Aflac 2010 Annual Report Download - page 9

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10
1.41 1.51
1.78
2.15
2.56
2.93
3.29
3.76
$5.34
4.59
Net Earnings Per Diluted Share
Operating Earnings Per Diluted Share
Net and operating earnings per diluted share
benefited from record operating results. In
2010, we achieved our primary financial
target, growth in operating earnings per
diluted share, excluding the impact of the
yen, for the 21st consecutive year. Operating
earnings is an internal financial measure we
use to assess management’s performance.
Operating earnings exclude items that are
outside management’s control or inherently
unpredictable.
*Excludes impact of the yen
*
e A r n i n g s P e r D i l u t e D s h A r e
Q: Has health care reform in the U.S.
eliminated the need for Aflac products?
A: No — in the U.S., most citizens with
insurance are covered by a health plan
through their employer or other entity
and in Japan, citizens are covered
by a nationally sponsored health plan.
But no matter what type of plan, we
know people still have to pay out-of-
pocket expenses, and we want to be
there to lighten their financial burden.
Q: How important is the Aflac Duck to you?
A: More than a decade ago, I bet my career
on the Aflac Duck. Fortunately, it paid
off. The duck commercials increased
our name recognition from less than
10% to where nine out of 10 people
know who we are. I think he’s been one
of our most persistent sales agents.
Q: What’s the best business
advice you’ve received?
A: I learned three risk management principles
in college, and since then I’ve used
them to run Aflac and my life. These
principles are: Never risk a lot for little;
never risk more than you can afford
to lose; and consider the odds. These
principles have served me well.
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