8 analysts have expressed a variety of opinions on Aflac (NYSE:AFL) over the past quarter, offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.
The following table provides a quick overview of their recent ratings, highlighting the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
| Bullish | Somewhat Bullish | Indifferent | Somewhat Bearish | Bearish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Ratings | 0 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Last 30D | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 1M Ago | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2M Ago | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 3M Ago | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
In the assessment of 12-month price targets, analysts unveil insights for Aflac, presenting an average target of $86.75, a high estimate of $100.00, and a low estimate of $81.00. This upward trend is evident, with the current average reflecting a 2.66% increase from the previous average price target of $84.50.
Deciphering Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Analysis
A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive Aflac is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
| Analyst | Analyst Firm | Action Taken | Rating | Current Price Target | Prior Price Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suneet Kamath | Jefferies | Lowers | Hold | $83.00 | $84.00 |
| John Barnidge | Piper Sandler | Raises | Overweight | $100.00 | $95.00 |
| Elyse Greenspan | Wells Fargo | Raises | Equal-Weight | $82.00 | $81.00 |
| Mark Hughes | Truist Securities | Raises | Hold | $82.00 | $80.00 |
| Nigel Dally | Morgan Stanley | Raises | Equal-Weight | $84.00 | $80.00 |
| Elyse Greenspan | Wells Fargo | Lowers | Equal-Weight | $81.00 | $83.00 |
| Ryan Krueger | Keefe, Bruyette & Woods | Raises | Market Perform | $87.00 | $83.00 |
| John Barnidge | Piper Sandler | Raises | Overweight | $95.00 | $90.00 |
Key Insights:
- Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Aflac. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.
- Rating: Analysts unravel qualitative evaluations for stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings offer insights into expectations for the relative performance of Aflac compared to the broader market.
- Price Targets: Analysts navigate through adjustments in price targets, providing estimates for Aflac's future value. Comparing current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.
Understanding these analyst evaluations alongside key financial indicators can offer valuable insights into Aflac's market standing. Stay informed and make well-considered decisions with our Ratings Table.
Stay up to date on Aflac analyst ratings.
Get to Know Aflac Better
Aflac Inc offers supplemental health insurance and life insurance in United States and Japan. In addition to its cancer policies, the company has broadened its product offerings to include accident, dental and vision, disability, and long-term-care insurance. It markets its products through independent distributors, selling majority of its policies directly to consumers at their places of work and also reaches out to its customers out of their worksite through digital mediums. The company has two reportable business segments; Aflac Japan which generates the majority of the revenue, and Aflac U.S.
Unraveling the Financial Story of Aflac
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization surpasses industry averages, showcasing a dominant size relative to peers and suggesting a strong market position.
Revenue Growth: Over the 3 months period, Aflac showcased positive performance, achieving a revenue growth rate of 12.72% as of 31 March, 2024. This reflects a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Financials sector.
Net Margin: Aflac's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 34.53%. This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health.
Return on Equity (ROE): The company's ROE is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 8.26%, the company showcases effective utilization of equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Aflac's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 1.49% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns.
Debt Management: Aflac's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 0.34, reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach.
Understanding the Relevance of Analyst Ratings
Analysts work in banking and financial systems and typically specialize in reporting for stocks or defined sectors. Analysts may attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter.
Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.
If you want to keep track of which analysts are outperforming others, you can view updated analyst ratings along withanalyst success scores in Benzinga Pro.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.