0000004977 us-gaap:AccidentAndHealthInsuranceSegmentMember 2018-01-01 2018-09-3017000000330000000000P364DP5YP5YP364DP364D134000000134000000false--12-31Q22019000000497773007000000774660000000.260.260.270.270.100.101900000000190000000000152000000002930000000089000000006000000000060000000000500000000025000000000300000000001520000000029300000000890000000060000000000600000000005000000000250000000000.04750.04000.04000.014880.011590.01750.009320.06450.06900.036250.036250.03250.028750.021080.00320.00470.009630.04750.040.04000.014880.011590.01750.009320.06450.06900.036250.036250.03250.028750.021080.00320.00470.00963P3MP3MP3MP3M0.00710.00180.02840.02750.00710.00180.02840.02750.01200.00190.00380.00010.02200.01980.00380.00010.02200.01980.01100.00110.00710.00180.02840.02750.00710.00180.02840.02750.02110.00280.00380.00010.02200.01980.00380.00010.02200.01980.01870.003000000000000.002250.00500.000850.00305000000000055000000000500000001000000000001000000002500000007000000
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[ X ]  
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019
or
[    ]  
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                     to                     
Commission File Number: 001-07434
aflaclogoa01a01a01a28.jpg
Aflac Incorporated

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Georgia 58-1167100
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
  
1932 Wynnton Road Columbus, Georgia ColumbusGeorgia31999
(Address of principal executive offices) (ZIP Code)
706.323.3431
706.323.3431
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.10 Par ValueAFLNew York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  þ  Yes  ¨  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).            þ  Yes  ¨  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerþ
þAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer   
Accelerated filer ¨
   Non-accelerated filer    ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company  ¨
  
Emerging growth company  ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  ¨  Yes  þ  No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
ClassOctober 24, 2018
Common Stock, $.10 Par Value761,279,345
740,383,335 shares of the issuer's common stock were outstanding as of July 18, 2019.



Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019
Table of Contents
 
PART I. Page
    
 Item 1. 
    
  
    
  
    
  
  Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 20172018
  NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 20172018
    
  
  Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 20172018
  NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 20172018
    
  
  SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, and December 31, 20172018
    
  
  NineThree Months Ended SeptemberMarch 31, 2019 and 2018
  Three Months Ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018
    
  
  NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 20172018
    
  
    
 Item 2.
    
 Item 3.
    
 Item 4.
    
PART II.  
    
 Item 1.
    
 Item 1A.
    
 Item 2.
    
 Item 6.
Items other than those listed above are omitted because they are not required or are not applicable.



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

Review by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, and 2017,2018, consolidated financial statements included in this filing have been reviewed by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, in accordance with established professional standards and procedures for such a review.

The report of KPMG LLP commenting upon its review is included on the following page.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Aflac Incorporated:

Results of Review of Interim Financial Information
We have reviewed the consolidated balance sheet of Aflac Incorporated and subsidiaries (the Company) as of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, the related consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income (loss) for the three-month and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, the related consolidated statements of shareholders'shareholders’ equity for the three-month periods ended March 31 and June 30, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated interim financial information). Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated interim financial information for it to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2017,2018, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 22, 2018,25, 2019, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017,2018, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

Basis for Review Results
This consolidated interim financial information is the responsibility of the Company’s management. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. A review of consolidated interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.



/s/ KPMG LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
November 1, 2018July 26, 2019


Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(In millions, except for share and per-share amounts - Unaudited)201820172018 2017 201920182019 2018 
Revenues:                   
Net premiums, principally supplemental health insurance $4,636
 $4,648
 $14,086
 $13,951
  $4,681
 $4,706
 $9,373
 $9,450
 
Net investment income 870
 811
 2,569
 2,408
  878
 862
 1,756
 1,699
 
Realized investment gains (losses):                  
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized (5) (8) (17) (27) 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized and loan loss reserves (2) (5) (4) (12) 
Other gains (losses) (1)
 61
 38
 (59) (139)  (64) 8
 9
 (119) 
Total realized investment gains (losses) 56
 30
 (76) (166)  (66) 3
 5
 (131) 
Other income (loss) 15
 17
 53
 50
  18
 18
 34
 36
 
Total revenues 5,577
 5,506
 16,632
 16,243
  5,511
 5,589
 11,168
 11,054
 
Benefits and expenses:                  
Benefits and claims, net 3,002
 3,083
 9,075
 9,174
  2,964
 3,031
 5,932
 6,073
 
Acquisition and operating expenses:                  
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 315
 271
 932
 848
  309
 303
 649
 617
 
Insurance commissions 331
 332
 1,007
 996
  329
 338
 661
 676
 
Insurance and other expenses 730
 686
 2,193
 2,025
  743
 732
 1,460
 1,463
 
Interest expense 53
 59
 164
 181
  57
 54
 115
 111
 
Total acquisition and operating expenses 1,429
 1,348
 4,296
 4,050
  1,438
 1,427
 2,885
 2,867
 
Total benefits and expenses 4,431
 4,431
 13,371
 13,224
  4,402
 4,458
 8,817
 8,940
 
Earnings before income taxes 1,146
 1,075
 3,261
 3,019
  1,109
 1,131
 2,351
 2,114
 
Income taxes 301
 359
 866
 998
  292
 299
 606
 564
 
Net earnings $845
 $716
 $2,395
 $2,021
  $817
 $832
 $1,745
 $1,550
 
Net earnings per share:                  
Basic $1.10
 $.91
 $3.10
 $2.54
  $1.10
 $1.08
 $2.33
 $2.00
 
Diluted 1.09
 .90
 3.08
 2.52
  1.09
 1.07
 2.32
 1.98
 
Weighted-average outstanding common shares used in
computing earnings per share (In thousands):
                  
Basic 767,049
 788,958
 772,807
 794,645
  745,153
 772,949
 748,271
 775,734
 
Diluted 772,070
 794,762
 777,867
 800,483
  748,849
 777,807
 752,302
 780,814
 
Cash dividends per share $.26
 $.22
 $.78
 $.65
  $.27
 $.26
 $.54
 $.52
 

(1) See Note 1 of the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2018 related to financial instruments.Comprehensive Income (Loss)
  
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(In millions - Unaudited)2019201820192018
Net earnings $817
  $832
  $1,745
  $1,550
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes:            
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during
period
 417
  (493)  416
  332
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities:            
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities
during period
 2,046
  (506)  5,242
  (2,233) 
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses on
fixed maturity securities included in net earnings
 (25)  28
  (43)  26
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives during period (1)  (2)  (4)  4
 
Pension liability adjustment during period (2)  2
  5
  0
 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes 2,435
  (971)  5,616
  (1,871) 
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive
income (loss)
 552
  (138)  1,403
  (469) 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes 1,883
  (833)  4,213
  (1,402) 
Total comprehensive income (loss) $2,700
  $(1)  $5,958
  $148
 

See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
  
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In millions - Unaudited)2018201720182017
Net earnings $845
  $716
  $2,395
  $2,021
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes:            
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during
period
 (383)  (58)  (51)  325
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities: (1)
            
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities
during period
 (866)  457
  (3,099)  1,006
 
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses on
fixed maturity securities included in net earnings
 (37)  (50)  (11)  (33) 
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives during period (2)  (1)  2
  0
 
Pension liability adjustment during period 1
  1
  1
  (1) 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes (1,287)  349
  (3,158)  1,297
 
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive
income (loss)
 (344)  219
  (813)  396
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes (943)  130
  (2,345)  901
 
Total comprehensive income (loss) $(98)  $846
  $50
  $2,922
 
(1) See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2018 related to financial instruments.
See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions)September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 December 31,
2017
Assets:       
Investments and cash:       
Securities available for sale, at fair value:       
Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost $72,207 in 2018 and
$70,594 in 2017)
(1)
 $77,443
   $78,804
 
Fixed maturity securities - consolidated variable interest entities (amortized
cost $4,045 in 2018 and $4,538 in 2017)
(1)
 4,853
   5,509
 
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost:       
Fixed maturity securities (fair value $36,250 in 2018 and $38,072 in 2017) 30,421
   31,430
 
Equity securities, at fair value:       
Equity securities (1)
 880
   270
 
Equity securities - consolidated variable interest entities 179
   753
 
Other investments (2)
 7,009
   3,402
 
Cash and cash equivalents 3,429
   3,491
 
Total investments and cash 124,214
   123,659
 
Receivables 784
   827
 
Accrued investment income 735
   769
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs 9,622
   9,505
 
Property and equipment, at cost less accumulated depreciation 435
   434
 
Other (3)
 2,151
   2,023
 
Total assets $137,941
   $137,217
 
(In millions, except for share and per-share amounts)June 30,
2019
(Unaudited)
 December 31,
2018
Assets:       
Investments and cash:       
Fixed maturity securities available for sale, at fair value
(amortized cost $77,466 in 2019 and $73,007 in 2018)
 $87,836
   $78,429
 
Fixed maturity securities available for sale - consolidated variable interest entities, at fair value
(amortized cost $3,729 in 2019 and $3,849 in 2018)
 4,599
   4,466
 
Fixed maturity securities held to maturity, at amortized cost
(fair value $39,035 in 2019 and $36,722 in 2018)
 31,007
   30,318
 
Equity securities, at fair value 1,087
   987
 
Commercial mortgage and other loans
(includes $6,233 in 2019 and $5,528 in 2018 of consolidated variable interest entities)
 7,622
   6,919
 
Other investments
(includes $410 in 2019 and $328 in 2018 of consolidated variable interest entities)
 1,427
   787
 
Cash and cash equivalents 3,019
   4,337
 
Total investments and cash 136,597
   126,243
 
Receivables 883
   851
 
Accrued investment income 785
   773
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs 10,128
   9,875
 
Property and equipment, at cost less accumulated depreciation (1)
 562
   443
 
Other 2,445
   2,221
 
Total assets $151,400
   $140,406
 
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:       
Liabilities:       
Policy liabilities:       
Future policy benefits $90,117
   $86,368
 
Unpaid policy claims 4,706
   4,584
 
Unearned premiums 4,763
   5,090
 
Other policyholders’ funds 7,403
   7,146
 
Total policy liabilities 106,989
   103,188
 
Income taxes 5,243
   4,020
 
Payables for return of cash collateral on loaned securities 1,557
   1,052
 
Notes payable and lease obligations (1)
 6,231
   5,778
 
Other 3,139
   2,906
 
Total liabilities 123,159
   116,944
 
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12) 


   


 
Shareholders’ equity:       
Common stock of $.10 par value. In thousands: authorized 1,900,000
shares in 2019 and 2018; issued 1,349,044 shares in 2019 and 1,347,540
shares in 2018
 135
   135
 
Additional paid-in capital 2,247
   2,177
 
Retained earnings 33,130
   31,788
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):       
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) (1,455)   (1,847) 
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities 8,055
   4,234
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives (27)   (24) 
Pension liability adjustment (209)   (212) 
Treasury stock, at average cost (13,635)   (12,789) 
Total shareholders’ equity 28,241
   23,462
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $151,400
   $140,406
 
(1)Includes perpetual securities, see Notes 1 and 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(2) Includes $5,388 in 2018 and $2,341 in 2017 of loan receivables and limited partnerships from consolidated variable interest entities
(3) Includes $190 in 2018 and $151 in 2017 of derivatives from consolidated variable interest entities
See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



(continued)

Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
(In millions, except for share and per-share amounts)September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 December 31,
2017
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:       
Liabilities:       
Policy liabilities:       
Future policy benefits $83,856
   $81,857
 
Unpaid policy claims 4,530
   4,392
 
Unearned premiums 5,224
   5,959
 
Other policyholders’ funds 6,974
   6,939
 
Total policy liabilities 100,584
   99,147
 
Income taxes 3,887
   4,745
 
Payables for return of cash collateral on loaned securities 1,970
   606
 
Notes payable 5,279
   5,289
 
Other (4)
 2,987
   2,832
 
Total liabilities 114,707
   112,619
 
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 13)       
Shareholders’ equity:       
Common stock of $.10 par value. In thousands: authorized 1,900,000
shares in 2018 and 2017; issued 1,347,376 shares in 2018 and 1,345,762
shares in 2017
 135
   135
 
Additional paid-in capital 2,151
   2,052
 
Retained earnings 31,461
   29,895
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):       
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) (2,113)   (1,750) 
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities (5)
 4,240
   5,964
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives (24)   (23) 
Pension liability adjustment (194)   (163) 
Treasury stock, at average cost (12,422)   (11,512) 
Total shareholders’ equity 23,234
   24,598
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $137,941
   $137,217
 
(4) Includes $101 in 2018 and $128 in 2017 of derivatives from consolidated variable interest entities
(5) See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 20182019 related to financial instruments.leases.
See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(In millions, except for per share amounts - Unaudited)Common StockAdditional Paid-in CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Treasury StockTotal
Shareholders'
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2018$135
$2,177
$31,788
$2,151
$(12,789)$23,462
Net earnings0
0
928
0
0
928
Unrealized foreign currency translation
gains (losses) during period, net of
income tax
0
0
0
(1)0
(1)
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity
securities during period, net of income
taxes and reclassification adjustments
0
0
0
2,327
0
2,327
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
during period, net of income taxes
0
0
0
(2)0
(2)
Pension liability adjustment during period,
net of income taxes
0
0
0
6
0
6
Dividends to shareholders
($.27 per share)
0
0
(203)0
0
(203)
Exercise of stock options0
11
0
0
0
11
Share-based compensation0
8
0
0
0
8
Purchases of treasury stock0
0
0
0
(517)(517)
Treasury stock reissued0
12
0
0
18
30
Balance at March 31, 2019$135
$2,208
$32,513
$4,481
$(13,288)$26,049
Net earnings0
0
817
0
0
817
Unrealized foreign currency translation
gains (losses) during period, net of
income tax
0
0
0
393
0
393
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity
securities during period, net of income
taxes and reclassification adjustments
0
0
0
1,494
0
1,494
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
during period, net of income taxes
0
0
0
(1)0
(1)
Pension liability adjustment during period,
net of income taxes
0
0
0
(3)0
(3)
Dividends to shareholders
($.27 per share)
0
0
(200)0
0
(200)
Exercise of stock options0
12
0
0
0
12
Share-based compensation0
15
0
0
0
15
Purchases of treasury stock0
0
0
0
(358)(358)
Treasury stock reissued0
12
0
0
11
23
Balance at June 30, 2019$135
$2,247
$33,130
$6,364
$(13,635)$28,241

See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(continued)














Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (continued)
(In millions, except for per share amounts - Unaudited)Common StockAdditional Paid-in CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Treasury StockTotal Shareholders'
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2017$135
$2,052
$29,895
$4,028
$(11,512)$24,598
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principles, net of
income tax
(1)
0
0
(226)226
0
0
Net earnings0
0
717
0
0
717
Unrealized foreign currency translation
gains (losses) during period, net of
income tax
0
0
0
447
0
447
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity
securities during period, net of income
taxes and reclassification adjustments
(1)
0
0
0
(984)0
(984)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
during period, net of income taxes
0
0
0
2
0
2
Pension liability adjustment during period,
net of income taxes
0
0
0
(34)0
(34)
Dividends to shareholders
($.26 per share)
0
0
(203)0
0
(203)
Exercise of stock options0
14
0
0
0
14
Share-based compensation0
10
0
0
0
10
Purchases of treasury stock0
0
0
0
(309)(309)
Treasury stock reissued0
13
0
0
16
29
Balance at March 31, 2018$135
$2,089
$30,183
$3,685
$(11,805)$24,287
Net earnings0
0
832
0
0
832
Unrealized foreign currency translation
gains (losses) during period, net of
income tax
0
0
0
(138)0
(138)
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity
securities during period, net of income
taxes and reclassification adjustments
(1)
0
0
0
(730)0
(730)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
during period, net of income taxes
0
0
0
1
0
1
Pension liability adjustment during period,
net of income taxes
0
0
0
34
0
34
Dividends to shareholders
($.26 per share)
0
0
(206)0
0
(206)
Exercise of stock options0
7
0
0
0
7
Share-based compensation0
15
0
0
0
15
Purchases of treasury stock0
0
0
0
(306)(306)
Treasury stock reissued0
6
0
0
(2)4
Balance at June 30, 2018$135
$2,117
$30,809
$2,852
$(12,113)$23,800
(1) See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company's 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K
See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
  
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In millions - Unaudited) 2018   2017 
Common stock:       
Balance, beginning of period $135
   $135
 
Balance, end of period 135
   135
 
Additional paid-in capital:       
Balance, beginning of period 2,052
   1,908
 
Exercise of stock options 30
   33
 
Share-based compensation 39
   38
 
Gain (loss) on treasury stock reissued 30
   30
 
Balance, end of period 2,151
   2,009
 
Retained earnings:       
Balance, beginning of period 29,895
   25,981
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - financial instruments,
net of income taxes
(1)
 148
   0
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - tax effects from tax reform (1)
 (374)   0
 
Net earnings 2,395
   2,021
 
Dividends to shareholders (603)   (513) 
Balance, end of period 31,461
   27,489
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):       
Balance, beginning of period 4,028
   2,630
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - financial instruments,
net of income taxes
(1)
 (148)   0
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - tax effects from tax reform (1)
 374
   0
 
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during
period, net of income taxes
 (38)   268
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities during
period, net of income taxes and reclassification adjustments
(1)
 (2,310)   632
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives during period, net of
income taxes
 2
   1
 
Pension liability adjustment during period, net of income taxes 1
   0
 
Balance, end of period 1,909
   3,531
 
Treasury stock:       
Balance, beginning of period (11,512)   (10,172) 
Purchases of treasury stock (939)   (1,053) 
Cost of shares issued 29
   38
 
Balance, end of period (12,422)   (11,187) 
Total shareholders’ equity $23,234
   $21,977
 
(1) See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2018.
See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended September 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
(In millions - Unaudited)2018 20172019 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:            
Net earnings $2,395
 $2,021
  $1,745
 $1,550
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Change in receivables and advance premiums (27) (32)  (17) (1) 
Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs (1,082) (1,077)  (712) (716) 
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 932
 848
  649
 617
 
Increase in policy liabilities 1,821
 2,137
  1,019
 1,346
 
Change in income tax liabilities 38
 323
  (268) (180) 
Realized investment (gains) losses 76
 166
  (5) 131
 
Other, net 506
 210
  (54) 60
 
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities 4,659
 4,596
  2,357
 2,807
 
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Proceeds from investments sold or matured:          
Available-for-sale fixed maturity securities 5,991
 3,382
  2,105
 3,869
 
Equity securities 369
 755
  154
 216
 
Held-to-maturity fixed maturity securities 880
 1,714
  203
 878
 
Other investments - loan receivables 597
 134
 
Commercial mortgage and other loans 888
 358
 
Costs of investments acquired:          
Available-for-sale fixed maturity securities (7,845) (6,827)  (4,352) (6,798) 
Equity securities (338) (391)  (181) (233) 
Other investments - loan receivables (4,150) (916) 
Other investments, excluding loan receivables, net (136) (167) 
Commercial mortgage and other loans (1,534) (2,705) 
Other investments, net (616) (175) 
Settlement of derivatives, net (141) (240)  (14) (36) 
Cash received (pledged or returned) as collateral, net 1,413
 (273)  495
 3,110
 
Other, net 188
 (58)  125
 73
 
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities (3,172) (2,887)  (2,727) (1,443) 
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Purchases of treasury stock (923) (1,053)  (847) (601) 
Proceeds from borrowings 0
 524
  268
 0
 
Principal payments under debt obligations 0
 (660) 
Dividends paid to shareholders (595) (491)  (389) (396) 
Change in investment-type contracts, net (17) 39
  (34) 9
 
Treasury stock reissued 36
 23
  26
 12
 
Other, net (14)
 5
  (2)
 (12) 
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (1,513) (1,613)  (978) (988) 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (36) (28)  30
 (20) 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (62) 68
  (1,318) 356
 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 3,491
 4,859
  4,337
 3,491
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $3,429
 $4,927
  $3,019
 $3,847
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:          
Income taxes paid $827
 $693
  $874
 $744
 
Interest paid 124
 144
  93
 90
 
Noncash interest 41
 38
  22
 21
 
Impairment losses included in realized investment losses 17
 27
 
Impairment losses and loan loss reserves included in realized investment losses 4
 12
 
Noncash financing activities:          
Capital lease obligations 10
 7
 
Lease obligations 1
 10
 
Treasury stock issued for:          
Associate stock bonus 7
 22
  8
 5
 
Shareholder dividend reinvestment 8
 22
  14
 8
 
Share-based compensation grants 2
 1
  5
 2
 

See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Interim period data – Unaudited)

1.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of Business

Aflac Incorporated (the Parent Company) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) primarily sell supplemental health and life insurance in the United States and Japan. The Company's insurance business is marketed and administered through American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (Aflac) in the United States (Aflac U.S.) and, effective April 1, 2018, through Aflac Life Insurance Japan Ltd. (ALIJ) in Japan (Aflac Japan).Japan. Prior to April 1, 2018, the Company's insurance business was marketed in Japan as a branch of Aflac. The Company’s operations consist of two reportable business segments: Aflac U.S., which includes Aflac, and Aflac Japan, which includes ALIJ. American Family Life Assurance Company of New York (Aflac New York) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aflac. Most of Aflac's policies are individually underwritten and marketed through independent agents. Additionally, Aflac U.S. markets and administers group products through Continental American Insurance Company (CAIC), branded as Aflac Group Insurance. The Company's insurance operations in the United States and Japan service the two markets for the Company's insurance business. Aflac Japan's revenues, including realized gains and losses on its investment portfolio, accounted for 69%68% and 70% of the Company's total revenues in both the nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. The percentage of the Company's total assets attributable to Aflac Japan was 84%85% at SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, compared with 83%84% at December 31, 2017.2018.

