KEMPER Corp
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 7, 2025.
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A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Feb 7, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-07.
0000860748-24-000046
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-07.
0000860748-25-000053
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 112 previous paragraphs and 112 current paragraphs.
92 unchanged; 18 reworded; 2 added; 2 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (2)
Current report
•International trade practices, including tariffs or other excise taxes
Removed paragraphs (2)
Previous report
These estimates can be inaccurate or may change over time due to many variables, including changes driven by the evolving legal and regulatory landscape and economic, technological, and other environmental conditions in which the Company operates. In recent periods, these estimates have been impacted by the effect the COVID-19 pandemic and the related governmental responses have had on certain of these variables. See the risk factor below titled “The impact of COVID-19 and related economic conditions could materially affect Kemper’s results of operations, financial position and/or liquidity.”
Previous report
One area where the legal and regulatory landscape experienced significant change is in connection with the mandated use of death verification databases by life insurance companies. A majority of states now have laws requiring insurers to proactively use such databases, including the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File (the “DMF”), in order to ascertain if an insured may be deceased. Kemper cannot predict whether additional states will enact similar legislation. These laws require the insurer to initiate the claims process even though the insureds’ beneficiaries have not submitted a claim and the insurer was otherwise unaware of the insured’s death. In a related development, many states expanded their unclaimed property laws, particularly as they relate to life insurance proceeds, and have examined life insurance companies with respect to the reporting and remittance of such proceeds under these laws. The push to alter practices previously considered lawful and appropriate relative to both claims handling and remittance of life insurance proceeds has led to the Company’s involvement in compliance audits, market conduct examinations and litigation. The Company has a comprehensive process in place to compare life insurance records against the DMF and other databases to determine if any of its insureds may be deceased. See Note 2, “Summary of Accounting Policies and Accounting Changes” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
Reworded paragraphs (18)
Previous wording
These estimates can be inaccurate or may change over time due to many variables, including changes driven by the evolving legal and regulatory landscape and economic, technological, and other environmental conditions in which the Company operates and the rising costs of insurance claims from increased litigation (in part as a result of proliferation of class-action suits and growth in third party litigation funding), increase in so-called "nuclear verdicts" leading to higher jury awards, broader definitions of liability, other effects of legal system abuse and societal trends referred to as social inflation. In recent periods, these estimates have been impacted by reserve developments related to Florida personal injury protection (“PIP”) coverage. See the risk factor below titled “Kemper has a significant concentration of personal automobile insurance business in California and Florida, and negative developments in the regulatory, legal or economic conditions in these states may adversely affect the Company’s profitability.”
Current wording
These estimates can be inaccurate or may change over time due to many variables, including changes driven by the evolving legal and regulatory landscape and economic, technological, and other environmental conditions in which the Company operates. For example, changes in international trade practices, such as the increase or imposition of tariffs and the resulting inflationary pressure, could lead to our estimates being inaccurate. In addition, these estimates could be impacted by the rising costs of insurance claims from increased litigation (in part as a result of proliferation of class-action suits and growth in third party litigation funding), the increase in so-called "nuclear verdicts" leading to higher jury awards, broader definitions of liability, and other effects of legal and societal trends referred to as legal system abuse or social inflation.
Previous wording
The process of estimating property and casualty insurance reserves is complex and imprecise. The reserves established by the Company are inherently uncertain estimates and could prove to be inadequate to cover its ultimate losses and expenses. The estimate of the ultimate cost of claims for insured events that have occurred must take into consideration many factors that are dependent on the outcome of future events associated with the reporting, investigation and settlement of claims. The impacts on the Company’s estimates of property and casualty insurance reserves from these factors are difficult to assess accurately. A change in any one or more of the factors, such as that relating to Florida PIP coverage, will likely result in a projected ultimate loss that is different than the previous projected ultimate loss and may have a material impact on the Company’s estimates. For example, increases in the estimates of ultimate losses and LAE will decrease earnings, while decreases in these estimates will increase earnings, as reported by the Company in the results of its operations for the periods in which the changes to the estimates are made. See MD&A, “Critical Accounting Estimates,” under the caption “Property and Casualty Insurance Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses” for a discussion of the Company’s reserving process and the factors considered by the Company’s actuaries in estimating the Company’s Property and Casualty Insurance Reserves.
