Unum Group Q2 2026 Results
Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) reported second‑quarter 2026 results that met earnings expectations but delivered softer full‑year guidance, causing the stock to fall 3.9% after the announcement.
Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter were $2.16, exactly matching the analyst consensus of $2.16. Revenue reached $3.37 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $2.9 billion and representing a 2.5% increase from the $2.75 billion recorded in the comparable quarter a year earlier.
Full‑year 2026 guidance was set at $8.60 to $8.90 per share, which is below the consensus forecast of $8.78 per share.
Premium income grew 3.6% on a constant‑currency basis to $2.82 billion, driven by sales growth and improved retention across core operations. Adjusted operating return on equity remained strong at 21.4%.
Segment performance:
- Unum US adjusted operating income rose 3.6% to $329.6 million.
- Colonial Life segment income increased 11.9% to $131.4 million.
- Unum International adjusted operating income fell 41.6% to $24.3 million, primarily because of a higher average claim size in the United Kingdom long‑term disability product line.
Shareholder returns during the quarter totaled approximately $273.5 million, comprising $200 million of share repurchases and $73.5 million of dividends. Year‑to‑date capital returns therefore approximate $750 million. Book value per common share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, grew 3.2% year‑over‑year to $80.10.
Quote from President and Chief Executive Officer Richard P. McKenney: “We delivered another solid performance in the second quarter across multiple dimensions… our top‑line saw steady growth in premiums with increasing sales and good retention, while operating margins remain healthy in our core operations.”