Basis of Presentation

The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)(U.S. GAAP). These principles are established primarily by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). In these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, references to U.S. GAAP issued by the FASB are derived from the FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM (ASC). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates based on currently available information when recording transactions resulting from business operations. The most significant items on the Company's balance sheet that involve a greater degree of accounting estimates and actuarial determinations subject to changes in the future are the valuation of investments and derivatives, deferred policy acquisition costs (DAC), liabilities for future policy benefits and unpaid policy claims, and income taxes. These accounting estimates and actuarial determinations are sensitive to market conditions, investment yields, mortality, morbidity, commission and other acquisition expenses, and terminations by policyholders. As additional information becomes available, or actual amounts are determinable, the recorded estimates will be revised and reflected in operating results. Although some variability is inherent in these estimates, the Company believes the amounts provided are adequate.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Parent Company, its subsidiaries and those entities required to be consolidated under applicable accounting standards. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which are necessary to fairly present the consolidated balance sheets as of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, and December 31, 2017,2018, the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income (loss) for the three-three-month and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019 and 2018, the consolidated statement of shareholders' equity for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 and 2017,June 30, 2019 and 2018, and the consolidated statementsstatement of shareholders' equity and cash flows for the nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 2017.2018. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year. As a result, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (20172018 (2018 Annual Report).

Stock split: On February 13, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Parent Company declared a two-for-one stock split of the Company’s common stock in the form of a 100% stock dividend payable on March 16, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 2, 2018. The stock split was payable in the form of one additional common stock share for every share of common stock held. All equity and share-based data, including the number of shares outstanding and per share amounts, have been adjusted to reflect the stock split for all periods presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made to prior-year amounts to conform to current-year reporting classifications. These reclassifications had no impact on net earnings or total shareholders' equity.

Perpetual securities have been reclassified in prior periods from a separate line item to fixed maturity securities to conform to current period reporting classifications. This reclassification had no impact on net earnings or total shareholder’s equity.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

StandardDescriptionDate of AdoptionEffect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
Accounting StandardsStandard Update (ASU) 2018-03
Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments - Overall
In February 2018, the FASB issued amendments to clarify certain aspects of the guidance issued in the original Financial Instruments - Overall - Recognition and Measurement pronouncement summarized below. Specifically, for entities who have chosen the measurement alternative approach for equity securities without readily determinable fair values, the amendments clarify that entities may change from a measurement alternative approach to a fair value method through an irrevocable election that would apply to a specific equity security and all identical or similar investments of the same issuer; entities should use an observable price at the date of the transaction rather than reporting date for the measurement alternative calculation; and insurance companies should use a prospective transition method when applying the measurement alternative. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2018. All entities may early adopt these amendments for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, as long as they have adopted the Financial Instruments - Overall - Recognition and Measurement guidance discussed below.
Early adopted as of January 1, 2018The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or disclosures.


StandardDescriptionDate of AdoptionEffect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2018-02
Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income: Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
In February 2018, the FASB issued amendments which allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to retained earnings of the effects of the change in the U.S. federal income tax rate resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act) on the gross deferred tax amounts and the corresponding valuation allowances related to items remaining in AOCI. The amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act and also require certain disclosures about the reclassified tax effects. The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Public business entities may early adopt this guidance in any interim reporting period for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The amendments should be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Act is recognized.Early adopted as of January 1, 2018
The amounts reclassified from
AOCI to retained earnings include the income tax effects of the change in the federal corporate tax rate enacted by the Tax Act. The Company’s policy is to follow the portfolio approach for releasing income tax effects from AOCI. The adoption of this guidance resulted in an increase to beginning 2018 AOCI of $374 million with a corresponding decrease to beginning 2018 retained earnings as of January 1, 2018.
ASU 2017-09 Compensation - Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting
In May 2017, the FASB issued amendments to provide guidance clarifying when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. An entity should apply modification accounting if the fair value, vesting conditions or classification of the award (as an equity instrument or liability instrument) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions of the award.January 1, 2018The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or disclosures.
ASU 2017-08
Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs: Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities

In March 2017, the FASB issued amendments to shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period.

Early adopted as of July 1, 2018
The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or disclosures.



StandardDescriptionDate of AdoptionEffect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2017-07
Compensation - Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost
In March 2017, the FASB issued amendments requiring that an employer report the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. If a separate line item or items are used to present the other components of net benefit cost, that line item or items must be appropriately described. If a separate line item or items are not used, the line item or items used in the income statement to present the other components of net benefit cost must be disclosed. The amendments in this update also allow only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable.January 1, 2018The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or disclosures.
ASU 2017-05
Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets: Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets
In February 2017, the FASB issued amendments that clarify the scope and accounting guidance for the derecognition of a nonfinancial asset or a financial asset that meets the definition of an "in substance nonfinancial asset." The amendments define an "in substance nonfinancial asset" and provide additional accounting guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets.January 1, 2018The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or disclosures.
ASU 2017-01
Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business
In January 2017, the FASB issued amendments clarifying when a set of assets and activities is a business. The amendments provide a screen to exclude transactions where substantially all the fair value of the transferred set is concentrated in a single asset, or group of similar assets, from being evaluated as a business.January 1, 2018The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or disclosures.
ASU 2016-18
Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash
In November 2016, the FASB issued amendments requiring that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents.January 1, 2018The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, statements of cash flows, or disclosures.
ASU 2016-16
Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory
In October 2016, the FASB issued amendments that require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs.January 1, 2018The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or disclosures.
ASU 2016-15
Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments
In August 2016, the FASB issued amendments that provide guidance on eight specific statement of cash flows classification issues.January 1, 2018The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, statements of cash flows, or disclosures.


StandardDescriptionDate of AdoptionEffect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2016-01
Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance to address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The main provisions of this guidance require certain equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net earnings; separate presentation in other comprehensive income for changes in fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option that are due to instrument-specific credit risk; and changes in disclosures associated with the fair value of financial instruments. The guidance also clarifies that entities should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset (DTA) related to available-for-sale (AFS) securities in combination with the entity's other DTAs.January 1, 2018The Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment with an increase to beginning 2018 retained earnings and a decrease to beginning 2018 AOCI of $148 million, net of taxes.
ASU 2014-09
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance that affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards (e.g., insurance contracts or lease contracts). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.January 1, 2018The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or disclosures.


Accounting Pronouncements Pending Adoption

StandardDescriptionEffect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2018-15
Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software, Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract

In August 2018, the FASB issued amendments to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software.
Early adopted as of January 1, 2019

The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or disclosures



StandardDescriptionDate of AdoptionEffect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2016-02
Leases

as clarified and amended by:
ASU 2018-01,Leases: Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842,
ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases,
ASU 2018-11, Leases, Targeted Improvements, and
ASU 2018-20, Leases: Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors
In February 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance for accounting for leases (“Leases Update”). Per the Leases Update, lessees are required to recognize all leases on the balance sheet with the exception of short-term leases. A lease liability will be recorded for the obligation of a lessee to make lease payments arising from a lease. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. The Leases Update provided a number of optional practical expedients. The Company elected the "package of practical expedients," which permits the Company not to reassess under the new standard its prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. Under the Leases Update, lessor accounting is largely unchanged.

In January 2018, an amendment was issued to the Leases Update which provided an entity with the option to elect a transition practical expedient to not evaluate land easements that exist or expired before the entity's adoption of the Leases Update and that were not previously accounted for as leases.

In July 2018, the FASB issued two amendments to the Leases Update which clarified, corrected errors in, or made minor improvements to the Leases Update and provided entities with an optional transition method to adopt the Leases Update by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings. Additionally, the amendments provided lessors with a practical expedient to not separate nonlease components from associated lease components and instead account for those components as a single component under certain conditions.

In December 2018, an amendment to the Leases Update was issued to clarify: 1) lessor accounting for all sales (and other similar) taxes; 2) the handling of certain lessor costs when the amount of those costs is not readily determinable; and 3) lessor allocation of certain variable payments to the lease and non-lease components.

January 1, 2019

The Company has operating and finance leases for office space and equipment. The Company elected the short-term lease exemption for all classes of leases which allows the Company to not recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet and allows the Company to recognize the lease expense for short-term leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components and applied it to all classes of leases where the non-lease components are not significant. Some of the Company's leases include options to extend or terminate the lease and the lease terms may include such options when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. The leases within scope of the Leases Update increased the Company's right-of-use assets and lease liabilities recorded in its consolidated balance sheet by $134 million.
As of January 1, 2019, the Company did not have land easements, but has elected the practical expedient as a safe harbor.
The Company elected the optional transition method and as a safe harbor, the practical expedient provided to lessors.
The Company has made an accounting policy election to exclude amounts collected from customers for all sales (and other similar) taxes from the transaction price.
The adoption of the Leases Update and related amendments did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or disclosures.




Accounting Pronouncements Pending Adoption
StandardDescriptionEffect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2018-17 Consolidation: Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities

In October 2018, the FASB issued targeted improvements which provide that indirect interests held through related parties under common control should be considered on a proportional basis for determining whether fees paid to decision makers and service providers are variable interests. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.

The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or disclosures.


StandardDescriptionEffect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2018-14
Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General, Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans

In August 2018, the FASB issued amendments to modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. Accordingly, six disclosures requirements were removed, two added and two clarified. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted.
The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or disclosures.

ASU 2018-13
Fair Value Measurement, Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement

In August 2018, the FASB issued amendments to the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement.measurements. The amendments remove, modify, and add certain disclosures. The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted upon issuance of this Update. Anpermitted. Further, an entity is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of this update and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date.
The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or disclosures.

ASU 2018-12
Financial Services - Insurance, Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts

In August 2018, the FASB issued amendments that will significantly change how insurers account for long-duration contracts. The amendments will change existing recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure requirements. Issues addressed in the new guidance include: 1) a requirement to review and, if there is a change, update assumptions for the liability for future policy benefits at least annually, and to update the discount rate assumption quarterly, 2) accounting for market risk benefits at fair value, 3) simplified amortization for deferred acquisition costs, and 4) enhanced financial statement presentation and disclosures. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. Early application of the amendments is permitted.


The Company is thoroughly evaluating the impact of adoption and it is expectedexpects that the adoption will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and disclosures. The Company expectsanticipates that the requirement to update assumptions for liability for future policy benefits will have the mosta significant impact on its results of operations, systems, processes and controls.

ASU 2018-11
Leases, Targeted Improvements

In July 2018,controls while the FASB issued targeted improvementsrequirement to Topic 842 Leases. The amendments inupdate the update provide entities with an additional (and optional) transition method to adopt the new leases standard by recording a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings. Additionally, the amendments provide lessors with a practical expedient to not separate nonlease components from associated lease components and instead account for those components as a single component under certain conditions. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted.




The Company has elected the optional transition method. The adoption of this guidance is not expected todiscount rate will have a significant impact on its equity. The Company has no products with market risk benefits. The Company does not expect to early adopt the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or disclosures.

ASU 2018-10
Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases

In July 2018, the FASB issued guidance which clarifies, corrects errors in, or makes minor improvements to the Codification related to ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendments in this ASU affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in the amendments to ASU 2016-02, including but not limited to, Residual Value Guarantees, Rate Implicit in the Lease, Lessee Reassessment of Lease Classification and Variable Lease Payments that Depend on an Index or a Rate. Amendments within this ASU follow the effective dates of Topic 842, which are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years.

The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or disclosures.

StandardDescriptionEffect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2018-01
Leases: Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842

In January 2018, the FASB issued guidance which provides an entity with the option to elect a transition practical expedient to not evaluate, under Topic 842, land easements that exist or expired before the entity's adoption of Topic 842 and that were not previously accounted for as leases under Topic 840. The amendments clarify that new or modified land easements should be evaluated under the new leases standard once an entity has adopted the newupdated standard. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted.The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or disclosures.
ASU 2017-12
Derivatives and Hedging - Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities

In August 2017, the FASB issued guidance which improves and simplifies the accounting rules around hedge accounting and will create more transparency around how economic results are presented on financial statements. Issues addressed in this new guidance include: 1) risk component hedging, 2) accounting for the hedged item in fair value hedges of interest rate risk, 3) recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments, and 4) amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period after issuance of the guidance.

The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or disclosures.

ASU 2017-04 
Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment
In January 2017, the FASB issued amendments simplifying the subsequent measurement of goodwill. An entity, under this update, is no longer required to perform a hypothetical purchase price allocation to measure goodwill impairment. Instead, the entity should perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. The amendments are effective for public business entities that are SEC filers for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for any goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017.The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or disclosures.



StandardDescriptionEffect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2016-13
Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

as clarified and amended by:
ASU 2019-04,Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments,
and
ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Targeted Transition Relief

In June 2016, the FASB issued amendments that require a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured on anat amortized cost basis to be presented net of an allowance for credit losses (Credit Losses ASU) in order to reflect the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset(s). The measurement of expected credit losses is amended by replacing the incurred loss impairment methodology in current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform about a credit loss.information. Credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities will continue to be measured in a manner similar to current U.S. GAAP; however, the amendments require that credit losses be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down. Other amendments include changes to the balance sheet presentation and interest income recognition of purchased financial assets with a more-than-insignificant amount of credit deterioration since origination (PCD financial assets).

The amendments areCredit Losses ASU is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Companies may early adopt this guidance as of the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments will be adopted following a modified-retrospective approach resulting in a cumulative effect adjustment in retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. Two exceptions to this adoption method are for PCD financial assets and debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) will have been recognized before the effective date. Loans purchased with credit deterioration accounted for under current U.S. GAAP as "purchased credit impaired" (PCI) financial assets will be classified as PCD financial assets at transition and PCD guidance will be applied prospectively. Debt securities that have experienced OTTI before the effective date will follow a prospective adoption method which allows an entity to maintain the same amortized cost basis before and after the effective date.

In April 2019, the Credit Losses ASU was amended to allow entities to make a policy election about presentation and disclosure of accrued interest receivable and the related credit losses, whereby entities that write off uncollectible accrued interest receivable in a timely manner can make a policy election not to measure an allowance on the accrued interest receivable. Other amendments made within this Update clarify and address stakeholders’ specific issues about certain aspects of the Credit Losses ASU.

In May 2019, the FASB granted a targeted transition relief by allowing to irrevocably elect the fair value option for certain financial assets previously measured at amortized cost.

These amendments will be effective upon adoption of the Credit Losses ASU.

The Company has identified certainthe following financial instruments in scope of this guidance to includethe new guidance: certain fixed maturity securities, loanloans and loan receivables, reinsurance recoverable, as well as certain other receivable balances and reinsurance recoverables (See Notes 3 and 7 for current balances of instruments in scope). The Company is progressing towards updating its credit loss projection models and accounting systems to comply with the required changes in measurement of credit losses.off-balance sheet arrangements. The Company currently expects loans and loan receivables and held-to-maturity fixed maturity securities to be the asset classes most significantly impacted upon adoption of the guidance. (See Notes 3 and 7). The Company is in the process of review and validation of credit models and methodologies and validating inputs, while continuing to develop policies, systems and controls that will be required to implement the Current Expected Credit Losses guidance.The Company also continues to evaluate the impact of adoption of this guidance on its financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.

StandardDescriptionEffect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2016-02
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB established Topic 842, Leases, by issuing ASU No. 2016-02, which requires lessees The Company plans to recognize leases on-balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The new standard establishes a right-of-use model (ROU) that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged.

The new standard is effective for the Companyadopt this ASU on January 1, 2019, as we do not plan to early adopt. A modified retrospective transition approach is required, applying the new standard to all leases existing at the date of initial application. The Company is electing to use its effective date as its date of initial application. The transition requirements for existing leases also apply to leases entered into between the date of initial application and the effective date. Because the Company expects to adopt the new standard on January 1, 2019 and use the effective date as the date of initial application, financial information will not be updated and the disclosures required under the new standard will not be provided for dates and periods before January 1, 2019.2020.

The new standard provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. The Company expects to elect the ‘package of practical expedients’, which permits it not to reassess under the new standard its prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. The Company does not expect to elect the use-of-hindsight.
The Company has identified certain operating leases in scope of this guidance to include office space and equipment leases (See Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2017 Annual Report for current balances of leases in scope). The leases within scope of this guidance will increase the Company's ROU assets and lease liabilities recorded on its statement of financial position, however the Company estimates leases within scope of the guidance to represent less than 1% of its total assets as of September 30, 2018. The Company estimates that the adoption of this guidance will not have a significant impact on its financial position, results of operations, or disclosures.


Recent accounting guidance not discussed above is not applicable, did not have, or is not expected to have a material impact to the Company's business. 

For additional information on new accounting pronouncements and recent accounting guidance and their impact, if any, on the Company's financial position or results of operations, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20172018 Annual Report.


2.BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company consists of two reportable insurance business segments: Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S., both of which sell supplemental health and life insurance. OperatingIn addition, operating business segmentsunits that are not individually reportable and business activities, including reinsurance retrocession activities, not included in Aflac Japan or Aflac U.S. are included in the "CorporateCorporate and other" category.other.

The Company does not allocate corporate overhead expenses to business segments. Consistent with U.S. GAAP accounting guidance for segment reporting, the Company evaluates and manages its business segments using a financial performance measure called pretax adjusted earnings. Adjusted earnings are adjusted revenues less benefits and adjusted expenses. The adjustments to both revenues and expenses account for certain items that cannot be predicted or that are outside management’s control. Adjusted revenues are U.S. GAAP total revenues excluding realized investment gains and losses, except for amortized hedge costscosts/income related to foreign currency exposure management strategies and net interest cash flows from derivatives associated with certain investment strategies. Adjusted expenses are U.S. GAAP total acquisition and operating expenses including the impact of interest cash flows from derivatives associated with notes payable but excluding any nonrecurring or other items not associated with the normal course of the Company’s insurance operations and that do not reflect Aflac’s underlying business performance. The Company excludes income taxes related to operations to arrive at pretax adjusted earnings. Information regarding operations by reportable segment and Corporate and other, follows:

Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(In millions)2018 2017 2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018 
Revenues:                
Aflac Japan:                
Net earned premiums$3,159
 $3,200
 $9,649
 $9,616
 $3,172
 $3,227
 $6,352
 $6,490
 
Net investment income, less amortized hedge costs606
 561
 1,801
 1,676
 609
 606
 1,219
 1,194
 
Other income10
 11
 31
 31
 11
 11
 22
 22
 
Total Aflac Japan3,775
 3,772
 11,481
 11,323
 3,792
 3,844
 7,593
 7,706
 
Aflac U.S.:                
Net earned premiums1,426
 1,393
 4,280
 4,172
 1,459
 1,426
 2,920
 2,853
 
Net investment income187
 181
 544
 539
 180
 182
 357
 357
 
Other income3
 1
 7
 3
 2
 2
 4
 4
 
Total Aflac U.S.1,616
 1,575
 4,831
 4,714
 1,641
 1,610
 3,281
 3,214
 
Corporate and other82
 69
 245
 204
 95
 85
 191
 164
 
Total adjusted revenues5,473
 5,416
 16,557
 16,241
 5,528
 5,539
 11,065
 11,084
 
Realized investment gains (losses) (1),(2),(3)
104
 90
 75
 2
 (17) 50
 103
 (30) 
Total revenues$5,577
 $5,506
 $16,632
 $16,243
 $5,511
 $5,589
 $11,168
 $11,054
 
(1) Amortized hedge costs of $62 and $55 for the three-month periods and $124 and $110 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2019, and 2018, respectively, related to hedging U.S. dollar-denominated investments held in Aflac Japan were $59 and $60 for the three- month periods and $168 and for both the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively, andcertain foreign currency exposure management strategies have been reclassified from realized investment gains (losses) and reported as a deduction from net investment income when analyzing segment operations.
(2) Amortized hedge costs in Aflac Japan were partially offset by derivatives entered into as partincome of corporate activities$20 and resulted in a benefit of$7 for the three-month periods and $40and $9 for the three-month periodsix-month periods ended June 30, 2019, and $18 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, respectively, whichrelated to certain foreign currency exposure management strategies has been reclassified from realized investment gains (losses) and reported as an increase into net investment income when analyzing operations.
(3) An immaterial amount of netNet interest cash flows from derivatives associated with certain investment strategies inof $(7) for the three-month period and $(14) for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 and an immaterial amount for the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended September 30,in 2018, wererespectively, have been reclassified from realized investment gains (losses) intoand included in adjusted earnings as a component of net investment income when analyzing operations.income.



Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(In millions)2018 2017 2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018 
Pretax earnings:                
Aflac Japan$756
 $748
 $2,411
 $2,308
 $831
 $836
 $1,666
 $1,654
 
Aflac U.S.334
 316
 1,011
 956
 338
 340
 661
 677
 
Corporate and other(29) (50) (113) (150) (26) (38) (45) (84) 
Pretax adjusted earnings1,061
 1,014
 3,309
 3,114
 1,143
 1,138
 2,282
 2,247
 
Realized investment gains (losses) (1),(2),(3),(4)
88
 71
 25
 (57) (34) 35
 70
 (63) 
Other income (loss)
(3) (10) (73) (38) 0
 (42) (1) (70) 
Total earnings before income taxes$1,146
 $1,075
 $3,261
 $3,019
 $1,109
 $1,131
 $2,351
 $2,114
 
Income taxes applicable to pretax adjusted earnings$270
 $338
 $862
 $1,031
 $297
 $303
 $587
 $592
 
Effect of foreign currency translation on after-tax
adjusted earnings
(1) (29) 27
 (31) (4) 7
 (13) 29
 

(1) Amortized hedge costs of $62 and $55 for the three-month periods and $124 and $110 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2019, and 2018, respectively, related to hedging U.S. dollar-denominated investments held in Aflac Japan were $59 and $60 for the three- month periods and $168 for both the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively, andcertain foreign currency management strategies have been reclassified from realized investment gains (losses) and reported as a deduction from pretax adjusted earnings when analyzing segment operations.
(2) Amortized hedge costs in Aflac Japan were partially offset by derivatives entered into as partincome of corporate activities$20 and resulted in a benefit of$7 for the three-month periods and $40 and $9 for the three-month periodsix-month periods ended June 30, 2019, and $18 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, whichrespectively, related to certain foreign currency management strategies has been reclassified from realized investment gains (losses) and reported as an increase in pretax adjusted earnings when analyzing operations.
(3) An immaterial amount of netNet interest cash flows from derivatives associated with certain investment strategies inof $(7)for the three-month period and $(14) for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 and and an immaterial amount for the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended September 30,in 2018, wererespectively, have been reclassified from realized investment gains (losses) intoand included in adjusted earnings as a component of net investment income when analyzing operations.income.
(4) Excluding aA gain of $17 and $19 for the three-month periods and $50 and $60$33 for the nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, and 2017,2018, respectively, related to the interest rate component of the change in fair value of foreign currency swaps on notes payable which ishave been reclassified from realized investment gains (losses) and included in adjusted earnings when analyzing segment operations


Assets were as follows:
(In millions)September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Assets:          
Aflac Japan $116,181
 $114,402
  $128,329
 $118,342
 
Aflac U.S. 19,585
 19,893
  20,881
 19,100
 
Corporate and other 2,175
 2,922
  2,190
 2,964
 
Total assets $137,941
 $137,217
  $151,400
 $140,406
 



3.INVESTMENTS
Investment Holdings
The amortized cost for the Company's investments in debtfixed maturity securities, the cost for equity securities and the fair values of these investments are shown in the following tables.
  
September 30, 2018
(In millions)Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  ��Fair
  Value
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value
through other comprehensive income:
               
Fixed maturity securities: (1)
               
  Yen-denominated:               
Japan government and agencies $29,499
   $2,955
   $426
   $32,028
 
Municipalities 376
   25
   17
   384
 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 151
   21
   0
   172
 
Public utilities 1,685
   303
   9
   1,979
 
Sovereign and supranational 1,116
   133
   1
   1,248
 
Banks/financial institutions 5,317
   602
   159
   5,760
 
Other corporate 4,618
   683
   36
   5,265
 
Total yen-denominated 42,762
   4,722
   648
   46,836
 
  U.S. dollar-denominated:               
U.S. government and agencies 136
   7
   1
   142
 
Municipalities 1,339
   123
   12
   1,450
 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 154
   8
   1
   161
 
Public utilities 4,863
   562
   91
   5,334
 
Sovereign and supranational 248
   61
   0
   309
 
Banks/financial institutions 2,767
   431
   19
   3,179
 
Other corporate 23,983
   1,677
   775
   24,885
 
Total U.S. dollar-denominated 33,490
   2,869
   899
   35,460
 
Total securities available for sale $76,252
(1) 
  $7,591
   $1,547
   $82,296
(1) 

(1) Includes perpetual securities ($1,408 at amortized cost and $1,591 at fair value)

September 30, 2018June 30, 2019
(In millions)Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair  
Value  
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
  Value
Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:         
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value
through other comprehensive income:
         
Fixed maturity securities:                  
Yen-denominated:                  
Japan government and agencies $21,224
 $4,652
 $0
 $25,876
  $32,154
 $5,800
 $0
 $37,954
 
Municipalities 353
 97
 0
 450
  525
 120
 1
 644
 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 14
 1
 0
 15
  237
 29
 0
 266
 
Public utilities 3,150
 302
 1
 3,451
  1,865
 392
 0
 2,257
 
Sovereign and supranational 1,516
 276
 0
 1,792
  762
 60
 0
 822
 
Banks/financial institutions 1,491
 163
 11
 1,643
  6,126
 700
 106
 6,720
 
Other corporate 2,673
 356
 6
 3,023
  5,333
 932
 22
 6,243
 
Total yen-denominated 30,421
 5,847
 18
  36,250
  47,002
 8,033
 129
 54,906
 
Total securities held to maturity $30,421
 $5,847
 $18
 $36,250
 
U.S. dollar-denominated:         
U.S. government and agencies 195
 11
 0
 206
 
Municipalities 1,198
 133
 0
 1,331
 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 143
 7
 0
 150
 
Public utilities 3,941
 634
 27
 4,548
 
Sovereign and supranational 257
 73
 0
 330
 
Banks/financial institutions 2,880
 566
 14
 3,432
 
Other corporate 25,579
 2,492
 539
 27,532
 
Total U.S. dollar-denominated 34,193
 3,916
 580
 37,529
 
Total securities available for sale $81,195
 $11,949
 $709
 $92,435
 



  
September 30, 2018
(In millions)      Fair  
Value  
Equity securities, carried at fair value through
  net earnings:
               
Equity securities: (1) 
               
      Yen-denominated             $707
 
      U.S. dollar-denominated             352
 
Total equity securities             $1,059
(1) 

(1) Includes perpetual securities ($66 at fair value)

  
December 31, 2017
(In millions)Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
  Value
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:               
Fixed maturity securities: (1)
               
  Yen-denominated:               
Japan government and agencies $27,980
   $3,363
   $271
   $31,072
 
Municipalities 314
   28
   12
   330
 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 242
   29
   0
   271
 
Public utilities 1,635
   352
   6
   1,981
 
Sovereign and supranational 1,380
   190
   1
   1,569
 
Banks/financial institutions 4,742
   811
   53
   5,500
 
Other corporate 4,085
   809
   7
   4,887
 
Total yen-denominated 40,378
   5,582
   350
   45,610
 
  U.S dollar-denominated:               
U.S. government and agencies 146
   13
   1
   158
 
Municipalities 872
   168
   0
   1,040
 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 161
   12
   0
   173
 
Public utilities 5,116
   884
   27
   5,973
 
Sovereign and supranational 267
   73
   0
   340
 
Banks/financial institutions 2,808
   633
   8
   3,433
 
Other corporate 25,384
   2,620
   418
   27,586
 
Total U.S. dollar-denominated 34,754
   4,403
   454
   38,703
 
Total securities available for sale $75,132
(1) 
  $9,985
   $804
   $84,313
(1) 

(1) Includes perpetual securities ($1,462 at amortized cost and $1,789 at fair value)


December 31, 2017December 31, 2018
(In millions)Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
  Value
Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:         
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value
through other comprehensive income:
         
Fixed maturity securities:                  
Yen-denominated:                  
Japan government and agencies $21,331
 $5,160
 $0
 $26,491
  $30,637
 $3,700
 $140
 $34,197
 
Municipalities 357
 105
 0
 462
  385
 32
 9
 408
 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 26
 1
 0
 27
  155
 22
 0
 177
 
Public utilities 3,300
 398
 0
 3,698
  1,732
 280
 4
 2,008
 
Sovereign and supranational 1,523
 312
 0
 1,835
  826
 123
 0
 949
 
Banks/financial institutions 2,206
 190
 9
 2,387
  5,440
 502
 238
 5,704
 
Other corporate 2,687
 485
 0
 3,172
  4,852
 649
 44
 5,457
 
Total yen-denominated 31,430
 6,651
 9
  38,072
  44,027
 5,308
 435
  48,900
 
Total securities held to maturity $31,430
 $6,651
 $9
 $38,072
 
U.S dollar-denominated:         
U.S. government and agencies 137
 9
 1
 145
 
Municipalities 1,343
 120
 8
 1,455
 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 155
 8
 1
 162
 
Public utilities 4,772
 496
 105
 5,163
 
Sovereign and supranational 251
 60
 0
 311
 
Banks/financial institutions 2,860
 389
 35
 3,214
 
Other corporate 23,311
 1,343
 1,109
 23,545
 
Total U.S. dollar-denominated 32,829
 2,425
 1,259
  33,995
 
Total securities available for sale $76,856
 $7,733
 $1,694
 $82,895
 


  
December 31, 2017
(In millions)      Fair
Value
Equity securities, carried at fair value:               
Equity securities:               
      Yen-denominated             $695
 
      U.S. dollar-denominated             328
 
Total equity securities             $1,023
 
  
June 30, 2019
(In millions)Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair  
Value  
Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:               
Fixed maturity securities:               
  Yen-denominated:               
Japan government and agencies $22,611
   $6,606
   $0
   $29,217
 
Municipalities 836
   274
   0
   1,110
 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 19
   1
   0
   20
 
Public utilities 2,762
   386
   0
   3,148
 
Sovereign and supranational 1,188
   192
   0
   1,380
 
Banks/financial institutions 978
   110
   12
   1,076
 
Other corporate 2,613
   477
   6
   3,084
 
Total yen-denominated 31,007
   8,046
   18
   39,035
 
Total securities held to maturity $31,007
   $8,046
   $18
   $39,035
 




  
December 31, 2018
(In millions)Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:               
Fixed maturity securities:               
  Yen-denominated:               
Japan government and agencies $21,712
   $5,326
   $0
   $27,038
 
Municipalities 359
   110
   0
   469
 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 14
   1
   0
   15
 
Public utilities 2,727
   254
   8
   2,973
 
Sovereign and supranational 1,551
   289
   0
   1,840
 
Banks/financial institutions 1,445
   158
   20
   1,583
 
Other corporate 2,510
   332
   38
   2,804
 
Total yen-denominated 30,318
   6,470
   66
   36,722
 
Total securities held to maturity $30,318
   $6,470
   $66
   $36,722
 


(In millions)June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Equity securities, carried at fair value through net earnings:Fair Value Fair Value
Equity securities:       
      Yen-denominated $679
   $641
 
      U.S. dollar-denominated 408
   346
 
Total equity securities $1,087
   $987
 


The methods of determining the fair values of the Company's investments in fixed maturity securities and equity securities are described in Note 5.

During the first nine monthsand second quarters of 2019 and 2018, respectively, the Company did not reclassify any investments from the held-to-maturity category to the available-for-sale category.

During the third quarter of 2017, the Company did not reclassify any investments from the held-to-maturity category to
the available-for-sale category. During the second quarter of 2017, the Company reclassified three investments from the held-to-maturity category to the available-for-sale category as a result of the issuers' credit rating being downgraded to below investment grade. At the time of the transfer, the securities had an amortized cost of $773 million and an unrealized gain of $47 million. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company did not reclassify any investments from the held-to-maturity category to the available-for-sale category.
Contractual and Economic Maturities
The contractual and economic maturities of the Company's investments in fixed maturity securities at SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, were as follows:


(In millions)Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 
Available for sale: (1)
          
Due in one year or less $691
 $757
  $1,093
 $1,153
 
Due after one year through five years 8,058
 8,199
  8,423
 8,478
 
Due after five years through 10 years 10,282
 10,936
  9,887
 10,961
 
Due after 10 years 56,916
 62,071
  61,412
 71,427
 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 305
 333
  380
 416
 
Total fixed maturity securities available for sale $76,252
 $82,296
  $81,195
 $92,435
 
Held to maturity:          
Due in one year or less $528
 $533
  $139
 $140
 
Due after one year through five years 541
 569
  1,284
 1,367
 
Due after five years through 10 years 1,303
 1,415
  726
 815
 
Due after 10 years 28,034
 33,718
  28,839
 36,693
 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 15
 15
  19
 20
 
Total fixed maturity securities held to maturity $30,421
 $36,250
  $31,007
 $39,035
 

(1) Includes perpetual securities, categorized in accordance with their respective economic
Economic maturities (theare the expected maturity date created by the combination of features in the financial instrument)

instrument. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because some issuers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

Investment Concentrations

The Company's process for investing in credit-related investments begins with an independent approach to underwriting each issuer's fundamental credit quality. The Company evaluates independently those factors that it believes could influence an issuer's ability to make payments under the contractual terms of the Company's instruments. This includes a thorough analysis of a variety of items including the issuer's country of domicile (including political, legal, and financial considerations); the industry in which the issuer competes (with an analysis of industry structure, end-market dynamics, and regulation); company specific issues (such as management, assets, earnings, cash generation, and capital needs); and contractual provisions of the instrument (such as financial covenants and position in the capital structure). The Company further evaluates the investment considering broad business and portfolio management objectives, including asset/liability needs, portfolio diversification, and expected income.

Investment exposures that individually exceeded 10% of shareholders' equity were as follows:
September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
(In millions)Credit
Rating
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Credit
Rating
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
Credit
Rating
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Credit
Rating
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
Japan National Government(1)
A+ $49,603 $56,679 A $48,399 $56,532A+ $53,298 $65,321 A+ $51,207 $59,945
(1)Japan Government Bonds (JGBs) or JGB-backed securities




Realized Investment Gains and Losses

Information regarding pretax realized gains and losses from investments is as follows:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(In millions)2018 2017 2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018 
Realized investment gains (losses):                
Fixed maturity securities: (1)
                
Available for sale:                
Gross gains from sales$60
 $18
 $81
 $40
 $32
 $12
 $44
 $22
 
Gross losses from sales(26) (5) (99) (24) (3) (71) (11) (73) 
Foreign currency gains (losses) on sales and redemptions3
 3
 27
 (47) (4) 29
 9
 24
 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses0
 (1) (2) (5) 0
 (2) 0
 (2) 
Total fixed maturity securities37
 15
 7
 (36) 25
 (32) 42
 (29) 
Equity securities (1),(2)
27

39
(3) 
(1) 73
(3) 
Equity securities(11)
18
 47
 (28) 
Loan receivables:        
Loan loss reserves(5) (1) (15) (4) (2) (3) (4) (10) 
Total loan receivables(2) (3) (4) (10) 
Derivatives and other:                
Derivative gains (losses)(162) (40) (190) (143) 122
 (172) 122
 (28) 
Foreign currency gains (losses)159
 17
 123
 (56) (200) 192
 (202) (36) 
Total derivatives and other(3) (23) (67) (199) (78) 20
 (80) (64) 
Total realized investment gains (losses)$56
 $30
 $(76) $(166) $(66) $3
 $5
 $(131) 

(1) Includes perpetual securities
(2) See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2018 related to financial instruments.
(3) Includes impairments of $6 for the three-month period and $18 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017

The unrealized holding gains,losses, net of losses,gains, recorded as a component of realized investment gains and losses for the three-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, that relates to equity securities still held at the SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, reporting date was $25$13 million. The unrealized holding gains, net of losses, recorded as a component of realized investment gains and losses for the nine-monthsix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, that relates to equity securities still held at the SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, reporting date was $1$34 million.

Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses
Effect on Shareholders’ Equity
The net effect on shareholders’ equity of unrealized gains and losses from investmentfixed maturity securities was as follows:
(In millions)September 30, 2018 December 31,
2017
June 30, 2019 December 31,
2018
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale $6,044
 $9,358
  $11,240
 $6,039
 
Deferred income taxes (1,804) (3,394)  (3,185) (1,805) 
Shareholders’ equity, unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities $4,240
 $5,964
 
Shareholders’ equity, unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities $8,055
 $4,234
 

See Note 1 for discussion of the accounting treatment of tax on amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income pursuant to the Tax Act and for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2018 related to financial instruments.

Gross Unrealized Loss Aging
The following tables show the fair values and gross unrealized losses of the Company's available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investments that were in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position.



  
June 30, 2019
  
Total Less than 12 months 12 months or longer
(In millions)Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Losses
Fixed maturity securities:                       
  Municipalities:                       
  Yen-denominated $14
   $1
   $14
   $1
   $0
   $0
 
  Public utilities:                       
  U.S. dollar-denominated 597
   27
   116
   5
   481
   22
 
  Banks/financial institutions:                       
  U.S. dollar-denominated 284
   14
   110
   5
   174
   9
 
  Yen-denominated 1,862
   118
   1,862
   118
   0
   0
 
  Other corporate:                       
  U.S. dollar-denominated 7,957
   539
   2,125
   143
   5,832
   396
 
  Yen-denominated 713
   28
   713
   28
   0
   0
 
  Total $11,427
   $727
   $4,940
   $300
   $6,487
   $427
 
  
September 30, 2018
  
Total Less than 12 months 12 months or longer
(In millions)Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Losses
Fixed maturity securities: (1)
                       
  U.S. government and
agencies:
                       
  U.S. dollar-denominated $80
   $1
   $80
   $1
   $0
   $0
 
  Japan government and
agencies:
                       
  Yen-denominated 9,221
   426
   9,221
   426
   0
   0
 
  Municipalities:                       
  U.S. dollar-denominated 490
   12
   490
   12
   0
   0
 
  Yen-denominated 224
   17
   224
   17
   0
   0
 
Mortgage- and asset-
backed securities:
                       
  U.S. dollar-denominated 81
   1
   81
   1
   0
   0
 
  Public utilities:                       
  U.S. dollar-denominated 1,726
   91
   1,721
   91
   5
   0
 
  Yen-denominated 381
   10
   381
   10
   0
   0
 
  Sovereign and supranational:                       
  Yen-denominated 43
   1
   43
   1
   0
   0
 
  Banks/financial institutions:                       
  U.S. dollar-denominated 552
   19
   517
   18
   35
   1
 
  Yen-denominated 2,806
   170
   2,806
   170
   0
   0
 
  Other corporate:                       
  U.S. dollar-denominated 11,731
   775
   11,291
   744
   440
   31
 
  Yen-denominated 1,134
   42
   1,134
   42
   0
   0
 
  Total $28,469
   $1,565
   $27,989
   $1,533
   $480
   $32
 
(1) Includes perpetual securities



December 31, 2017December 31, 2018
Total Less than 12 months 12 months or longerTotal Less than 12 months 12 months or longer
(In millions)Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Losses
Fixed maturity securities: (1)
                          
U.S. government and
agencies:
                          
U.S. dollar-denominated $74
 $1
 $74
 $1
 $0
 $0
  $67
 $1
 $67
 $1
 $0
 $0
 
Japan government and
agencies:
                          
Yen-denominated 5,255
 271
 1,264
 9
 3,991
 262
  3,604
 140
 3,604
 140
 0
 0
 
Municipalities:                          
U.S. dollar-denominated 515
 8
 515
 8
 0
 0
 
Yen-denominated 129
 12
 10
 0
 119
 12
  148
 9
 148
 9
 0
 0
 
Mortgage- and asset-
backed securities:
             
U.S. dollar-denominated 74
 1
 74
 1
 0
 0
 
Public utilities:                          
U.S. dollar-denominated 785
 27
 221
 3
 564
 24
  1,585
 105
 892
 48
 693
 57
 
Yen-denominated 83
 6
 0
 0
 83
 6
 
Sovereign and supranational:             
Yen-denominated 309
 1
 309
 1
 0
 0
  604
 12
 604
 12
 0
 0
 
Banks/financial institutions:                          
U.S. dollar-denominated 362
 8
 316
 5
 46
 3
  625
 35
 340
 19
 285
 16
 
Yen-denominated 1,507
 62
 394
 4
 1,113
 58
  3,057
 258
 3,057
 258
 0
 0
 
Other corporate:                          
U.S. dollar-denominated 7,741
 418
 2,839
 50
 4,902
 368
  12,899
 1,109
 5,782
 407
 7,117
 702
 
Yen-denominated 440
 7
 349
 4
 91
 3
  1,306
 82
 1,306
 82
 0
 0
 
Total $16,685
 $813
 $5,776
 $77
 $10,909
 $736
  $24,484
 $1,760
 $16,389
 $985
 $8,095
 $775
 

(1) Includes perpetual securities

Analysis of Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions

The unrealized losses on the Company's fixed maturity securities investments have been primarily related to general market changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and/or the levels of credit spreads rather than specific concerns with the issuer's ability to pay interest and repay principal.

