Aflac (NYSE:AFL) Stock

Aflac

Aflac Inc offers supplemental health insurance and life insurance in United States and Japan. In addition to its cancer policies, the company has broadened its product offerings to include accident, dental and vision, disability, and long-term-care insurance. It markets its products through independent distributors, selling majority of its policies directly to consumers at their places of work and also reaches out to its customers out of their worksite through digital mediums. The company has two reportable business segments; Aflac Japan which generates the majority of the revenue, and Aflac U.S.

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It&#39;s a mixed session on Wall Street, with major indices struggling for direction as investors hold their breath ahead of a key jobs report set for Friday morning.



The S&amp;P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 edged up 0.3%, while the Dow Jones slipped 0.1% and small caps held steady.

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Wall Street rose on Wednesday, with all major equity indices advancing as investors assessed the latest batch of corporate earnings and drew optimism from positive labor market data.

Stocks Rebound, Google Eyes Worst Drop In A Year, Gold Shatters Fresh Records: What&#39;s Driving Markets Wednesday?

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Shares of Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE: MFC) closed at $28.87 on Thursday, near its 52-week high of $28.89. A strong-performing Asia business, expanding Wealth and Asset Management business and a solid capital position are driving the stock price higher.

MFC Stock Near 52-Week High: Should You Buy or Wait for a Pullback?

Aflac Inc

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Wells Fargo analyst Elyse Greenspan maintains Aflac (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>) with a Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $104 to $102.

Price Target

Wells Fargo Maintains Equal-Weight on Aflac, Lowers Price Target to $102

During the last three months, 9 analysts shared their evaluations of Aflac (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>), revealing diverse outlooks from bullish to bearish.
The table below summarizes their recent ratings, showcasing the evolving sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Insights from analysts' 12-month price targets are revealed, presenting an average target of $103.67, a high estimate of $118.00, and a low estimate of $94.00. This upward trend is apparent, with the current average reflecting a 0.16% increase from the previous average price target of $103.50.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1739365273_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Decoding Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Look</h2>
An in-depth analysis of recent analyst actions unveils how financial experts perceive Aflac. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Ryan Krueger</td>
<td>Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$104.00</td>
<td>$107.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alex Scott</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
<td>$98.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Barnidge</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$118.00</td>
<td>$122.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jack Matten</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$111.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Elyse Greenspan</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$104.00</td>
<td>$103.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ryan Krueger</td>
<td>Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$107.00</td>
<td>$108.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jimmy Bhullar</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$94.00</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alex Scott</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$98.00</td>
<td>$96.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Thomas Gallagher</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underperform</td>
<td>$102.00</td>
<td>$104.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Aflac. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Unveiling insights, analysts deliver qualitative insights into stock performance, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Aflac compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts predict movements in price targets, offering estimates for Aflac's future value. Examining the current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.</li>
</ul>
Capture valuable insights into Aflac's market standing by understanding these analyst evaluations alongside pertinent financial indicators. Stay informed and make strategic decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AFL/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Aflac analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Unveiling the Story Behind Aflac</h2>
Aflac Inc offers supplemental health insurance and life insurance in United States and Japan. In addition to its cancer policies, the company has broadened its product offerings to include accident, dental and vision, disability, and long-term-care insurance. It markets its products through independent distributors, selling majority of its policies directly to consumers at their places of work and also reaches out to its customers out of their worksite through digital mediums. The company has two reportable business segments; Aflac Japan which generates the majority of the revenue, and Aflac U.S.
<h3>Key Indicators: Aflac's Financial Health</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization is above the industry average, indicating that it is relatively larger in size compared to peers. This may suggest a higher level of investor confidence and market recognition.
Revenue Growth: Aflac's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has faced challenges. As of 30 September, 2024, the company experienced a revenue decline of approximately -39.69%. This indicates a decrease in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Financials sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Net Margin: The company's net margin is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in achieving strong profitability. With a net margin of -3.06%, the company may need to address challenges in effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Aflac's ROE is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of -0.37%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Return on Assets (ROA): Aflac's ROA lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maximizing returns from its assets. With an ROA of -0.07%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial performance.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 0.32.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: What Are They?</h2>
Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.
Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.
Some analysts also offer predictions for helpful metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates to provide further guidance as to what to do with certain tickers. It is important to keep in mind that while stock and sector analysts are specialists, they are also human and can only forecast their beliefs to traders.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Where Aflac Stands With Analysts

Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods analyst Ryan Krueger maintains Aflac (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>) with a Market Perform and lowers the price target from $107 to $104.

