MCKINNEY, Texas, Sept. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Torchmark Corporation (NYSE:TMK) today provided an update on its capital position in response to a negative outlook on Torchmark issued by Standard and Poor's on August 29, 2014.

Frank Svoboda, Torchmark's Chief Financial Officer, indicated that the revised outlook is due to a change in S&P's view of certain components of Torchmark's existing capital position, rather than an actual change in the capital position itself. "There has been no significant change in our capital position since the end of 2013 or since our second quarter conference call," said Svoboda. "Torchmark's regulatory capital position is as strong today as it has been for many years and we expect our consolidated RBC ratio to remain at or above 325% in the future. I would also add that we don't anticipate any changes in our share repurchase program as a result of S&P's action. As we have said before, we expect that share repurchases will continue to be the primary use of our free cash flow, absent a more attractive opportunity."

Torchmark Corporation is a holding company specializing in life and supplemental health insurance for "middle income" Americans marketed through multiple distribution channels including direct response, and exclusive and independent agencies. Torchmark has several nationally recognized insurance subsidiaries. Globe Life And Accident is a direct-response provider of life insurance known for its administrative efficiencies. American Income Life provides individual life insurance to working families. Liberty National Life is one of the oldest traditional life insurers in the Southeast. United American is a consumer-oriented provider of supplemental life and health insurance. Family Heritage Life provides individual supplemental health insurance.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These prospective statements reflect management's current expectations, but are not guarantees of future performance. Accordingly, please refer to Torchmark's cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements, and the business environment in which the Company operates, contained in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, and any subsequent Forms 10-Q on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and on the Company's website at www.torchmarkcorp.com on the Investor Relations page. Torchmark specifically disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement because of new information, future developments or otherwise.

SOURCE Torchmark Corporation