For any significant declines in fair value of its fixed maturity securities, the Company performs a more focused review of the related issuers' credit profile. For corporate issuers, the Company evaluates their assets, business profile including industry dynamics and competitive positioning, financial statements and other available financial data. For non-corporate issuers, the Company analyzes all sources of credit support, including issuer-specific factors. The Company utilizes information available in the public domain and, for certain private placement issuers, from consultations with the issuers directly. The Company also considers ratings from Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (NRSROs), as well as the specific characteristics of the security it owns including seniority in the issuer's capital structure, covenant protections, or other relevant features. From these reviews, the Company evaluates the issuers' continued ability to service the Company's investment through payment of interest and principal.

Assuming no credit-related factors develop, unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities are expected to diminish as investments near maturity. Based on its credit analysis, the Company believes that the issuers of its fixed maturity investments in the sectors shown in the table above have the ability to service their obligations to the Company.


Commercial Mortgage and Other Loans

The Company classifies its transitional real estate loans (TREs), commercial mortgage loans (CMLs) and middle market loans (MMLs) as held-for-investment and includes them in the commercial mortgage and other loans line on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company carries them on the balance sheet at amortized cost less an estimated allowance for loan losses.

The following table reflects the composition of commercial mortgage and other loans by portfolio segment as of the periods presented.
(In millions)June 30, 2019  December 31, 2018  
Commercial mortgage and other loans:          
Transitional real estate loans $4,592
    $4,394
   
Commercial mortgage loans 1,161
    1,065
   
Middle market loans 1,900
    1,487
   
Total gross commercial mortgage and other loans 7,653
    6,946
   
Allowance for loan loss (31)    (27)   
Total net commercial mortgage and other loans $7,622
    $6,919
   


Commercial mortgage and transitional real estate loans were secured by properties entirely within the United States. Middle market loans are issued only to companies domiciled within the United States and Canada.

Transitional Real Estate Loans

Transitional real estate loans are commercial mortgage loans that are typically relatively short-term floating rate instruments secured by a first lien on the property. These loans provide funding for properties undergoing a change in their physical characteristics and/or economic profile and do not typically require any principal repayment prior to the maturity date. This loan portfolio has guidelines that limit the average loan-to-value at origination to be 70% or lower with individual loan-to-value limits at origination of 80% or less. As of June 30, 2019, the Company had $767 million in outstanding commitments to fund transitional real estate loans. These commitments are contingent on the final underwriting and due diligence to be performed.

Commercial Mortgage Loans

Commercial mortgage loans are typically fixed rate loans on commercial real estate with partial repayment of principal over the life of the loan with the remaining outstanding principal being repaid upon maturity. This loan portfolio has guidelines that limit the average loan-to-value at origination to be 65% or lower with individual loan-to-value limits at origination of 70% or less. As of June 30, 2019, the Company had $95 million in outstanding commitments to fund commercial mortgage loans. These commitments are contingent on the final underwriting and due diligence to be performed.

Middle Market Loans

Middle market loans are typically first lien senior secured cash flow loans to small to mid-size companies for working capital, refinancing, acquisition, and recapitalization. These loans are generally considered to be below investment grade. The carrying value for middle market loans included an unfunded amount of $130 millionand $56 million, as of June 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, respectively, that is reflected in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

As of June 30, 2019, the Company had commitments of approximately $489 million to fund potential future loan originations related to this investment program. These commitments are contingent upon the availability of middle market loans that meet the Company's underwriting criteria.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The Company's allowance for loan losses is established using both general and specific allowances. The general allowance is used for loans grouped by similar risk characteristics where a loan-specific or market-specific risk has not been identified, but for which the Company estimates probable incurred losses. The specific allowance is used on an individual loan basis when it is probable that a loss has been incurred. There was no specific loan loss reserve as of June 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018. The following table presents the rollforward of the general allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment during the six-month period ended June 30.
(In millions)Commercial Mortgage Loans Transitional Real Estate Loans Middle Market Loans Total
Allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2018 $(1)   $(17)   $(9)   $(27) 
Addition to (release of) allowance for credit losses 0
   (1)   (3)   (4) 
Allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2019 $(1)   $(18)   $(12)   $(31) 


The key credit quality indicators used by the Company in establishing the general and specific loan loss reserves, as well as in determining whether or not a loan should be impaired, include loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios for CMLs and TREs and ratings for our middle market loan portfolio. Given that transitional real estate loans involve properties undergoing renovation or construction, loan-to-value provides the most insight on the credit risk of the property. The performance of the loans are monitored and reviewed periodically, but not less than quarterly.

As of June 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, the Company had no loans that were past due in regards to principal and/or interest payments. Additionally, the Company held no loans that were on nonaccrual status or considered impaired as of June 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018. The Company had no troubled debt restructurings during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.

Other Investments

The table below reflects the composition of the carrying value for other investments as of the periods presented.
(In millions)September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Other investments:       
Transitional real estate loans $4,128
   $1,235
 
Commercial mortgage loans 1,026
   908
 
Middle market loans 1,363
   859
 
Policy loans 223
   210
 
Short-term investments 2
   57
 
Other 267
   133
 
Total other investments $7,009
   $3,402
 


Loans and Loan Receivables

(In millions)June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Other investments:       
Policy loans $246
   $232
 
Short-term investments (1)
 677
   152
 
Limited partnerships 471
   377
 
Other 33
   26
 
Total other investments $1,427
   $787
 
The Company classifies its transitional real estate loans (TREs), commercial mortgage loans (CMLs) and middle market loans (MMLs) as held-for-investment and includes them in the other investments line on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company carries them on the balance sheet at amortized cost less an estimated allowance for loan losses. The Company's allowance for loan losses is established using both general and specific allowances. The general allowance is used for loans grouped by similar risk characteristics where a loan-specific or market-specific risk has not been identified, but for which the Company estimates probable incurred losses. The specific allowance is used on an individual loan basis when it is probable that a loss has been incurred. As of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the Company's allowance for loan losses was $25 million and $11 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the Company had no loans that were past due in regards to principal and/or interest payments. Additionally, the Company held no loans that were on nonaccrual status or considered impaired as of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017. The Company had no troubled debt restructurings during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Transitional Real Estate Loans

Transitional real estate loans are commercial mortgage loans that are typically relatively short-term floating rate instruments secured by a first lien on the property. These loans provide funding for properties undergoing a change in their physical characteristics and/or economic profile. As of September 30, 2018, the Company had $720 million in outstanding commitments to fund transitional real estate loans. These commitments are contingent on the final underwriting and due diligence to be performed.

Commercial Mortgage Loans(1) Includes securities lending collateral

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, the Company had $86$881 million in outstanding commitments to fund commercial mortgage loans. These commitments are contingent on the final underwriting and due diligence to be performed.

Middle Market Loans

Middle market loans are generally considered to be below investment grade. The carrying value for middle market loans included an unfunded amount of $155 million and $109 million, as of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively, that is reflected in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

As of September 30, 2018, the Company had commitments of approximately $896 million to fund potential future loan originations related to this investment program. These commitments are contingent upon the availability of middle market loans that meet the Company's underwriting criteria.

Other

Other investments primarily includes investments in limited partnerships. As of September 30, 2018, the Company had $1.0 billion in outstanding commitments to fund alternative investments in limited partnerships.


Variable Interest Entities (VIEs)

As a condition of its involvement or investment in a VIE, the Company enters into certain protective rights and covenants that preclude changes in the structure of the VIE that would alter the creditworthiness of the Company's investment or its beneficial interest in the VIE.

For those VIEs other than certain unit trust structures, the Company's involvement is passive in nature. The Company has not, nor has it been, required to purchase any securities issued in the future by these VIEs.

The Company's ownership interest in VIEs is limited to holding the obligations issued by them. The Company has no direct or contingent obligations to fund the limited activities of these VIEs, nor does it have any direct or indirect financial guarantees related to the limited activities of these VIEs. The Company has not provided any assistance or any other type of financing support to any of the VIEs it invests in, nor does it have any intention to do so in the future. For those VIEs in which the Company holds debt obligations, the weighted-average lives of the Company's notes are very similar to the underlying collateral held by these VIEs where applicable.

The Company's risk of loss related to its interests in any of its VIEs is limited to the carrying value of the related investments held in the VIE.

VIEs - Consolidated

The following table presents the cost or amortized cost, fair value and balance sheet caption in which the assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs are reported.
Investments in Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
(In millions)Cost or Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Cost or Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
Cost or Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Cost or Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
Assets:                  
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale (1)
 $4,045
 $4,853
 $4,538
 $5,509
  $3,729
 $4,599
 $3,849
 $4,466
 
Equity securities 179
 179
 606
 753
  187
 187
 160
 160
 
Other investments (2)
 5,388
 5,369
 2,341
 2,328
 
Other assets (3)
 190
 190
 151
   151
 
Commercial mortgage and other loans 6,233
 6,259
 5,528
 5,506
 
Other investments (1)
 410
 410
 328
 328
 
Other assets (2)
 201
 201
 182
   182
 
Total assets of consolidated VIEs $9,802
 $10,591
 $7,636
 $8,741
  $10,760
 $11,656
 $10,047
 $10,642
 
Liabilities:                  
Other liabilities (3)
 $101
 $101
 $128
 $128
 
Other liabilities (2)
 $107
 $107
 $102
 $102
 
Total liabilities of consolidated VIEs $101
 $101
 $128
 $128
  $107
 $107
 $102
 $102
 

(1) Includes perpetual securities
(2)Consists entirely of TREs, CMLs, MMLs, and alternative investments in limited partnerships
(3)(2) Consists entirely of derivatives


The Company is substantively the only investor in the consolidated VIEs listed in the table above. As the sole investor in these VIEs, the Company has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and is therefore considered to be the primary beneficiary of the VIEs that it consolidates. The Company also participates in substantially all of the variability created by these VIEs. The activities of these VIEs are limited to holding invested assets and foreign currency swaps, as appropriate, and utilizing the cash flows from these securities to service its investment. Neither the Company nor any of its creditors are able to obtain the underlying collateral of the VIEs unless there is an event of default or other specified event. For those VIEs that contain a swap, the Company is not a direct counterparty to the swap contracts and has no control over them. The Company's loss exposure to these VIEs is limited to its original investment. The Company's consolidated VIEs do not rely on outside or ongoing sources of funding to support their activities beyond the underlying collateral and swap contracts, if applicable. With the exception of its investment in unit trust structures, the underlying collateral assets and funding of the Company's consolidated VIEs are generally static in nature.


Investments in Unit Trust Structures

The Company also utilizes unit trust structures in its Aflac Japan segment to invest in various asset classes. As the sole investor of these VIEs, the Company is required to consolidate these trusts under U.S. GAAP.

VIEs-NotVIEs - Not Consolidated
The table below reflects the amortized cost, fair value and balance sheet caption in which the Company's investment in VIEs not consolidated are reported.
Investments in Variable Interest Entities Not Consolidated
September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
(In millions)Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
Assets:                  
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale (1)
 $4,746
 $5,261
 $5,004
 $5,724
  $4,309
 $4,961
 $4,575
 $4,982
 
Fixed maturity securities, held to maturity 2,402
 2,702
 2,549
 2,929
  2,019
 2,389
 2,007
 2,254
 
Other investments(1) 33
 33
 55
 55
  61
 61
 49
 49
 
Total investments in VIEs not consolidated $7,181
 $7,996
 $7,608
 $8,708
  $6,389
 $7,411
 $6,631
 $7,285
 

(1) Includes perpetual securitiesConsists entirely of alternative investments in limited partnerships

The Company holds alternative investments in limited partnerships that have been determined to be VIEs. These partnerships invest in private equity and structured investments. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss on these investments is limited to the amount of its investment. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs and is therefore not required to consolidate them. The Company classifies these investments as Other investments in the consolidated balance sheets.

Certain investments in VIEs that the Company is not required to consolidate are investments that are in the form of debt obligations from the VIEs that are irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed by their corporate parents or sponsors. These VIEs are the primary financing vehicles used by their corporate sponsors to raise financing in the capital markets. The variable interests created by these VIEs are principally or solely a result of the debt instruments issued by them. The Company does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance, nor does it have the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity. As such, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs and is therefore not required to consolidate them.

Securities Lending and Pledged Securities

The Company lends fixed maturity and public equity securities to financial institutions in short-term security-lending transactions. These short-term security-lending arrangements increase investment income with minimal risk. The Company receives cash or other securities as collateral for such loans. The Company's security lending policy requires that the fair value of the securities received as collateral be 102% or more of the fair value of the loaned securities and that unrestricted cash received as collateral be 100% or more of the fair value of the loaned securities. TheseThe securities loaned continue to be carried as investment assets on the Company's balance sheet during the terms of the loans and are

not reported as sales. The Company receives cash or other securities as collateral for such loans. For loans involving unrestricted cash or securities as collateral, the collateral is reported as an asset with a corresponding liability for the return of the collateral. For loans where the Company receives as collateral securities that the Company is not permitted to sell or repledge, the collateral is not reported as an asset.reflected on the consolidated financial statements.


Details of collateral by loaned security type and remaining maturity of the Company's securities lending activitiesagreements were as follows:
Securities Lending Transactions Accounted for as Secured Borrowings
September 30, 2018
June 30, 2019June 30, 2019
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
(In millions)
Overnight
and
Continuous
(1)
 Up to 30
days
 30-90 days Greater
than 90
days
 Total
Overnight
and
Continuous
(1)
 Up to 30
days
 Greater
than 90
days
 Total
Securities lending transactions:                
Fixed maturity securities:                
Japan government and agencies$15
 $1,516
 1
 $1,158
 $2,690
$0
 $605
 $2,539
 $3,144
Public utilities17
 0
 0
 0
 17
56
 0
 0
 56
Banks/financial institutions48
 0
 0
 0
 48
78
 0
 0
 78
Other corporate365
 0
 0
 0
 365
804
 0
 0
 804
Equity securities8
 0
 0
 0
 8
14
 0
 0
 14
Total borrowings$453
 $1,516
 $1
 $1,158
 $3,128
$952
 $605
 $2,539
 $4,096
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactionsGross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions    $1,970
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions   $1,557
Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosure in Note 4Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosure in Note 4    $1,158
Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosure in Note 4   $2,539
(1) These securities are pledged as collateralThe related loaned security, under the Company's U.S. securities lending program, and can be calledreturned to the Company at itsthe transferee's discretion; therefore, they are classified as Overnight and Continuous.

Securities Lending Transactions Accounted for as Secured Borrowings
December 31, 2017
December 31, 2018December 31, 2018
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
(In millions)
Overnight
and
Continuous
(1)
 Up to 30
days
 Total
Overnight
and
Continuous
(1)
 Up to 30
days
 Greater
than 90
days
 Total
Securities lending transactions:            
Fixed maturity securities:            
Japan government and agencies$0
 $49
 $49
$0
 $387
 $1,190
 $1,577
Municipalities5
 0
 0
 5
Public utilities73
 0
 73
27
 0
 0
 27
Banks/financial institutions54
 0
 54
74
 0
 0
 74
Other corporate415
 0
 415
549
 0
 0
 549
Equity securities15
 0
 15
10
 0
 0
 10
Total borrowings$557
 $49
 $606
$665
 $387
 $1,190
 $2,242
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactionsGross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions $606
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions  $1,052
Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosure in Note 4Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosure in Note 4 $0
Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosure in Note 4  $1,190
(1) These securities are pledged as collateralThe related loaned security, under the Company's U.S. securities lending program, and can be calledreturned to the Company at itsthe transferee's discretion; therefore, they are classified as Overnight and Continuous.Continuous

The Company did not have any repurchase agreements or repurchase-to-maturity transactions outstanding as of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, and December 31, 2017,2018, respectively.

Certain fixed maturity securities can be pledged as collateral as part of derivative transactions, or pledged to support state deposit requirements or certain investment programs. For additional information regarding pledged securities related to derivative transactions, see Note 4.


4.DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Company's freestanding derivative financial instruments have historically consisted of: (1)
foreign currency forwards and options used in hedging foreign exchange risk on U.S. dollar-denominated investments in Aflac Japan's portfolio; (2) portfolio

foreign currency forwards and options used to economically hedge certain portions of forecasted cash flows denominated in yen and hedge the Company's long term exposure to a weakening yen; (3) swaps associated with the Company's notes payable, consisting of yen

cross-currency interest rate swaps, also referred to as foreign currency swaps, associated with certain senior notes and its subordinated debentures; (4) debentures

foreign currency swaps and, in prior periods, credit default swaps that are associated with investments in special-purpose entities, including VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary; and (5) beneficiary

interest rate swaps used to economically hedge interest rate fluctuations in certain variable-rate investments. The Company does not use derivative financial instrumentsinvestments

interest rate swaptions used to hedge changes in the fair value associated with interest rate fluctuations for trading purposes, nor does it engage in leveraged derivative transactions. certain U.S. dollar-denominated available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities.

Some of the Company's derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges, fair value hedges or net investment hedges; however, other derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting or the Company elects not to designate them as accounting hedges.

Derivative Types

Foreign currency forwards and options are executed for the Aflac Japan segment in order to hedge the currency risk on the carrying value of certain U.S. dollar-denominated investments. The average maturity of these forwards and options can change depending on factors such as market conditions and types of investments being held. In situations where the maturity of the forwards and options areis shorter than the underlying investment being hedged, the Company may enter into new forwards and options near maturity of the existing derivative in order to continue hedging the underlying investment. In forward transactions, Aflac Japan agrees with another party to buy a fixed amount of yen and sell a corresponding amount of U.S. dollars at a specified future date. Aflac Japan also executes foreign currency option transactions in a collar strategy, where Aflac Japan agrees with another party to simultaneously purchase put options and sell call options. In the purchased put transactions, Aflac Japan obtains the option to buy a fixed amount of U.S. dollar put optionsyen and sell a corresponding amount of U.S. dollardollars at a specified future date. In the sold call options.transaction, Aflac Japan agrees to sell a fixed amount of yen and buy a corresponding amount of U.S. dollars at a specified future date. The combination of these two actionspurchasing the put option and selling the call option results in no net premium being paid (i.e. a costless or zero-cost collar). The foreign currency forwards and options are used in fair value hedging relationships to mitigate the foreign exchange risk associated with U.S. dollar-denominated investments supporting yen-denominated liabilities.

ForeignPrior to April 1, 2018, foreign currency forwards and options are also used to hedge(through a collar strategy, as discussed above) hedged the currency risk associated with the net investment in Aflac Japan. In these forward transactions, Aflac agreesagreed with another party to buy a fixed amount of U.S. dollars and sell a corresponding amount of yen at a specified price at a specified future date. In the option transactions, the Company usesused a combination of foreign currency options to protect expected future cash flows by simultaneously purchasing yen put options (options that protect against a weakening yen) and selling yen call options (options that limit participation in a strengthening yen). The combination of these two actions createcreated a zero-cost collar.

The Company enters into foreign currency swaps pursuant to which it exchanges an initial principal amount in one currency for an initial principal amount of another currency, with an agreement to re-exchange the currenciesprincipal amounts at a future date at an agreed upon exchange rate.date. There may also be periodic exchanges of payments at specified intervals based on the agreed upon rates and notional amounts. Foreign currency swaps are used primarily in the consolidated VIEs in the Company's Aflac Japan portfolio to convert foreign-denominated cash flows to yen, the functional currency of Aflac Japan, in order to minimize cash flow fluctuations. The Company also uses foreign currency swaps to economically convert certain of its U.S. dollar-denominated senior note and subordinated debenture principal and interest obligations into yen-denominated obligations.

In order to mitigate a portion of volatility risk toreduce investment income volatility from its variable-rate investments, the Company economically hedges interest rate fluctuations for certain of its variable–rate investments by enteringenters into receive–fixed, pay–floating interest rate swaps. These derivatives are cleared and settled through a central clearinghouse.


Swaptions are used to mitigate the adverse impact resulting from significant changes in the fair value of U.S. dollar-denominated available-for-sale securities due to fluctuation in interest rates. In a payer swaption, the Company pays a

premium to obtain the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a swap contract where it will pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate. Interest rate swaption collars are combinations of two swaption positions. In order to maximize the efficiency of the collars while minimizing cost, a collar strategy is used whereby the Company purchases a long payer swaption (the Company purchases an option that allows it to enter into a swap where the Company will pay the fixed rate and receive the floating rate of the swap) and sells a short receiver swaption (the Company sells an option that provides the counterparty with the right to enter into a swap where the Company will receive the fixed rate and pay the floating rate of the swap). The combination of purchasing the long payer swaption and selling the short receiver swaption results in no net premium being paid (i.e. a costless or zero-cost collar).

