A.M. Best on March 30 upgraded the financial strength ratingto A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and the issuer credit rating to"a" from "a-" of Horace Mann Insurance Co. and its P&C insuranceaffiliates, Horace Mann P&CInsurance Co., Teachers Insurance Co. and .

The outlook for both ratings has been revised to stable frompositive.

In addition, the rating agency affirmed the financialstrength rating of A (Excellent) and the issuer credit rating of "a"of Horace Mann Life InsuranceCo. and affirmed the issuer credit rating of "bbb" ofparent company Horace MannEducators Corp. The outlook for their ratings is stable.

The upgrade of the ratings of the P&C units reflects thegroup's strong underwriting results owing to the implementation of rateadjustments and numerous strategic initiatives. As a result, operatingperformance has been favorable and overall risk-adjusted capitalization hasbeen strengthened, A.M. Best said.

The ratings of Horace Mann Life reflect its strategic rolewithin Horace Mann Educators and the benefits it derives from the parent'sstrong business franchise in the K-12 educators' market.