

 
44.5

 
47.4

Proceeds from Sales and Maturities of Other Investments
1.0

 
—

 
—

Purchase of Fixed Maturity Securities
(99.1
)
 
—

 
(106.5
)
Purchase of Other Investments
(13.7
)
 
(3.0
)
 
(22.9
)
Net Sales (Purchases) of Short-term Investments
40.4

 
192.8

 
(266.7
)
Cash Distributions to Subsidiaries
(175.2
)
 
(166.1
)
 
(2.4
)
Short-term Notes Receivable from Subsidiaries
—

 
0.2

 
13.3

Acquisition of Property and Equipment
(80.4
)
 
(81.1
)
 
(70.0
)
Other, Net
0.1

 
—

 
(18.5
)
Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities
(279.2
)
 
121.2

 
(422.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Net Short-term Debt Borrowings (Repayments)
4.1

 
(222.6
)
 
—

Issuance of Long-term Debt
246.4

 
—

 
396.9

Long-term Debt Repayments
—

 
—

 
(10.0
)
Issuance of Common Stock
4.9

 
14.8

 
10.0

Repurchase of Common Stock
(496.7
)
 
(619.9
)
 
(356.0
)
Dividends Paid to Stockholders
(133.8
)
 
(121.0
)
 
(114.8
)
Other, Net
1.6

 
—

 
5.6

Cash Used by Financing Activities
(373.5
)
 
(948.7
)
 
(68.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (Decrease) in Cash
$
24.6

 
$
0.3

 
$
(0.7
)






















See notes to condensed financial information.

185


SCHEDULE II--CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Continued)

Unum Group (Parent Company)

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Unum Group and subsidiaries. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current presentation.

In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an update to address the diversity in practice regarding the interpretation of which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts qualify as deferred acquisition costs.  The amendments in the update require that only incremental direct costs associated with the successful acquisition of a new or renewal insurance contract can be capitalized. All other costs are to be expensed as incurred. Our insurance subsidiaries adopted this update effective January 1, 2012 and applied the amendments retrospectively, adjusting all prior periods. The cumulative effect of the adoption as of January 1, 2010, was a decrease to stockholders' equity of $455.1 million. The effects of this accounting change on our December 31, 2011 historical balance sheet was a decrease to investment in subsidiaries of $407.3 million, an increase to accumulated other comprehensive income of $12.9 million, and a decrease to retained earnings of $420.2 million. The income statement impact of this adoption was a change in equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries and resulting net income of $48.8 million and $(7.4) million for the years ended December 31, 2011, and 2010, respectively. See Note 1 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further discussion of the components of our income statement impact from the adoption of this update.

Note 2 - Debt

Long-term and short-term debt consists of the following:
 
December 31
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions of dollars)
Long-term Debt
 
 
 
Notes @ 5.75% due 2042, callable at or above par
$
248.6

 
$
—

Notes @ 7.375% due 2032, callable at or above par
39.5

 
39.5

Notes @ 6.75% due 2028, callable at or above par
165.8

 
165.8

Notes @ 7.25% due 2028, callable at or above par
200.0

 
200.0

Notes @ 5.625% due 2020, callable at or above par
399.6

 
399.6

Notes @ 7.125% due 2016, callable at or above par
350.0

 
350.0

Notes @ 7.0% due 2018, non-callable
200.0

 
200.0

Medium-term Notes @ 7.0% to 7.2% due 2023 to 2028, non-callable
50.8

 
50.8

Junior Subordinated Debt Securities @ 7.405% due 2038
226.5

 
226.5

Fair Value Hedges Adjustment
15.4

 
8.8

   Total
1,896.2

 
1,641.0

Short-term Debt
 
 
 
Securities Lending Agreements
6.6

 
2.5

Total
$
1,902.8

 
$
1,643.5


The junior subordinated debt securities due 2038 are callable under limited, specified circumstances. The remaining callable debt may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time. The aggregate contractual principal maturities are $350.0 million in 2016 and $1,532.6 million in 2018 and thereafter.

Unsecured Notes

In August 2012, we issued $250.0 million of unsecured senior notes in a public offering.

In 2010, we issued $400.0 million of unsecured senior notes in a public offering, and we purchased and retired $10.0 million of our 7.08% medium-term notes due 2024.