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Maintains Market Perform on Aflac, Lowers Price Target to $104

Barclays analyst Alex Scott maintains Aflac (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>) with a Underweight and lowers the price target from $98 to $95.

Barclays Maintains Underweight on Aflac, Lowers Price Target to $95

Piper Sandler analyst John Barnidge maintains Aflac (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $122 to $118.

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on Aflac, Lowers Price Target to $118

WIIM

Aflac shares are trading lower after the company reported worse-than-expected Q4 adjusted EPS results.

It's a mixed session on Wall Street, with major indices struggling for direction as investors hold their breath ahead of a key jobs report <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets">set for Friday morning.</a>
The S&amp;P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 edged up 0.3%, while the Dow Jones slipped 0.1% and small caps held steady.
Among the leading sectors, financial stocks outperformed after the Fed released the framework for 2025 bank stress test. The big six banks — JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>), Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>), Wells Fargo &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>), Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>), Morgan Stanley (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>), and Citigroup (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>) — all climbed more than 1%, with Citigroup surging 2.9%.
Eli Lilly Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) jumped 3.2% after topping earnings estimates, while Tapestry Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TPR#NYSE">TPR</a>) surged 12% and Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>) skyrocketed nearly 10% on strong revenue figures. In contrast, Qualcomm (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>) slid 4.3% on concerns over slowing smartphone demand.
Shares of Palantir Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</a>) surged 6.5%, extending its weekly gains to 30.8%, the stock's best weekly rally since early November.
Oil prices had a volatile session. Crude initially dipped as speculation mounted over a potential Trump-Putin meeting as early as this month or next, raising hopes for possible peace talks in Ukraine. Prices rebounded after the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on Iran's oil network.
Gold softened, dropping 0.6% from record highs and snapping a five-session winning streak.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) remained stable, hovering just below $97,000.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday&#8217;s Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day %chg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>21,742.18</td>
<td>0.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>6,082.15</td>
<td>0.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,316.14</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>44,811.50</td>
<td>-0.1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 1:00 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent020325&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>)&nbsp;rose 0.3% to $605.83.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) eased 0.2% to $447.73.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;inched 0.3% up to $528.47.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) flattened at $229.55.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLRE#NYSE">XLRE</a>) outperformed, up 1.6%; the&nbsp;Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) lagged, down 1.7%.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h3>
Stocks reacting to corporate earnings, ordered by market capitalization, are:
<ul>
<li>Eli Lilly &amp; Co.: up 3.11%</li>
<li>Linde Plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LIN#NYSE">LIN</a>): up 0.34%</li>
<li>Philip Morris International Inc.: up 9.97%</li>
<li>Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HON#NASDAQ">HON</a>): down 5.33%</li>
<li>ConocoPhillips (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COP#NYSE">COP</a>): down 0.71%</li>
<li>Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HLT#NYSE">HLT</a>): up 4.65%</li>
<li>Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>): down 2.04%</li>
<li>Intercontinental Exchange Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ICE#NYSE">ICE</a>): up 4.95%</li>
<li>IQVIA Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IQV#NYSE">IQV</a>): up 2.95%</li>
<li>Yum! Brands Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/YUM#NYSE">YUM</a>): up 8.49%</li>
<li>Hershey Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>): up 5.16%</li>
<li>McKesson Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCK#NYSE">MCK</a>): down 2.56%</li>
<li>Qualcomm Inc.: down 4.41%</li>
<li>Molina Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MOH#NYSE">MOH</a>): down 8.68%</li>
<li>O&#8217;Reilly Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORLY#NASDAQ">ORLY</a>): down 1.87%</li>
<li>MetLife Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MET#NYSE">MET</a>): down 1.39%</li>
<li>Cognizant Technology Solutions (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTSH#NASDAQ">CTSH</a>): up 3.64%</li>
<li>Corteva Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTVA#NYSE">CTVA</a>): down 3.92%</li>
<li>Allstate Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALL#NYSE">ALL</a>): down 0.07%</li>
<li>Skyworks Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SWKS#NASDAQ">SWKS</a>): down 23.74%</li>
<li>Aflac Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>): down 3.64%</li>
<li>Align Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALGN#NASDAQ">ALGN</a>): down 0.66%</li>
<li>Equifax Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EFX#NYSE">EFX</a>): down 6.24%</li>
<li>Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZBH#NYSE">ZBH</a>): down 3.02%</li>
<li>Aptiv Plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APTV#NYSE">APTV</a>): up 4.18%</li>
<li>Air Products &amp; Chemicals Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APD#NYSE">APD</a>): down 1.75%</li>
<li>Kellanova (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/K#NYSE">K</a>): up 0.12%</li>
<li>Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>): down 6.74%</li>
</ul>
Stocks reporting after the close include: 
<ul>
<li>Amazon.com Inc. </li>
<li>Illumina Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ILMN#NASDAQ">ILMN</a>)</li>
<li>Fortinet Inc.</li>
<li>Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EXPE#NASDAQ">EXPE</a>)</li>
<li>Take-Two Interactive Software (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>)</li>
<li>Monolithic Power Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MPWR#NASDAQ">MPWR</a>)</li>
<li>Pinterest Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PINS#NYSE">PINS</a>)</li>
<li>SS&amp;C Technologies Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNC#NASDAQ">SSNC</a>)</li>
<li>Principal Financial Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFG#NASDAQ">PFG</a>)</li>
<li>Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MTD#NYSE">MTD</a>)</li>
<li>AptarGroup Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ATR#NYSE">ATR</a>)</li>
<li>Post Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/POST#NYSE">POST</a>)</li>
<li>Mohawk Industries Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MHK#NYSE">MHK</a>)</li>
<li>Boyd Gaming Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BYD#NYSE">BYD</a>)</li>
<li>Encompass Health Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EHC#NYSE">EHC</a>)</li>
<li>VeriSign Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRSN#NASDAQ">VRSN</a>)</li>
<li>Cloudflare Inc. </li>
<li>Skechers USA Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SKX#NYSE">SKX</a>)</li>
<li>Affirm Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFRM#NASDAQ">AFRM</a>)</li>
<li>Elf Beauty Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELF#NYSE">ELF</a>)</li>
</ul>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43534297/january-jobs-report-preview-speculators-bet-on-strong-payroll-surge-yet-economists-predict-a-different-picture">January Jobs Report Preview: Speculators Bet On Strong Payroll Surge, Yet Economists Predict A Different Picture</a></li>
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Photo via Shutterstock.

