The Zacks Accident and Health Insurance industry is expected to benefit from an increase in underwriting exposure. Aflac Incorporated (AFL) , Unum Group (UNM) , Trupanion (TRUP) , Employers Holdings, Inc. (EIG) and AMERISAFE, Inc. (AMSF) are expected to be driven by prudent underwriting standards. However, higher inflation, as well as rising medical costs, could offset the positives. The industry has been witnessing soft pricing over the past several quarters, and this is not expected to change any time soo ...

Group 1 - The article discusses companies that have the potential to achieve Dividend King status, indicating a focus on long-term dividend growth and sustainability [1] - The author has a strong academic background in Analytics and Accounting, along with over 10 years of experience in the investment field, which adds credibility to the analysis [1] - Dividend investing is highlighted as a personal interest of the author, suggesting a passion for identifying companies with reliable dividend payouts [1] Group 2 - There is no mention of any stock, option, or derivative positions held by the author in the companies discussed, indicating an unbiased perspective [2] - The article does not provide specific investment recommendations or advice, emphasizing that past performance does not guarantee future results [3] - The author expresses personal opinions, which may not reflect the views of the broader Seeking Alpha community, highlighting the individual nature of the analysis [3]

As a part of the campaign, TOGETHXR and Aflac generated an interactive digital map that serves as a guiding resource of bar destinations across the country, where women's sports fans can watch tournament action. The digital map will be available at TOGETHXR.com and will be visible through featured posts on the @TOGETHXR and @GETTOGETHXR Instagram accounts. "TOGETHXR is proud to continue our partnership with Aflac, united in our commitment to create spaces where everyone can come together to celebrate women' ...

Only insurance company in the world to be on this list since its inception in 2007COLUMBUS, Ga., March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac Incorporated, a leading provider of health supplemental insurance in the U.S. and the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force in Japan, was once again named by Ethisphere as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies, marking 2025 as the 19th consecutive year on this esteemed list. This year, 136 honorees were recognized spanning 19 count ...

COLUMBUS, Ga., Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the leading provider of supplemental health insurance in the U.S.,1 today announced the hiring of Michael Fradkin as senior vice president, Aflac Dental and Vision, a business unit that is a key component of the company's offering. Fradkin will report to Aflac U.S. Executive Vice President, COO and CFO Frederic Simard and will lead operations with a focus on customer experience, provider network growth and business expansion. 30 year industry veteran Mi ...