Derivative Balance Sheet Classification
The tablestable below summarizesummarizes the balance sheet classification of the Company's derivative fair value amounts, as well as the gross asset and liability fair value amounts. The fair value amounts presented do not include income accruals. Derivative assets are included in “Other Assets,” while derivative liabilities are included in “Other Liabilities” within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The notional amount of derivative contracts represents the basis upon which pay or receive amounts are calculated and are not reflective of exposure or credit risk.
 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017  June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 
(In millions)  Asset
Derivatives
 Liability
Derivatives
  Asset
Derivatives
 Liability
Derivatives
    Asset
Derivatives
 Liability
Derivatives
  Asset
Derivatives
 Liability
Derivatives
 
Hedge Designation/ Derivative
Type
Notional
Amount
 Fair Value Fair ValueNotional
Amount
 Fair Value Fair Value  Notional
Amount
 Fair Value Fair ValueNotional
Amount
 Fair Value Fair Value 
Cash flow hedges:                          
Foreign currency swaps $75
 $0
 $(5)  $75
 $0
 $(8) 
Foreign currency swaps - VIE $75
 $0
 $6
  $75
 $1
 $4
 
Total cash flow hedges 75
 0
 (5)  75
 0
 (8)  75
 0
 6
  75
 1
 4
 
Fair value hedges:                            
Foreign currency forwards 3,172
 0
 (67) 7,640
 2
 (221)  842
 0
 19
 2,086
 0
 34
 
Foreign currency options 9,279
 0
 (12) 7,670
 0
 (2)  10,901
 0
 2
 9,070
 3
 1
 
Interest rate swaptions  1,500
 0
 3
 500
 0
 1
 
Total fair value hedges 12,451
 0
 (79) 15,310
 2
 (223)  13,243
 0
 24
 11,656
 3
 36
 
Net investment hedge:             
Non-qualifying strategies:              
Foreign currency swaps 2,800
 88
 107
 2,800
 103
 129
 
Foreign currency swaps - VIE 2,587
 201
 101
 2,587
 181
 101
 
Foreign currency forwards 0
 0
 0
 5
 0
 0
  16,081
 222
 109
 16,057
 126
 117
 
Foreign currency options 0
 0
 0
 434
 12
 (1)   1,042
 0
 0
 430
 0
 0
 
Total net investment hedge 0
 0
 0
 439
 12
 (1) 
Non-qualifying strategies:              
Foreign currency swaps 5,373
 302
 (202) 5,386
 296
 (189) 
Foreign currency forwards 10,501
 128
 (210) 3,683
 20
 (53) 
Foreign currency options 373
 0
 0
 770
 0
 0
 
Credit default swaps 0
 0
 0
 88
 1
 0
 
Interest rate swaps 2,250
 0
 (1) 0
 0
 0
  4,750
 15
 0
 4,750
 3
 0
 
Total non-qualifying strategies 18,497
 430
 (413) 9,927
 317
 (242)  27,260
 526
 317
 26,624
 413
 347
 
Total derivatives $31,023
 $430
 $(497) $25,751
 $331
 $(474)  $40,578
 $526
 $347
 $38,355
 $417
 $387
 
Balance Sheet Location             
Other assets $11,232
 $430
 $0
 $10,948
 $331
 $0
 
Other liabilities 19,791
 0
 (497) 14,803
 0
 (474) 
Total derivatives $31,023
 $430
 $(497) $25,751
 $331
 $(474) 

Cash Flow Hedges
Certain of the Company'sFor certain variable-rate U.S. dollar-denominated available-for-sale securities held by Aflac Japan via consolidated VIEs, have foreign currency swaps that qualify for hedge accounting treatment. For those that have qualified,are used to swap the USD variable rate interest and principal payments to fixed rate JPY interest and principal payments. The Company has designated the derivativeforeign currency swaps as a hedge of the variability in cash flows of a forecasted transaction or of amounts to be received or paid related to a recognized asset (“cash flow” hedge). The remaining maximum length of time for which these cash flows are hedged is eightseven years. The remaining derivatives in the Company's consolidated VIEs that haveare not qualified for hedgedesignated as accounting hedges are includeddiscussed in “non-qualifying strategies.”the "non-qualifying strategies" section of this note.
Fair Value Hedges
The Company designates and accounts for certain foreign currency forwards, options, and optionsinterest rate swaptions as fair value hedges when they meet the requirements for hedge accounting. These foreignThe Company recognizes gains and losses on these derivatives as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the related hedged items in current earnings.

Foreign currency forwards and options hedge the foreign currency exposure of certain U.S. dollar-denominated available-for-sale fixed-maturity investments held in Aflac Japan. The Company recognizes gains and losses on these derivatives and the related hedged items in current earnings within other gains (losses). The change in the fair value of the foreign currency forwards related to the changes in the difference between the spot rate and the forward price is excluded from the

assessment of hedge effectiveness. The change in fair value of the foreign currency option related to the time value of the option is recognized in current earnings and is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

Interest rate swaptions hedge the interest rate exposure of certain U.S. dollar-denominated available-for-sale securities held in Aflac Japan. For these hedging relationships, the Company excludes time value from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and recognizes changes in the intrinsic value of the swaptions in current earnings within net investment income. The change in the time value of the swaptions is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and amortized into earnings (net investment income) over its legal term.
The following table presents the gains and losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair value hedges.


Fair Value Hedging Relationships
(In millions)  Hedging Derivatives Hedged Items    Hedging Derivatives Hedged Items  
Hedging DerivativesHedged Items Total
Gains (Losses)
 Gains (Losses)
Excluded from Effectiveness Testing
 Gains (Losses)
Included in Effectiveness Testing
  Gains (Losses) Ineffectiveness
Recognized for Fair Value Hedge
Hedged Items Total
Gains
(Losses)
 
Gains (Losses)
Excluded from Effectiveness Testing
(1)
 
Gains (Losses)
Included in Effectiveness Testing
(2)
 
 Gains (Losses)(2)
 Net Realized Gains (Losses) Recognized for Fair Value Hedge
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018:       
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019:Three Months Ended June 30, 2019:       
Foreign currency
forwards
Fixed maturity securities $6
 $(14) $20
 $(21) $(1)
Interest rate
swaptions
Fixed-maturity securities (2) (2) 0
 0
 0
Total gains (losses) Total gains (losses) $4
 $(16) $20
 $(21) $(1)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019:Six Months Ended June 30, 2019:          
Foreign currency
forwards
Fixed maturity securities $(106) $(19) $(87) $83
 $(4)Fixed maturity securities $15
 $(24) $39
 $(39) $0
Foreign currency
options
Fixed maturity securities (7) (7) 0
 0
 0
Fixed maturity securities (4) (4) 0
 0
 0
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018:          
Interest rate
swaptions
Fixed maturity securities (3) (3) 0
 0
 0
Total gains (losses)  $8
 $(31) $39
 $(39) $0
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018:Three Months Ended June 30, 2018:          
Foreign currency forwardsFixed maturity securities $93
 $(88) $181
 $(195) $(14)Fixed maturity securities $(215) $(30) $(185) $186
 $1
Foreign currency optionsFixed maturity securities (10) (10) 0
 0
 0
Fixed maturity securities (2) (2) 0
 0
 0
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017:          
Total gains (losses)  (217) (32) (185) 186
 1
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018:Six Months Ended June 30, 2018:          
Foreign currency
forwards
Fixed maturity and equity securities $(114) $(53) $(61) $61
 $0
Fixed maturity securities $199
 $(69) $268
 $(278) $(10)
Foreign currency optionsFixed maturity securities (14) (14) 0
 0
 0
Fixed maturity securities (3) (3) 0
 0
 0
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017:          
Foreign currency forwardsFixed maturity and equity securities $193
 $(151) $344
 $(326) $18
Foreign currency optionsFixed maturity securities 3
 (8) 11
 (10) 1
Total gains (losses)  $196
 $(72) $268
 $(278) $(10)

(1) Gains (losses) excluded from effectiveness testing includes the forward point on foreign currency forwards and time value change on foreign currency options which are reported in the consolidated statement of earnings as realized investment gains (losses). It also includes the change in the fair value of the interest rate swaptions related to the time value of the swaptions which is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss).
(2) Gains and losses on foreign currency forwards and options and related hedged items are reported in the consolidated statement of earnings as realized investment gains (losses). For interest rate swaptions and related hedged items, gains and losses included in the hedge assessment are reported within net investment income. For the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019, those gains and losses on interest rate swaptions and related hedged items were immaterial.

The following table shows the carrying amounts of assets designated and qualifying as hedged items in fair value hedges of interest rate risk and the related cumulative hedge adjustment included in the carrying amount.

(In millions)
Carrying Amount of the Hedged Assets/(Liabilities)(1)
 Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Included in the Carrying Amount of Hedged Assets/(Liabilities) 
  June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 
Fixed maturity securities $5,084
 $6,593
 $269
 $294
 
(1) The balance includes hedging adjustment on discontinued hedging relationships of $269 in 2019 and $294 in 2018.
The total notional amount of the Company's interest rate swaptions was $1,500 in 2019 and $500 in 2018. The hedging adjustment related to these derivatives was immaterial.

Net Investment Hedge

The Company's investment in Aflac Japan is affected by changes in the yen/dollar exchange rate. To mitigate this exposure, the Parent Company's yen-denominated liabilities (see Note 8) have been designated as non-derivative hedges and, prior to April 1, 2018, foreign currency forwards and options have been designated as derivative hedges of the foreign currency exposure of the Company's net investment in Aflac Japan.

The Company's net investment hedge was effective during the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively.
Non-qualifying Strategies
For the Company's derivative instruments in consolidated VIEs that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, all changes in their fair value are reported in current period earnings within realized investment gains (losses). The amount of gain or loss recognized in earnings for the Company's VIEs is attributable to the derivatives in those investment structures. While the change in value of the swaps is recorded through current period earnings, the change in value of the available-for-sale fixed maturity securities associated with these swaps is recorded through other comprehensive income.
As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, the Parent Company had cross-currency interest rate swap agreements related to its $550 million senior notes due March 2020, $350 million senior notes due February 2022, $700 million senior notes due June 2023, $750 million senior notes due November 2024 and $450 million senior notes due March 2025. Changes in the values of these swaps are recorded through current period earnings. For additional information regarding these swaps, see Note 8 in this report and Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20172018 Annual Report.
The Company uses foreign exchange forwards and options to economically mitigate the currency risk of some of its U.S. dollar-denominated loan receivables held within the Aflac Japan segment. The Company hasThese arrangements are not elected to apply hedgedesignated as accounting for these loan receivables due to the change in fair value ofhedges, as the foreign exchange forwards and the foreign

currency remeasurement of the loan receivables being recorded throughimpacts current period earnings, and generally offsetting each otheroffsets gains and losses from foreign exchange forwards within realized investment gains (losses). The Company also has certain foreign exchange forwards on U.S. dollar-denominated AFS securities where hedge accounting is not being applied.
In order to economically mitigate currency risk of future yen dividends from Aflac Japan while lowering consolidated hedge costs associated with Aflac Japan's U.S. dollar investment hedging, starting in the first quarter of 2018, the Parent Company began enteringentered into offsetting hedge positions using foreign exchange forwards. This activity is reported in the Corporate and other segment.

The Company uses interest rate swaps to economically convert the variable rate investment income to a fixed rate on certain variable-rate investments.



Impact of Derivatives and Hedging Instruments

The following table summarizes the impact to realized investment gains (losses) and other comprehensive income (loss) from all derivatives and hedging instruments.

   Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018201720182017
(In millions)Realized Investment
Gains (Losses)
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(1)
Realized Investment
Gains (Losses)
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(1)
Realized Investment
Gains (Losses)
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(1)
Realized Investment
Gains (Losses)
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(1)
Qualifying
hedges:
                        
  Cash flow
    hedges:
                        
       Foreign
         currency
         swaps
 $0
  $(2)  $0
  $(1)  $1
  $2
  $0
  $0
 
  Total cash flow
    hedges
 0
  (2)  0
  (1)  1
  2
  0
  0
 
  Fair value
    hedges:
                        
       Foreign
         currency
         forwards(2)
 (23)     (53)     (102)     (133)    
       Foreign
         currency
         options(2)
 (7)     (14)     (10)     (7)    
  Total fair value
    hedges
 (30)     (67)     (112)     (140)    
  Net investment
    hedge:
                        
       Non-
         derivative
         hedging
         instruments
 0
  36
  0
  5
  0
  7
  0
  (13) 
       Foreign
         currency
         forwards
 0
  0
  0
  4
  0
  0
  0
  (24) 
       Foreign
         currency
         options
 0
  0
  0
  (5)  0
  (8)  0
  3
 
  Total net
    investment
    hedge
 0
  36
  0
  4
  0
  (1)  0
  (34) 
  Non-qualifying
    strategies:
                        
       Foreign
         currency
         swaps
 23
     17
     51
     43
    
       Foreign
         currency
         forwards
 (154)     10
     (129)     (46)    
       Foreign
         currency
         options
 0
     0
     0
     0
    
       Interest
         rate
         swaps
 (1)     0
     (1)     0
    
  Total non-
    qualifying
    strategies
 (132)     27
     (79)     (3)    
          Total $(162)  $34
  $(40)  $3
  $(190)  $1
  $(143)  $(34) 
  Three Months Ended June 30,
 20192018
(In millions)
Net Investment Income (1)
Realized Investment
Gains (Losses)
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(2)
Net Investment Income (1)
Realized Investment
Gains (Losses)
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(2)
Qualifying hedges:                  
  Cash flow hedges:                  
       Foreign currency swaps - VIE $0
  $0
  $0
  $0
  $0
  $(2) 
  Total cash flow hedges 0
  0
(3 
) 
 0
  0
  0
(3 
) 
 (2) 
  Fair value hedges:                  
       Foreign currency forwards (4)
    (15)        (29)    
       Foreign currency options (4)
    0
        (2)    
       Interest rate swaptions (4)
 (1)  0
  (1)  0
  0
  0
 
  Total fair value hedges (1)  (15)  (1)  0
  (31)  0
 
  Net investment hedge:                  
       Non-derivative hedging
instruments
    0
  (54)     0
  55
 
       Foreign currency options    0
  0
     0
  0
 
   Total net investment hedge    0
  (54)     0
  55
 
  Non-qualifying strategies:                  
       Foreign currency swaps    0
        50
    
       Foreign currency swaps - VIE    13
        (36)    
       Foreign currency forwards    114
        (154)    
       Foreign currency options    0
        (1)    
       Interest rate swaps    10
        0
    
  Total non- qualifying strategies    137
        (141)    
          Total $(1)  $122
  $(55)  $0
  $(172)  $53
 
(1)Net investment income (loss) includes net interest on swaps.
(2) Cash flow hedge items and the change in the fair value of interest rate swaptions related to the time value of the swaptions in fair value hedges are recorded as unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives and net investment hedge items are recorded in the unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) line in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss).
(2)(3) Impact of cash flow hedges reported as realized investment gains (losses) includes an immaterial amount of gains or losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings. It also includes an immaterial amount excluded from effectiveness testing during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(4)Impact shown net of effect of hedged items (see Fair Value Hedges section of this Note 4 for further detail)

The Company reclassified
 Six Months Ended June 30,
 20192018
(In millions)
Net Investment Income(1)
Realized Investment
Gains (Losses)
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(2)
Net Investment Income(1)
Realized Investment
Gains (Losses)
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(2)
Qualifying hedges:                  
  Cash flow hedges:                  
       Foreign currency swaps - VIE $(1)  $0
  $(2)  $0
  $1
  $4
 
  Total cash flow hedges (1)  0
(3 
) 
 (2)  0
  1
(3 
) 
 4
 
  Fair value hedges:                  
       Foreign currency forwards(4)
 
  (24)     
  (79)    
       Foreign currency options(4)
 
  (4)     
  (3)    
       Interest rate swaptions(4)
 (1)  0
  (2)  0
  0
  0
 
  Total fair value hedges (1)  (28)  (2)  0
  (82)  0
 
  Net investment hedge:                  
       Non-derivative hedging
         instruments
 
  0
  (54)  
  0
  (29) 
       Foreign currency options 
  0
  0
  
  0
  (8) 
  Total net investment hedge 
  0
  (54)  
  0
  (37) 
  Non-qualifying strategies:                  
       Foreign currency swaps 

  44
     

  (60)    
       Foreign currency swaps - VIE 

  (3)     

  88
    
       Foreign currency forwards 

  93
     

  25
    
       Foreign currency options 

  0
     

  0
    
       Interest rate swaps 

  16
     

  0
    
  Total non-qualifying strategies 

  150
     

  53
    
          Total $(2)  $122
  $(58)  $0
  $(28)  $(33) 
(1) Net investment income (loss) includes net interest on swaps.
(2) Cash flow hedge items and the change in the fair value of interest rate swaptions related to the time value of the swaptions in fair value hedges are recorded as unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives and net investment hedge items are recorded in the unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) line in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss).
(3) Impact of cash flow hedges reported as realized investment gains (losses) includes an immaterial amount related to its cash flow hedges from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

There was no gainof gains orloss losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings related toearnings. It also includes an immaterial amount excluded from effectiveness testing during the net investment hedge for the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017. respectively.
(4)Impact shown net of effect of hedged items (see Fair Value Hedges section of this Note 4 for further detail)

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, deferred gains and losses on derivative instruments recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income that are expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months were immaterial.

Credit Risk Assumed through Derivatives

For the foreign currency and credit default swaps associated with the Company's VIE investments for which it is the primary beneficiary, the Company bears the risk of loss due to counterparty default even though it is not a direct counterparty to those contracts.

The Company is a direct counterparty to the foreign currency swaps that it has entered into in connection with certain of its senior notes and subordinated debentures; foreign currency forwards; and foreign currency options, and therefore the Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties in those contracts. The risk of counterparty default for the Company's foreign currency swaps, certain foreign currency forwards, and foreign currency options is mitigated by collateral posting requirements that counterparties to those transactions must meet.

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, there were 1517 counterparties to the Company's derivative agreements, with threefour comprising 51%66% of the aggregate notional amount. TheAs of June 30, 2019, all counterparties to these derivatives are financial institutions with the following credit ratings:were investment grade.
 September 30, 2018December 31, 2017
(In millions)Notional Amount
of Derivatives
Asset Derivatives
Fair Value
Liability Derivatives
Fair Value
Notional Amount
of Derivatives
Asset Derivatives
Fair Value
Liability Derivatives
Fair Value
Counterparties' credit rating:                  
AA $5,207
  $79
  $(42)  $4,708
  $52
  $(37) 
A 25,378
  345
  (401)  20,604
  271
  (370) 
BBB 438
  6
  (54)  439
  8
  (67) 
Total $31,023
  $430
  $(497)  $25,751
  $331
  $(474) 


The Company engages in over-the-counter (OTC) bilateral derivative transactions directly with unaffiliated third parties under International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA) agreements and other documentation. Most of the ISDA agreements also include Credit Support Annexes (CSAs) provisions, which generally provide for two-way collateral postings at the first dollar of exposure. The Company mitigates the risk that counterparties to transactions might be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations by monitoring counterparty credit exposure and collateral value while generally requiring that collateral be posted at the outset of the transaction. In addition, a significant portion of the derivative transactions have provisions that give the counterparty the right to terminate the transaction upon a downgrade of Aflac’s financial strength rating. The actual amount of payments that the Company could be required to make depends on market conditions, the fair value of outstanding affected transactions, and other factors prevailing at and after the time of the downgrade.

The Company also engages in OTC cleared derivative transactions through regulated central clearing counterparties. These positions are marked to market and margined on a daily basis (both initial margin and variation margin), and the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to these derivatives.

Collateral posted by the Company to third parties for derivative transactions can generally be repledged or resold by the counterparties. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a net liability position by counterparty was approximately $301$54 million and $264$139 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, and December 31, 2017,2018, respectively. If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements had been triggered on SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, the Company estimates that it would be required to post a maximum of $79$39 million of additional collateral to these derivative counterparties. The Company is generally allowed to sell or repledge collateral obtained from its derivative counterparties, although it does not typically exercise such rights. (See the Offsetting tables below for collateral posted or received as of the reported balance sheet dates.)


Offsetting of Financial Instruments and Derivatives

Most of the Company's derivative instruments are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that provide for the net settlement of all derivative contracts between the Parent Company or Aflacits subsidiaries and itsthe respective counterparty in the event of default or upon the occurrence of certain termination events. Collateral support agreements with the master netting arrangements generally provide that the Company will receive or pledge financial collateral at the first dollar of exposure.

The Company has securities lending agreements with unaffiliated financial institutions that post collateral to the Company in return for the use of its fixed maturity and public equity securities (see Note 3). When the Company has entered into securities lending agreements with the same counterparty, the agreements generally provide for net settlement in the event of default by the counterparty. This right of set-off allows the Company to keep and apply collateral received if the counterparty failed to return the securities borrowed from the Company as contractually agreed.