Current wording
The process of estimating property and casualty insurance reserves is complex and imprecise. The reserves established by the Company are inherently uncertain estimates and could prove to be inadequate to cover its ultimate losses and expenses. The estimate of the ultimate cost of claims for insured events that have occurred must take into consideration many factors that are dependent on the outcome of future events associated with the reporting, investigation and settlement of claims. The impacts on the Company’s estimates of property and casualty insurance reserves from these factors are difficult to assess accurately. A change in any one or more of the factors will likely result in a projected ultimate loss that is different than the previous projected ultimate loss and may have a material impact on the Company’s estimates. For example, increases in the estimates of ultimate losses and LAE will decrease earnings, while decreases in these estimates will increase earnings, as reported by the Company in the results of its operations for the periods in which the changes to the estimates are made. See MD&A, “Critical Accounting Estimates,” under the caption “Property and Casualty Insurance Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses” for a discussion of the Company’s reserving process and the factors considered by the Company’s actuaries in estimating the Company’s Property and Casualty Insurance Reserves.
Previous wording
Kemper’s life insurance subsidiaries are particularly exposed to risks of catastrophic mortality, such as pandemics or other events that result in large numbers of deaths. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company experienced increased mortality that had an adverse impact on our Life business. In addition, the occurrence of a pandemic or other catastrophes in a concentrated geographic area could have a severe disruptive effect on the Company’s workforce and business operations. The likelihood and severity of such events cannot be predicted and are difficult to estimate.
Current wording
Kemper’s life insurance subsidiaries are particularly exposed to risks of catastrophic mortality, such as pandemics or other events that result in large numbers of deaths. In addition, the occurrence of a pandemic or other catastrophes in a concentrated geographic area could have a severe disruptive effect on the Company’s workforce and business operations. The likelihood and severity of such events cannot be predicted and are difficult to estimate.
Previous wording
In addition, market conditions beyond the Company’s control determine the availability and cost of the reinsurance protection that Kemper’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries may purchase. A decrease in the amount of reinsurance coverage that these subsidiaries purchase generally should increase their risk of a more severe loss. If the amount of available reinsurance is reduced, the cost to obtain reinsurance may increase or Kemper’s subsidiaries may be unable to obtain sufficient reinsurance on acceptable terms, which could adversely affect their ability to write future insurance policies or result in their retaining more risk with respect to those policies.
Current wording
In addition, market conditions beyond the Company’s control determine the availability and cost of the reinsurance protection that Kemper’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries may purchase. A decrease in the amount of reinsurance coverage that these subsidiaries purchase generally should increase their risk of a more severe loss, and this risk could increase if climate change or other factors results in higher than anticipated losses for reinsurers. As a result, if the amount of available reinsurance is reduced, the cost to obtain reinsurance may increase or Kemper’s subsidiaries may be unable to obtain sufficient reinsurance on acceptable terms, which could adversely affect their ability to write future insurance policies or result in their retaining more risk with respect to those policies.
Previous wording
Kemper’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries also manage their exposure to catastrophe losses through underwriting strategies such as reducing exposures in, or withdrawing from, catastrophe-prone areas, establishing underwriting guidelines, and setting appropriate rates, deductibles, exclusions and policy limits. The extent to which Kemper’s subsidiaries can manage their exposure through these strategies may be limited by law or regulatory action. For example, laws and regulations may limit the rate or timing at which insurers may not renew insurance policies in catastrophe-prone areas or require insurers to participate in wind pools and joint underwriting associations. Generally, participation in these pools and associations is based on an insurer’s market share determined on a state-wide basis. Accordingly, even though Kemper’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries may not incur a direct insured loss as a result of managing direct catastrophe exposures, they may incur indirect losses from required participation in pools and associations. In addition, laws and regulations requiring prior approval of policy forms and premium rates may limit the ability of Kemper’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries to increase rates or deductibles on a timely basis, which may result in additional losses or lower returns than otherwise would have occurred in an unregulated market.
