Aflac Incorporated

(New York Stock Exchange)

Top News rankings and signal summaries are processed using AI and may contain errors.

1
Very Bullish +80

Aflac Incorporated Announces First Quarter 2026 Results

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) announced its first quarter results for 2026, highlighting robust growth driven by strong investment performance and new product initiatives. Total revenues surged to $4.3 billion, representing a 27.9% year-over-year increase compared to $3.4 billion in the same period of 2025. Net...

Bullish Signals

  • Total revenues surged 27.9% year-over-year to $4.3 billion.
  • Net earnings jumped to $1.0 billion from just $29 million previously.
  • Company distributed $1.3 billion to shareholders via dividends and buybacks.
  • Board declared a 5.2% dividend increase for the 43rd consecutive year.
  • Adjusted ROE excluding currency effects remained strong at 16.4%.

Bearish Signals

  • Adjusted earnings fell 0.6% to $901 million.
  • Variable income was $14 million below expectations.
  • Weak yen reduced adjusted EPS by $0.02.
  • Aflac Japan revenue dropped 1.7% year over year.
  • Net investment losses totalled $30 million.
  • Unrealized loss on securities reached $2.7 billion.
  • Foreign currency translation losses hit $5.0 billion.
2
Bullish +55

Aflac (AFL) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript - The Globe and Mail

Aflac (NYSE:AFL) reported second-quarter 2026 net earnings per diluted share of $1.63, a 46.8% increase year-over-year, driven by strong investment income and expense management. Adjusted EPS was $1.75, with currency-neutral adjusted EPS reaching $1.80. Total revenues declined 1% to $4.1 billion compared to the prior...

Bullish Signals

  • Net earnings per diluted share rose 46.8% to $1.63.
  • Currency-neutral adjusted EPS grew 1.1% to $1.80.
  • Aflac Japan pretax margin improved 230 bps to 34.3%.
  • U.S. sales increased 2.6% to $349 million.
  • U.S. net earned premium grew 2.3% to $1.5 billion.
  • Investment income expected to rise by $50 million annually.
  • Company maintained 43-year dividend increase streak with buybacks.
  • Unencumbered liquidity stands at $3.3 billion.
  • Japan's expense ratio dropped 40 bps to 20.2%.
  • Dental and vision sales surged 47% in Q2.

Bearish Signals

  • Revenues declined 1% YoY to $4.1B due to weaker yen.
  • Aflac Japan sales dropped 5.6% post-Miraito launch.
  • Japan benefit ratio fell 250 bps to 64%.
  • U.S. pretax margin decreased 160 bps to 20.9%.
  • Corporate segment swung from $20M gain to $10M loss.
3
Somewhat Bullish +50

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) Q4 2022 Earnings Call Transcript

Aflac Incorporated reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter of 2022, with adjusted earnings per diluted share excluding foreign currency impacts reaching $5.67 for the full year, marking the company's second-best year on record following a record 2021. In Japan, the company achieved an...

Bullish Signals

  • 2022 EPS $5.67, second-best year in history.
  • Aflac Japan profit margin 24.9%, persistency 94.1%.
  • U.S. Q4 sales up 17.4%, largest quarterly premium.
  • Returned $3.4B to shareholders via dividends and buybacks.
  • Dividend increased for 40 consecutive years, +5% recently.
  • Expansion businesses sales up 98% and 75% full year.
  • U.S. individual business persistency 97% in life/disability.
  • Repurchased 39.2M shares with $2.4B capital deployed.
  • Core capital ratios exceed thresholds even in recession.
  • Highest return on capital, lowest cost among peers.
  • New cancer insurance products launched with Japan Post.
  • Digital applications rose from 30% to ~50%.