Stocks Edge Higher, Bank Giants Rally, Palantir Skyrockets: What's Driving Markets Thursday?

Aflac (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 2.35% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 14.92%. Currently, Aflac has a market capitalization of $59.08 billion. 
Buying $1000 In AFL: If an investor had bought $1000 of AFL stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $2,011.85 today based on a price of $106.34 for AFL at the time of writing.
<h3>Aflac's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738853110_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$1000 Invested In Aflac 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

Aflac (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>) announced its Q4 earnings on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 04:05 PM.
Here's a breakdown of the earnings report.
<h3>Earnings</h3>
Aflac missed estimated earnings by -4.0%, reporting an EPS of $1.56 versus an estimate of $1.62.
Revenue was up $1.63 billion from the same period last year.
<h3>Historical Earnings Summary</h3>
During the previous quarter, the company beat on EPS by $0.48, leading to a 5.0% drop share price change the next day.
Here's a look at Aflac's past performance:

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Quarter</th>
<th>Q3 2024</th>
<th>Q2 2024</th>
<th>Q1 2024</th>
<th>Q4 2023</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>EPS Estimate</td>
<td>1.68</td>
<td>1.60</td>
<td>1.58</td>
<td>1.45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPS Actual</td>
<td>2.16</td>
<td>1.83</td>
<td>1.66</td>
<td>1.25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Revenue Estimate</td>
<td>4.42B</td>
<td>4.31B</td>
<td>4.30B</td>
<td>4.40B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Revenue Actual</td>
<td>2.95B</td>
<td>5.14B</td>
<td>5.44B</td>
<td>3.78B</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

To track all earnings releases for Aflac <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AFL/earnings">visit their earnings calendar here.</a> 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Insights into Aflac Q4 Earnings