186


SCHEDULE II--CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Continued)

Unum Group (Parent Company)

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION - CONTINUED

Fair Value Hedges

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had $600.0 million and $350.0 million, respectively, notional amount interest rate swaps which effectively convert certain of our unsecured senior notes into floating rate debt. Under these agreements, we receive fixed rates of interest and pay variable rates of interest, based off of the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate.

Junior Subordinated Debt Securities

In 1998, Provident Financing Trust I (the trust) issued $300.0 million of 7.405% capital securities in a public offering. These capital securities, which mature in 2038, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Unum Group, have a liquidation value of $1,000 per capital security, and have a mandatory redemption feature under certain circumstances. Unum Group issued 7.405% junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures to the trust in connection with the capital securities offering. The debentures mature in 2038. The sole assets of the trust are the junior subordinated debt securities.

Short-term Debt

Short-term debt consists of debt due within the next twelve months, including that portion of debt otherwise classified as long-term, and securities lending agreements collateralized by cash. We account for all of our securities lending agreements and repurchase agreements as collateralized financings, and the carrying amount of the related short-term debt represents our liability to return cash collateral to the counterparty.

In 2011, the remaining $225.1 million of our 7.625% senior notes due March 2011 matured.

Interest and Debt Expense

Interest paid on long-term and short-term debt and related securities during 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $109.0 million, $115.6 million, and $110.3 million, respectively.

Shelf Registration

We have a shelf registration, which we renewed in 2011, with the Securities and Exchange Commission to issue various types of securities, including common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depository shares, stock purchase contracts, units and warrants, or preferred securities of wholly-owned finance trusts.  The shelf registration enables us to raise funds from the offering of any securities covered by the shelf registration as well as any combination thereof, subject to market conditions and our capital needs.

Note 3 - Guarantees

In 2005, UnumProvident Finance Company plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unum Group, issued $400.0 million of 6.85% senior debentures due 2015. As of December 31, 2012, $296.9 million of these debentures, which we fully and unconditionally guarantee, were outstanding.

Note 4 - Cash Dividends from Subsidiaries

Cash dividends received from subsidiaries during 2012, 2011, and 2010 were $670.8 million, $800.0 million, and $576.0 million, respectively.





187



SCHEDULE III--SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION

Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Segment
Deferred Acquisition Costs
 
Reserves for Future Policy Contract Benefits
 
Unearned Premiums
 
Policy and Contract Benefits
 
(in millions of dollars)
December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unum US
$
1,024.3

 
$
12,449.3

 
$
46.1

 
$
890.3

Unum UK
38.8

 
2,487.1

 
142.9

 
155.7

Colonial Life
692.4

 
1,691.3

 
29.9

 
149.8

Closed Block
—

 
28,066.7

 
207.8

 
288.8

   Total
$
1,755.5

 
$
44,694.4

 
$
426.7

 
$
1,484.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2011 - As Adjusted (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unum US
$
971.8

 
$
12,280.2

 
$
43.4

 
$
889.2

Unum UK
40.9

 
2,172.5

 
143.2

 
135.6

Colonial Life
664.4

 
1,598.1

 
28.5

 
134.7

Closed Block
—

 
27,001.1

 
218.1

 
334.5

   Total
$
1,677.1

 
$
43,051.9

 
$
433.2

 
$
1,494.0


188


SCHEDULE III--SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION

Unum Group and Subsidiaries

(continued from preceding page)

Segment
Premium Income
 
Net Investment Income (2)
 
Benefits and Change in Reserves for Future Benefits (3)
 
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs
 
All Other Expenses (4)
 
Premiums Written (5)
 
(in millions of dollars)
December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unum US
$
4,456.5

 
$
952.3

 
$
3,238.6

 
$
196.5

 
$
1,251.2

 
$
3,045.0

Unum UK
694.6

 
170.8

 
541.4

 
15.7

 
177.1

 
466.3

Colonial Life
1,194.5

 
138.6

 
627.3

 
166.5

 
265.3

 
986.3

Closed Block
1,370.5

 
1,230.5

 
2,314.9

 
—

 
290.7

 
1,358.6

Corporate
—

 
23.0

 
—

 
—

 
180.7

 
—

   Total
$
7,716.1

 
$
2,515.2

 
$
6,722.2

 
$
378.7

 
$
2,165.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2011 - As Adjusted (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unum US
$
4,296.0