Current wording
Kemper’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries also manage their exposure to catastrophe losses through underwriting strategies such as reducing exposures in, or withdrawing from, catastrophe-prone areas, establishing underwriting guidelines, and setting appropriate rates, deductibles, exclusions and policy limits. The extent to which Kemper’s subsidiaries can manage their exposure through these strategies may be limited by law or regulatory action. For example, laws and regulations may limit the rate or timing at which insurers may not renew insurance policies in catastrophe-prone areas. In addition, laws and regulations requiring prior approval of policy forms and premium rates may limit the ability of Kemper’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries to increase rates or deductibles on a timely basis, which may result in additional losses or lower returns than otherwise would have occurred in an unregulated market.
Previous wording
The process of estimating life insurance reserves is complex and imprecise. The reserves established by the Company are inherently uncertain estimates and could prove to be inadequate. The estimates underlying future policyholder benefits must take into consideration many factors that are dependent on the outcome of future events including, but not limited to, the reporting and settlement of claims and policyholder behavior. Certain events may not occur until many years in the future so the impacts on the Company’s estimates of life insurance reserves from these factors are difficult to assess accurately. A change in any one or more of the factors is likely to result in projected future policyholder benefits that are different than the previous projections and may have a material impact on the Company’s estimates. Increases in the estimates of future policyholder benefits will decrease earnings, while decreases in these estimates will increase earnings, as reported by the Company in the results of its operations for the periods in which the changes to the estimates are made. See MD&A, “Critical Accounting Estimates,” under the caption “Life Insurance Reserves” for a discussion of the Company’s reserving process and the factors considered by the Company’s actuaries in estimating the Company’s Life Insurance Reserves.
Current wording
These estimates can be inaccurate or may change over time due to many variables, including changes driven by the evolving legal and regulatory landscape and economic, technological, and other environmental conditions in which the Company operates. The process of estimating life insurance reserves is complex and imprecise. The reserves established by the Company are inherently uncertain estimates and could prove to be inadequate. The estimates underlying future policyholder benefits must take into consideration many factors that are dependent on the outcome of future events including, but not limited to, the reporting and settlement of claims and policyholder behavior. Certain events may not occur until many years in the future so the impacts on the Company’s estimates of life insurance reserves from these factors are difficult to assess accurately. A change in any one or more of the factors is likely to result in projected future policyholder benefits that are different than the previous projections and may have a material impact on the Company’s estimates. Increases in the estimates of future policyholder benefits will decrease earnings, while decreases in these estimates will increase earnings, as reported by the Company in the results of its operations for the periods in which the changes to the estimates are made. See MD&A, “Critical Accounting Estimates,” under the caption “Life Insurance Reserves” for a discussion of the Company’s reserving process and the factors considered by the Company’s actuaries in estimating the Company’s Life Insurance Reserves.
Previous wording
Third-party rating agencies assess the financial strength and rate the claims-paying ability of insurance companies based on criteria established by the rating agencies. Third-party ratings are important competitive factors in the insurance industry. Financial strength ratings are used to assess the financial strength and quality of insurers. Ratings agencies may downgrade the ratings of Kemper and/or its insurance subsidiaries or require Kemper to retain more capital in its insurance businesses to maintain existing ratings following developments that they deem negative. This can include factors directly related to the Company, such as an increase in the catastrophic risk retained by Kemper’s insurance subsidiaries, or developments in industry or general economic conditions. A downgrade by A.M. Best in the ratings of Kemper’s insurance subsidiaries below A- could result in a substantial loss of business if independent agents and brokers or policyholders move to other companies with higher claims-paying and financial strength ratings. Any substantial loss of business could materially and adversely affect the financial condition and results of operations of such subsidiaries. A downgrade in Kemper’s credit rating by Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Services (“Moody’s”) or Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) may reduce Kemper’s ability to cost-effectively access the capital markets or may increase the cost to refinance existing debt.
Current wording
Third-party rating agencies assess the financial strength and rate the claims-paying ability of insurance companies based on criteria established by the rating agencies. Third-party ratings are important competitive factors in the insurance industry. Financial strength ratings are used to assess the financial strength and quality of insurers. Ratings agencies may downgrade the ratings of Kemper and/or its insurance subsidiaries or require Kemper to retain more capital in its insurance businesses to maintain existing ratings following developments that they deem negative. This can include factors directly related to the Company, such as an increase in the catastrophic risk retained by Kemper’s insurance subsidiaries, or developments in industry or general economic conditions. A downgrade in Kemper’s credit rating by Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Services (“Moody’s”) or Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) may reduce Kemper’s ability to cost-effectively access the capital markets or may increase the cost to refinance existing debt.