Aflac (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>) announced its Q4 earnings on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 04:05 PM.
Here's a breakdown of the earnings report.
<h3>Earnings</h3>
Aflac missed estimated earnings by -4.0%, reporting an EPS of $1.56 versus an estimate of $1.62.
Revenue was up $1.63 billion from the same period last year.
<h3>Analysis of Past Earnings</h3>
In the previous quarter, the company beat on EPS by $0.48, resulting in a 5.0% drop change in the share price the following day.
Here's a look at Aflac's past performance:

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Quarter</th>
<th>Q3 2024</th>
<th>Q2 2024</th>
<th>Q1 2024</th>
<th>Q4 2023</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>EPS Estimate</td>
<td>1.68</td>
<td>1.60</td>
<td>1.58</td>
<td>1.45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPS Actual</td>
<td>2.16</td>
<td>1.83</td>
<td>1.66</td>
<td>1.25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Revenue Estimate</td>
<td>4.42B</td>
<td>4.31B</td>
<td>4.30B</td>
<td>4.40B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Revenue Actual</td>
<td>2.95B</td>
<td>5.14B</td>
<td>5.44B</td>
<td>3.78B</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

To track all earnings releases for Aflac <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AFL/earnings">visit their earnings calendar here.</a> 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Aflac: Q4 Earnings Insights

Aflac (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>) announced its Q4 earnings on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 04:05 PM.
Here's a breakdown of the earnings report.
<h3>Earnings</h3>
Aflac missed estimated earnings by -4.0%, reporting an EPS of $1.56 versus an estimate of $1.62.
Revenue was up $1.63 billion from the same period last year.
<h3>Previous Earnings Records</h3>
Last quarter the company beat on EPS by $0.48 which was followed by a 5.0% drop in the share price the next day.
Here's a look at Aflac's past performance:

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Quarter</th>
<th>Q3 2024</th>
<th>Q2 2024</th>
<th>Q1 2024</th>
<th>Q4 2023</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>EPS Estimate</td>
<td>1.68</td>
<td>1.60</td>
<td>1.58</td>
<td>1.45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPS Actual</td>
<td>2.16</td>
<td>1.83</td>
<td>1.66</td>
<td>1.25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Revenue Estimate</td>
<td>4.42B</td>
<td>4.31B</td>
<td>4.30B</td>
<td>4.40B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Revenue Actual</td>
<td>2.95B</td>
<td>5.14B</td>
<td>5.44B</td>
<td>3.78B</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

To track all earnings releases for Aflac <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AFL/earnings">visit their earnings calendar here.</a> 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Earnings Summary: Aflac Q4

Aflac (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $1.56 per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $1.62 by 3.7 percent. This is a 24.8 percent increase over earnings of $1.25 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $5.403 billion which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $4.164 billion by 29.75 percent. This is a 43.05 percent increase over sales of $3.777 billion the same period last year.

Earnings Beats

Earnings Misses

Aflac Q4 2024 Adj. EPS $1.56 Misses $1.62 Estimate, Sales $5.403B Beat $4.164B Estimate

