Strong Performance in Japan
Aflac Japan reported a 23.2% year-over-year sales increase, with a notable 53% increase in cancer insurance sales driven by the new Miraito product. Sales growth was positive across all distribution channels.
U.S. Sales and Persistency
Aflac U.S. generated $340 million in new sales, a 2.7% year-over-year increase, with a strong premium persistency of 79.2% and net earned premium growth of 3.4%.
Capital Deployment and Shareholder Returns
Aflac deployed $829 million in capital to repurchase 7.9 million shares and paid dividends of $312 million, totaling $1.1 billion returned to shareholders in the second quarter. The company also celebrated its 42nd consecutive year of dividend growth.
High Return on Equity
The adjusted return on equity was 13.7%, and 16.4% excluding foreign currency remeasurement, indicating a strong spread to the cost of capital.