Bearish Signals

  • U.S. persistency dropped 260 bps due to large account lapses.
  • Alternative portfolio lost $21M vs $127M prior year gains.
  • Aflac Japan growth muted by linear platform recovery.
  • Digital adoption hindered by legacy paper processing habits.
  • Cancer insurance rider awaits FSA approval before April launch.
4
Very Bullish +78

Josh Brown names top dividend stocks to own in 2026

Josh Brown, CEO of Ritholtz Wealth Management, has identified Travelers (TRV), Chubb (CB), and Aflac (AFL) as top dividend stocks for 2026. The article highlights these insurers for their disciplined underwriting, resilient balance sheets, and long histories of increasing payouts, positioning them as defensive growth...

Bullish Signals

  • Travelers core EPS hit $10.04, nearly double the $5.39 consensus.
  • Travelers net income rose 46% to US$2.2 billion.
  • Chubb Q1 operating earnings surged 85% to $6.82 per share.
  • Chubb's $173 billion portfolio generates accelerating returns at higher rates.
  • Aflac sales jumped 25.5% with margins expanding to 35%.
  • All three have long dividend histories: Travelers (22), Chubb (33), Aflac (43) years.
  • Travelers retired over 70% of shares since 2006.
  • Aflac generates up to US$3 billion in annual free cash flow.

Bearish Signals

  • Catastrophe losses could wipe out underwriting gains and slow dividends.
  • Rising credit/investment losses or falling rates threaten portfolio returns.
  • Aflac trades at a premium near $125 with a $116 target.
5
Somewhat Bullish +45

Aflac Just Extended Its Dividend Growth Streak to 44 Years. Is It a Buy?

Aflac (NYSE:AFL) declared a fourth-quarter dividend of $0.61 per share, extending its streak of consecutive annual dividend increases to 44 years. Despite the company missing adjusted earnings expectations with an EPS of $0.02, the payout remains sustainable with a low payout ratio near 33% of...

Bullish Signals

  • Dividend growth streak extended to 44 consecutive years.
  • Conservative payout ratio near 33% of earnings.
  • Q3 capital returns totaled $1.1 billion.
  • Holds $3.3 billion in free liquidity.
  • Stock gained 15.44% year to date.

Bearish Signals

  • Aflac missed adjusted earnings expectations with an EPS of $0.02 due to a $1.1 billion charge from portfolio adjustments.
  • Japanese operations are under pressure from a weaker yen, resulting in falling revenue and widened unrealized losses of $5.0 billion.
  • Revenue from Japan fell 7.7% while persistency slipped to 92.9%, indicating potential challenges in the core international market.
6
Slightly Bullish +25

JPMorgan raises target for Aflac stock from USD 116.00 to USD 119.00

Aflac Inc. reported second-quarter revenue of USD 4.22 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of USD 4.11 billion, though adjusted earnings per share of USD 1.75 slightly missed the USD 1.76 consensus. The company's revenue declined by 1.00 percent year-over-year to USD 4.22 billion, reflecting resilient demand...

Bullish Signals

  • Revenue beat expectations at USD 4.22 billion vs USD 4.11 billion consensus.
  • JPMorgan raised price target from USD 116 to USD 119.

Bearish Signals

  • EPS missed consensus at $1.75 vs $1.76.
  • Revenue declined 1% year-over-year in Q2.
  • BofA lowered price target to $133.
7
Somewhat Bearish -35

Aflac stock falls 1.06 percent as Q2 results miss EPS view

Aflac reported second-quarter 2026 results that missed analyst expectations for adjusted earnings per share, causing its stock to fall 1.06 percent on September 24, 2026. The company posted an adjusted EPS of USD 1.75, which was 1.1 percent below the consensus estimate and represented a...

Bullish Signals

  • Aflac U.S. adjusted revenue grew 2.5% to USD 1.8 billion.

Bearish Signals

  • Missed EPS view by 1.1%, reporting USD 1.75 vs expectations.
  • Adjusted revenue fell 7% YoY to USD 4.2 billion.
  • Japan drag: adjusted revenue dropped 12.6% to USD 2.2 billion.
  • Japan net earned premiums declined 12.7% YoY, reducing premium base.
  • Japan pretax earnings decreased 6.2% to USD 741 million.
8
Somewhat Bullish +45

Assenagon Asset Management S.A. Cuts Position in Aflac Incorporated ...