Previous wording
Kemper’s insurance subsidiaries operate under an extensive insurance regulatory system. Current laws and regulations affect a wide variety of matters, including policy forms, premium rates, licensing, market conduct, trade practices, claims handling practices, reserve and loss ratio requirements, investment standards, statutory capital and surplus requirements, restrictions on the payment of dividends, approvals of transactions involving a change in control of one or more insurance companies, restrictions on transactions among affiliates, climate change, and consumer privacy and data security. Pre-approval requirements often restrict or delay actions to implement premium rate changes for insurance policies, or to introduce new, or make changes to existing, policy forms and many other actions. These delays can adversely impact Kemper’s business, especially where external factors, such as inflation, may result in a pricing imbalance for the Company’s insurance products.
Current wording
Kemper’s insurance subsidiaries operate under an extensive insurance regulatory system. Current laws and regulations affect a wide variety of matters, including policy forms, premium rates, licensing, market conduct, trade practices, claims handling practices, reserve and loss ratio requirements, investment standards, statutory capital and surplus requirements, restrictions on the payment of dividends, approvals of transactions involving a change in control of one or more insurance companies, restrictions on transactions among affiliates, climate change, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, accounting and consumer privacy and data security. Pre-approval requirements often restrict or delay actions to implement premium rate changes for insurance policies, or to introduce new, or make changes to existing, policy forms and many other actions. These delays can adversely impact Kemper’s business, especially where external factors, such as inflation, may result in a pricing imbalance for the Company’s insurance products.
Previous wording
These laws and regulations, and their application by regulators and courts, are subject to continuous interpretation and revision. The legal and regulatory landscape within which Kemper’s insurance subsidiaries conduct their businesses is often unpredictable. As industry practices and regulatory, judicial, political, social and other conditions change, new issues may emerge. These changes and emerging issues could adversely affect Kemper’s business in a variety of ways, including, for example, by expanding coverages beyond the underwriting intent, increasing the number or size of claims increasing the likelihood of class-action suits and other legislative and judicial actions, accelerating the payment of claims, repealing or weakening tort reforms or otherwise adding to operational costs or adversely affecting the Company’s competitive advantages. Practices in the industry or within the Company that were once considered approved, compliant and reasonable may suddenly be deemed unacceptable by virtue of a court or regulatory ruling or changes in regulatory enforcement policies and practices. It is not possible for the Company to predict such shifts in legal or regulatory enforcement or to accurately estimate the impact they may have on the Company and its operations.
Current wording
These laws and regulations, and their application by regulators and courts, are subject to continuous interpretation and revision. The legal and regulatory landscape within which Kemper’s insurance subsidiaries conduct their businesses is often unpredictable. As industry practices and regulatory, judicial, political, social and other conditions change, new issues may emerge. These changes and emerging issues could adversely affect Kemper’s business in a variety of ways, including, for example, by expanding coverages beyond the underwriting intent, increasing the number or size of claims increasing the likelihood of class-action suits and other legislative and judicial actions, accelerating the payment of claims, repealing or weakening tort reforms or otherwise adding to operational and compliance costs or adversely affecting the Company’s competitive advantages. Practices in the industry or within the Company that were once considered approved, compliant and reasonable may suddenly be deemed unacceptable by virtue of a court or regulatory ruling or changes in regulatory enforcement policies and practices. It is not possible for the Company to predict such shifts in legal or regulatory enforcement or to accurately estimate the impact they may have on the Company and its operations.
