To provide relief for New Mexico policy/certificate holders residing in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation and affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide the following protections for policy/certificate holders:
In addition to the above, Aflac through Aflac Benefits Solutions will provide the following protections for Network Dental and Vision members and providers:
Affected members should contact Aflac Benefits Solutions at 855-819-1873, option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in the state that have been affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 12, 2024, and ending Nov. 11, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties affected by wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 5, 2024, and ending Nov. 11, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Lake County affected by wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 8, 2024, and ending Dec. 2, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for Tennessee policyholders Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 26, 2024, and ending Nov. 25, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. As further protection, insurance professionals licensed in other states, but not holding Tennessee licenses will be permitted to assist Aflac policyholders. Agents must contact Tennessee Department of Insurance for permission on a case-by-case basis for this accommodation. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
To help provide relief for North Carolina policyholders Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 27, 2024, and ending Nov. 26, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for Florida policyholders Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 26, 2024, and ending Nov. 26, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for Georgia policyholders Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 24, 2024, and ending Nov. 25, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for South Carolina policyholders Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 25, 2024, and ending Nov. 25, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for Florida policyholders Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Oct. 5, 2024, and ending Dec. 10, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To provide relief for New Mexico policy/certificate holders residing in Chavez County and affected by the severe flooding, Aflac will provide the following protections for policy/certificate holders:
In addition to the above, Aflac through Aflac Benefits Solutions will provide the following protections for Network Dental and Vision members and providers:
Affected members should contact Aflac Benefits Solutions at 855-819-1873, option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Siskiyou County affected by wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 3, 2024, and ending Dec. 31, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Sierra County affected by wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 2, 2024, and ending Dec. 31, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Ventura County affected by wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Nov. 6, 2024, and ending Jan. 07, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for North Carolina policyholders, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 27, 2024, and ending Dec. 31, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
COLUMBUS, Ga., Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) today reported its fourth quarter results.
Total revenues were $4.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared with $5.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021. Net earnings were $185 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, compared with $1.0 billion, or $1.57 per diluted share a year ago. The large decline in net earnings for the fourth quarter reflects significant foreign exchange-related net investment losses recognized in the current quarter as compared with significant net realized gains a year ago.
Net earnings in the fourth quarter of 2022 included net investment losses of $521 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, compared with net investment gains of $243 million, or $0.37 per diluted share a year ago. These net investment losses were driven by net losses on certain derivatives and foreign currency activities of $684 million, which was partially offset by $207 million of net gains from sales and redemptions, both of which were largely driven by changes in exchange rates. Net investment losses also included a $28 million loss from a decrease in the fair value of equity securities and a $16 million increase in the company's current expected credit losses (CECL) reserves and impairments.
Adjusted earnings* in the fourth quarter were $806 million, compared with $850 million in the fourth quarter of 2021, reflecting a decrease of 5.2%. Adjusted earnings per diluted share* increased 0.8% to $1.29 in the quarter. Adjusted earnings included a variable investment income loss of $21 million from alternative investments, which was $0.09 per share below return expectations. The weaker yen/dollar exchange rate negatively impacted adjusted earnings per share by $0.11.
The average yen/dollar exchange rate in the fourth quarter of 2022 was 141.87, or 19.9% weaker than the average rate of 113.70 in the fourth quarter of 2021. For the full year, the average exchange rate was 130.17, or 15.7% weaker than the rate of 109.79 a year ago.
Total investments and cash at the end of December 2022 were $117.4 billion, compared with $143.0 billion at December 31, 2021. The decline in the portfolio is principally driven by the weaker yen and higher interest rates.
Shareholders' equity was $22.4 billion, or $36.35 per share, at December 31, 2022, compared with $33.3 billion, or $50.99 per share, at December 31, 2021. Shareholders' equity at the end of the fourth quarter included a net unrealized loss on investment securities and derivatives of $0.7 billion, compared with a net unrealized gain of $9.6 billion at December 31, 2021. Shareholders' equity at the end of the fourth quarter also included an unrealized foreign currency translation loss of $3.6 billion, compared with an unrealized foreign currency translation loss of $2.0 billion at December 31, 2021. The annualized return on average shareholders' equity in the fourth quarter was 3.2%.
