Overview
- Management acknowledged on Feb. 6 that fourth-quarter 2025 performance came in worse than expected.
- For 2026, the company plans to return 100% of projected free cash flow to shareholders via buybacks and dividends.
- Unum set core premium growth guidance of 4%–7% for 2026 after posting 4.4% in 2025, roughly matching 2024’s 4.5%.
- Shares are down about 6% year to date following the earnings update and guidance.
- Analysts cut targets on Feb. 6—Evercore ISI to $103 with an Outperform and J.P. Morgan to $90 with a Neutral—as they monitor buyback execution and premium trends.