Assenagon Asset Management S.A. significantly reduced its stake in Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) by 75.3% during the first quarter, selling 292,499 shares to hold a remaining position of 95,897 shares valued at $10.5 million. This move contrasts with activity from other major institutional investors who increased...

Bullish Signals

  • Vanguard increased stake by 13.4%, adding 6.76 million shares.
  • Norges Bank bought $420 million new stake in Q4.
  • AQR raised holdings by 1,184.5%, acquiring 1.17 million shares.
  • Marshall Wace increased stake by 390.7% in Q4.
  • Franklin Resources lifted stake by 132.4% in Q3.
  • Evercore upgraded to 'strong-buy' rating in April.
  • Wall Street Zen upgraded from 'sell' to 'hold' in May.
  • Piper Sandler raised price target to $130.00.
  • Stock hit 52-week high of $120.27.
  • Aflac offers 2.0% dividend yield with 27.70% payout ratio.

Bearish Signals

  • Assenagon Asset Management reduced position by 75.3%.
  • UBS dropped target to $114.00 with neutral rating.
  • Insiders sold over 1.08 million shares worth $125M.
  • Target price of $112.27 is below recent trading price.
  • Quick and current ratios are both 0.11.
9
Bullish +75

Aflac Earnings Call Highlights Japan Surge and Strength

Aflac Incorporated reported first-quarter earnings driven by strong new business momentum in Japan, where sales surged 25.5% fueled by new products like the Onsen Tallett medical line and the Miraito cancer line. Adjusted earnings per diluted share rose to $1.75, or approximately $1.77 excluding foreign-exchange...

Bullish Signals

  • Aflac Japan sales jumped 25.5% driven by new products.
  • Adjusted EPS rose 6.6% to $1.75 with $82M gains.
  • U.S. sales grew 2.9% and premium persistency hit 79.3%.
  • Company-wide ROE reached 12.8% and Japan margin climbed to 35%.
  • Aflac holds $3.4B unencumbered liquidity, well above minimums.
  • Returned $1.3B to shareholders via buybacks and dividends.
  • Japan benefit ratio improved to 62.9% with better claims.
  • U.S. group products surged 12.4% with strong mix growth.
  • Management reaffirmed full-year guidance for Japan and U.S. ratios.
  • Aflac targets 20%-25% leverage and continues capital deployment.

Bearish Signals

  • Nonrecurring $82M reserve gains may not repeat.
  • $19M loan charge-offs and $24M real estate impairments.
  • $12M U.S. statutory impairments and weak investment income.
  • U.S. expense ratio rose 70bps to 38.3%.
  • Aflac Japan earnings reduced by external reinsurance.
  • Japan needs JPY 90B sales vs JPY 74B generated.
10
Slightly Bullish +25

Aflac (NYSE:AFL) Stock: Insider Joseph Moskowitz Sells 600 Shares

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) Director Joseph Moskowitz sold 600 shares of company stock on November 9th for a total value of $74,994. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, leaving the director with 32,119 shares directly owned. This sale represents a 1.83%...

Bullish Signals

  • EPS beat by $0.63, reaching $2.43/share vs $1.80 consensus.
  • Revenue exceeded forecasts at $4.30B versus $4.12B expected.
  • Quarterly dividend raised to $0.64, boosting annualized yield to 2.0%.
  • Weiss Ratings upgraded from 'buy (b+)' to 'buy (a-)' on Nov 3.

Bearish Signals

  • Aflac's quarterly revenue declined by 31.0% year-over-year, indicating potential headwinds in its core business.
  • Barclays reaffirmed an 'underweight' rating with a price target of $101.00, citing concerns about the stock.
11
Slightly Bullish +25

Aflac stock: Mizuho raises target but keeps Underperform rating

Aflac Inc. received a mixed analyst reaction following its third-quarter report, with Mizuho raising its price target to $112 while maintaining an Underperform rating. The insurer reported normalized earnings per share of $1.80, which matched consensus estimates, though adjusted earnings reached $2.43 due to actuarial...

