HMN

Horace Mann (HMN), an insurance provider for educators, is highlighted as a strong dividend play with a 3.11% yield, outperforming both its industry average (1.77%) and the S&P 500 (1.38%). The company has increased its dividend 5 times over the last 5 years with an average annual increase of 3.20%, and maintains a conservative 29% payout ratio. With solid earnings growth expected for 2026 and a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold), HMN presents a compelling opportunity for income investors.

The multiline insurance industry is positioned for growth driven by product diversification, improved pricing, and accelerated digitalization. Five stocks are highlighted as investment opportunities: Oscar Health and Horace Mann Educators (Zacks Rank #1), and Assurant, Principal Financial Group, and Prudential Financial (Zacks Rank #2). The industry ranks in the top 44% of Zacks industries with positive earnings outlooks, though it has underperformed the broader market in the past year.

Horace Mann (HMN), an insurance provider for educators, offers a dividend yield of 3.2%, significantly higher than industry and S&P 500 averages. The company has consistently increased dividends with a 3.20% average annual growth rate over five years and maintains a conservative 29% payout ratio, suggesting room for future dividend growth. With a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy) and expected earnings growth of 1.49% in 2026, HMN presents an attractive opportunity for income-focused investors.

Zacks highlights value investing as a proven strategy and identifies Horace Mann Educators (HMN) with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and Value grade A, and Scor (SCRYY) with Rank #2 (Buy) and Value grade A as undervalued stocks based on favorable P/B and P/S ratios compared to industry averages.

The Multiline Insurance industry is ranked in the top 44% of Zacks industries with positive earnings outlooks. While the sector faces softening pricing competition and inflation headwinds, product diversification, technology adoption, and M&A activity are expected to drive growth. Key players benefit from improved capital levels, higher interest rates boosting investment income, and digital transformation initiatives.

With traditional retirement income sources like Treasury bonds and Social Security becoming less reliable, the article recommends dividend-paying stocks from high-quality companies as an alternative income strategy for retirees. Three specific stocks are highlighted: Bristol Myers Squibb (3.94% yield), Horace Mann (3.20% yield), and H&R Block (4.56% yield), all offering steady dividend growth that can help combat inflation while reducing portfolio volatility.