Aflac Inc. - AFL STOCK NEWS

Aflac announced a $1.5 million annual contribution to the Sickle Cell Disease Program at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center in Atlanta, marking a total of over $6 million donated. This initiative coincides with National Sickle Cell Awareness Month and highlights Aflac's commitment to combating this inherited disease that impacts children significantly. In 2019, over 2,050 children were treated for sickle cell disease at the center. Aflac's funding aims to enhance treatment capabilities, especially through bone marrow transplants, aligning with their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.

Aflac conducted a national survey revealing significant changes in employee behavior concerning open enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the surveyed employees, 49% indicated they are now investing more time researching benefits, a noteworthy shift from the previous norm of 92% choosing the same benefits annually. Financial impacts from the pandemic are evident, with 67% reporting at least minor financial issues. Additionally, 63% expect expanded benefits, underscoring an anticipated rise in demand for better insurance options in the workforce.

Aflac has launched its second marketing campaign featuring legendary coach Nick Saban and the Aflac Duck during the NFL game on Sept. 10, 2020. Titled "The Program," the campaign highlights Aflac's role in providing supplemental insurance that covers expenses health insurance doesn't. This initiative follows the 2019 campaign aimed at clarifying how Aflac operates. The campaign includes television spots like "Go Time" and is supported by social media marketing, emphasizing Aflac's commitment to policyholders during challenging times, particularly amid the ongoing pandemic.

Aflac commemorates National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting its 25-year commitment to childhood cancer support through various initiatives. The company honors healthcare heroes and has invested in its My Special Aflac Duck program. Aflac continues to fund childhood cancer programs with $146 million and recently awarded $2,500 grants to 10 child life programs. The new My Special Aflac Duck innovations include medical play accessories to support children during treatment. Aflac aims to raise awareness and provide support for pediatric cancer families across the U.S.

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) announced that Executive Vice President and CFO Max K. Brodén will participate in a fireside chat during the Virtual KBW Insurance Conference on September 9, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. ET. The event will be webstreamed live, with replays available for 90 days. Aflac serves over 50 million people, primarily in Japan and the U.S., and is recognized as a leading supplemental insurer. The company has received numerous accolades for its workplace culture and ethical practices, including being listed among Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies.

Aflac Incorporated's board has authorized the purchase of up to 100 million shares of its common stock, adding to the 21.9 million shares remaining from a previous authorization as of June 30, 2020. This brings the total authorized shares for repurchase to approximately 121.9 million. Aflac aims to repurchase shares in open markets based on conditions, demonstrating its commitment to capital management while extending its record of 37 consecutive years of annual dividend increases. CEO Daniel P. Amos emphasized the importance of fulfilling policyholder promises while addressing shareholder interests.

Aflac reported second quarter 2020 revenues of $5.4 billion, down from $5.5 billion year-over-year. Net earnings were $805 million or $1.12 per diluted share, compared to $817 million or $1.09 last year. Significant pretax net investment losses of $166 million were noted, primarily due to credit losses. Total investments grew to $142.2 billion. The company declared a $0.28 dividend per share for Q3 2020. Aflac anticipates sales to be affected by COVID-19, with a potential recovery in the second half of the year.

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) will release its second quarter financial results on July 28, 2020, after market close. Detailed earnings materials will be accessible on the company's Investor Relations website. A conference call to discuss the results, featuring key executives, will be held on July 29, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. (ET). The call will focus on the company's financial performance and outlook, particularly in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.