Aflac IncorporatedNYSE: AFL

Aflac gets upgraded to Buy from my prior hold rating a year ago, driven by policy growth & retention in Q3 despite net earnings loss. Although the stock trades near a 10-year-high, it is still undervalued to key peers in terms of fwd P/E and trailing P/B ratios. A trend of dividend growth looks to continue its sustainability.

AFL's earnings in the third quarter improved due to increased net investment income and lower operating costs. However, the positive effects were somewhat balanced out by decreased benefits and expenses in the Japan segment.

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) will hold its Q3 2024 Earnings Conference Call on October 31, 2024, at 8:00 AM ET. The call will feature several company leaders, including David Young, Dan Amos, and Max Broden, among others. Various analysts from different firms will also participate in the call.

While Aflac's (AFL) revenue and earnings per share (EPS) provide insight into its performance for the quarter ending September 2024, it is also important to look at how these figures stack up against Wall Street predictions and last year's results.

Aflac (AFL) reported quarterly earnings of $2.16 per share, which is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.70 per share. This is an increase compared to earnings of $1.84 per share from the same period last year.

AFL's third-quarter results are expected to show positive effects from better Group Life Absent Management and increased Disability sales in the U.S. However, this may be balanced out by a decrease in net premiums from the Japan segment.

Improved pricing, increased visibility, faster digital transformation, and strong capital are likely to enable BRK.B, MET, LNC, WTW, and AFL to exceed earnings expectations for the third quarter.

These companies are dedicated to increasing their dividends, supported by strong fundamentals and steady growth.

Investors should consider using the Zacks Earnings ESP tool to identify stocks that are likely to exceed their quarterly earnings predictions. This tool provides valuable insights that can help investors make informed decisions. By focusing on stocks with strong earnings potential, investors can improve their chances of success in the market.