Bullish Signals

  • Mizuho raised price target to $112 after Q3 earnings beat.

Bearish Signals

  • Revenue fell to $3.27B vs $4.11B consensus.
  • Japan premium equivalents continue shrinking.
  • US new premium equivalents growth remains soft.
  • Mizuho maintains Underperform rating on mixed trends.
  • Future growth depends on capital deployment.
12
Slightly Bullish +15

Aflac stock: Mizuho raises target as Q3 outlook stays mixed

Aflac Inc. received an analyst upgrade from Mizuho, which raised its price target to $112 from $107 while maintaining an Underperform rating following the company's mixed third-quarter report. The revision was driven by higher earnings estimates and capital released through a Japan reinsurance transaction, though...

Bullish Signals

  • Mizuho raised price target to $112 on higher earnings.
  • U.S. pretax adjusted earnings rose 31.5% in Q3.
  • Declared Q4 dividend of $0.61, 44th year increase.
  • Returned $1.1B via repurchases and dividends in Q3.
  • Mizuho raised 2026 earnings estimate by 9% to $7.70.

Bearish Signals

  • Mizho retained Underperform rating due to uneven premium trends.
  • Japan pretax earnings fell 21.0% as premiums shrink.
  • Portfolio losses pushed net income sharply lower.
  • Future benefit ratios expected to modestly reduce.
13
Somewhat Bullish +30

Aflac stock extends dividend streak after mixed Q3 results

Aflac Inc. reported mixed third-quarter results on November 4, driven by a divergence in performance between its U.S. and Japan operations. While the company's U.S. insurance business delivered stronger operating performance with rising premiums and improved margins, earnings from Japan weakened due to higher benefits...

Bullish Signals

  • Aflac extended its dividend streak for the 44th consecutive year, declaring a Q4 dividend of $0.61 per share.
  • U.S. pretax adjusted earnings increased 31.5% to $493 million, reflecting strong operating performance in the domestic market.
  • Net earned premiums in the U.S. rose 3.3% year over year to $1.5 billion, demonstrating resilient growth in core insurance business.
  • The U.S. segment margin improved significantly to 27.7%, up from 21.7% last year, driven by a better benefit ratio and reserve gains.
  • Sales advanced 3.5% to $403 million, supported by expansion in network dental, group life, and disability products.

Bearish Signals

  • Net earnings dropped $303M due to $1.1B investment losses.
14
Somewhat Bullish +35

JPMorgan raises target to USD 119 for Aflac stock

JPMorgan raised its price target for Aflac Inc. (AFL) to USD 119.00 from USD 116.00 on October 15, 2026, while maintaining a neutral rating. This adjustment reflects the company's recent financial performance, specifically a significant rise in net income despite a slight decline in revenue...

Bullish Signals

  • Net income surged 37.70% YoY to USD 825M in Q2 2026.
  • Diluted EPS rose to USD 1.63, showing strong profitability.

Bearish Signals

  • Q2 revenue fell 1% YoY to $4.12B, signaling top-line pressure.
15
Slightly Bullish +20

AFL: Dividend Durability, Modest Upside (AFL) | AFL Research

Aflac Incorporated (AFL) is a well-capitalized global provider of supplemental health and life insurance, holding the largest market presence in Japan alongside a significant US business. The company boasts a conservative balance sheet with high current ratios and manageable leverage, supported by ample invested assets...

Bullish Signals

  • Strong underwriting with 40+ year dividend track record.
  • Conservative balance sheet with high current ratios.
  • High operating margins vs general insurers.
  • Cash flow supports dividends and capital returns.

Bearish Signals

  • Q2 FY26 EPS missed estimates by $0.01.
  • Price targets imply limited near-term upside.
  • Major shareholder sold shares in October.
16
Slightly Bullish +15

Aflac (NYSE:AFL) Major Shareholder Sells 113,611 Shares of Stock

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) saw a major shareholder, Post Holdings Co. Ltd. Japan, sell 113,611 shares on October 15th for approximately $13.47 million under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. This transaction reduced the insider's direct ownership by 0.23%, leaving them with roughly 50.13 million shares...