Wall Street rose on Wednesday, with all major equity indices advancing as investors assessed the latest batch of corporate earnings and drew optimism from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43494246/private-employment-rises-by-183000-beats-estimates-in-january-consumer-facing-industries-drove-hiring">positive labor market data.</a>
The S&amp;P 500 gained 0.3% to 6,045 points, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.6%, now trading less than 1% below its all-time high.
Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) missed quarterly earnings expectations on its cloud business, triggering a 7% drop, its worst single-day decline in a year. On the upside, Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) surged 6% after beating estimates, fueling a rally in chip stocks. Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) also gained 3.4%.
The Russell 2000 outperformed with a 0.9% gain, reflecting strength in smaller-cap stocks.
Fresh labor market data signaled resilience. Private sector employment rose by 183,000 in January according to the ADP report, surpassing expectations of 150,000. The services sector continued expanding,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/02/43499292/us-services-growth-slows-in-january-as-tariff-concerns-mount"> as per ISM survey</a>, though at a slightly slower-than-anticipated pace.
Investors piled into Treasuries, sending yields tumbling across the curve. The 30-year yield fell to its lowest level since Dec. 18, 2024, while the iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>) rallied 1.9%.
Gold extended its bull run, surging over 1% to a record $2,870 per ounce, driven by continued central bank buying. Copper jumped 2%. 
In crypto markets, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) edged down 1.2% to $97,000. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday&#8217;s Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day %chg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>• Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,310.94</td>
<td>0.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>• Dow Jones</td>
<td>44,801.97</td>
<td>0.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>• S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>6,054.99</td>
<td>0.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>• Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>21,621.68</td>
<td>0.3%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 2:00 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent020325&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>)&nbsp;rose 0.3% to $602.97.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) rose 0.5% to $447.60.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;inched 0.2% up to $525.63.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) rallied 1% to $229.09.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLRE#NYSE">XLRE</a>) outperformed, up 1.6%; the&nbsp;Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLC#NYSE">XLC</a>) lagged, down 1.2%.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h3>
Stocks reacting on earnings reports included: 
<ul>
<li>Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>): up 5.9%</li>
<li>Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>): down 2.4%</li>
<li>Mondelez International Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDLZ#NASDAQ">MDLZ</a>): up 0.62%</li>
<li>Simon Property Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPG#NYSE">SPG</a>): 3.55%</li>
<li>Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EA#NASDAQ">EA</a>): up 5.7%</li>
<li>Snap Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNAP#NASDAQ">SNAP</a>): down 6.55%</li>
<li>IDEX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IEX#NYSE">IEX</a>): down 9.61%</li>
<li>Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>): down 1.77%</li>
<li>Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>): down 7.31%</li>
<li>Fiserv Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FI#NYSE">FI</a>): up 7.48%</li>
<li>Boston Scientific Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BSX#NYSE">BSX</a>): up 1.87%</li>
<li>Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITW#NYSE">ITW</a>): down 0.62%</li>
<li>Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EMR#NYSE">EMR</a>): down 2.61%</li>
<li>T. Rowe Price Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TROW#NASDAQ">TROW</a>): down 3.91%</li>
<li>Cencora Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COR#NYSE">COR</a>): up 0.83%</li>
<li>CDW Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CDW#NASDAQ">CDW</a>): up 4.54%</li>
<li>Ares Management Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARES#NYSE">ARES</a>): down 2.51%</li>
<li>Bunge Global SA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BG#NYSE">BG</a>): down 5.05%</li>
<li>Johnson Controls International (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JCI#NYSE">JCI</a>): up 12.49%</li>
<li>Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ODFL#NASDAQ">ODFL</a>): up 5.60%</li>
<li>Stanley Black &amp; Decker Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SWK#NYSE">SWK</a>): down 1.43%</li>
<li>Ares Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARCC#NASDAQ">ARCC</a>): down 3.26%</li>
<li>Criteo SA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRTO#NASDAQ">CRTO</a>): up 17.73%</li>
<li>Timken Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TKR#NYSE">TKR</a>): up 2.86%</li>
<li>Performance Food Group Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFGC#NYSE">PFGC</a>): down 1.91%</li>
<li>New York Times Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NYT#NYSE">NYT</a>): down 11.56%</li>
<li>Griffon Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GFF#NYSE">GFF</a>): up 9.00%</li>
<li>Harley-Davidson Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOG#NYSE">HOG</a>): down 0.63%</li>
<li>Capri Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPRI#NYSE">CPRI</a>): down 13.94%</li>
<li>Azenta Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZTA#NASDAQ">AZTA</a>): up 1.04%</li>
<li>Vishay Intertechnology Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VSH#NYSE">VSH</a>): up 8.65%</li>
<li>Spire Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SR#NYSE">SR</a>): up 0.82%</li>
</ul>
Large-cap stocks slated to report earnings after the close are Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>), McKesson Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCK#NYSE">MCK</a>) Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>), Molina Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MOH#NYSE">MOH</a>), O&#8217;Reilly Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORLY#NASDAQ">ORLY</a>), MetLife Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MET#NYSE">MET</a>), Cognizant Technology Solutions (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTSH#NASDAQ">CTSH</a>), Corteva Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTVA#NYSE">CTVA</a>), Allstate Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALL#NYSE">ALL</a>), Skyworks Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SWKS#NASDAQ">SWKS</a>), Aflac Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>), Align Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALGN#NASDAQ">ALGN</a>). 
Read now: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43503385/trumps-gaza-plan-for-seaside-resort-faces-global-pushback">Trump&#8217;s Plan To Turn Gaza Into Seaside Resort, Remove 2 Million Palestinians Roundly Rejected By World Leaders</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Stocks Rebound, Google Eyes Worst Drop In A Year, Gold Shatters Fresh Records: What's Driving Markets Wednesday?