For the full year of 2022, total revenues were down 11.8% to $19.5 billion, compared with $22.1 billion for the full year of 2021. Net earnings were $4.2 billion, or $6.59 per diluted share, compared with $4.3 billion, or $6.39 per share, for the full year of 2021. Adjusted earnings for the full year of 2022 were $3.4 billion, or $5.33 per diluted share, compared with $4.0 billion, or $5.94 per share, in 2021. Adjusted earnings included variable investment income from alternative investments, which was $0.10 per diluted share below return expectations. Excluding the negative impact of $0.34 per diluted share from the weaker yen/dollar exchange rate, adjusted earnings per share decreased 4.5% to $5.67 for the full year of 2022.
Shareholders' equity excluding AOCI (or adjusted book value*) was $26.8 billion, or $43.51 per share at December 31, 2022, compared with $25.9 billion, or $39.65 per share, at December 31, 2021. The annualized adjusted return on equity excluding foreign currency impact* in the fourth quarter was 12.9%.
AFLAC JAPAN
In yen terms, Aflac Japan's net earned premiums were ¥306.1 billion for the quarter, or 4.1% lower than a year ago, mainly due to limited pay products reaching paid-up status and slightly declining inforce. Adjusted net investment income decreased 1.7% to ¥86.2 billion, mainly due to lower variable investment income. Total adjusted revenues in yen declined 3.6% to ¥393.3 billion. Pretax adjusted earnings in yen for the quarter declined 0.4% on a reported basis to ¥100.5 billion, primarily due to decreased revenues offset by lower benefits recognized during the quarter. Pretax adjusted earnings decreased 10.8% on a currency-neutral basis. The pretax adjusted profit margin for the Japan segment increased to 25.5%, compared with 24.7% a year ago.
For the full year, net earned premiums in yen were ¥1.2 trillion, or 4.2% lower than a year ago. Adjusted net investment income increased 5.5% to ¥351.5 billion. Total adjusted revenues in yen were down 2.2% to ¥1.6 trillion. Pretax adjusted earnings were ¥399.3 billion, or 3.1% lower than a year ago.
In dollar terms, net earned premiums decreased 22.9% to $2.2 billion in the fourth quarter. Adjusted net investment income decreased 21.7% to $604 million. Total adjusted revenues declined by 22.7% to $2.8 billion. Pretax adjusted earnings declined 20.6% to $704 million.
For the full year, net earned premiums in dollars were $9.5 billion, or 19.4% lower than a year ago. Adjusted net investment income decreased 11.9% to $2.7 billion. Total adjusted revenues were down 17.9% to $12.3 billion. Pretax adjusted earnings were $3.1 billion, or 18.6% lower than a year ago.
For the quarter, total new annualized premium sales (sales) increased 11.4% to ¥16.2 billion, or $115 million, primarily reflecting the continued rollout of the new cancer product. For the full year, total new sales were essentially flat at ¥54.8 billion, or $416 million, reflecting constrained sales in the first half of the year due to ongoing pandemic conditions offset by a new cancer product launch and first sector product updates in the second half of the year.
AFLAC U.S.
Aflac U.S. net earned premiums declined 0.2% to $1.4 billion in the fourth quarter, impacted by lower persistency. Adjusted net investment income decreased 2.5% to $192 million, largely due to lower variable investment income. Total adjusted revenues were up 0.1% to $1.6 billion. Pretax adjusted earnings were $340 million, 30.3% higher than a year ago, primarily due to lower benefits recognized during the quarter. The pretax adjusted profit margin for the U.S. segment was 21.0%, compared with 16.1% a year ago.
For the full year, net earned premiums declined 0.8% to $5.6 billion, impacted by lower persistency. Adjusted net investment income increased 0.1% to $755 million. Total adjusted revenues were essentially flat at $6.5 billion. Pretax adjusted earnings were $1.3 billion, or 10.4% lower than a year ago.
Aflac U.S. sales increased 17.4% in the quarter to $545 million, reflecting continued improvement from investment in growth initiatives as well as productivity gains. For the full year, total new sales increased 16.1% to $1.5 billion.
CORPORATE AND OTHER
For the quarter, total adjusted revenues increased 325.7% to $79 million, primarily due to higher adjusted net investment income resulting from lower federal tax credit investments, higher interest rates, and an increase in amortized hedge income, partially offset by a reduction in total premiums as a result of significant yen weakening. Pretax adjusted earnings were a loss of $44 million, compared with a loss of $155 million a year ago, primarily reflecting an increase in adjusted net investment income.