Business Performance - Total revenues for 2024 increased by 1.2% to $18.9 billion, compared to $18.7 billion in 2023[204]. - Net earnings for 2024 were $5.4 billion, or $9.63 per diluted share, up from $4.7 billion, or $7.78 per diluted share in 2023[204]. - Net investment gains in 2024 were $1.3 billion, compared to $590 million in 2023, including $1.1 billion from derivatives and foreign currency gains[205]. - Adjusted earnings for 2024 were $4.1 billion, or $7.21 per diluted share, compared to $3.7 billion, or $6.23 per diluted share in 2023[206]. - Shareholders' equity at December 31, 2024, was $26.1 billion, or $47.45 per share, up from $22.0 billion, or $38.00 per share in 2023[207]. - The company repurchased $2.8 billion worth of common shares, totaling 30.4 million shares in 2024[206]. - The annualized return on average shareholders' equity in 2024 was 22.6%[207]. Product Offerings - Aflac Japan launched a new cancer insurance product, WINGS, in August 2022, and a cancer consultation support service in January 2023, enhancing its offerings[31]. - In September 2023, Aflac Japan introduced a new medical insurance product targeting younger policyholders[32]. - Aflac U.S. offers a range of insurance products including accident, disability, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance, catering to both individual and group markets[50][51][52][53]. Distribution and Sales - Aflac Japan's distribution network includes approximately 6,600 sales agencies and 114,000 licensed sales associates as of the end of 2024[38]. - Aflac U.S. sales force included an average of approximately 6,000 agents actively producing business weekly in 2024[58]. - Approximately half of total new annualized premium sales for Aflac U.S. group business are generated in the fourth quarter, resulting in over one third of total sales occurring in that period[55]. - The company is expanding its distribution strategy to directly reach consumers outside of traditional worksites through digital lead generation[58]. - Aflac Japan has agreements with approximately 90% of banks in Japan to sell its insurance products[42]. - The Company has agreements with 360 banks in Japan, with sales through these banks representing 3% of Aflac Japan's new annualized premium sales in 2024[140]. Financial Risks and Market Conditions - Aflac Japan's solvency margin ratio (SMR) is sensitive to interest rate, credit spread, and foreign exchange rate changes, with measures in place to mitigate these sensitivities[45]. - The Company faces risks from high inflation and economic uncertainty, which could adversely affect its investments and profitability[94]. - A sustained decline in interest rates could hinder the Company's ability to earn the returns assumed in the pricing and reserving for its insurance products[108]. - A rise in interest rates would improve the Company's ability to earn higher rates of return on future investments, but could also negatively impact the fair values of fixed maturity investments[109]. - The Company is exposed to significant interest rate risk, which may adversely affect its results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity[106]. - Fluctuations in the yen/dollar exchange rate can significantly affect the Company's reported financial position and results of operations[122]. Regulatory and Compliance - The company is subject to state regulations that require fair and equitable transactions within its insurance holding company system[61]. - Aflac U.S. is monitoring emerging legislation and regulations to ensure compliance with privacy and cybersecurity requirements[71]. - The Company is subject to extensive regulation, and changes in laws could materially impact profitability and growth[166]. - Failure to meet minimum capital requirements by subsidiaries could lead to regulatory actions and affect the Company's financial strength ratings[168]. Employee Engagement and Diversity - Aflac Japan's employee engagement survey results are reported to the Human Capital Management Policy Committee to identify issues and implement improvements[89]. - In 2024, 60% of new hires in the U.S. were people of color and 69% were women, reflecting the company's commitment to diversity[90]. - Aflac Japan's Heartful Services promotes the hiring of employees with disabilities, with 119 out of 153 employees having a disability as of December 31, 2024[90]. - Aflac U.S. offers various internships and educational opportunities to enhance employee skills and career development[84]. - The company has implemented a human capital management system to help employees proactively design their careers[83]. - Aflac Japan launched the Aflac Leadership Academy in 2024 to develop next-generation management[83]. Technology and Innovation - The company is investing in technology and product innovation, including artificial intelligence, to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency[147]. - The company is heavily reliant on its telecommunication and information technology systems, which are subject to risks such as cyberattacks and data breaches that could adversely affect its financial condition[148]. - The company maintains a global information security program to protect its data and that of its customers from cybersecurity threats[179]. Competitive Landscape - The company operates in a competitive environment, facing potential competition from both existing and new companies, which could adversely affect its market share and profitability[169]. - The company has seen increased competition as major medical carriers seek entry into Aflac's supplemental product segments[60]. - Aflac U.S. competes against several supplemental insurance carriers, believing its policies and premium rates are competitive by product type[59]. Risk Management - The Company's risk management framework may not effectively identify or mitigate emerging risks, potentially leading to unexpected losses[154]. - The company faces operational risks from third-party vendors, which could disrupt business operations and negatively impact revenues and reputation[159]. - Compliance with privacy and information security regulations is critical, as violations could result in significant fines and damage to the Company's reputation[162]. Economic and Environmental Factors - Catastrophic events, including climate change and public health issues, could significantly impact the company's financial condition and operational results[171]. - The company has a global crisis management framework to minimize business disruption from catastrophic events, but its effectiveness is uncertain[172]. Accounting and Financial Reporting - Changes in accounting standards could materially affect the company's financial statements and results of operations[175]. - The assumptions used in establishing premiums and reserves are inherently uncertain, and deviations from these assumptions could materially affect the Company's financial results[146].

Core Viewpoint - Aflac Incorporated has launched a new individual Aflac Accident Insurance product aimed at providing financial support to policyholders facing covered accidents, addressing both physical and mental health needs [1][2][4]. Product Features - The new Aflac Accident Insurance plan offers cash benefits for various health services post-accident, including ambulance, ER, urgent care, physical therapy, and mental health therapy, available in 32 states [2][3]. - The plan nearly doubles coverage for follow-up care treatments and includes mental health benefits, enhancing preventive care to promote overall health and wellness [2][8]. - Key benefits include increased cash benefits for post-accident medical care, built-in benefits for hospital and ICU confinement that increase annually for up to five years, and enhanced benefits for common accident outcomes such as fractures and concussions [8]. Market Context - According to the 2025 Aflac WorkForces Report, 51% of American employees cannot afford a $1,000 out-of-pocket expense due to unexpected illness or injury, highlighting the need for supplemental insurance products like Aflac's [3]. - The company aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with unanticipated medical bills, allowing policyholders to focus on recovery rather than financial stress [4][6]. Company Background - Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company and the leading provider of supplemental health insurance in the U.S., with a strong presence in Japan as well [7]. - The company has been recognized for its ethical practices and sustainability efforts, being included in the World's Most Ethical Companies for 18 consecutive years and the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index for 11 years [7].

