Aflac earnings, dividend and buyback update

Aflac (AFL) is back in focus after reporting second quarter 2026 results, declaring a third quarter dividend of $0.61 per share, and updating investors on progress under its long running share repurchase program.

Aflac's recent earnings, dividend affirmation and ongoing buybacks come after a period where the share price has risen 13.04% year to date and the 1 year total shareholder return is 22.17%, building on a 5 year total shareholder return of 142.76%.

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Bulls point to Aflac's rising earnings, steady dividend and heavy buybacks. Bears focus on softer annual revenue and the stock trading above the average analyst target. Which side does the current valuation support?

Most Popular Narrative: 5.9% Overvalued

Aflac last closed at $124.61, which sits above the most widely followed fair value estimate of $117.71 that uses a 7.11% discount rate. That gap reflects a narrative built on persistent earnings power, heavy buybacks and modest pressure on revenue.

Upward revisions to longer term operating earnings and free cash flow estimates are cited by some as a key reason for higher Aflac price targets, tying expected fundamentals to valuation assumptions.

Read the complete narrative. Read the complete narrative.

Want to see what keeps Aflac's fair value close to the current share price? The key ingredients are shifting revenue expectations, firm margins and a richer future earnings multiple that needs to be justified over time.

Result: Fair Value of $117.71 (OVERVALUED)

However, Aflac investors still need to watch for continued revenue decline in Japan and softer variable investment income, which could pressure earnings and challenge today’s valuation narrative.

Another View on Aflac using earnings multiples

While the narrative fair value for Aflac sits at $117.71 and suggests the stock is 5.9% overvalued, the earnings multiple tells a different story. Aflac trades on a P/E of 12.8x, below a peer average of 16.2x, yet above the US Insurance industry at 11.7x and a fair ratio of 9.7x. That mix of discount and premium raises a simple question: Is the risk skewed toward multiple compression or room for a catch up to peers?

Next Steps

With both risks and rewards in play around Aflac, now is a good time to look through the data yourself and stress test your view using the 3 key rewards and 1 important warning sign

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.