Aflac Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) reported Q1 2021 revenues of $5.9 billion, up from $5.2 billion year-over-year. Net earnings surged to $1.3 billion ($1.87 per share), driven by $304 million in adjusted net investment gains versus losses of $448 million in Q1 2020. Adjusted earnings reached $1.1 billion, a 20.0% increase. Aflac Japan saw a 3.6% decline in net premium income, while U.S. net premium income dropped 4.1%. The board declared a dividend of $0.33 per share.

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) will release its first quarter financial results after market close on April 28, 2021. Earnings materials will be accessible on the company's Investor Relations website. A conference call is scheduled for April 29, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. ET, where executives will discuss the results and outlook influenced by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Aflac is a leading supplemental insurer in the U.S. and Japan, providing financial protection to over 50 million people.

AM Best has assigned a Long-Term Issue Credit Rating of 'a-' to Aflac's new yen-denominated senior unsecured notes totaling JPY 82.0 billion. This includes notes with varying maturities from 2031 to 2051. The stable outlook reflects Aflac's sound financial metrics, despite an expected temporary increase in financial leverage to around 21%. The proceeds will be used to prefund a forthcoming USD 700 million debt repayment. Aflac maintains a strong liquidity position with over USD 5.1 billion in cash and cash equivalents.

CellMax Life and Sebela Pharmaceuticals announced a strategic collaboration and Series C financing on March 23, 2021. Aflac Ventures participated in the financing, highlighting confidence in CellMax's technology. The funds will enhance the development of FirstSight™, a blood test for early detection of colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas. CellMax initiated a U.S. study for optimizing its algorithm, with Sebela set to commercialize the test post FDA approval. Current screening rates for colorectal cancer remain below targets, indicating a significant market opportunity.

Aflac emphasizes its commitment to supporting accessible voting while ensuring security and transparency, as debate continues in Georgia regarding voting rights. The company states it will not endorse any legislation that does not align with these principles. Aflac, a Fortune 500 company, provides supplemental insurance to over 50 million people across the U.S. and Japan, holding a significant market position in medical and cancer insurance. Recognized for its ethical practices, Aflac has been listed among the World's Most Admired Companies and included in the Gender-Equality Index.

Aflac, a major player in supplemental insurance, is launching a dynamic campaign for March Madness in partnership with the NCAA. Starting on Selection Sunday, March 14, the initiative features the Post-Pain Show, a humorous take on sports commentary aimed at connecting with over 150 million basketball fans. The campaign emphasizes Aflac’s role in mitigating the financial burdens that health insurance does not cover. With support across social media and digital platforms, Aflac aims to enhance fan engagement during the tournament while promoting its services through relatable humor.

AM Best has assigned a Long-Term Issue Credit Rating of “a-” to Aflac's newly issued $400 million senior unsecured notes, with a 1.125% interest rate due March 15, 2026. This marks Aflac's first issuance under its sustainability initiative, focusing on funding projects aligned with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. The proceeds aim to finance renewable energy, green buildings, and social mobility programs. The company maintains strong liquidity, with $5 billion in cash and equivalents at year-end 2020, and a stable financial leverage of approximately 20%.