Core Viewpoint - Aflac Incorporated reported mixed fourth-quarter 2024 results, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.56, missing estimates but showing a year-over-year increase of 24.8% [1][2] Financial Performance - Revenues rose from $3.8 billion in the previous year to $4.3 billion, although this was a 2.7% miss against consensus estimates [2] - Adjusted net investment income increased by 21% year over year to $962 million [5] - Total net benefits and claims decreased by 8.6% year over year to $1.9 billion [5] - Total acquisition and operating expenses fell by 2.9% year over year to $1.3 billion [5] Segment Analysis - **Aflac Japan**: Adjusted revenues decreased by 5.6% year over year to $2.4 billion, missing estimates by 4.2%. Total net earned premiums dipped by 8.2% to $1.7 billion [6] - **Aflac U.S.**: Adjusted revenues increased by 2% year over year to $1.7 billion, but missed estimates by 2.5%. Total net earned premiums rose by 2.7% to $1.4 billion [8] Full-Year Update - Adjusted EPS for 2024 improved by 15.7% to $7.21, while total revenues rose by 1.2% to $18.9 billion [10] - Net earned premiums decreased by 4.8% to $13.4 billion, but adjusted net investment income increased by 12.1% to $3.9 billion [10] Financial Position - As of December 31, 2024, total cash and cash equivalents increased to $6.2 billion from $4.3 billion at the end of 2023 [11] - Total assets fell to $117.6 billion from $126.7 billion at the end of 2023 [11] - Adjusted debt rose to $7.2 billion from $6.8 billion at the end of 2023, with a stable adjusted debt to adjusted capitalization ratio of 19.7% [12] Capital Deployment - Aflac repurchased 7 million shares worth $750 million in the fourth quarter, with 47.3 million shares remaining for buyback [14] - Management announced a dividend of 58 cents per share for the first quarter, payable on March 3, 2025 [14] Outlook - Aflac anticipates improved sales in its Japan business for 2025, focusing on third-sector products and targeting younger customers [15] - The company expects a benefit ratio of 64-66% for Aflac Japan and 48-52% for Aflac U.S. in 2025 [16]

Forward-Looking Statements and Non-GAAP Financial Measures The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" to encourage companies to provide prospective information, so long as those informational statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. The company desires to take advantage of these ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aflac Incorporated reported a net earnings per diluted share increase of 23.8% to $9.63 and adjusted earnings per diluted share up 15.7% to $7.21 for 2024 [9] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share for Q4 2024 increased 24.8% year over year to $1.56, with a one-cent negative impact from foreign exchange [23] - The adjusted return on equity (ROE) was 12%, and 14.5% excluding foreign exchange remeasurement [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aflac Japan accounted for over 70% of pretax adjusted earnings and three-quarters of the consolidated balance sheet in 2024, with a 15.5% increase in pretax adjusted earnings and a record 36% pretax profit margin [9] - In Japan, net earned premiums for Q4 declined 5.4%, impacted by an internal cancer reinsurance transaction and paid-up policies [25] - In the US, net income premium increased by 2.7%, with a total benefit ratio of 46.3%, which was 170 basis points higher than Q4 2023 [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aflac Japan maintained a premium persistency rate of 93.4%, unchanged year over year, while the US persistency improved by 70 basis points to 79.3% [27][15] - The expense ratio in Japan was 20.8% for Q4, down 30 basis points year over year, while the US expense ratio was 40.3%, down 310 basis points year over year [28][31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Aflac Japan's strategy focuses on acquiring younger customers and expanding product offerings, including a new cancer insurance product set to launch in March 2025 [11][13] - The company aims to enhance product persistency in the US by ensuring policyholders understand the value of their products [14] - Aflac is committed to maintaining strong capital ratios and has deployed $2.8 billion in capital for share repurchases, reflecting a focus on shareholder returns [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the underlying strengths of the business and potential for continued growth in both Japan and the US, despite challenges in the competitive landscape [22] - The company anticipates a higher benefit ratio in Japan for 2025, with expectations for the expense ratio to be at the lower end of the range [40] - Management acknowledged the impact of higher claims on future remeasurement gains, indicating a cautious approach to underwriting [93] Other Important Information - Aflac has maintained a track record of 42 consecutive years of dividend growth, returning $3.9 billion to shareholders in 2024 [21] - The company ended the quarter with strong capital ratios, including an estimated SMR above 1150% and an ESR above 270% [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on the competitive environment impacting US sales? - Management noted that Q4 2023 was a tough comparison due to high sales, and emphasized a focus on underwriting discipline to ensure profitable business [45][46] Question: What is the outlook for Japan sales growth? - Management indicated that sales activities are recovering post-pandemic, with a focus on integrated marketing and new product launches to drive growth [64][66] Question: How is the recruiting environment in the US? - Management confirmed a stable recruitment level around 10,000 agents, emphasizing the strength of Aflac's distribution network [96] Question: What is the impact of the weaker yen on Aflac's operations? - Management explained that the yen-dollar exchange rate affects GAAP financials, but the company has a hedging strategy to protect economic value [134][135] Question: How much of the Japan margin guidance is impacted by floating rate income? - Management indicated that the majority of the margin guidance is driven by net investment income, with expectations for a decline in floating rate income due to lower short rates [140][144]