 
$
951.4

 
$
3,113.5

 
$
188.1

 
$
1,250.5

 
$
2,965.8

Unum UK
687.6

 
189.9

 
493.8

 
15.3

 
178.0

 
480.0

Colonial Life
1,135.3

 
132.4

 
589.4

 
151.2

 
257.5

 
944.9

Closed Block
1,395.3

 
1,189.7

 
3,012.8

 
11.1

 
496.4

 
1,385.1

Corporate
—

 
56.2

 
—

 
—

 
187.1

 
—

   Total
$
7,514.2

 
$
2,519.6

 
$
7,209.5

 
$
365.7

 
$
2,369.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2010 - As Adjusted (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unum US
$
4,255.4

 
$
941.5

 
$
3,124.4

 
$
192.6

 
$
1,233.7

 
$
2,938.9

Unum UK
650.6

 
170.5

 
435.8

 
13.6

 
163.9

 
469.4

Colonial Life
1,075.7

 
122.5

 
534.7

 
150.1

 
244.4

 
901.9

Closed Block
1,449.7

 
1,166.4

 
2,259.2

 
17.0

 
334.9

 
1,430.4

Corporate
—

 
94.6

 
—

 
—

 
169.0

 
—

   Total
$
7,431.4

 
$
2,495.5

 
$
6,354.1

 
$
373.3

 
$
2,145.9

 
 


(1)
Prior period results have been adjusted for the retrospective adoption of the accounting standards update related to deferred acquisition costs. See Note 1 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for further discussion.

(2)
Net investment income is allocated based upon segmentation. Each segment has its own specifically identified assets and receives the investment income generated by those assets.

(3)
Included in 2011 in the Closed Block segment is a reserve charge of $573.6 million related to our long-term care business and a reserve charge of $183.5 million related to our individual disability business.

(4)
Includes commissions, interest and debt expense, deferral of acquisition costs, compensation expense, non-operating retirement related loss, and other expenses. Included in 2011 in the Closed Block segment is an impairment charge of $196.0 million related to long-term care deferred policy acquisition costs. Where not directly attributable to a segment, expenses are generally allocated based on activity levels, time information, and usage statistics.

(5)
Excludes life insurance.


189



SCHEDULE IV--REINSURANCE

Unum Group and Subsidiaries

 
Gross Amount
 
Ceded to Other Companies
 
Assumed from Other Companies
 
Net Amount
 
Percentage Amount Assumed to Net
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life Insurance in Force
$
832,587.5

 
$
28,658.7

 
$
1,073.8

 
$
805,002.6

 
0.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Life Insurance
$
1,979.1

 
$
141.4

 
$
10.3

 
$
1,848.0

 
0.6
%
   Accident, Health, and Other Insurance
5,756.9

 
89.4

 
200.6

 
5,868.1

 
3.4
%
      Total
$
7,736.0

 
$
230.8

 
$
210.9

 
$
7,716.1

 
2.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life Insurance in Force
$
782,935.6

 
$
28,341.1

 
$
1,141.6

 
$
755,736.1

 
0.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Life Insurance
$
1,868.8

 
$
146.6

 
$
10.9

 
$
1,733.1

 
0.6
%
   Accident, Health, and Other Insurance
5,652.7

 
77.3

 
205.7

 
5,781.1

 
3.6
%
      Total
$
7,521.5

 
$
223.9

 
$
216.6

 
$
7,514.2

 
2.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life Insurance in Force
$
740,779.6

 
$
28,385.4

 
$
1,850.5

 
$
714,244.7

 
0.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Life Insurance
$
1,810.9

 
$
159.1

 
$
12.5

 
$
1,664.3

 
0.8
%
   Accident, Health, and Other Insurance
5,623.4

 
85.1

 
228.8

 
5,767.1

 
4.0
%
      Total
$
7,434.3

 
$
244.2

 
$
241.3

 
$
7,431.4

 
3.2
%


190



SCHEDULE V--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Unum Group and Subsidiaries

Description
Balance at Beginning of Period
 
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses
 
Additions Charged to Other Accounts
 
Deductions (1)
 