Bullish Signals

  • BlackRock added $4.09B stake, showing strong institutional confidence.

Bearish Signals

  • EPS missed consensus by $0.01 at $1.75.
  • Revenue declined 1.0% year-over-year to $4.22B.
  • Barclays maintains underweight rating with $101 target.
  • Stock trades below 52-week high of $130.22.
17
Somewhat Bearish -25

Aflac (NYSE:AFL) Stock: Insider Post Holdings Co. Ltd. Japan Sells ...

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) saw a notable insider transaction on October 14th when major shareholder Post Holdings Co. Ltd. Japan sold 55,000 shares at an average price of $117.79. The sale, executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, reduced the insider's ownership by 0.11%, leaving...

Bullish Signals

  • Aflac reported revenue of $4.22 billion for the quarter, exceeding analyst expectations of $4.11 billion despite a slight miss in EPS.
  • The company maintains a strong balance sheet with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29 and a current ratio of 0.12.
  • Several institutional investors, including Kintegral Advisory LLC and TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., increased their holdings during the third quarter.
  • Aflac pays a consistent quarterly dividend with an annualized yield of 2.0%, providing income to shareholders.

Bearish Signals

  • EPS missed consensus at $1.75 vs $1.76.
  • Major shareholder Post Holdings sold 55k shares.
  • Wall Street Zen downgraded to 'sell' rating.
  • Wolfe Research initiated with 'underperform' rating.
18
Somewhat Bearish -25

Aflac (NYSE:AFL) Major Shareholder Post Holdings Co. Ltd. Japan Sells ...

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) saw a minor reduction in its major shareholder position as Post Holdings Co. Ltd. Japan sold 12,000 shares on October 9th for approximately $1.38 million under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Following the transaction, the insider retained 50.36 million shares, representing...

Bullish Signals

  • Aflac beat revenue estimates of $4.11 billion by reporting $4.22 billion in quarterly revenue.
  • The company maintains a strong net margin of 26.91% and a return on equity of 13.27%.
  • UBS Group raised its price target to $125, indicating confidence in the stock's valuation potential.
  • Fortitude Family Office LLC significantly increased its holdings by 347.8% in Q3, signaling strong institutional interest.

Bearish Signals

  • EPS missed expectations at $1.75 vs $1.76 estimate.
19
Somewhat Bearish -25

Bank of America cuts target for Aflac stock to USD 133.00

Aflac Inc. reported second-quarter 2026 results showing revenue of USD 4.22 billion, which exceeded analyst expectations of USD 4.11 billion. However, the company's earnings per share came in at USD 1.75, missing the consensus estimate of USD 1.76. This divergence between top-line growth and profitability...

Bullish Signals

  • Revenue hit $4.22B, beating estimates.
  • Bank of America keeps Buy rating.

Bearish Signals

  • Aflac's second-quarter earnings per share of USD 1.75 missed the consensus estimate of USD 1.76, signaling profitability concerns.
  • Bank of America reduced its price target from USD 137.00 to USD 133.00 following the earnings miss.
20
Somewhat Bearish -25

Wells Fargo cuts target for Aflac stock from USD 122.00 to USD 116.00

Aflac Inc. reported second-quarter 2026 revenue of USD 4.22 billion, beating the consensus estimate of USD 4.11 billion. However, earnings per share came in at USD 1.75, slightly missing the USD 1.76 expected by analysts and falling below the prior year's comparable period of USD...

Bullish Signals

  • Aflac reported second-quarter 2026 revenue of USD 4.22 billion, which exceeded the USD 4.11 billion consensus estimate.
  • The company successfully beat analyst expectations for top-line growth in Q2 2026 despite a slight year-over-year decline.

Bearish Signals

  • Wells Fargo cut price target to USD 116.00 after mixed results.