For the full year, total adjusted revenues increased 52.6% to $267 million, primarily due to a $114 million increase in adjusted net investment income, partially offset by a reduction in total premiums as a result of significant yen weakening. Pretax adjusted earnings were a loss of $223 million, compared with a loss of $298 million a year ago.
DIVIDEND AND CAPITAL RETURNED TO SHAREHOLDERS
The board of directors declared the first quarter dividend of $0.42 per share, payable on March 1, 2023 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 15, 2023.
In the fourth quarter, Aflac Incorporated deployed $600 million in capital to repurchase 8.9 million of its common shares. For the full year, the company deployed $2.4 billion in capital to repurchase 39.2 million of its common shares. At the end of December 2022, the company had 116.6 million remaining shares authorized for repurchase.
OUTLOOK
Commenting on the company's results, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Daniel P. Amos stated: "When adjusting for a material weakening in the yen, Aflac delivered another quarter of solid earnings results capping off a year of overall strong performance. Pandemic conditions in Japan are gradually improving, but impacted operations throughout the year, while in the U.S. they have largely subsided.
"Looking at our operations in Japan, I am encouraged by the sales increase of 11.4% in the fourth quarter and 10.8% in the second half of the year, which reflected a new cancer product launch and first sector product updates. Persistency remained strong in the fourth quarter. We continue to monitor evolving pandemic conditions, which resulted in a slow start to 2022. The slow start negatively impacted sales for the full year, but we are working to build on the momentum we experienced in the quarter as we look to 2023. As anticipated, our benefit ratio returned to a more normal level in the fourth quarter.
"In the U.S., I am pleased with the 17.4% sales increase in the fourth quarter and 16.1% sales increase for the year. This reflects continued improvement in the productivity of our agents and brokers as well as contribution from the buildout of our acquired platforms, namely network dental and vision and group life and disability. We continue to work toward reinforcing our leading position and building our momentum into 2023.
"As always, we are committed to prudent liquidity and capital management. We continue to generate strong investment results while remaining in a defensive position as we monitor evolving economic conditions. In addition, we have taken proactive steps in recent years to defend cash flow and deployable capital against a weakening yen. With the fourth quarter's declaration, 2022 marked the 40th consecutive year of dividend increases. We treasure our track record of dividend growth and remain committed to extending it, supported by the strength of our capital and cash flows. At the same time, we remain in the market repurchasing shares with a tactical approach, focused on integrating the growth investments we have made in our platform to improve our strength and leadership position."
*See Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures section for an explanation of foreign exchange and its impact on the financial statements and definitions of the non-U.S. GAAP financial measures used in this earnings release, as well as a reconciliation of such non-U.S. GAAP financial measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures.
ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) is a Fortune 500 company helping provide protection to more than 50 million people through its subsidiaries in Japan and the U.S., paying cash fast when policyholders get sick or injured. For more than six decades, insurance policies of Aflac Incorporated's subsidiaries have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the U.S., Aflac is the number one provider of supplemental health insurance products1. Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of medical and cancer insurance in Japan, where it insures 1 in 4 households. In 2021, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). In 2022, the company was included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index, as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for the 16th consecutive year, on Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for the 21st time and in Bloomberg's Gender-Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol. Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to ESG and social responsibility at investors.aflac.com under "Sustainability."
1 LIMRA 2021 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report
A copy of Aflac's Financial Analysts Briefing (FAB) supplement for the quarter can be found on the "Investors" page at aflac.com.
Aflac Incorporated will webcast its quarterly conference call via the "Investors" page of aflac.com at 8:00 a.m. (ET) on Thursday, February 2, 2023.
Note: Tables within this document may not foot due to rounding.