The tables below summarize the Company's derivatives and securities lending transactions, and as reflected in the tables, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company's policy is to not offset these financial instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Asset
September 30, 2018
June 30, 2019June 30, 2019
  Gross Amounts Not Offset
in Balance Sheet
    Gross Amounts Not Offset
in Balance Sheet
  
(In millions)Gross Amount of Recognized Assets 
Gross Amount
Offset in
Balance Sheet
 
Net Amount of Assets Presented
 in Balance Sheet
 Financial Instruments 
Securities
Collateral
 Cash Collateral Received Net AmountGross Amount of Recognized Assets 
Gross Amount
Offset in
Balance Sheet
 
Net Amount of Assets Presented
 in Balance Sheet
 Financial Instruments 
Securities
Collateral
 Cash Collateral Received Net Amount
Derivative
assets:
                              
Derivative
assets subject to a
master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
                              
OTC - bilateral $240
 $0
 $240
 $(118) $(10) $(109) $3
  $310
 $0
 $310
 $(141) $(101) $(62) $6
 
OTC - cleared 15
 0
 15
 0
 0
 (7) 8
 
Total derivative
assets subject to a
master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
 240
 
0
 240
 (118) (10) (109) 3
  325
 0
 325
 (141) (101) (69) 14
 
Derivative
assets not subject
to a master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
                              
OTC - bilateral 190
   190
       190
  201
   201
       201
 
Total derivative
assets not subject
to a master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
 190
   190
       190
  201
   201
       201
 
Total derivative
assets
 430
 0
 430
 (118) (10) (109) 193
  526
 0
 526
 (141) (101) (69) 215
 
Securities lending
and similar
arrangements
 1,927
 0
 1,927
 0
 0
 (1,927) 0
  1,536
 0
 1,536
 0
 0
 (1,536) 0
 
Total $2,357
 $0
 $2,357
 $(118) $(10) $(2,036) $193
  $2,062
 $0
 $2,062
 $(141) $(101) $(1,605) $215
 



December 31, 2017
December 31, 2018December 31, 2018
  Gross Amounts Not Offset
in Balance Sheet
    Gross Amounts Not Offset
in Balance Sheet
  
(In millions)Gross Amount of Recognized Assets 
Gross Amount
Offset in
Balance Sheet
 
Net Amount of Assets Presented
 in Balance Sheet
 Financial Instruments 
Securities
Collateral
 Cash Collateral Received Net AmountGross Amount of Recognized Assets 
Gross Amount
Offset in
Balance Sheet
 
Net Amount of Assets Presented
 in Balance Sheet
 Financial Instruments 
Securities
Collateral
 Cash Collateral Received Net Amount
Derivative
assets:
                              
Derivative
assets subject to a
master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
                              
OTC - bilateral $180
 $0
 $180
 $(82) $0
 $(98) $0
  $231
 $0
 $231
 $(152) $(23) $(55) $1
 
OTC - cleared 3
 0
 3
 0
 0
 (3) 0
 
Total derivative
assets subject to a
master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
 180
 0
 180
 (82) 0
 (98) 0
  234
 0
 234
 (152) (23) (58) 1
 
Derivative
assets not subject
to a master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
                              
OTC - bilateral 151
   151
       151
  183
   183
       183
 
Total derivative
assets not subject
to a master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
 151
   151
       151
  183
   183
       183
 
Total derivative
assets
 331
 0
 331
 (82) 0
 (98) 151
  417
 0
 417
 (152) (23) (58) 184
 
Securities lending
and similar
arrangements
 592
 0
 592
 0
 0
 (592) 0
  1,029
 0
 1,029
 0
 0
 (1,029) 0
 
Total $923
 $0
 $923
 $(82) $0
 $(690) $151
  $1,446
 $0
 $1,446
 $(152) $(23) $(1,087) $184
 























Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities
September 30, 2018
June 30, 2019June 30, 2019
  Gross Amounts Not Offset
in Balance Sheet
    Gross Amounts Not Offset
in Balance Sheet
  
(In millions)Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities 
Gross Amount
Offset in
Balance Sheet
 
Net Amount of Liabilities Presented
 in Balance Sheet
 Financial Instruments 
Securities
Collateral
 Cash Collateral Pledged Net AmountGross Amount of Recognized Liabilities 
Gross Amount
Offset in
Balance Sheet
 
Net Amount of Liabilities Presented
 in Balance Sheet
 Financial Instruments 
Securities
Collateral
 Cash Collateral Pledged Net Amount
Derivative
liabilities:
                              
Derivative
liabilities subject
to a master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
                              
OTC - bilateral $(395) $0
 $(395) $118
 $195
 $26
 $(56)  $240
 $0
 $240
 $(141) $(17) $(76) $6
 
OTC - cleared (1) 0
 (1) 0
 0
 1
 0
 
Total derivative
liabilities subject
to a master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
 (396) 0
 (396) 118
 195
 27
 (56)  240
 0
 240
 (141) (17) (76) 6
 
Derivative
liabilities not
subject to a
master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
                              
OTC - bilateral (101)   (101)       (101)  107
   107
       107
 
Total derivative
liabilities not
subject to a
master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
 (101)   (101)       (101)  107
   107
       107
 
Total derivative
liabilities
 (497) 0
 (497) 118
 195
 27
 (157)  347
 0
 347
 (141) (17) (76) 113
 
Securities lending
and similar
arrangements
 (1,970) 0
 (1,970) 1,927
 0
 0
 (43)  1,557
 0
 1,557
 (1,536) 0
 0
 21
 
Total $(2,467) $0
 $(2,467) $2,045
 $195
 $27
 $(200)  $1,904
 $0
 $1,904
 $(1,677) $(17) $(76) $134
 




December 31, 2017
December 31, 2018December 31, 2018
  Gross Amounts Not Offset
in Balance Sheet
    Gross Amounts Not Offset
in Balance Sheet
  
(In millions)Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities 
Gross Amount
Offset in
Balance Sheet
 
Net Amount of Liabilities Presented
 in Balance Sheet
 Financial Instruments 
Securities
Collateral
 Cash Collateral Pledged Net AmountGross Amount of Recognized Liabilities 
Gross Amount
Offset in
Balance Sheet
 
Net Amount of Liabilities Presented
 in Balance Sheet
 Financial Instruments 
Securities
Collateral
 Cash Collateral Pledged Net Amount
Derivative
liabilities:
                              
Derivative
liabilities subject
to a master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
                              
OTC - bilateral $(346) $0
 $(346) $82
 $245
 $10
 $(9)  $285
 $0
 $285
 $(152) $(37) $(68) $28
 
Total derivative
liabilities subject
to a master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
 (346) 0
 (346) 82
 245
 10
 (9)  285
 0
 285
 (152) (37) (68) 28
 
Derivative
liabilities not
subject to a
master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
                              
OTC - bilateral (128)   (128)       (128)  102
   102
       102
 
Total derivative
liabilities not
subject to a
master netting
agreement or
offsetting
arrangement
 (128)   (128)       (128)  102
   102
       102
 
Total derivative
liabilities
 (474) 0
 (474) 82
 245
 10
 (137)  387
 0
 387
 (152) (37) (68) 130
 
Securities lending
and similar
arrangements
 (606) 0
 (606) 592
 0
 0
 (14)  1,052
 0
 1,052
 (1,029) 0
 0
 23
 
Total $(1,080) $0
 $(1,080) $674
 $245
 $10
 $(151)  $1,439
 $0
 $1,439
 $(1,181) $(37) $(68) $153
 


For additional information on the Company's financial instruments, see the accompanying Notes 1, 3 and 5 and Notes 1, 3 and 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20172018 Annual Report.

5.FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair Value Hierarchy

U.S. GAAP specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. These two types of inputs create three valuation hierarchy levels. Level 1 valuations reflect quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 valuations reflect quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted market prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets or model-derived valuations in which all significant valuation inputs are observable in active markets. Level 3 valuations reflect valuations in which one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in an active market.



The following tables present the fair value hierarchy levels of the Company's assets and liabilities that are measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis.
  
June 30, 2019
(In millions)Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Fair
Value
Assets:               
Securities available for sale, carried at
fair value:
               
Fixed maturity securities:               
Government and agencies $36,573
   $1,587
   $0
   $38,160
 
Municipalities 0
   1,975
   0
   1,975
 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 0
   233
   183
   416
 
Public utilities 0
   6,601
   204
   6,805
 
Sovereign and supranational 0
   1,152
   0
   1,152
 
Banks/financial institutions 0
   10,128
   24
   10,152
 
Other corporate 0
   33,576
   199
   33,775
 
Total fixed maturity securities 36,573
   55,252
   610
   92,435
 
Equity securities 949
   73
   65
   1,087
 
Other investments 677
   0
   0
   677
 
Cash and cash equivalents 3,019
   0
   0
   3,019
 
Other assets:               
Foreign currency swaps 0
   88
   201
   289
 
Foreign currency forwards 0
   222
   0
   222
 
Interest rate swaps 0
   15
   0
   15
 
Total other assets 0
   325
   201
   526
 
Total assets $41,218
   $55,650
   $876
   $97,744
 
Liabilities:               
Other liabilities:               
Foreign currency swaps $0
   $107
   $107
   $214
 
Foreign currency forwards 0
   128
   0
   128
 
Foreign currency options 0
   2
   0
   2
 
Interest rate swaptions 0
   3
   0
   3
 
Total liabilities $0
   $240
   $107
   $347
 
  
September 30, 2018
(In millions)Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Fair
Value
Assets:               
Securities available for sale, carried at
fair value:
               
Fixed maturity securities: (1)
               
Government and agencies $30,888
   $1,282
   $0
   $32,170
 
Municipalities 0
   1,834
   0
   1,834
 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 0
   161
   172
   333
 
Public utilities 0
   7,209
   104
   7,313
 
Sovereign and supranational 0
   1,557
   0
   1,557
 
Banks/financial institutions 0
   8,916
   23
   8,939
 
Other corporate 0
   29,959
   191
   30,150
 
Total fixed maturity securities 30,888
   50,918
   490
   82,296
(1) 
Equity securities (1)
 972
   71
   16
   1,059
(1) 
Other investments 2
   0
   0
   2
 
Cash and cash equivalents 3,429
   0
   0
   3,429
 
Other assets:               
Foreign currency swaps 0
   112
   190
   302
 
Foreign currency forwards 0
   128
   0
   128
 
Total other assets 0
   240
   190
   430
 
Total assets $35,291
   $51,229
   $696
   $87,216
 
Liabilities:               
Other liabilities:               
Foreign currency swaps $0
   $106
   $101
   $207
 
Foreign currency forwards 0
   277
   0
   277
 
Foreign currency options 0
   12
   0
   12
 
Interest rate swaps 0
   1
   0
   1
 
Total liabilities $0
   $396
   $101
   $497
 
(1) Includes perpetual securities



December 31, 2017December 31, 2018
(In millions)Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Fair
Value
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Fair
Value
Assets:                  
Securities available for sale, carried at
fair value:
                  
Fixed maturity securities: (1)
                  
Government and agencies $30,109
 $1,121
 $0
 $31,230
  $32,993
 $1,349
 $0
 $34,342
 
Municipalities 0
 1,370
 0
 1,370
  0
 1,863
 0
 1,863
 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 0
 269
 175
 444
  0
 162
 177
 339
 
Public utilities 0
 7,886
 68
 7,954
  0
 7,062
 109
 7,171
 
Sovereign and supranational 0
 1,909
 0
 1,909
  0
 1,260
 0
 1,260
 
Banks/financial institutions 0
 8,908
 25
 8,933
  0
 8,895
 23
 8,918
 
Other corporate 0
 32,327
 146
 32,473
  0
 28,789
 213
 29,002
 
Total fixed maturity securities 30,109
 53,790
 414
 84,313
(1) 
 32,993
 49,380
 522
 82,895
 
Equity securities 1,001
 6
 16
 1,023
  874
 67
 46
 987
 
Other investments 57
 0
 0
 57
  152
 0
 0
 152
 
Cash and cash equivalents 3,491
 0
 0
 3,491
  4,337
 0
 0
 4,337
 
Other assets:                  
Foreign currency swaps 0
 146
 150
 296
  0
 103
 182
 285
 
Foreign currency forwards 0
 22
 0
 22
  0
 126
 0
 126
 
Foreign currency options 0
 12
 0
 12
  0
 3
 0
 3
 
Credit default swaps 0
 0
 1
 1
 
Interest rate swaps 0
 3
 0
 3
 
Total other assets 0
 180
 151
 331
  0
 235
 182
 417
 
Total assets $34,658
 $53,976
 $581
 $89,215
  $38,356
 $49,682
 $750
 $88,788
 
Liabilities:                  
Other liabilities:                  
Foreign currency swaps $0
 $69
 $128
 $197
  $0
 $132
 $102
 $234
 
Foreign currency forwards 0
 274
 0
 274
  0
 151
 0
 151
 
Foreign currency options 0
 3
 0
 3
  0
 1
 0
 1
 
Interest rate swaptions 0
 1
 0
 1
 
Total liabilities $0
 $346
 $128
 $474
  $0
 $285
 $102
 $387
 

(1) Includes perpetual securities





The following tables present the carrying amount and fair value categorized by fair value hierarchy level for the Company's financial instruments that are not carried at fair value.
September 30, 2018June 30, 2019
(In millions)Carrying
Value
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Fair
Value
Carrying
Value
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Fair
Value
Assets:                      
Securities held to maturity,
carried at amortized cost:
                      
Fixed maturity securities:                      
Government and agencies $21,224
 $25,868
 $8
 $0
 $25,876
  $22,611
 $28,852
 $365
 $0
 $29,217
 
Municipalities 353
 0
 450
 0
 450
  836
 0
 1,110
 0
 1,110
 
Mortgage and asset-backed
securities
 14
 0
 0
 15
 15
  19
 0
 7
 13
 20
 
Public utilities 3,150
 0
 3,451
 0
 3,451
  2,762
 0
 3,148
 0
 3,148
 
Sovereign and
supranational
 1,516
 0
 1,792
 0
 1,792
  1,188
 0
 1,380
 0
 1,380
 
Banks/financial institutions 1,491
 0
 1,643
 0
 1,643
  978
 0
 1,076
 0
 1,076
 
Other corporate 2,673
 0
 3,023
 0
 3,023
  2,613
 0
 3,084
 0
 3,084
 
Commercial mortgage and
other loans
 7,622
 0
 0
 7,663
 7,663
 
Other investments (1)
 6,542
 0
 25
 6,494
 6,519
  33
 0
 33
 0
 33
 
Total assets $36,963
 $25,868
 $10,392
 $6,509
 $42,769
  $38,662
 $28,852
 $10,203
 $7,676
 $46,731
 
Liabilities:                      
Other policyholders’ funds $6,974
 $0
 $0
 $6,896
 $6,896
  $7,403
 $0
 $0
 $7,320
 $7,320
 
Notes payable
(excluding capital leases)
 5,264
 0
 5,066
 263
 5,329
 
Notes payable
(excluding leases)
 6,098
 0
 5,763
 278
 6,041
 
Total liabilities $12,238
 $0
 $5,066
 $7,159
 $12,225
  $13,501
 $0
 $5,763
 $7,598
 $13,361
 
(1) Excludes policy loans of $223$246 and equity method investments of $242,$471, at carrying value


December 31, 2017December 31, 2018
(In millions)Carrying
Value
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Fair
Value
Carrying
Value
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Fair
Value
Assets:                      
Securities held to maturity,
carried at amortized cost:
                      
Fixed maturity securities:                      
Government and agencies $21,331
 $26,491
 $0
 $0
 $26,491
  $21,712
 $27,030
 $8
 $0
 $27,038
 
Municipalities 357
 0
 462
 0
 462
  359
 0
 469
 0
 469
 
Mortgage and asset-backed
securities
 26
 0
 8
 19
 27
  14
 0
 0
 15
 15
 
Public utilities 3,300
 0
 3,698
 0
 3,698
  2,727
 0
 2,973
 0
 2,973
 
Sovereign and
supranational
 1,523
 0
 1,835
 0
 1,835
  1,551
 0
 1,840
 0
 1,840
 
Banks/financial institutions 2,206
 0
 2,387
 0
 2,387
  1,445
 0
 1,583
 0
 1,583
 
Other corporate 2,687
 0
 3,172
 0
 3,172
  2,510
 0
 2,804
 0
 2,804
 
Commercial mortgage and
other loans
 6,919
 0
 0
 6,893
 6,893
 
Other investments (1)
 3,017
 0
 15
 2,987
 3,002
  26
 0
 26
 0
 26
 
Total assets $34,447
 $26,491
 $11,577
 $3,006
 $41,074
  $37,263
 $27,030
 $9,703
 $6,908
 $43,641
 
Liabilities:                      
Other policyholders’ funds $6,939
 $0
 $0
 $6,841
 $6,841
  $7,146
 $0
 $0
 $7,067
 $7,067
 
Notes payable
(excluding capital leases)
 5,267
 0
 5,288
 265
 5,553
 
Notes payable
(excluding leases)
 5,765
 0
 5,606
 270
 5,876
 
Total liabilities $12,206
 $0
 $5,288
 $7,106
 $12,394
  $12,911
 $0
 $5,606
 $7,337
 $12,943
 

(1) Excludes policy loans of $210$232 and equity method investments of $118,$377, at carrying value

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fixed maturity and equity securities

The Company determines the fair values of fixed maturity securities and public and privately-issued equity securities using the following approaches or techniques: price quotes and valuations from third party pricing vendors (including quoted market prices readily available from public exchange markets) and non-binding price quotes the Company obtains from outside brokers.

A third party pricing vendor has developed valuation models to determine fair values of privately issued securities to reflect the impact of the persistent economic environment and the changing regulatory framework. These models are discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation models, but also use information from related markets, specifically the CDS market to estimate expected cash flows. These models take into consideration any unique characteristics of the securities and make various adjustments to arrive at an appropriate issuer-specific loss adjusted credit curve. This credit curve is then used with the relevant recovery rates to estimate expected cash flows and modeling of additional features, including illiquidity adjustments, if necessary, to price the security by discounting those loss adjusted cash flows. In cases where a credit curve cannot be developed from the specific security features, the valuation methodology takes into consideration other market observable inputs, including: 1) the most appropriate comparable security(ies) of the issuer; 2) issuer-specific CDS spreads; 3) bonds or CDS spreads of comparable issuers with similar characteristics such as rating, geography, or sector; or 4) bond indices that are comparative in rating, industry, maturity and region.

The pricing data and market quotes the Company obtains from outside sources, including third party pricing services, are reviewed internally for reasonableness. If a fair value appears unreasonable, the Company will re-examine the inputs and assess the reasonableness of the pricing data with the vendor. Additionally, the Company may compare the inputs to relevant market indices and other performance measurements. Based on management's analysis, the valuation is

confirmed or may be revised if there is evidence of a more appropriate estimate of fair value based on available market

data. The Company has performed verification of the inputs and calculations in any valuation models to confirm that the valuations represent reasonable estimates of fair value.

The fixed maturity securities classified as Level 3 consist of securities with limited or no observable valuation inputs. For Level 3 securities, the Company estimates the fair value of these securities by obtaining non-binding broker quotes from a limited number of brokers. These brokers base their quotes on a combination of their knowledge of the current pricing environment and market conditions. The Company considers these inputs to be unobservable. The Company also considers a variety of significant valuation inputs in the valuation process, including forward exchange rates, yen swap rates, dollar swap rates, interest rate volatilities, credit spread data on specific issuers, assumed default and default recovery rates, and certain probability assumptions. In obtaining these valuation inputs, the Company has determined that certain pricing assumptions and data used by its pricing sources are difficult to validate or corroborate by the market and/or appear to be internally developed rather than observed in or corroborated by the market. The use of these unobservable valuation inputs causes more subjectivity in the valuation process for these securities.

For the periods presented, the Company has not adjusted the quotes or prices it obtains from the pricing services and brokers it uses.

The following tables present the pricing sources for the fair values of the Company's fixed maturity and equity securities.


