Moran Wealth Management LLC has reduced its stake in Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) by selling 32,310 shares during the third quarter, a move that represents a 13.7% decrease in its holdings. Following this sale, the firm’s total ownership stands at 204,122 shares, valued at approximately $22,800,000 as per its latest filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Several other institutional investors have also adjusted their positions in Aflac recently. For instance, Duncan Williams Asset Management LLC increased its stake by 5.0% during the second quarter, acquiring an additional 98 shares to reach a total of 2,065 shares valued at $218,000. Similarly, Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC raised its position by 5.1% in the third quarter, now holding 2,037 shares valued at $227,000 after purchasing 99 additional shares.
Stiles Financial Services Inc. and Smith Moore & Co. have also made adjustments to their Aflac holdings. Stiles Financial Services increased its stake by 3.4%, now owning 3,070 shares worth $324,000, while Smith Moore & Co. lifted its stake by 1.7%, owning 6,143 shares valued at $648,000. The total ownership by hedge funds and institutional investors currently stands at 67.44%.
Analysts Update Aflac’s Market Position
In addition to these adjustments, various brokerages have reassessed their price targets for Aflac. On October 7, Piper Sandler set a target price of $125.00 with an “overweight” rating. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their target from $108.00 to $110.00, maintaining a “market perform” rating. Cowen confirmed a “hold” rating, while TD Cowen increased their price objective from $100.00 to $102.00. A total of three analysts have rated Aflac as a Buy, eight as Hold, and three as Sell, resulting in a consensus rating of “Hold” and a target price of $110.92 according to MarketBeat.
As of Thursday, Aflac’s stock experienced a slight decline of 1.5%, opening at $110.23. The stock has ranged from a 12-month low of $96.95 to a high of $115.83. Financial metrics indicate a current ratio of 0.11, a quick ratio of 0.11, and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30. Aflac boasts a market capitalization of $57.77 billion and a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 14.39.
Recent Earnings and Dividend Increase
Aflac’s most recent quarterly earnings report, released on February 27, highlighted an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.07 for the quarter. The company reported a net margin of 23.55% and a return on equity of 14.97%, with total revenue at $5.91 billion. Analysts forecast an EPS of $6.88 for the current fiscal year.
In a positive development for shareholders, Aflac recently announced an increase in its quarterly dividend, which is set to be paid on March 2. Shareholders on record as of February 18 will receive a dividend of $0.61 per share, up from the previous $0.58. This adjustment represents an annualized dividend of $2.44, reflecting a yield of 2.2%, with a payout ratio currently at 30.29%.
Insider transactions have also been noteworthy, with Executive Vice President Frederic Jean Guy Simard selling 1,722 shares at an average price of $112.50, totaling $193,725. Following this sale, he retains 1,364 shares valued at approximately $153,450. Additionally, Director Joseph L. Moskowitz sold 1,000 shares at an average price of $114.00, amounting to $114,000. Over the past three months, insiders have sold a total of 31,766 shares valued at $3,549,706, with company insiders holding 0.90% of the stock.
Aflac, headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, specializes in supplemental insurance products aimed at helping policyholders manage health care costs and other living expenses. The company provides a variety of individual and group policies that offer cash benefits during covered events, enhancing financial flexibility for medical treatments and related expenses. Founded in the mid-20th century, Aflac distributes its products through employer-sponsored programs, independent brokers, and direct marketing.
