Aflac Incorporated reported a strong first quarter with total revenues of $5.9 billion, a 13.7% increase from the previous year. Net earnings reached $1.3 billion, or $1.87 per diluted share, significantly higher than the $566 million, or $0.78 per diluted share, reported in the first quarter of 2020. The results were driven by higher net investment gains and lower-than-expected benefit ratios in the U.S.
Total revenues increased by 13.7% to $5.9 billion compared to Q1 2020.
Net earnings increased to $1.3 billion, or $1.87 per diluted share.
Adjusted earnings increased by 20.0% to $1.1 billion.
The company repurchased $650 million of its common shares during the quarter.
Aflac anticipates pandemic conditions will continue to impact sales results through the first half of 2021, with expected improvements in the second half as communities and businesses reopen. The company remains cautiously optimistic, focusing on prudent liquidity and capital management, dividend growth, and tactical share repurchases.