HORACE MANN EDUCATORS CORP /DE/

of this Annual Report on Form 10-K as well as Part II - Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports and materials we submit to the SEC. The words or phrases believe, anticipate, estimate, project, plan, expect, intend, hope, forecast, evaluate, will likely result or will continue or words or phrases of similar import generally involve forward-looking statements. All of the risks that may affect our financial or operating performance may not be material at this time but may become material in the future. Risks Related to Economic Conditions, Market Conditions and Investments Volatile financial markets and adverse economic environments can affect financial market risk as well as our financial condition and results of operations. Our business and results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the capital markets and the U.S. economy, as well as by the global economy to the extent it affects the U.S. economy. Actual or perceived stressed conditions, volatility and disruptions in financial asset classes or various capital markets can have an adverse effect on us, both because we have a large investment portfolio and our benefit and claim liabilities are sensitive to changing market factors, including interest rates, credit spreads, derivative prices and availability, and volatility of capital markets. In an economic downturn characterized by higher unemployment and lower family income, the demand for our products could be adversely affected as customers are unwilling or unable to purchase them.