 September 30, 2018 June 30, 2019
(In millions) Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Fair
Value
 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Fair
Value
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:                  
Fixed maturity securities: (1)
                  
Government and agencies:                  
Third party pricing vendor $30,888
 $1,282
 $0
 $32,170
  $36,573
 $1,587
 $0
 $38,160
 
Total government and agencies 30,888
 1,282
 0
 32,170
  36,573
 1,587
 0
 38,160
 
Municipalities:                  
Third party pricing vendor 0
 1,834
 0
 1,834
  0
 1,975
 0
 1,975
 
Total municipalities 0
 1,834
 0
 1,834
  0
 1,975
 0
 1,975
 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:                  
Third party pricing vendor 0
 161
 0
 161
  0
 233
 0
 233
 
Broker/other 0
 0
 172
 172
  0
 0
 183
 183
 
Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities 0
 161
 172
 333
  0
 233
 183
 416
 
Public utilities:                  
Third party pricing vendor 0
 7,209
 0
 7,209
  0
 6,601
 0
 6,601
 
Broker/other 0
 0
 104
 104
  0
 0
 204
 204
 
Total public utilities 0
 7,209
 104
 7,313
  0
 6,601
 204
 6,805
 
Sovereign and supranational:                  
Third party pricing vendor 0
 1,557
 0
 1,557
  0
 1,152
 0
 1,152
 
Total sovereign and supranational 0
 1,557
 0
 1,557
  0
 1,152
 0
 1,152
 
Banks/financial institutions:                  
Third party pricing vendor 0
 8,916
 0
 8,916
  0
 9,970
 0
 9,970
 
Broker/other 0
 0
 23
 23
  0
 158
 24
 182
 
Total banks/financial institutions 0
 8,916
 23
 8,939
  0
 10,128
 24
 10,152
 
Other corporate:                  
Third party pricing vendor 0
 29,861
 0
 29,861
  0
 33,576
 0
 33,576
 
Broker/other 0
 98
 191
 289
  0
 0
 199
 199
 
Total other corporate 0
 29,959
 191
 30,150
  0
 33,576
 199
 33,775
 
Total securities available for sale $30,888
 $50,918
 $490
 $82,296
(1) 
 $36,573
 $55,252
 $610
 $92,435
 
Equity securities, carried at fair value: (1)
                  
Third party pricing vendor $972
 $71
 $0
 $1,043
  $949
 $73
 $0
 $1,022
 
Broker/other 0
 0
 16
 16
  0
 0
 65
 65
 
Total equity securities $972
 $71
 $16
 $1,059
(1) 
 $949
 $73
 $65
 $1,087
 


  June 30, 2019
(In millions) Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Fair
Value
Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:                
      Fixed maturity securities:                
         Government and agencies:                
            Third party pricing vendor  $28,852
   $365
   $0
   $29,217
 
               Total government and agencies  28,852
   365
   0
   29,217
 
         Municipalities:                
            Third party pricing vendor  0
   1,110
   0
   1,110
 
               Total municipalities  0
   1,110
   0
   1,110
 
         Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:                
            Third party pricing vendor  0
   7
   0
   7
 
            Broker/other  0
   0
   13
   13
 
               Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities  0
   7
   13
   20
 
         Public utilities:                
            Third party pricing vendor  0
   3,148
   0
   3,148
 
               Total public utilities  0
   3,148
   0
   3,148
 
         Sovereign and supranational:                
            Third party pricing vendor  0
   1,380
   0
   1,380
 
               Total sovereign and supranational  0
   1,380
   0
   1,380
 
         Banks/financial institutions:                
            Third party pricing vendor  0
   1,076
   0
   1,076
 
               Total banks/financial institutions  0
   1,076
   0
   1,076
 
         Other corporate:                
            Third party pricing vendor  0
   3,084
   0
   3,084
 
               Total other corporate  0
   3,084
   0
   3,084
 
                  Total securities held to maturity  $28,852
   $10,170
   $13
   $39,035
 
(1) Includes perpetual securities







 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2018
(In millions) Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Fair
Value
 Quoted Prices in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Fair
Value
Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:         
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:         
Fixed maturity securities:                  
Government and agencies:                  
Third party pricing vendor $25,868
 $8
 $0
 $25,876
  $32,993
 $1,349
 $0
 $34,342
 
Total government and agencies 25,868
 8
 0
 25,876
  32,993
 1,349
 0
 34,342
 
Municipalities:                  
Third party pricing vendor 0
 450
 0
 450
  0
 1,863
 0
 1,863
 
Total municipalities 0
 450
 0
 450
  0
 1,863
 0
 1,863
 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:                  
Third party pricing vendor 0
 162
 0
 162
 
Broker/other 0
 0
 15
 15
  0
 0
 177
 177
 
Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities 0
 0
 15
 15
  0
 162
 177
 339
 
Public utilities:                  
Third party pricing vendor 0
 3,451
 0
 3,451
  0
 7,062
 0
 7,062
 
Broker/other 0
 0
 109
 109
 
Total public utilities 0
 3,451
 0
 3,451
  0
 7,062
 109
 7,171
 
Sovereign and supranational:                  
Third party pricing vendor 0
 1,792
 0
 1,792
  0
 1,260
 0
 1,260
 
Total sovereign and supranational 0
 1,792
 0
 1,792
  0
 1,260
 0
 1,260
 
Banks/financial institutions:                  
Third party pricing vendor 0
 1,643
 0
 1,643
  0
 8,895
 0
 8,895
 
Broker/other 0
 0
 23
 23
 
Total banks/financial institutions 0
 1,643
 0
 1,643
  0
 8,895
 23
 8,918
 
Other corporate:                  
Third party pricing vendor 0
 3,023
 0
 3,023
  0
 28,789
 0
 28,789
 
Broker/other 0
 0
 213
 213
 
Total other corporate 0
 3,023
 0
 3,023
  0
 28,789
 213
 29,002
 
Total securities held to maturity $25,868
 $10,367
 $15
 $36,250
 
Total securities available for sale $32,993
 $49,380
 $522
 $82,895
 
Equity securities, carried at fair value:         
Third party pricing vendor $874
 $67
 $0
 $941
 
Broker/other 0
 0
 46
 46
 
Total equity securities $874
 $67
 $46
 $987
 





  December 31, 2017
(In millions) Quoted Prices in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Fair
Value
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:                
      Fixed maturity securities: (1)
                
         Government and agencies:                
            Third party pricing vendor  $30,109
   $1,121
   $0
   $31,230
 
               Total government and agencies  30,109
   1,121
   0
   31,230
 
         Municipalities:                
            Third party pricing vendor  0
   1,370
   0
   1,370
 
               Total municipalities  0
   1,370
   0
   1,370
 
         Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:                
            Third party pricing vendor  0
   269
   0
   269
 
            Broker/other  0
   0
   175
   175
 
               Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities  0
   269
   175
   444
 
         Public utilities:                
            Third party pricing vendor  0
   7,886
   0
   7,886
 
            Broker/other  0
   0
   68
   68
 
               Total public utilities  0
   7,886
   68
   7,954
 
         Sovereign and supranational:                
            Third party pricing vendor  0
   1,807
   0
   1,807
 
            Broker/other  0
   102
   0
   102
 
               Total sovereign and supranational  0
   1,909
   0
   1,909
 
         Banks/financial institutions:                
            Third party pricing vendor  0
   8,908
   0
   8,908
 
            Broker/other  0
   0
   25
   25
 
               Total banks/financial institutions  0
   8,908
   25
   8,933
 
         Other corporate:                
            Third party pricing vendor  0
   32,327
   0
   32,327
 
            Broker/other  0
   0
   146
   146
 
               Total other corporate  0
   32,327
   146
   32,473
 
                  Total securities available for sale  $30,109
   $53,790
   $414
   $84,313
(1) 
Equity securities, carried at fair value:                
            Third party pricing vendor  $1,001
   $6
   $0
   $1,007
 
            Broker/other  0
   0
   16
   16
 
               Total equity securities  $1,001
   $6
   $16
   $1,023
 

(1) Includes perpetual securities




 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2018
(In millions) Quoted Prices in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Fair
Value
 Quoted Prices in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Fair
Value
Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:                  
Fixed maturity securities:                  
Government and agencies:                  
Third party pricing vendor $26,491
 $0
 $0
 $26,491
  $27,030
 $8
 $0
 $27,038
 
Total government and agencies 26,491
 0
 0
 26,491
  27,030
 8
 0
 27,038
 
Municipalities:                  
Third party pricing vendor 0
 462
 0
 462
  0
 469
 0
 469
 
Total municipalities 0
 462
 0
 462
  0
 469
 0
 469
 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:                  
Third party pricing vendor 0
 8
 0
 8
 
Broker/other 0
 0
 19
 19
  0
 0
 15
 15
 
Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities 0
 8
 19
 27
  0
 0
 15
 15
 
Public utilities:                  
Third party pricing vendor 0
 3,698
 0
 3,698
  0
 2,973
 0
 2,973
 
Total public utilities 0
 3,698
 0
 3,698
  0
 2,973
 0
 2,973
 
Sovereign and supranational:                  
Third party pricing vendor 0
 1,835
 0
 1,835
  0
 1,840
 0
 1,840
 
Total sovereign and supranational 0
 1,835
 0
 1,835
  0
 1,840
 0
 1,840
 
Banks/financial institutions:                  
Third party pricing vendor 0
 2,387
 0
 2,387
  0
 1,583
 0
 1,583
 
Total banks/financial institutions 0
 2,387
 0
 2,387
  0
 1,583
 0
 1,583
 
Other corporate:                  
Third party pricing vendor 0
 3,172
 0
 3,172
  0
 2,804
 0
 2,804
 
Total other corporate 0
 3,172
 0
 3,172
  0
 2,804
 0
 2,804
 
Total securities held to maturity $26,491
 $11,562
 $19
 $38,072
  $27,030
 $9,677
 $15
 $36,722
 





The following is a discussion of the determination of fair value of the Company's remaining financial instruments.

Derivatives

The Company uses derivative instruments to manage the risk associated with certain assets. However, the derivative instrument may not be classified in the same fair value hierarchy level as the associated asset. The Company uses pricing models to determine the estimated fair value of derivatives. Inputs used to value derivatives include, but are not limited to, interest rates, credit spreads, foreign currency forward and spot rates, and interest volatility. The significant inputs to pricing derivatives are generally observable in the market or can be derived by observable market data. When these inputs are observable, the derivatives are classified as Level 2.

The fair values of the foreign currency forwards and options associated with certain investments; the foreign currency forwards and options used to hedge foreign exchange risk from the Company's net investment in Aflac Japan and economically hedge certain portions of forecasted cash flows denominated in yen; and the foreign currency swaps associated with certain senior notes and subordinated debentures are based on the amounts the Company would expect to receive or pay. The determination of the fair value of these derivatives is based on observable market inputs, therefore they are classified as Level 2.

To determine the fair value of its interest rate derivatives, the Company uses inputs that are generally observable in the market or can be derived from observable market data. Interest rate swaps are cleared trades. In a cleared swap contract, the clearinghouse provides benefits to the counterparties similar to contracts listed for investment traded on an exchange since it maintains a daily margin to mitigate counterparties' credit risk. These derivatives are priced using

observable inputs, accordingly, they are classified as Level 2. For its interest rate swaptions, the Company estimates their fair values using observable market data, including interest rate curves and volatilities. Their fair values are also classified as Level 2.

For derivatives associated with VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary, the Company is not the direct counterparty to the swap contracts. As a result, the fair value measurements incorporate the credit risk of the collateral associated with the VIE. The Company receives valuations from a third party pricing vendor for these derivatives. Based on an analysis of these derivatives and a review of the methodology employed by the pricing vendor, the Company determined that due to the long duration of these swaps and the need to extrapolate from short-term observable data to derive and measure long-term inputs, certain inputs, assumptions and judgments are required to value future cash flows that cannot be corroborated by current inputs or current observable market data. As a result, the derivatives associated with the Company's consolidated VIEs are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Other investmentsCommercial mortgage and other loans

Other investments where fair value is disclosed above include short-term investmentsCommercial mortgage and loan receivables. Loan receivablesother loans include transitional real estate loans, commercial mortgage loans and middle market loans. The Company's loan receivables do not have readily determinable market prices and generally lack market liquidity. Fair values for loan receivables are determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the applicable U.S. Treasury or London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) yield plus an appropriate spread that considers other risk factors, such as credit and liquidity risk. These spreads are provided by the applicable asset managers based on their knowledge of the current loan pricing environment and market conditions. The spreads are a significant component of the pricing inputs and are generally considered unobservable. Therefore, these investments have been assigned a Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Other investments

Other investments includes short-term investments that are measured at fair value where amortized cost approximates fair value.

Other policyholders' funds

The largest component of the other policyholders' funds liability is the Company's annuity line of business in Aflac Japan. The Company's annuities have fixed benefits and premiums. For this product, the Company estimates the fair value to be equal to the cash surrender value. This is analogous to the value paid to policyholders on the valuation date if they were to surrender their policy. The Company periodically checks the cash value against discounted cash flow projections for reasonableness. The Company considers its inputs for this valuation to be unobservable and have accordingly classified this valuation as Level 3.

Notes payable

The fair values of the Company's publicly issued notes payable are determined by utilizing available sources of observable inputs from third party pricing vendors and are classified as Level 2. The fair values of the Company's yen-denominated loans approximate their carrying values and are classified as Level 3.




Transfers between Hierarchy Levels and Level 3 Rollforward

During the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively, there were no transfers between Level 1 and 2 for assets and liabilities that are measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis.

The following tables present the changes in fair value of the Company's investments and derivatives carried at fair value classified as Level 3.
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2018
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2019
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2019
Fixed Maturity Securities Equity
Securities
 
Derivatives (1)
   Fixed Maturity Securities Equity
Securities
 
Derivatives (1)
   
(In millions)Mortgage-
and
Asset-
Backed
Securities
 Public
Utilities
 Banks/
Financial
Institutions
 Other
Corporate
   Foreign
Currency
Swaps
 Credit
Default
Swaps
 Total Mortgage-
and
Asset-
Backed
Securities
 Public
Utilities
 Banks/
Financial
Institutions
 Other
Corporate
   Foreign
Currency
Swaps
 Credit
Default
Swaps
 Total 
Balance, beginning of period$178
 $106
 $23
 $196
 $17
 $110
 $0
 $630
 $178
 $85
 $23
 $284
 $46
 $70
 $0
 $686
 
Realized investment gains (losses) included
in earnings
0
 0
 0
 0
 (1) (19) 0
 (20) 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 24
 0
 24
 
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other
comprehensive income (loss)
(6) (2) 0
 (4) 0
 (2) 0
 (14) 5
 5
 1
 6
 0
 0
 0
 17
 
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:                                
Purchases0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 25
 0
 0
 0
 25
 
Issuances0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 19
 0
 0
 19
 
Sales0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 
Settlements0
 0
 0
 (1) 0
 0
 0
 (1) 0
 (2) 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 (2) 
Transfers into Level 30
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 116
(2) 
0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 116
 
Transfers out of Level 30
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 (116)
(2) 
0
 0
 0
 (116) 
Balance, end of period$172
 $104
 $23
 $191
 $16
 $89
 $0
 $595
 $183
 $204
 $24
 $199
 $65
 $94
 $0
 $769
 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating
to Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at
the end of the period included in realized
investment gains (losses)
$0
 $0
 $0
 $0
 $(1) $(19) $0
 $(20) 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating
to Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at
the end of the period included in earnings
$0
 $0
 $0
 $0
 $0
 $24
 $0
 $24
 

(1) Derivative assets and liabilities are presented net
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2017
  Fixed Maturity Securities Equity
Securities
Derivatives (1)
   
(In millions)Mortgage-
and
Asset-
Backed
Securities
 Public
Utilities
 Banks/
Financial
Institutions
 Other
Corporate
   Foreign
Currency
Swaps
 Credit
Default
Swaps
 Total 
Balance, beginning of period$188
 $53
 $25
 $77
 $14
 $7
 $2
 $366
 
Realized investment gains (losses) included in
earnings
0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 8
 (1) 7
 
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other
comprehensive income (loss)
(2) 0
 0
 1
 0
 0
 0
 (1) 
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:                
Purchases0
 24
 0
 25
 4
 0
 0
 53
 
Issuances0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 
Sales0
 0
 0
 (1) 0
 0
 0
 (1) 
Settlements(8) 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 (8) 
Transfers into Level 30
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 
Transfers out of Level 30
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 
Balance, end of period$178
 $77
 $25
 $102
 $18
 $15
 $1
 $416
 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating
to Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at
the end of the period included in realized
investment gains (losses)
$0
 $0
 $0
 $0
 $0
 $8
 $(1) $7
 
(1)(2) Derivative assets and liabilities are presented netTransfer due to sector classification change

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2018
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2018
Fixed Maturity Securities Equity
Securities
 
Derivatives (1)
   Fixed Maturity Securities Equity
Securities
Derivatives (1)
   
(In millions)Mortgage-
and
Asset-
Backed
Securities
 Public
Utilities
 Banks/
Financial
Institutions
 Other
Corporate
   Foreign
Currency
Swaps
 Credit
Default
Swaps
 Total Mortgage-
and
Asset-
Backed
Securities
 Public
Utilities
 Banks/
Financial
Institutions
 Other
Corporate
   Foreign
Currency
Swaps
 Credit
Default
Swaps
 Total 
Balance, beginning of period$175
 $68
 $25
 $146
 $16
 $22
 $1
 $453
 $186
 $83
 $24
 $143
 $16
 $154
 $1
 $607
 
Realized investment gains (losses) included
in earnings
0
 0
 0
 0
 (1) 65
 (1) 63
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 (42) (1) (43) 
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other
comprehensive income (loss)
(3) (4) (2) (6) 0
 2
 0
 (13) (8) (1) (1) (1) 0
 (2) 0
 (13) 
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:                                
Purchases0
 40
 0
 55
 1
 0
 0
 96
 0
 24
 0
 56
 1
 0
 0
 81
 
Issuances0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 
Sales0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 
Settlements0
 0
 0
 (4) 0
 0
 0
 (4) 0
 0
 0
 (2) 0
 0
 0
 (2) 
Transfers into Level 30
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 
Transfers out of Level 30
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 
Balance, end of period$172
 $104
 $23
 $191
 $16
 $89
 $0
 $595
 $178
 $106
 $23
 $196
 $17
 $110
 $0
 $630
 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating
to Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at
the end of the period included in realized
investment gains (losses)
$0
 $0
 $0
 $0
 $(1) $65
 $(1) $63
 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating
to Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at
the end of the period included in earnings
$0
 $0
 $0
 $0
 $0
 $(42) $(1) $(43) 
(1) Derivative assets and liabilities are presented net

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2019
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2019
Fixed Maturity Securities Equity
Securities
 
Derivatives (1)
   Fixed Maturity Securities Equity
Securities
 
Derivatives (1)
   
(In millions)Mortgage-
and
Asset-
Backed
Securities
 Public
Utilities
 Banks/
Financial
Institutions
 Other
Corporate
   Foreign
Currency
Swaps
 Credit
Default
Swaps
 Total Mortgage-
and
Asset-
Backed
Securities
 Public
Utilities
 Banks/
Financial
Institutions
 Other
Corporate
   Foreign
Currency
Swaps
 Credit
Default
Swaps
 Total 
Balance, beginning of period$198
 $16
 $25
 $0
 $3
 $(21) $2
 $223
 $177
 $109
 $23
 $213
 $46
 $80
 $0
 $648
 
Realized investment gains (losses) included
in earnings
0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 36
 (1) 35
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 16
 0
 16
 
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other
comprehensive income (loss)
4
 0
 0
 3
 0
 0
 0
 7
 6
 6
 1
 7
 0
 (2) 0
 18
 
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:                                
Purchases0
 61
 0
 100
 16
 0
 0
 177
 0
 0
 0
 88
 19
 0
 0
 107
 
Issuances0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 
Sales0
 0
 0
 (1) (1) 0
 0
 (2) 0
 0
 0
 (2) 0
 0
 0
 (2) 
Settlements(24) 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 (24) 0
 (2) 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 (2) 
Transfers into Level 30
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 116
(2) 
0
 25
(2) 
0
 0
 0
 141
 
Transfers out of Level 30
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 (25)
(2) 
0
 (132)
(2), (3) 
0
 0
 0
 (157) 
Balance, end of period$178
 $77
 $25
 $102
 $18
 $15
 $1
 $416
 $183
 $204
 $24
 $199
 $65
 $94
 $0
 $769
 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating
to Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at
the end of the period included in realized
investment gains (losses)
$0
 $0
 $0
 $0
 $0
 $36
 $(1) $35
 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating
to Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at
the end of the period included in earnings
$0
 $0
 $0
 $0
 $0
 $16
 $0
 $16
 
(1) Derivative assets and liabilities are presented net

(2) Transfer due to sector classification change

(3) Transfer due to availability of observable market inputs
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
 Fixed Maturity Securities Equity
Securities
 
Derivatives (1)
   
(In millions)Mortgage-
and
Asset-
Backed
Securities
 Public
Utilities
 Banks/
Financial
Institutions
 Other
Corporate
   Foreign
Currency
Swaps
 Credit
Default
Swaps
 Total 
Balance, beginning of period$175
 $68
 $25
 $146
 $16
 $22
 $1
 $453
 
Realized investment gains (losses) included
   in earnings
0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 84
 (1) 83
 
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other
   comprehensive income (loss)
3
 (2) (2) (3) 0
 4
 0
 0
 
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:                
Purchases0
 40
 0
 56
 1
 0
 0
 97
 
Issuances0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 
Sales0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 
Settlements0
 0
 0
 (3) 0
 0
 0
 (3) 
Transfers into Level 30
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 
Transfers out of Level 30
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0
 
Balance, end of period$178
 $106
 $23
 $196
 $17
 $110
 $0
 $630
 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating
to Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at
the end of the period included in earnings
$0
 $0
 $0
 $0
 $0
 $84
 $(1) $83
 
(1) Derivative assets and liabilities are presented net

Fair Value Sensitivity

Level 3 Significant Unobservable Input Sensitivity

The following tables summarize the significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of the Company's Level 3 investments and derivatives carried at fair value. Included in the tables are the inputs or range of possible inputs that have an effect on the overall valuation of the financial instruments.
September 30, 2018
June 30, 2019June 30, 2019
(In millions) Fair Value Valuation Technique(s) Unobservable Input Range
(Weighted Average)
  Fair Value Valuation Technique(s) Unobservable Input Range
(Weighted Average)
 
Assets:        
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:      
Fixed maturity securities:      
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities $172
 Consensus pricing Offered quotes N/A
(a) 
 $183
 Consensus pricing Offered quotes N/A
(a) 
Public utilities 104
 Discounted cash flow Credit spreads N/A
(a) 
 204
 Discounted cash flow Credit spreads N/A
(a) 
Banks/financial institutions 23
 Consensus pricing Offered quotes N/A
(a) 
 24
 Consensus pricing Offered quotes N/A
(a) 
Other corporate 191
 Discounted cash flow Credit spreads N/A
(a) 
 199
 Discounted cash flow Credit spreads N/A
(a) 
Equity securities 16
 Net asset value Offered quotes N/A
(a) 
 65
 Net asset value Offered quotes N/A
(a) 
Other assets:   
    