Previous wording
California and Florida represented 71% of the Company’s total personal automobile insurance gross written premiums in 2023. Consequently, the dynamic nature of regulatory, legal, competitive and economic conditions in these states affects Kemper’s revenues and profitability. For example, in Florida, recent court decisions were unfavorable to the insurance industry relating to Florida PIP coverage and have resulted in increased severity in PIP coverage and significant adverse loss and LAE reserve development in 2023. Significant legislative changes relating to Florida PIP coverage have recently become effective, but it is too early to determine the ultimate impact of these changes. Further, both California and Florida have regulations that limit the after-tax return on underwriting profit allowed for an insurer. Changes in any of these conditions could negatively impact the Company's results of operations.
Current wording
California and Florida represented 80% of the Company’s total personal automobile insurance gross written premiums in 2024. Consequently, the dynamic nature of regulatory, legal, competitive and economic conditions in these states affects Kemper’s revenues and profitability. Significant legislative changes relating to Florida PIP coverage have recently become effective, but it is too early to determine the ultimate impact of these changes. Further, both California and Florida have regulations that limit the after-tax return on underwriting profit allowed for an insurer. Changes in any of these conditions could negatively impact the Company's results of operations.
Previous wording
Kemper and its subsidiaries are from time to time involved in lawsuits, regulatory inquiries and other legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of their businesses. Some of these proceedings may involve matters particular to Kemper or one or more of its subsidiaries, while others may pertain to industry business practices. Some lawsuits may seek class action status that, if granted, could expose the Company to potentially significant liability by virtue of the size of the punitive classes. In addition, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to litigation relating to claims handling practices in connection with otherwise routine claims, including actions that make allegations of bad faith and seek extra-contractual damages. These matters often raise difficult factual and legal issues and are subject to uncertainties and complexities. The outcomes of these matters are difficult to predict, and the amounts or ranges of potential loss at particular stages in the proceedings are in most cases difficult or impossible to ascertain. Even where the possibility of an adverse outcome is remote under traditional legal analysis, juries sometimes substitute their subjective views in place of facts and established legal principles. Given the unpredictability of the legal and regulatory landscape in which the Company operates, there can be no assurance that one or more of these matters will not produce a result that could materially and adversely affect the Company’s financial results for any given period.
Current wording
Kemper and its subsidiaries are from time to time involved in lawsuits, regulatory inquiries and other legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of their businesses. Some of these proceedings may involve matters particular to Kemper or one or more of its subsidiaries, while others may pertain to industry business practices. Some lawsuits may seek class action status that, if granted, could expose the Company to potentially significant liability by virtue of the size of the putative classes. In addition, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to litigation relating to claims handling practices in connection with otherwise routine claims, including actions that make allegations of bad faith and seek extra-contractual damages. These matters often raise difficult factual and legal issues and are subject to uncertainties and complexities. The outcomes of these matters are difficult to predict, and the amounts or ranges of potential loss at particular stages in the proceedings are in most cases difficult or impossible to ascertain. Even where the possibility of an adverse outcome is remote under traditional legal analysis, juries sometimes substitute their subjective views in place of facts and established legal principles. Given the unpredictability of the legal and regulatory landscape in which the Company operates, there can be no assurance that one or more of these matters will not produce a result that could materially and adversely affect the Company’s financial results for any given period.
Previous wording
Changes to tax laws or interpretation of such laws could increase Kemper’s corporate tax and reduce earnings. It is possible that tax law could be changed through a technical corrections bill or with entirely new legislation or be interpreted by regulatory authorities in a manner different than the Company’s interpretation. It is difficult to predict whether there will be any tax law changes, guidance issued by tax authorities or other interpretations which would have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition, as the impact of proposals on our business can vary substantially depending upon the specific changes or further guidance made and how the changes or guidance are implemented by the taxing authorities.
Current wording
Changes to tax laws or interpretation of such laws could increase Kemper’s corporate tax and reduce earnings. Such events could also reduce the value of Kemper’s tax assets. It is possible that tax law could be changed or be interpreted by regulatory authorities in a manner different than the Company’s interpretation. It is difficult to predict whether there will be any tax law changes, guidance issued by tax authorities or other interpretations which would have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition, as the impact of proposals on our business can vary substantially depending upon the specific changes or further guidance made and how the changes or guidance are implemented by the taxing authorities.