AFLAC INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT | ||||||
(UNAUDITED – IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT FOR SHARE AND PER-SHARE AMOUNTS) | ||||||
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | |||
Total revenues | $ 4,010 | $ 5,433 | (26.2)% | |||
Benefits and claims, net | 2,028 | 2,581 | (21.4) | |||
Total acquisition and operating expenses | 1,458 | 1,619 | (9.9) | |||
Earnings before income taxes | 524 | 1,233 | (57.5) | |||
Income taxes | 339 | 194 | ||||
Net earnings | $ 185 | $ 1,039 | (82.2)% | |||
Net earnings per share – basic | $ 0.30 | $ 1.58 | (81.0)% | |||
Net earnings per share – diluted | 0.30 | 1.57 | (80.9) | |||
Shares used to compute earnings per share (000): | ||||||
Basic | 619,845 | 659,100 | (6.0)% | |||
Diluted | 622,994 | 662,512 | (6.0) | |||
Dividends paid per share | $ 0.40 | $ 0.33 | 21.2% | |||
AFLAC INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT | ||||||
(UNAUDITED – IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT FOR SHARE AND PER-SHARE AMOUNTS) | ||||||
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | |||
Total revenues | $ 19,502 | $ 22,106 | (11.8)% | |||
Benefits and claims, net | 9,153 | 10,576 | (13.5) | |||
Total acquisition and operating expenses | 5,745 | 6,208 | (7.5) | |||
Earnings before income taxes | 4,604 | 5,322 | (13.5) | |||
Income taxes | 403 | 997 | ||||
Net earnings | $ 4,201 | $ 4,325 | (2.9)% | |||
Net earnings per share – basic | $ 6.62 | $ 6.42 | 3.1% | |||
Net earnings per share – diluted | 6.59 | 6.39 | 3.1 | |||
Shares used to compute earnings per share (000): | ||||||
Basic | 634,816 | 673,617 | (5.8)% | |||
Diluted | 637,655 | 676,729 | (5.8) | |||
Dividends paid per share | $ 1.60 | $ 1.32 | 21.2% | |||
AFLAC INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET | ||||||
(UNAUDITED – IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT FOR SHARE AMOUNTS) | ||||||
DECEMBER 31, | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | |||
Assets: | ||||||
Total investments and cash | $ 117,397 | $ 142,978 | (17.9)% | |||
Deferred policy acquisition costs | 8,593 | 9,525 | (9.8) | |||
Other assets | 5,027 | 5,039 | (0.2) | |||
Total assets | $ 131,017 | $ 157,542 | (16.8)% | |||
Liabilities and shareholders' equity: | ||||||
Policy liabilities | $ 93,258 | $ 105,072 | (11.2)% | |||
Notes payable and lease obligations | 7,442 | 7,956 | (6.5) | |||
Other liabilities | 7,952 | 11,261 | (29.4) | |||
Shareholders' equity | 22,365 | 33,253 | (32.7) | |||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ 131,017 | $ 157,542 | (16.8)% | |||
Shares outstanding at end of period (000) | 615,256 | 652,132 | (5.7)% | |||
NON-U.S. GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
This document includes references to the Company's financial performance measures which are not calculated in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) (non-U.S. GAAP). The financial measures exclude items that the Company believes may obscure the underlying fundamentals and trends in insurance operations because they tend to be driven by general economic conditions and events or related to infrequent activities not directly associated with insurance operations.
Due to the size of Aflac Japan, where the functional currency is the Japanese yen, fluctuations in the yen/dollar exchange rate can have a significant effect on reported results. In periods when the yen weakens, translating yen into dollars results in fewer dollars being reported. When the yen strengthens, translating yen into dollars results in more dollars being reported. Consequently, yen weakening has the effect of suppressing current period results in relation to the comparable prior period, while yen strengthening has the effect of magnifying current period results in relation to the comparable prior period. A significant portion of the Company's business is conducted in yen and never converted into dollars but translated into dollars for U.S. GAAP reporting purposes, which results in foreign currency impact to earnings, cash flows and book value on a U.S. GAAP basis. Management evaluates the Company's financial performance both including and excluding the impact of foreign currency translation to monitor, respectively, cumulative currency impacts and the currency-neutral operating performance over time. The average yen/dollar exchange rate is based on the published MUFG Bank, Ltd. telegraphic transfer middle rate (TTM).
