Profit rises despite weakness in Japan business

  • Aflac’s fourth-quarter profit rose despite slumping revenue
  • Adjusted per-share earnings came to $1.25, below analysts’ forecast
  • Revenue fell 4.3% to $3.8 billion, missing analysts’ expectations
  • Net earned premiums in the U.S. rose 1.1% to $1.4 billion
  • Net earned premiums in Japan segment were down 8.5% from a year earlier

Aflac’s fourth-quarter profit rose despite slumping revenue, as the company faced a slowdown in its Japan business. The Columbus, Ga.-based insurance company posted a profit of $268 million, or 46 cents a share, in the quarter ended Dec. 31. Adjusted per-share earnings came to $1.25, below analysts’ forecast. Revenue fell 4.3% to $3.8 billion, missing analysts’ expectations. Net earned premiums in the U.S. rose 1.1% to $1.4 billion, while net earned premiums in the Japan segment were down 8.5% from a year earlier.

Public Companies: Aflac (AFL)
Private Companies:
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Factuality Level: 7
Justification: The article provides specific financial figures and compares them to analyst expectations, which suggests a level of accuracy. However, it does not provide any additional context or analysis, making it difficult to fully assess the accuracy of the information.

Noise Level: 3
Justification: The article provides relevant information about Aflac’s fourth-quarter profit and revenue, including comparisons to the previous year and analyst expectations. However, it lacks in-depth analysis, antifragility considerations, and accountability of powerful people. The article stays on topic and supports its claims with data and examples, but it does not provide actionable insights or solutions.

Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The article provides information about Aflac’s financial performance, specifically its fourth-quarter profit and revenue. It mentions a slowdown in the company’s Japan business, which may impact Aflac’s stock price and investor sentiment.

Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: The article does not describe any extreme event.

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com