Balance at End of Period
 
(in millions of dollars)
Year Ended December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate reserve (deducted from other long-term investments)
$
0.3

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
0.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts (deducted from accounts and premiums receivable)
$
5.7

 
$
0.9

 
$
—

 
$
0.4

 
$
6.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate reserve (deducted from other long-term investments)
$
0.3

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
0.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts (deducted from accounts and premiums receivable)
$
7.2

 
$
1.3

 
$
—

 
$
2.8

 
$
5.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate reserve (deducted from other long-term investments)
$
0.3

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
0.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts (deducted from accounts and premiums receivable)
$
9.9

 
$
1.1

 
$
—

 
$
3.8

 
$
7.2



















(1)
Deductions include amounts deemed to reduce exposure of probable losses, amounts deemed uncollectible, and amounts related to fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rate.


See Note 3 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" contained herein in Item 8 for discussion of the mortgage loan valuation allowance.

191


INDEX TO EXHIBITS

With regard to applicable cross-references in this report, our current, quarterly and annual reports dated on or after May 1, 2003 are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under File No. 1-11294 and such reports dated prior to May 1, 2003 are filed with the SEC under File No. 1-11834, except as otherwise noted below. Our registration statements have the file numbers noted wherever such statements are identified below.

(2.1)
Asset Purchase Agreement between RBC Life Insurance Company and Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company dated November 18, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003).
(2.2)
Transition Services Agreement between RBC Life Insurance Company and Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company and UnumProvident Corporation dated November 18, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003).
(2.3)
TSA Amending Agreement between RBC Life Insurance Company and Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company and UnumProvident Corporation dated April 30, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008).
(2.4)
TSA Amending Agreement No. 2 between RBC Life Insurance Company and Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company and UnumProvident Corporation dated May 31, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.4 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008).
(2.5)
TSA Amending Agreement No. 3 between RBC Life Insurance Company and Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company and Unum Group dated October 1, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.5 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008).
(3.1)
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Unum Group (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Form 10-Q filed on August 7, 2007).
(3.2)
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Unum Group, as amended effective May 20, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Form 8-K filed on May 24, 2010).
(4.1)
Indenture for Senior Debt Securities dated as of March 9, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-100953) filed on November 1, 2002).
(4.2)
Purchase Contract Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2003, between UnumProvident Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Purchase Contract Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of our Form 8-K filed on May 9, 2003).
(4.3)
Pledge Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2003, among UnumProvident Corporation, JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Purchase Contract Agent, and BNY Midwest Trust Company, as Collateral Agent, Custodial Agent and Securities Intermediary (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of our Form 8-K filed on May 9, 2003).
(4.4)
Form of Normal Unit Certificate (included in Exhibit 4.1).
(4.5)
Form of Stripped Unit Certificate (included in Exhibit 4.1).
(4.6)
Subscription Agreement for the 12,000,000 Adjustable Conversion-Rate Equity Security Units ("Units") dated as of May 6, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Registration Statement on Form S‑3 (Registration No. 333-115485) filed on May 14, 2004).
(4.7)
Registration Rights Agreement for the Units dated as of May 11, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-115485) filed on May 14, 2004).
(4.8)
Fifth Supplemental Indenture between UnumProvident Corporation and JP Morgan Chase Bank as Trustee dated as of May 11, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-115485) filed on May 14, 2004).
(4.9)
Purchase Contract Agreement between UnumProvident Corporation and JP Morgan Chase Bank as Purchase Contract Agent dated as of May 11, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-115485) filed on May 14, 2004).
(4.10)
Pledge Agreement between UnumProvident Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company, as Collateral Agent, Custodial Agent, and Securities Intermediary, and JP Morgan Chase Bank, as Purchase Contract Agent, dated as of May 11, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-115485) filed on May 14, 2004).