The company defines the non-U.S. GAAP financial measures included in this earnings release as follows:
RECONCILIATION OF NET EARNINGS TO ADJUSTED EARNINGS | ||||||
(UNAUDITED – IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT FOR PER-SHARE AMOUNTS) | ||||||
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | |||
Net earnings | $ 185 | $ 1,039 | (82.2)% | |||
Items impacting net earnings: | ||||||
Adjusted net investment (gains) losses | 477 | (246) | ||||
Other and non-recurring (income) loss | — | 6 | ||||
Income tax (benefit) expense on items excluded | 144 | 50 | ||||
Adjusted earnings | 806 | 850 | (5.2)% | |||
Current period foreign currency impact 1 | 68 | N/A | ||||
Adjusted earnings excluding current period foreign | $ 875 | $ 850 | 2.9% | |||
Net earnings per diluted share | $ 0.30 | $ 1.57 | (80.9)% | |||
Items impacting net earnings: | ||||||
Adjusted net investment (gains) losses | 0.77 | (0.37) | ||||
Other and non-recurring (income) loss | — | 0.01 | ||||
Income tax (benefit) expense on items excluded | 0.23 | 0.08 | ||||
Adjusted earnings per diluted share | 1.29 | 1.28 | 0.8% | |||
Current period foreign currency impact 1 | 0.11 | N/A | ||||
Adjusted earnings per diluted share excluding | $ 1.40 | $ 1.28 | 9.4% | |||
1 | Prior period foreign currency impact reflected as "N/A" to isolate change for current period only. |
2 | Amounts excluding current period foreign currency impact are computed using the average foreign currency exchange rate for the comparable prior-year period, which eliminates fluctuations driven solely by foreign currency exchange rate changes. |
RECONCILIATION OF NET EARNINGS TO ADJUSTED EARNINGS | ||||||
(UNAUDITED – IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT FOR PER-SHARE AMOUNTS) | ||||||
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | |||
Net earnings | $ 4,201 | $ 4,325 | (2.9)% | |||
Items impacting net earnings: | ||||||
Adjusted net investment (gains) losses | (447) | (462) | ||||
Other and non-recurring (income) loss | (1) | 73 | ||||
Income tax (benefit) expense on items excluded | (357) | 83 | ||||
Adjusted earnings | 3,397 | 4,019 | (15.5)% | |||
Current period foreign currency impact 2 | 215 | N/A | ||||
Adjusted earnings excluding current period foreign | $ 3,613 | $ 4,019 | (10.1)% | |||
Net earnings per diluted share | $ 6.59 | $ 6.39 | 3.1% | |||
Items impacting net earnings: | ||||||
Adjusted net investment (gains) losses | (0.7) | (0.68) | ||||
Other and non-recurring (income) loss | — | 0.11 | ||||
Income tax (benefit) expense on items excluded | (0.56) | 0.12 | ||||
Adjusted earnings per diluted share | 5.33 | 5.94 | (10.3)% | |||
Current period foreign currency impact 2 | 0.34 | N/A | ||||
Adjusted earnings excluding current period foreign | $ 5.67 | $ 5.94 | (4.5)% | |||
1 | Primarily reflects release of $452 million in deferred taxes year to date. |
2 | Prior period foreign currency impact reflected as "N/A" to isolate change for current period only. |
3 | Amounts excluding current period foreign currency impact are computed using the average foreign currency exchange rate for the comparable prior-year period, which eliminates fluctuations driven solely by foreign currency exchange rate changes. |
RECONCILIATION OF NET INVESTMENT (GAINS) LOSSES TO ADJUSTED NET INVESTMENT (GAINS) LOSSES | ||||||
(UNAUDITED – IN MILLIONS) | ||||||
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | |||
Net investment (gains) losses | $ 521 | $ (243) | (314.4)% | |||
Items impacting net investment (gains) losses: | ||||||
Amortized hedge costs | (28) | (21) | ||||
Amortized hedge income | 25 | 11 | ||||
Net interest cash flows from derivatives associated | (53) | (7) | ||||
Interest rate component of the change in fair value of foreign | 13 | 14 | ||||
Adjusted net investment (gains) losses | $ 477 | $ (246) | (293.9)% | |||
1 | Amounts are included with interest expenses that are a component of adjusted expenses. |
RECONCILIATION OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME TO ADJUSTED NET INVESTMENT INCOME | ||||||
(UNAUDITED – IN MILLIONS) | ||||||
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | |||
Net investment income | $ 896 | $ 910 | (1.5)% | |||
Items impacting net investment income: | ||||||
Amortized hedge costs | (28) | (21) | ||||
Amortized hedge income | 25 | 11 | ||||
Net interest cash flows from derivatives associated | (53) | (7) | ||||
Adjusted net investment income | $ 840 | $ 893 | (5.9)% | |||
RECONCILIATION OF NET INVESTMENT (GAINS) LOSSES TO ADJUSTED NET INVESTMENT (GAINS) LOSSES | ||||||
(UNAUDITED – IN MILLIONS) | ||||||
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | |||
