Horace Mann Trims Guidance Again

Financial services group Horace Mann Educators(HMN Quote) Monday lowered its 2003 earnings outlook because of claims triggered by the California wild fires.

The Springfield, Ill.- based company said it now expects to earn about 15 cents to 25 cents a share in the year ended Dec. 31. The Thomson First Call consensus estimate is 29 cents a share . The company earned $1.18 a share in 2002.

The company said the net cost of fire-related claims is expected to be $6.5 million, or 15 cents per share.

In October, the company reduced its earnings guidance to 30 cents to 40 cents a share.

Horace Mann specializes in insurance, annuities and other financial services for educators.

Shares were recently down flat at $13.60.