Previous wording
Kemper’s insurance subsidiaries obtain, process and store large amounts of data, including personal data, for various business purposes, including marketing, policy origination, claims and payment processing, and competitive differentiation. The data has significant value and Kemper is regularly targeted by cyber attacks seeking to misappropriate the information. Cyber attacks feature increasing sophistication and frequency and include the use of viruses, ransomware, spyware and other malware and infiltration methods. In addition, the Company has exposure through equipment and system failure and as a result of the conduct of our employees and contractors (through inadvertent error, negligence or intentional misconduct). These exposures can create or increase the Company’s vulnerability to the loss or misuse of its data. The Company uses an array of security measures, with policies and procedures designed to secure this information and the Company’s data systems. Notwithstanding these efforts, the Company’s data systems, have been breached or otherwise exposed in the past and remain vulnerable to future security breaches or other exposures. Successful breaches or other exposures could result in data loss, business interruption, reputational damage, ransom demands, investigations and litigation. The Company has been and will continue to be exposed to damages, regulatory penalties and other liabilities, reputational risk and significant increases in compliance and litigation costs as a result of these occurrences, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
Kemper’s insurance subsidiaries obtain, process and store large amounts of data, including personal data, for various business purposes, including marketing, policy origination, claims and payment processing, and competitive differentiation. The data has significant value and Kemper is regularly targeted by cyber attacks seeking to misappropriate the information. Cyber attacks feature increasing sophistication and frequency and include the use of viruses, ransomware, spyware and other malware and infiltration methods. In addition, the Company has exposure through equipment and system failure and as a result of the conduct of our employees and contractors (through inadvertent error, negligence or intentional misconduct). These exposures can create or increase the Company’s vulnerability to the loss or misuse of data. The Company uses an array of security measures, with policies and procedures designed to secure this information and the Company’s data systems. Notwithstanding these efforts, the Company’s data systems, have been breached or otherwise exposed in the past and remain vulnerable to future security breaches or other exposures. Successful breaches or other exposures could result in data loss, business interruption, reputational damage, ransom demands, investigations and litigation. The Company has been and will continue to be exposed to damages, regulatory penalties and other liabilities, reputational risk and significant increases in compliance and litigation costs as a result of these occurrences, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
Kemper relies on third parties to provide services that are essential to business operations, such as policy origination, claims processing, procurement, payments, back-office functions, and IT hosting. The software, systems and services provided by our third-party providers may not meet our expectations, contain errors or weaknesses, become compromised or experience breaches or outages. The Company’s ability to prevent or remediate such an occurrence is limited. A failure of such third-party systems to perform effectively, maintain information security, or provide uninterrupted service and access to those systems, could materially adversely affect Kemper’s business. For example, the Company could be prevented from conducting business functions, including the timely payment and/or processing of claims, or the information of customers could be compromised. Any such failures could adversely impact the ability to serve existing customers and attract new business, and could create regulatory and litigation exposure.
Current wording
Kemper relies on third parties to provide services that are essential to business operations, such as policy origination, claims processing, procurement, payments, back-office functions, and IT hosting. The software, systems and services provided by our third-party providers (including offshore service providers) may not meet our expectations, contain errors or weaknesses, become compromised or experience breaches or outages. The Company’s ability to prevent or remediate such an occurrence is limited. A failure of such third-party providers or their software or systems to perform effectively, maintain information security, or provide uninterrupted service and access to those systems, could materially adversely affect Kemper’s business. For example, the Company could be prevented from conducting business functions, including the timely payment and/or processing of claims, or the information of the Company or its customers could be compromised. Any such failures could adversely impact the ability to serve existing customers and attract new business, and could create regulatory and litigation exposure.
Previous wording
Cybersecurity events, business interruptions or other exposures may cause potential deterioration in Kemper’s reputation with an adverse impact financial condition or results of operations.
Current wording
Cybersecurity events, business interruptions or other exposures may cause potential deterioration in Kemper’s reputation with an adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
Previous wording
The interest rate environment has a significant impact on the Company’s financial results and position. An increase in interest rates or credit spreads generally reduces the carrying value of the Company’s investment portfolio, particularly fixed income securities, and limited liability investment companies and limited partnerships accounted for under the equity method of accounting (“Equity Method Limited Liability Investments”) that invest in distressed and mezzanine debt of other companies that exhibit debt-like characteristics. A decline in interest rates would adversely affect the Company’s investment income as it invests cash in new investments that may yield less than the portfolio’s average rate. In a declining interest rate environment, borrowers may seek to refinance their borrowings at lower rates and, accordingly, prepay or redeem securities the Company holds as investments more quickly than the Company initially expected. Such prepayment or redemption action may cause the Company to reinvest the redeemed proceeds in lower yielding investments.