Net investment (gains) losses | $ (363) | $ (468) | (22.4)% | |||
Items impacting net investment (gains) losses: | ||||||
Amortized hedge costs | (112) | (76) | ||||
Amortized hedge income | 68 | 57 | ||||
Net interest cash flows from derivatives associated | (90) | (30) | ||||
Interest rate component of the change in fair value of foreign | 50 | 55 | ||||
Adjusted net investment (gains) losses | $ (447) | $ (462) | (3.2)% | |||
1 | Amounts are included with interest expenses that are a component of adjusted expenses. |
RECONCILIATION OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME TO ADJUSTED NET INVESTMENT INCOME | ||||||
(UNAUDITED – IN MILLIONS) | ||||||
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | |||
Net investment income | $ 3,656 | $ 3,818 | (4.2)% | |||
Items impacting net investment income: | ||||||
Amortized hedge costs | (112) | (76) | ||||
Amortized hedge income | 68 | 57 | ||||
Net interest cash flows from derivatives associated | (90) | (30) | ||||
Adjusted net investment income | $ 3,522 | $ 3,769 | (6.6)% | |||
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. GAAP BOOK VALUE TO ADJUSTED BOOK VALUE | ||||||
(UNAUDITED - IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT FOR SHARE AND PER-SHARE AMOUNTS) | ||||||
DECEMBER 31, | 2022 | 2021 | % Change | |||
U.S. GAAP book value | $ 22,365 | $ 33,253 | ||||
Less: | ||||||
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) | (3,640) | (2,013) | ||||
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities and derivatives | (729) | 9,572 | ||||
Pension liability adjustment | (36) | (166) | ||||
Total AOCI | (4,405) | 7,393 | ||||
Adjusted book value | $ 26,770 | $ 25,860 | ||||
Add: | ||||||
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) | (3,640) | (2,013) | ||||
Adjusted book value including unrealized foreign currency | $ 23,130 | $ 23,847 | ||||
Number of outstanding shares at end of period (000) | 615,256 | 652,132 | ||||
U.S. GAAP book value per common share | $ 36.35 | $ 50.99 | (28.7)% | |||
Less: | ||||||
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) | (5.92) | (3.09) | ||||
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities and derivatives | (1.18) | 14.68 | ||||
Pension liability adjustment per common share | (0.06) | (0.25) | ||||
Total AOCI per common share | (7.16) | 11.34 | ||||
Adjusted book value per common share | $ 43.51 | $ 39.65 | 9.7% | |||
Add: | ||||||
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) | (5.92) | (3.09) | ||||
Adjusted book value including unrealized foreign currency | $ 37.59 | $ 36.57 | 2.8% | |||
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. GAAP RETURN ON EQUITY (ROE) TO ADJUSTED ROE | ||||
(EXCLUDING IMPACT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY) | ||||
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, | 2022 | 2021 | ||
U.S. GAAP ROE - Net earnings1 | 3.2 % | 12.4% | ||
Impact of excluding unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) | (0.5) | (0.9) | ||
Impact of excluding unrealized gains (losses) on securities and derivatives | — | 4.6 | ||
Impact of excluding pension liability adjustment | — | (0.1) | ||
Impact of excluding AOCI | (0.5) | 3.6 | ||
U.S. GAAP ROE - less AOCI | 2.7 | 16.1 | ||
Differences between adjusted earnings and net earnings2 | 9.1 | (2.9) | ||
Adjusted ROE - reported | 11.8 | 13.1 | ||
Less: Impact of foreign currency3 | (1.0) | N/A | ||
Adjusted ROE, excluding impact of foreign currency | 12.9 | 13.1 | ||
1 | U.S. GAAP ROE is calculated by dividing net earnings (annualized) by average shareholders' equity. |
2 | See separate reconciliation of net income to adjusted earnings. |
3 | Impact of foreign currency is calculated by restating all foreign currency components of the income statement to the weighted average foreign currency exchange rate for the comparable prior year period. The impact is the difference of the restated adjusted earnings compared to reported adjusted earnings. For comparative purposes, only current period income is restated using the weighted average prior period exchange rate, which eliminates the foreign currency impact for the current period. This allows for equal comparison of this financial measure. |
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. GAAP RETURN ON EQUITY (ROE) TO ADJUSTED ROE | ||||
(EXCLUDING IMPACT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY) | ||||
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, | 2022 | 2021 | ||
U.S. GAAP ROE - Net earnings1 | 15.1% | 12.9% | ||
Impact of excluding unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) | (1.7) | (0.8) | ||