192


(4.11)
Indenture for Senior Debt Securities between Unum Group and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as Trustee dated as of September 30, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of our Form 8-K filed on September 30, 2009).
(4.12)
Form of Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-155283) filed on November 12, 2008).
(4.13)
Form of 7.125% Senior Note due 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Form 8-K filed on September 30, 2009).
(4.14)
Form of 5.625% Senior Note due 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Form 8-K filed on September 15, 2010).
(4.15)
Indenture for Senior Debt Securities, dated as of August 23, 2012, between Unum Group and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of our Form 8-K filed on August 23, 2012).
(4.16)
Form of 5.75% Senior Note due 2042 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Form 8-K filed on August 23, 2012).
Certain instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt securities of our company and our subsidiaries are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K. We hereby undertake to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, copies of any such instruments.
(10.1)
Provident and Subsidiaries Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of Provident Life Capital Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-17017). *
(10.2)
Description of Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to our Form 10-K filed on January 27, 1993 on Form 8), and amended on February 8, 1994 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company of America's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993). *
(10.3)
Amended and Restated Relationship Agreement between Provident Companies, Inc. and Zurich Insurance Company dated as of May 31, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of Provident Companies, Inc.'s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996).
(10.4)
Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement between Provident Companies, Inc. and Zurich Insurance Company dated as of May 31, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of Provident Companies, Inc.'s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996).
(10.5)
Unum Group Amended and Restated Stock Plan of 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008). *
(10.6)
Agreement between Provident Companies, Inc. and certain subsidiaries and American General Corporation and certain subsidiaries dated as of December 8, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Provident Companies Inc.'s Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended September 30, 1998).
(10.7)
Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008). *
(10.8)
Unum Life Insurance Company of America 1996 Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Unum Corporation's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, File No. 1-9254). *
(10.9)
Unum Corporation Incentive Compensation Plan for Designated Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Unum Corporation's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, File No. 1-9254). *
(10.10)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Unum Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated June 18, 1986). *
(10.11)
UnumProvident Corporation Supplemental Pension Plan, as amended and restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000). *
(10.12)
Administrative Reinsurance Agreement between Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company and Reassure America Life Insurance Company dated to be effective July 1, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2001).
(10.13)
Unum Group Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan of 2004, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008). *

193


(10.14)
UnumProvident Corporation Senior Executive Retirement Plan, as amended and restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Form 8-K filed on August 17, 2005). *
(10.15)
California Settlement Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2005).
(10.16)
Amendment to Regulatory Settlement Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Form 8‑K filed on October 3, 2005).
(10.17)
Amendment to Employment Agreement between UnumProvident Corporation and F. Dean Copeland dated effective as of November 17, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of our Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2005). *
(10.18)
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Unum Group and Thomas R. Watjen dated as of December 16, 2005, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Form 8-K filed on September 19, 2008). *
(10.19)
Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2007, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008). *
(10.20)
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement with Employee, as amended, for awards under the Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008). *
(10.21)
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement with Employee, as amended, effective February 22, 2011, for awards under the Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Form 10-Q filed on May 4, 2011). *
(10.22)
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement with Director, as amended, for awards under the Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008). *
(10.23)
Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between Unum Group and Thomas R. Watjen dated as of February 25, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Form 10-Q filed on May 5, 2010). *
(10.24)
Form of Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Unit Agreement with Employee, as amended, effective February 22, 2011, for awards under the Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of our Form 10-Q filed on May 4, 2011). *
(10.25)
Amended and Restated Aircraft Time-Sharing Agreement between Thomas R. Watjen and Unum Group dated as of March 8, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Form 10-Q filed on May 5, 2010). *
(10.26)
Management Incentive Compensation Plan of 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Form 10-Q filed on May 4, 2011). *
(10.27)
Severance Pay Plan for Executive Vice Presidents (EVPs) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008). *
(10.28)
Retainer Agreement between Unum Group and Jon S. Fossel dated as of June 30, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2011). *
(10.29)
Board Consulting Agreement between Unum Group and Robert O. Best dated as of April 16, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Form 10-Q filed on May 2, 2012). *
(10.30)
Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2012 (incorporated by reference to Appendix A of our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 12, 2012). *
(10.31)
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement with Director for awards under the Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Form 10-Q filed on November 1, 2012). *
(11)
Statement Regarding Computation of Per Share Earnings (incorporated herein by reference to Note 9 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements").
(12.1)
Statement Regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
(21)
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
(23)
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
(24)
Power of Attorney.
(31.1)
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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(31.2)
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(32.1)
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(32.2)
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(101)
The following financial statements from Unum Group's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed on February 22, 2013, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, (vii) Financial Statement Schedules.
___________
*
Management contract or compensatory plan required to be filed as an exhibit to this form pursuant to Item 15(c) of Form 10-K.




195