10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2014

AFLAC INC Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2014

Filed August 5, 2014For Securities:AFL

Summary

Aflac Inc. reported mixed financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2014. While net earnings and diluted earnings per share saw a decline compared to the same periods in 2013, primarily due to the weakening Japanese Yen and lower realized investment gains, the company's underlying insurance operations showed resilience. Aflac Japan, which constitutes the majority of the company's business, experienced a decline in yen-denominated revenues and pretax operating earnings, influenced by unfavorable foreign currency translation effects. However, the company highlighted an increase in third sector product sales (cancer and medical) and a stable benefit ratio, signaling continued demand for these essential offerings. In the U.S., Aflac U.S. reported stable premium income and a slight increase in pretax operating earnings, driven by lower incurred claims and an improved expense ratio. The company also continued its share repurchase program, repurchasing $515 million of common stock in the first half of 2014.

Financial Highlights

32 data points
Beta

Revenue

$5.84B

Net Income

$810.00M

13.9% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$0.89

Total Assets

$127.87B

Cash & Equivalents

$2.25B

Free Cash Flow

$1.52B

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$5.84B
SG&A Expenses$537.00M
Operating Income$1.16B
Interest Expense$81.00M
Net Income$810.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.90
EPS (Diluted)$0.89
Shares Outstanding (Basic)905.12M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)910.76M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net earnings decreased to $810 million for Q2 2014 and $1.54 billion for the first six months of 2014, compared to $889 million and $1.78 billion in the prior year periods, respectively.
  • 2Diluted EPS fell to $1.78 in Q2 2014 and $3.38 for the first six months, down from $1.90 and $3.80, respectively.
  • 3Aflac Japan's pretax operating earnings declined by 1.3% in Q2 and 3.6% in the first six months (in USD terms), impacted by a weaker Japanese Yen.
  • 4Aflac U.S. saw a 5.7% increase in pretax operating earnings for Q2 and 6.8% for the first six months, indicating improved operational performance.
  • 5The company repurchased $515 million of common stock in the first six months of 2014 under its share repurchase program.
  • 6Shareholders' equity benefited from a significant increase in net unrealized gains on investment securities and derivatives, rising to $2.9 billion from $1.0 billion at the end of 2013.

Frequently Asked Questions

The decline in net earnings and EPS was primarily driven by the weakening Japanese Yen against the U.S. Dollar, which negatively impacted the translation of Aflac Japan's financial results into USD. Additionally, lower realized investment gains compared to the prior year also contributed to the decrease.

Aflac Japan experienced a decline in yen-denominated revenues and pretax operating earnings, largely due to the unfavorable foreign currency translation effects. However, sales of third sector products (cancer and medical) showed growth, and the company maintained stable benefit ratios, suggesting continued underlying demand. The company is also expanding its partnership with Japan Post to distribute cancer products.

Aflac U.S. demonstrated improved performance with stable premium income and an increase in pretax operating earnings. This growth was attributed to lower incurred claims and a slight improvement in operating expense ratios, indicating effective cost management and operational efficiency in the U.S. market.

Aflac continued its share repurchase program, buying back $515 million of common stock in the first half of 2014. The company plans to continue these repurchases, demonstrating a commitment to returning capital to shareholders and potentially enhancing shareholder value.