Current wording
The interest rate environment has a significant impact on the Company’s financial results and position. An increase in interest rates or credit spreads generally reduces the carrying value of the Company’s investment portfolio, particularly fixed maturities, and limited liability investment companies and limited partnerships accounted for under the equity method of accounting (“Equity Method Limited Liability Investments”) that invest in distressed and mezzanine debt of other companies that exhibit debt-like characteristics. A decline in interest rates would adversely affect the Company’s investment income due to a decline in yield on its fixed maturities that pay floating rate interest or as it invests cash in new investments that may yield less than the portfolio’s average rate. In a declining interest rate environment, borrowers may seek to refinance their borrowings at lower rates and, accordingly, prepay or redeem securities the Company holds as investments more quickly than the Company initially expected. Such prepayment or redemption action may cause the Company to reinvest the redeemed proceeds in lower yielding investments.
Previous wording
The Company invests a portion of its investment portfolio in equity securities, which generally have more volatile returns than fixed income securities and may experience sustained periods of depressed values. There are multiple factors that could negatively impact the performance of the Company’s equity portfolio, including general economic conditions, industry or sector deterioration and issuer-specific concerns. A decline in equity values will result in losses being recognized by the Company in the period such change in fair value occurs, which may be significant. In addition, a decline in equity values may result in a decrease in dividend income.
Current wording
The Company invests a portion of its investment portfolio in equity securities, which generally have more volatile returns than fixed maturities and may experience sustained periods of depressed values. There are multiple factors that could negatively impact the performance of the Company’s equity portfolio, including general economic conditions, industry or sector deterioration and issuer-specific concerns. A decline in equity values will result in losses being recognized by the Company in the period such change in fair value occurs, which may be significant. In addition to a decline in equity values, issuer-specific concerns may result in a decrease in dividend income, resulting in a decline in net investment income.
Previous wording
The Company routinely evaluates opportunities for transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and/or other strategic initiatives that would enhance its business and align with the Company’s strategic plans. Kemper’s ability to achieve the anticipated financial benefits from transactions may not be realized due to any number of factors, including, but not limited to, integration or execution difficulties or failures that may result in substantial disruptions, costs, or delays and adversely affect the Company’s ability to compete, the loss of key agents/brokers, customers or employees, unexpected or underestimated liabilities, increased costs, fees, expenses and charges related to transactions, or may be delayed by factors outside of the Company’s control. These adverse events could result in a decrease in the estimated fair value of goodwill or other intangible assets established as a result of such transactions, triggering an impairment. In addition, the Company’s strategic initiatives, such as the establishment of Kemper Reciprocal, may not perform as expected or deliver the expected benefits to the Company. Failure to successfully and timely realize the anticipated benefits of these transactions or initiatives could have a negative impact on Kemper’s financial condition, profitability, and results from operations.
Current wording
The Company routinely evaluates opportunities for transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and/or other strategic initiatives that would enhance its business and align with the Company’s strategic plans. Kemper’s ability to achieve the anticipated financial benefits from transactions may not be realized due to any number of factors, including, but not limited to, integration or execution difficulties or failures that may result in substantial disruptions, costs, or delays and adversely affect the Company’s ability to compete, the loss of key agents/brokers, customers or employees, unexpected or underestimated liabilities, increased costs, fees, expenses and charges related to transactions, or may be delayed by factors outside of the Company’s control. These adverse events could result in a decrease in the estimated fair value of goodwill or other intangible assets established as a result of such transactions, triggering an impairment. In addition, the Company’s strategic initiatives, such as the operation of Kemper Reciprocal, may not perform as expected or deliver the expected benefits to the Company. Failure to successfully and timely realize the anticipated benefits of these transactions or initiatives could have a negative impact on Kemper’s financial condition, profitability, and results from operations.