AM Best Assigns Issue Credit Rating to Aflac Incorporated’s New Senior Unsecured Notes

Rhea-AI Summary

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%.

Positive

• Assigned Long-Term Issue Credit Rating of 'a-' indicates strong creditworthiness.
• Proceeds from the $400 million notes will fund sustainability initiatives, enhancing corporate social responsibility.
• Strong liquidity of approximately $5 billion provides financial stability.
• Interest coverage ratio remains robust, indicating healthy debt management.

Negative

• None.

AM Best has assigned a Long-Term Issue Credit Rating of “a-” to the newly issued senior unsecured notes of Aflac Incorporated (Aflac) (Columbus, GA) [NYSE: AFL]. The $400 million, 1.125% notes, due March 15, 2026, were issued as senior sustainability notes. The outlook assigned to the Credit Rating (rating) is stable. The existing ratings of Aflac and its subsidiaries are unchanged.

AM Best expects the proceeds from the $400 million offering to be used to fund Aflac’s sustainability initiatives, a first for the company based on its developing an environmental, social and governance investment philosophy. Aflac’s intent is to use at least the equivalent of the net proceeds from this issue exclusively for existing, future or financing of assets that meet its sustainability bond framework. These are assets, businesses or projects that meet their board-approved criteria within that framework. These may include investments in renewable energy and efficiency projects, green buildings, clean transportation and sustainable water management investments. The social aspect may include investments in programs promoting economic mobility and access opportunity to foster productive employment. Aflac’s internal mechanism to manage this effort will be conducted by its Sustainability Bond Council, which is composed of members of its asset management subsidiary, Treasury team and other senior management. The company has the discretion to use any unallocated portion of the net proceeds in cash and cash equivalents or other liquid marketable instruments.

While AM Best expects the debt issuance to have a modest impact on Aflac’s financial leverage, with adjusted financial leverage of approximately 20% and a continued strong interest coverage ratio, these metrics remain well-within AM Best’s guidelines for the organization’s current ratings. AM Best notes that Aflac has maintained ample liquidity, with its cash and cash equivalents at approximately $5.0 billion at year-end 2020 and its financial flexibility has remained nimble throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2021 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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FAQ

What is the newly assigned credit rating for Aflac's senior unsecured notes?

Aflac's senior unsecured notes have received a Long-Term Issue Credit Rating of 'a-' from AM Best.

How much did Aflac raise from its recent bond issuance?

Aflac raised $400 million from its recent bond issuance.

What are the terms of Aflac's senior unsecured notes?

The notes have a 1.125% interest rate and are due on March 15, 2026.

What will Aflac use the proceeds from the bond issuance for?

The proceeds will be used to fund sustainability initiatives including renewable energy and green projects.

What is Aflac's financial leverage ratio after the bond issuance?

Aflac's adjusted financial leverage is approximately 20% after the bond issuance.