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Assessing the Sustainability of Aflac Inc's Upcoming Dividend
Aflac Inc (NYSE:AFL) recently announced a dividend of $0.5 per share, payable on 2024-03-01, with the ex-dividend date set for 2024-02-20. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's look into Aflac Inc's dividend performance and assess its sustainability.
Company Overview
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Aflac Inc provides supplemental health and life insurance primarily in the United States and Japan. Recognized for its cancer policies, Aflac Inc has diversified its portfolio to include accident, disability, and long-term care insurance products. Leveraging an independent distribution model, the company has successfully marketed its offerings directly to consumers at their workplaces, establishing a strong presence in the insurance sector.
Dividend History and Aristocracy
Aflac Inc has upheld a steadfast record of dividend payment since 1983, showcasing its commitment to providing shareholder value through consistent quarterly distributions. The company's impressive streak of annual dividend increases has earned it the prestigious title of a dividend aristocrat, reflecting its enduring financial strength and dedication to its investors.
For a visual representation of Aflac Inc's dividend consistency, here is a chart illustrating the annual Dividends Per Share to track historical trends.
Dividend Yield and Growth Analysis
Aflac Inc currently boasts a trailing dividend yield of 2.12% and a forward dividend yield of 2.52%, indicating a positive investor outlook with anticipated increased dividend payments over the next year. Over the past three years, the annual dividend growth rate was 14.00%, which moderated to 11.50% over a five-year span, and settled at 8.40% over the past decade.
Considering the yield and growth rates, Aflac Inc's 5-year yield on cost for its stock is approximately 3.65%, an attractive figure for long-term investors seeking steady income streams.
Evaluating Dividend Sustainability
The dividend payout ratio is a critical metric for assessing dividend sustainability, and Aflac Inc's ratio of 0.27 signifies that a substantial portion of earnings is retained for growth and stability. The company's profitability rank of 6 out of 10, as of 2023-12-31, complements this with an indication of solid earnings capability.