Aflac 2007 Annual Report Download - page 8

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98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07
7.1
8.6
9.7 9.6
10.3
11.4
13.3
14.4 14.6
$15.4
Japan U.S.
in Japan in terms of individual policies in
force. We also believe the need for our
products, combined with our strong brand,
enormous scale, efficient operations,
relevant products, broadening distribution
and dedicated customer service, will
continue to set Aflac apart and position
us for future success.
Aflac U.S. – Sustaining Momentum
Over the last several years, we have greatly
enhanced our U.S. operations. We have
better positioned Aflac with a very strong
brand and an advertising message that
effectively conveys how our products are
there to help consumers. We have also
made extensive changes to our sales
management infrastructure, and to our
recruiting and training. I believe our
record sales results in 2007 suggest
we made the right changes at the
right time.
One of our greatest strengths in the U.S.
market is a large and growing sales force.
We recruited a significant number of new
sales associates in 2007, from which we
have the ability to grow our producer base.
And we believe focusing on increasing the
number of associates who produce business
regularly is critical to our future growth.
I am convinced that the growth in
producing sales associates is benefiting
from our renewed commitment to quality
training programs for every level of our
sales team, from new associates to
seasoned sales management.
Remaining in step with a rapidly changing
health care environment is also a priority
that benefits our customers and our sales
associates. In August 2007, we introduced
our newest cancer insurance product called
Maximum DifferenceSM. This new cancer
indemnity product offers customized plans,
and more important, new benefits that cover
new medical technologies in cancer
prevention, diagnostics and treatment.
To complement our branding message
over the last three years, the Aflac Duck
let consumers know that “There’s Only One
Aflac” in three new commercials in 2007.
Though always designed to be entertaining,
our commercials also try to clarify to
employers and employees alike specifically
how Aflac insurance works. We believe our
message is getting through to consumers and
employers, who recognize the Aflac brand
and have come to know how Aflac can help.
We expect the need for Aflac insurance
and consumer understanding of that need
to increase. Every year, our grasp of the U.S.
market improves, and I am more and more
convinced that our efforts to prepare for
sustained growth are taking us in the right
direction. We’ve expanded our sales
management infrastructure and
4
Total Revenues
(In billions)
Despite the weaker yen, total
revenues rose 5.3% to $15.4
billion in 2007, benefiting
from solid growth in premium
income and net investment
income.