Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aflac Incorporated reported net earnings per diluted share of $1.11 and adjusted earnings per diluted share of $1.78 for Q2 2025, with adjusted earnings per diluted share decreasing by 2.7% year over year [5][16] - Adjusted book value per share excluding foreign currency remeasurement increased by 5.2% [16] - The adjusted return on equity (ROE) was 13.7% to 16.4%, indicating an acceptable spread to the cost of capital [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aflac Japan experienced a 23.2% year-over-year sales increase, with a notable 53% increase in cancer insurance sales driven by the new product MiRyto [6][8] - Aflac US generated $340 million in new sales during Q2, reflecting a 2.7% year-over-year increase, with strong premium persistency of 79.2% and a 3.4% increase in net earned premium [9][10] - The total benefit ratio for Aflac US was 47.3%, which is 60 basis points higher than Q2 2024, driven by business mix [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aflac Japan's net earned premiums declined by 4.8%, while underlying earned premiums, excluding certain impacts, declined by 1.1% [17] - Persistency in Japan remained solid at 93.7%, up approximately 40 basis points year over year [19] - In the US, the expense ratio improved to 36.3%, down 60 basis points year over year, driven by improved scale and expense efficiency [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining strong premium persistency and expanding its product offerings to meet customer needs throughout different life stages [8][10] - Aflac is leveraging its broad distribution channels in Japan to optimize opportunities for financial protection [9] - The company aims to continue driving profitable growth with a stronger underwriting discipline and prudent expense management [10][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing need for Aflac's products, emphasizing the importance of being a partner in health for policyholders [11][15] - The company anticipates a stronger second half of 2025, driven by fourth-quarter bookings and a robust pipeline [66] - Management acknowledged the competitive landscape in the medical insurance market and plans to launch a new medical product within a year [84] Other Important Information - Aflac repurchased $829 million of its own stock and paid dividends of $312 million in Q2 2025, returning a total of $1.1 billion to shareholders [12][27] - The company celebrated several milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of new cancer product on sales - Management indicated that the new cancer product, MiRyto, has gained traction and is expected to continue performing well, with strong sales across all channels [40] Question: Japan investment income trajectory - Management noted that variable net investment income (NII) improved due to better portfolio marks and strategic trades, with optimism for a solid second half of the year [44] Question: Approach to capital deployment and M&A - Management stated that capital deployment is based on operating capital generation, with a focus on organic growth and returning capital to shareholders through dividends and buybacks [61][75] Question: U.S. sales performance and expectations - Management acknowledged sluggish sales growth in the U.S. but expects stronger performance in the second half, driven by improved recruitment and pipeline strength [66] Question: Expense ratio trends in Japan - Management expects the expense ratio in Japan to remain within the guidance range of 20% to 23%, with some technology projects driving expenses higher [73]