The UNIFI Companies, Lincoln, Neb., has reported that it hasexceeded its first year goals following the combining of AmeritasLife (Lincoln, Neb.), Acacia Life (Bethesda, Md.), and UnionCentral Life (Cincinnati, Ohio) and their affiliated companies onJan. 1, 2006, under the UNIFI Mutual Holding Company structure.

According to Lawrence J. Arth, CFA, chairman and CEO, and JohnH. Jacobs, CLU, vice chairman, president and chief operatingofficer, the UNIFI Companies anticipated significant benefits fromtheir combined financial strength and new growth opportunities.However, the 2006 results exceeded their own high expectations."Record-setting sales performances by the UNIFI CompaniesIndividual and Retirement Plans Division, Ameritas Group (Dentaland Eye Care Insurance), and Calvert (Mutual Funds) led the way tosales increases across our diversified lines of business." Jacobssaid.

The first year of combined operations ended with pretax netincome for diversified insurance and financial businesses at $241.3million, an increase of 30.4% from the previous year. Totalrevenues during this period were $1.8 billion, up $104.3 million,or 6.3%, compared to the same period a year ago.

UNIFI Companies' financial results were achieved during a yearwhen integration efforts were nearly equal in focus to increasingsales, enhancing profitability, and building relationships. "Ourcommitment to smart growth and our common vision enabled thecompanies to make substantial progress on integrating theoperations of our life insurance companies," Arth said. "At thesame time, we worked to keep our promises to our policyholders,customers, financial professionals, business partners, associatesand the communities in which our companies are located."

Arth continued, "While we're proud of the UNIFI Companies'exceptional accomplishments in 2006, we're committed to keeping oureye on the continued growth of our businesses, development ofdiversified products and services, and strengtheningrelationships."

Jacobs said. "These goals are critical to building theprofitable growth that provides value to our members as we moveforward."

Other financial highlights:

• Total equity surpassed $2 billion--up 9.2%compared to year-end 2005.
• Total assets were $17.3 billion, an increaseof $1.3 billion, or 8.4%, compared to the previous year.
• Total assets under management of $33.6billion.
• Claims and payments to policyholders totaled$1.7 billion. These payments consisted of death, disability,dental, and eye care payments, as well as annuity and othercontractual obligations.

For a full recap of the UNIFI Companies inaugural year ofsuccess and vision for the future, view the UNIFI Companies 2006Annual Report at www.UNIFIcompanies.com.