Impact of excluding unrealized gains (losses) on securities and derivatives | 2.7 | 5.1 | ||
Impact of excluding pension liability adjustment | (0.1) | (0.1) | ||
Impact of excluding AOCI | 0.9 | 4.2 | ||
U.S. GAAP ROE - less AOCI | 16.0 | 17.1 | ||
Differences between adjusted earnings and net earnings2 | (3.1) | (1.2) | ||
Adjusted ROE - reported | 12.9 | 15.9 | ||
Less: Impact of foreign currency3 | (0.8) | N/A | ||
Adjusted ROE, excluding impact of foreign currency | 13.7 | 15.9 | ||
1 | U.S. GAAP ROE is calculated by dividing net earnings (annualized) by average shareholders' equity. |
2 | See separate reconciliation of net income to adjusted earnings. |
3 | Impact of foreign currency is calculated by restating all foreign currency components of the income statement to the weighted average foreign currency exchange rate for the comparable prior year period. The impact is the difference of the restated adjusted earnings compared to reported adjusted earnings. For comparative purposes, only current period income is restated using the weighted average prior period exchange rate, which eliminates the foreign currency impact for the current period. This allows for equal comparison of this financial measure. |
EFFECT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY ON ADJUSTED RESULTS1 | ||||
(SELECTED PERCENTAGE CHANGES, UNAUDITED) | ||||
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 | Including Currency Changes | Excluding Currency Changes2 | ||
Net earned premiums3 | (15.5)% | (2.8)% | ||
Adjusted net investment income4 | (5.9)% | 0.4 | ||
Total benefits and expenses | (16.9) | (4.6) | ||
Adjusted earnings | (5.2) | 2.9 | ||
Adjusted earnings per diluted share | 0.8 | 9.4 | ||
1 | Refer to previously defined adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per diluted share. |
2 | Amounts excluding currency changes were determined using the same foreign currency exchange rate for the current period as the comparable period in the prior year, which eliminates dollar-based fluctuations driven solely from currency rate changes. |
3 | Net of reinsurance |
4 | Refer to previously defined adjusted net investment income. |
EFFECT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY ON ADJUSTED RESULTS1 | ||||
(SELECTED PERCENTAGE CHANGES, UNAUDITED) | ||||
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 | Including Currency Changes | Excluding Currency Changes2 | ||
Net earned premiums3 | (13.5)% | (3.2)% | ||
Adjusted net investment income4 | (6.6)% | (0.7) | ||
Total benefits and expenses | (10.8) | (0.1) | ||
Adjusted earnings | (15.5) | (10.1) | ||
Adjusted earnings per diluted share | (10.3) | (4.5) | ||
1 | Refer to previously defined adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per diluted share. |
2 | Amounts excluding currency changes were determined using the same foreign currency exchange rate for the current period as the comparable period in the prior year, which eliminates dollar-based fluctuations driven solely from currency rate changes. |
3 | Net of reinsurance |
4 | Refer to previously defined adjusted net investment income. |
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" to encourage companies to provide prospective information, so long as those informational statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. The company desires to take advantage of these provisions. This document contains cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected herein, and in any other statements made by company officials in communications with the financial community and contained in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Forward-looking statements are not based on historical information and relate to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments. Furthermore, forward-looking information is subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. In particular, statements containing words such as "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "goal," "objective," "may," "should," "estimate," "intends," "projects," "will," "assumes," "potential," "target," "outlook" or similar words as well as specific projections of future results, generally qualify as forward-looking. Aflac undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements.
The company cautions readers that the following factors, in addition to other factors mentioned from time to time, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements:
Analyst and investor contact - David A. Young, 706.596.3264 or 800.235.2667 or dyoung@aflac.com
Media contact - Ines Gutzmer, 762.207.7601 or igutzmer@aflac.com
SOURCE Aflac Incorporated
