Summary
Aflac Incorporated reported solid financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2026. Net earnings significantly increased year-over-year, driven by improved investment performance and the absence of substantial prior-year investment losses. Aflac Japan, the company's largest segment, experienced a decrease in premiums and adjusted net investment income, partly due to a weaker yen, but saw a reduction in benefits and claims, leading to improved pretax adjusted earnings in yen terms. Aflac U.S. demonstrated growth in net earned premiums and maintained stable adjusted net investment income, though pretax adjusted earnings saw a slight decline due to increased benefits and claims. The company continued its share repurchase program, returning capital to shareholders, and maintained a strong capital position. Management remains focused on managing currency fluctuations and operational risks, including cybersecurity incidents in both Japan and the U.S., which are currently not expected to have a material impact on the company's financial condition.
Key Highlights
- 1Net earnings increased to $825 million ($1.63 per diluted share) in Q2 2026, up from $599 million ($1.11 per diluted share) in Q2 2025.
- 2For the first six months of 2026, net earnings were $1.8 billion ($3.61 per diluted share), compared to $628 million ($1.16 per diluted share) in the same period of 2025.
- 3Aflac Japan's pretax adjusted earnings increased in yen terms due to lower benefits and claims, despite a weaker yen impacting translated revenues.
- 4Aflac U.S. saw an increase in net earned premiums but a slight decrease in pretax adjusted earnings due to higher benefits and claims.
- 5The company repurchased $2.0 billion of common stock in the first six months of 2026, with $96.8 million shares remaining available for repurchase.
- 6Shareholders' equity increased to $30.3 billion at June 30, 2026, supported by strong earnings and positive impacts from discount rate assumption changes.
- 7The company reported cybersecurity incidents in both Japan and the U.S., but currently believes they will not have a material impact on financial condition.