While disciplined sales trends, strong persistency in group lines and growth of new product lines like dental and vision should drive Unum U.S., and sales growth. Stable persistency should drive Colonial Life. Management remains focused on moving on to a mix of businesses with higher growth and stable margins. Based on operational excellence, Unum Group boasts a solid capital position. Sustained solid operating results have been fueling a solid level of statutory earnings and capital, cushioning financial flexibility. Strong statutory earnings might provide an impetus to strong dividend capacity. The company has increased its dividend for 11 straight years. However, Unum Group has been witnessing a rise in total benefits and expenses for the past few years inducing margin contraction. Increasing debt level inducing deterioration in leverage ratio and poor times interest earned concern.