Earnings Preview: AFLAC Incorporated Revenue Expected to Rise from Previous Quarter

AFLAC Incorporated AFL announces its next round of earnings this Wednesday, July 27, 2011. Get the latest predictions in Benzinga's essential guide to the company's second quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of $1.54 per share and revenues of $5.69 billion. Whether the reported numbers beat or miss analysts' estimates, they will also be compared against last year's numbers for the same period, which were a profit of $1.35 per share on revenues of $4.98 billion. We'll have to wait for Wednesday to see if AFLAC has accomplished the estimated 14.1% rise in EPS and 14.3% increase in revenues on a year-over-year basis.

Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

Quarter	Q1	Q4	Q3	Q2
EPS Estimate	$1.52	$1.35	$1.39	$1.33
EPS Actual	$1.63	$1.33	$1.45	$1.35

Stock Performance:

As of July 21, 2011, AFLAC Incorporated's current share price was $46.62. Since January 1st, shares of AFLAC Incorporated have declined 16.5%.

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for AFLAC Incorporated is a Moderate Buy. The strength of this rating has crept upwards over the past three months.

Competitors:

Looking for a sympathy stock to trade or interested in the performance of other companies in the same sector? Take a look at some of AFLAC Incorporated's peers.

• CIGNA CI: Hold with a $1.37 recent quarter EPS
• Humana HUM: Moderate Buy with a $1.55 recent quarter EPS
• Principal Financial Group (PFG): Hold with a $0.71 recent quarter EPS
• Unum Group (UNM): Hold with a $0.69 recent quarter EPS

AFLAC Incorporated is in the insurance-health industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 2.2%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Aflac, Inc., a general business holding company, provides supplemental health and life insurance through its subsidiaries in the United States and Japan.

Take Action:

Now that you've gotten an advanced peak at AFLAC Incorporated's upcoming earnings numbers, keep an eye out for any surprises in the report and be ready to take action. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and a guide to your next steps.

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