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Earnings Scheduled For February 5, 2025

Aflac's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>) short percent of float has risen 7.63% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 7.78 million shares sold short, which is 1.41% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 4.62 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Aflac Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738606513_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Aflac has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Aflac's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Aflac's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 2.38%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Peering Into Aflac's Recent Short Interest

Aflac (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>) underwent analysis by 8 analysts in the last quarter, revealing a spectrum of viewpoints from bullish to bearish.
In the table below, you'll find a summary of their recent ratings, revealing the shifting sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the previous months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
In the assessment of 12-month price targets, analysts unveil insights for Aflac, presenting an average target of $103.5, a high estimate of $111.00, and a low estimate of $94.00. Surpassing the previous average price target of $101.00, the current average has increased by 2.48%.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737640864_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Deciphering Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Analysis</h2>
In examining recent analyst actions, we gain insights into how financial experts perceive Aflac. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jack Matten</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$111.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Elyse Greenspan</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$104.00</td>
<td>$103.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ryan Krueger</td>
<td>Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$107.00</td>
<td>$108.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jimmy Bhullar</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$94.00</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alex Scott</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$98.00</td>
<td>$96.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Thomas Gallagher</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underperform</td>
<td>$102.00</td>
<td>$104.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Elyse Greenspan</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$107.00</td>
<td>$106.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Hughes</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts adapt their recommendations to changing market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their response to recent developments related to Aflac. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Offering insights into predictions, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Aflac compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Delving into movements, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Aflac's stock. This analysis reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Navigating through these analyst evaluations alongside other financial indicators can contribute to a holistic understanding of Aflac's market standing. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AFL/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Aflac analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>About Aflac</h2>
Aflac Inc offers supplemental health insurance and life insurance in United States and Japan. In addition to its cancer policies, the company has broadened its product offerings to include accident, dental and vision, disability, and long-term-care insurance. It markets its products through independent distributors, selling majority of its policies directly to consumers at their places of work and also reaches out to its customers out of their worksite through digital mediums. The company has two reportable business segments; Aflac Japan which generates the majority of the revenue, and Aflac U.S.
<h3>Aflac's Financial Performance</h3>
Market Capitalization: Exceeding industry standards, the company's market capitalization places it above industry average in size relative to peers. This emphasizes its significant scale and robust market position.
Negative Revenue Trend: Examining Aflac's financials over 3 months reveals challenges. As of 30 September, 2024, the company experienced a decline of approximately -39.69% in revenue growth, reflecting a decrease in top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Financials sector.
Net Margin: The company's net margin is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in achieving strong profitability. With a net margin of -3.06%, the company may need to address challenges in effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Aflac's ROE falls below industry averages, indicating challenges in efficiently using equity capital. With an ROE of -0.37%, the company may face hurdles in generating optimal returns for shareholders.
Return on Assets (ROA): Aflac's ROA lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maximizing returns from its assets. With an ROA of -0.07%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial performance.
Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, Aflac adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.
<h2>The Significance of Analyst Ratings Explained</h2>
Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks.
Some analysts also offer predictions for helpful metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates to provide further guidance as to what to do with certain tickers. It is important to keep in mind that while stock and sector analysts are specialists, they are also human and can only forecast their beliefs to traders.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Demystifying Aflac: Insights From 8 Analyst Reviews

BMO Capital analyst Jack Matten initiates coverage on Aflac (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>) with a Market Perform rating and announces Price Target of $111.

Initiation

BMO Capital Initiates Coverage On Aflac with Market Perform Rating, Announces Price Target of $111

Aflac's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>) short percent of float has fallen 8.39% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 7.26 million shares sold short, which is 1.31% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 3.34 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Aflac Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737036921_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Aflac has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Aflac's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Aflac's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 2.28%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Aflac (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 2.36% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 13.7%. Currently, Aflac has a market capitalization of $58.29 billion. 
Buying $100 In AFL: If an investor had bought $100 of AFL stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $360.98 today based on a price of $104.70 for AFL at the time of writing.
<h3>Aflac's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1736956811_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning Aflac Stock In The Last 10 Years

Wells Fargo analyst Elyse Greenspan maintains Aflac (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFL#NYSE">AFL</a>) with a Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $103 to $104.

Wells Fargo Maintains Equal-Weight on Aflac, Raises Price Target to $104

Insurance

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