 
Foreign currency swaps 133
 Discounted cash flow Interest rates (USD) 3.27% - 3.30%
(b) 
 139
 Discounted cash flow Interest rates (USD) 1.98% - 2.20%
(b) 
   Interest rates (JPY) .36% - .96%
(c) 
   Interest rates (JPY) 0.01% - 0.38%
(c) 
   CDS spreads 12 - 101 bps    CDS spreads 11 - 110 bps 
 57
 Discounted cash flow Interest rates (USD) 3.27% - 3.30%
(b) 
 62
 Discounted cash flow Interest rates (USD) 1.98% - 2.20%
(b) 
   Interest rates (JPY) .36% - .96%
(c) 
   Interest rates (JPY) 0.01% - 0.38%
(c) 
Total assets $696
  $876
 
Liabilities:      
Other liabilities:      
Foreign currency swaps $96
 Discounted cash flow Interest rates (USD) 3.27% - 3.30%
(b) 
 $101
 Discounted cash flow Interest rates (USD) 1.98% - 2.20%
(b) 
   Interest rates (JPY) .36% - .96%
(c) 
   Interest rates (JPY) 0.01% - 0.38%
(c) 
   CDS spreads 31 - 196 bps    CDS spreads 30 - 187 bps 
 5
 Discounted cash flow Interest rates (USD) 3.27% - 3.30%
(b) 
 6
 Discounted cash flow Interest rates (USD) 1.98% - 2.20%
(b) 
   Interest rates (JPY) .36% - .96%
(c) 
   Interest rates (JPY) 0.01% - 0.38%
(c) 
Total liabilities $101
  $107
 

(a) N/A represents securities where the Company receives unadjusted broker quotes and for which there is no transparency into the providers' valuation techniques or unobservable inputs.
(b) Inputs derived from U.S. long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of the Company's swaps
(c) Inputs derived from Japan long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of the Company's swaps





December 31, 2017
December 31, 2018December 31, 2018
(In millions) Fair Value Valuation Technique(s) Unobservable Input Range
(Weighted Average)
  Fair Value Valuation Technique(s) Unobservable Input Range
(Weighted Average)
 
Assets:      
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:          
Fixed maturity securities:          
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities $175
 Consensus pricing Offered quotes N/A
(a) 
 $177
 Consensus pricing Offered quotes N/A
(a) 
Public utilities 68
 Discounted cash flow Credit spreads N/A
(a) 
 109
 Discounted cash flow Credit spreads N/A
(a) 
Banks/financial institutions 25
 Consensus pricing Offered quotes N/A
(a) 
 23
 Consensus pricing Offered quotes N/A
(a) 
Other corporate 146
 Discounted cash flow Credit spreads N/A
(a) 
 213
 Discounted cash flow Credit spreads N/A
(a) 
Equity securities  16
  Net asset value Offered quotes N/A
(a) 
  46
  Net asset value Offered quotes N/A
(a) 
Other assets:      
Foreign currency swaps 80
 Discounted cash flow Interest rates (USD) 2.40% - 2.54%
(b) 
 125
 Discounted cash flow Interest rates (USD) 2.75% - 2.84%
(b) 
   Interest rates (JPY) .26% - .85%
(c) 
   Interest rates (JPY) .18% - .71%
(c) 
   CDS spreads 9 - 90 bps    CDS spreads 19 - 120 bps 
 70
 Discounted cash flow Interest rates (USD) 2.40% - 2.54%
(b) 
 57
 Discounted cash flow Interest rates (USD) 2.75% - 2.84%
(b) 
   Interest rates (JPY) .26% - .85%
(c) 
   Interest rates (JPY) .18% - .71%
(c) 
Credit default swaps 1
 Discounted cash flow Base correlation     46.33% - 49.65%
(d) 
   CDS spreads 25 bps 
   Recovery rate 37.24% 
Total assets $581
  $750
 
Liabilities:      
Other liabilities:      
Foreign currency swaps $120
 Discounted cash flow Interest rates (USD) 2.40% - 2.54%
(b) 
 $98
 Discounted cash flow Interest rates (USD) 2.75% - 2.84%
(b) 
   Interest rates (JPY) .26% - .85%
(c) 
   Interest rates (JPY) .18% - .71%
(c) 
   CDS spreads 13 - 157 bps    CDS spreads 28 - 211 bps 
 8
 Discounted cash flow Interest rates (USD) 2.40% - 2.54%
(b) 
 4
 Discounted cash flow Interest rates (USD) 2.75% - 2.84%
(b) 
   Interest rates (JPY) .26% - .85%
(c) 
   Interest rates (JPY) .18% - .71%
(c) 
Total liabilities $128
  $102
 
(a) N/A represents securities where the Company receives unadjusted broker quotes and for which there is no transparency into the providers' valuation techniques or unobservable inputs.
(b) Inputs derived from U.S. long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of the Company's swaps
(c) Inputs derived from Japan long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of the Company's swaps
(d) Range of base correlation for the Company's bespoke tranche for attachment and detachment points corresponding to market indices



The following is a discussion of the significant unobservable inputs or valuation techniques used in determining the fair value of securities and derivatives classified as Level 3.

Net Asset Value

The Company holds certain unlisted equity securities whose fair value is derived based on the financial statements published by the investee. These securities do not trade on an active market and the valuations derived are dependent on the availability of timely financial reporting of the investee. Net asset value is an unobservable input in the determination of fair value of equity securities.

Offered Quotes

In circumstances where the Company's valuation model price is overridden because it implies a value that is not consistent with current market conditions, the Company will solicit bids from a limited number of brokers. The Company also receives unadjusted prices from brokers for its mortgage and asset-backed securities. These quotes are non-binding but are reflective of valuation best estimates at that particular point in time. Offered quotes are an unobservable input in the determination of fair value of mortgage- and asset-backed securities, certain banks/financial institutions, certain other corporate, and equity securities investments.

Interest Rates and CDS Spreads Foreign Exchange Rates

The significant drivers of the valuation of the interest and foreign exchange swaps are interest rates, foreign exchange rates and CDS spreads. Some of the Company's swaps have long maturities that increase the sensitivity of the swaps to interest rate fluctuations. For the Company's foreign exchange or cross currency swaps that are in a net asset position, an increase in yen interest rates (all other factors held constant) will decrease the present value of the yen final settlement receivable (receive leg), thus decreasing the value of the swap as long as the derivative remains in a net asset position.
Foreign exchange swaps also have a lump-sum final settlement of foreign exchange principal amounts at the termination of the swap. Assuming all other factors are held constant, an increase in yen interest rates will decrease the receive leg and decrease the net value of the swap. Likewise, holding all other factors constant, an increase in U.S. dollar interest rates will increase the swap's net value due to the decrease in the present value of the dollar final settlement payable (pay leg).
A similar sensitivity pattern is observed for the foreign exchange rates. When the spot U.S. dollar/Japanese yen (USD/JPY) foreign exchange rate decreases and the swap is receiving a final exchange payment in JPY, the swap value will increase due to the appreciation of the JPY. Most of the Company's swaps are designed to receive payments in JPY at the termination and will thus be impacted by the USD/JPY foreign exchange rate in this way. In cases where there is no final foreign exchange receivable in JPY and the Company is paying JPY as interest payments and receiving USD, a decrease in the foreign exchange rate will lead to a decrease in the swap value.

The extinguisher feature in most of the Company's VIE swaps results in a cessation of cash flows and no further payments between the parties to the swap in the event of a default on the referenced or underlying collateral. To price this feature, the Company applies the survival probability of the referenced entity to the projected cash flows. The survival probability uses the CDS spreads and recovery rates to adjust the present value of the cash flows. For extinguisher swaps with positive values, an increase in CDS spreads decreases the likelihood of receiving the final exchange payments and reduces the value of the swap.

For additional information on the Company's investments and financial instruments, see the accompanying Notes 1, 3 and 4 and Notes 1, 3 and 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20172018 Annual Report.

6.POLICY LIABILITIES

Changes in the liability for unpaid policy claims were as follows:


Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(In millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017  2019 2018 2019 2018 
Unpaid supplemental health claims, beginning of period $3,942
 $3,872
 $3,881
 $3,707
  $3,967
 $4,041
 $3,952
 $3,881
 
Less reinsurance recoverables 29
 30
 28
 27
  29
 31
 28
 28
 
Net balance, beginning of period 3,913
 3,842
 3,853
 3,680
  3,938
 4,010
 3,924
 3,853
 
Add claims incurred during the period related to:                  
Current year 1,760
 1,759
 5,381
 5,278
  1,785
 1,779
 3,610
 3,621
 
Prior years (131) (126) (456) (386)  (136) (133) (303) (325) 
Total incurred 1,629
 1,633
 4,925
 4,892
  1,649
 1,646
 3,307
 3,296
 
Less claims paid during the period on claims incurred during:                  
Current year 1,357
 1,357
 3,109
 3,074
  1,229
 1,226
 1,735
 1,746
 
Prior years 217
 234
 1,751
 1,697
  430
 426
 1,568
 1,540
 
Total paid 1,574
 1,591
 4,860
 4,771
  1,659
 1,652
 3,303
 3,286
 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on unpaid claims (59) (14) (9) 69
  65
 (91) 65
 50
 
Net balance, end of period 3,909
 3,870
 3,909
 3,870
  3,993
 3,913
 3,993
 3,913
 
Add reinsurance recoverables 29
 30
 29
 30
  31
 29
 31
 29
 
Unpaid supplemental health claims, end of period 3,938
 3,900
 3,938
 3,900
  4,024
 3,942
 4,024
 3,942
 
Unpaid life claims, end of period 592
 468
 592
 468
  682
 582
 682
 582
 
Total liability for unpaid policy claims $4,530
 $4,368
 $4,530
 $4,368
  $4,706
 $4,524
 $4,706
 $4,524
 


The incurred claims development related to prior years reflects favorable claims experience compared to previous estimates. The favorable claims development of $456$303 million for the nine-monthsix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 comprises approximately $325$198 million from Japan, which represents approximately 71%65% of the total. Excluding theThere was no material impact of foreign exchange of a loss of approximately $13 million from December 31, 2017 to September 30, 2018, the favorable claims development in Japan would have been approximately $312 million, representing approximately 68% of the total.from foreign currency exchange from December 31, 2018 to June 30, 2019.

The Company has experienced continued favorable claim trends in 20182019 for its core health products in Japan. The Company's experience in Japan related to the average length of stay in the hospital for cancer treatment has shown continued decline in the current period. In addition, cancer treatment patterns in Japan are continuing to be influenced by significant advances in early-detection techniques and by the increased use of pathological diagnosis rather than clinical exams. Additionally, follow-up radiation and chemotherapy treatments are occurring more often on an outpatient basis. Such changes in treatment not only increase the quality of life and initial outcomes for the patients, but also decrease the average length of each hospital stay, resulting in favorable claims development.

The remainder of the favorable claims development related to prior years for the nine-monthsix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, reflects Aflac U.S. favorable claims experience compared to previous estimates, primarily in the cancer and accident lines of business.

7.REINSURANCE

The Company periodically enters into fixed quota-share coinsurance agreements with other companies in the normal course of business. For each of its reinsurance agreements, the Company determines whether the agreement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Reinsurance premiums and benefits paid or provided are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Premiums and benefits are reported net of insurance ceded.

The Company has recorded a deferred profit liability related to reinsurance transactions. The remaining deferred profit liability of $989 million,$1.0 billion as of SeptemberJune 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 is included in future policy benefits in the consolidated balance sheet and is being amortized into income over the expected lives of the policies. The Company has also recorded a reinsurance recoverable for reinsurance transactions, which is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet and had a remaining balance of $917$987 million and $908$941 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019 and December 31, 2017,2018, respectively. The increase in the reinsurance recoverable balance was driven by two aggregating factors: yen strengthening and the growth in reserves related to the business that has been reinsured as the policies age. The spot yen/dollar exchange rate

weakened strengthened by approximately .5%3.0% and ceded reserves increased approximately 1.3%3.7% from December 31, 2017,2018, to SeptemberJune 30, 2018.2019.


The following table reconciles direct premium income and direct benefits and claims to net amounts after the effect of reinsurance.
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
(In millions)2018 2017 2018 20172019 2018 2019 2018
Direct premium income $4,720
 $4,734
  $14,346
 $14,210
  $4,766
 $4,793
  $9,542
 $9,626
 
Ceded to other companies:                  
Ceded Aflac Japan closed blocks (122) (130) (378) (390)  (119) (126) (240) (256) 
Other (15) (12) (45) (37)  (17) (16) (32) (30) 
Assumed from other companies:                  
Retrocession activities 51
 54
 158
 163
  50
 53
 100
 107
 
Other 2
 2
 5
 5
  1
 2
 3
 3
 
Net premium income $4,636
 $4,648
 $14,086
 $13,951
  $4,681
 $4,706
 $9,373
 $9,450
 
                  
Direct benefits and claims $3,076
 $3,157
 $9,301
 $9,403
  $3,038
 $3,106
 $6,078
 $6,225
 
Ceded benefits and change in reserves for future benefits:                  
Ceded Aflac Japan closed blocks (111) (118) (343) (359)  (109) (114) (219) (231) 
Eliminations 10
 13
 33
 39
  10
 11
 20
 23
 
Other (11) (9) (34) (31)  (12) (12) (24) (23) 
Assumed from other companies:                  
Retrocession activities 48
 53
 149
 159
  47
 49
 97
 101
 
Eliminations (10) (13) (33) (39)  (10) (11) (20) (23) 
Other 0
 0
 2
 2
  0
 2
 0
 1
 
Benefits and claims, net $3,002
 $3,083
 $9,075
 $9,174
  $2,964
 $3,031
 $5,932
 $6,073
 

These reinsurance transactions are indemnity reinsurance that do not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders. In the event that the reinsurer is unable to meet their obligations, the Company remains liable for the reinsured claims.

As a part of its capital contingency plan, the Company entered into a committed reinsurance facility agreement on December 1, 2015 in the amount of approximately 110 billion yen of reserves. This reinsurance facility agreement was renewed in 20172018 and is effective until December 31, 2018.2019. There are also additional commitment periods of a one-year duration, each of which are automatically extended unless notification is received from the reinsurer within 60 days prior to the expiration. The reinsurer can withdraw from the committed facility if Aflac‘s Standard and Poor's (S&P) rating drops below BBB-. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, the Company has not executed a reinsurance treaty under this committed reinsurance facility.
8.NOTES PAYABLE AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

A summary of notes payable and lease obligations follows:


(In millions)September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
2.40% senior notes due March 2020 $549
 $548
 
4.00% senior notes due February 2022 348
 348
  $348
 $348
 
3.625% senior notes due June 2023 698
 697
  698
 698
 
3.625% senior notes due November 2024 746
 745
  746
 746
 
3.25% senior notes due March 2025 447
 446
  448
 447
 
2.875% senior notes due October 2026 297
 297
  298
 297
 
6.90% senior notes due December 2039 220
 220
  220
 220
 
6.45% senior notes due August 2040 254
 254
  254
 254
 
4.00% senior notes due October 2046 394
 394
  394
 394
 
4.750% senior notes due January 2049 540
 540
 
Yen-denominated senior notes and subordinated debentures:          
.932% senior notes due January 2027 (principal amount 60.0 billion yen) 525
 528
  554
 538
 
1.159% senior notes due October 2030 (principal amount 29.3 billion yen) 270
 262
 
1.488% senior notes due October 2033 (principal amount 15.2 billion yen) 140
 136
 
1.750% senior notes due October 2038 (principal amount 8.9 billion yen) 82
 79
 
2.108% subordinated debentures due October 2047 (principal amount 60.0 billion yen) 523
 526
  552
 536
 
.963% perpetual subordinated bonds callable April 2024 (principal amount 30.0 billion yen) 276
 0
 
Yen-denominated loans:          
Variable interest rate loan due September 2021 (.32% in 2018 and 2017, principal amount 5.0 billion yen) 44
 44
 
Variable interest rate loan due September 2023 (.47% in 2018 and 2017, principal amount 25.0 billion yen) 219
 220
 
Capitalized lease obligations payable through 2025 15
 22
 
Total notes payable $5,279
 $5,289
 
Variable interest rate loan due September 2021 (.32% in 2019 and 2018, principal amount 5.0 billion yen) 46
 45
 
Variable interest rate loan due September 2023 (.47% in 2019 and 2018, principal amount 25.0 billion yen) 232
 225
 
Finance lease obligations payable through 2025 12
 13
 
Operating lease obligations payable through 2028 (1)
 121
 0
 
Total notes payable and lease obligations $6,231
 $5,778
 

(1) See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2019 related to leases.
Amounts in the table above are reported net of debt issuance costs and issuance premiums or discounts, if applicable, that are being amortized over the life of the notes.

In April 2019, ALIJ issued 30.0 billion yen (par value) of perpetual subordinated bonds. These bonds bear interest at a fixed rate of .963% per annum and then at six-month Euro Yen LIBOR plus an applicable spread on and after the day immediately following April 18, 2024. The bonds will be callable on each interest payment date on and after April 18, 2024.

The following table presents the contractual maturities and present value of lease liabilities.
 June 30, 2019
(In millions)Operating Leases Finance Leases Total
2019$32
 $3
 $35
202030
 3
 33
202120
 2
 22
202217
 2
 19
20239
 1
 10
After 202324
 1
 25
Total lease payments$132
 $12
 $144
Less: Interest11
 0
 11
Present value of lease liabilities$121
 $12
 $133



The following table presents the weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate for lease liabilities.
June 30, 2019
Weighted average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases4.1
Finance leases3.8
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating leases2.5%
Finance leases1.5%

Operating lease costs for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 were $14 million and $29 million, respectively. Operating cash outflow for operating leases for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 was $28 million.


A summary of the Company's lines of credit as of SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 follows:
BorrowerTypeTermExpiration DateCapacityAmount OutstandingInterest Rate on Borrowed AmountMaturity PeriodCommitment FeeBusiness Purpose
Aflac Incorporated
and Aflac
uncommitted bilateral364 daysNovember 30, 2018December 27, 2019$100 million$0 millionThe rate quoted by the bank and agreed upon at the time of borrowingUp to 3 monthsNoneGeneral corporate purposes
Aflac Incorporatedunsecured revolving35 years
March 31, 2019,29,
2024, or the date commitments are terminated pursuant to an event of default
100.0 billion yen0.0 billion yenA rate per annum equal to (a) Tokyo interbank market rate (TIBOR) plus, the alternative applicable TIBOR margin during the availability period from the closing date to the commitment termination date or (b) the TIBOR rate offered by the agent to major banks in yen for the applicable period plus, the applicable alternative TIBOR margin during the term out periodNo later than
March 31, 201929, 2024
.30% to .50%, depending on the Parent Company's debt ratings as of the date of determinationGeneral corporate purposes, including a capital contingency plan for the operations of the Parent Company
Aflac Incorporated
and Aflac
unsecured revolving5 years
April 4, 2023, or the date commitments are terminated pursuant to an event of default(1)
55.0 billion yen, or the equivalent amount in U.S. dollars0.0 billion yenA rate per annum equal to, at the Company's option, either, (a) London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) adjusted for certain costs or (b) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (1) the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%, (2) the rate of interest for such day announced by Mizuho Bank, Ltd. as its prime rate, or (3) the eurocurrency rate for an interest period of one month plus 1.00%, in each case plus an applicable marginNo later than April 4, 2023
.085% to
.225%, depending on the Parent Company's debt ratings as of the date of determination
General corporate purposes, including a capital contingency plan for the operations of the Parent Company
Aflac Incorporated
and Aflac
uncommitted bilateralNone specifiedNone specified$50 million$0 millionA rate per annum equal to, at the Parent Company's option, either (a) a eurocurrency rate determined by reference to the agent's LIBOR for the interest period relevant to such borrowing or (b) the base rate determined by reference to the greater of (i) the prime rate as determined by the agent, and (ii) the sum of 0.50% and the federal funds rate for such dayUp to 3 monthsNoneGeneral corporate purposes
Aflac(2)(1)
uncommitted revolving364 daysNovember 30, 201829, 2019$250 million$0 millionUSD three-month LIBOR plus 75 basis points per annum3 monthsNoneGeneral corporate purposes
Aflac Incorporated(2)(1)
uncommitted revolving364 daysApril 2, 2019202037.550.0 billion yen0.0 billion yenThree-month TIBOR plus 8070 basis points per annum3 monthsNoneGeneral corporate purposes
(1) Effective April 4, 2018, the prior expiration date of September 18, 2020 was extended to April 4, 2023.
(2) Intercompany credit agreement

The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants of its notes payable and lines of credit at SeptemberJune 30, 2018.2019. No events of default or defaults occurred during the nine-monthsix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018.2019.

For additional information, see Notes 4 and 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20172018 Annual Report.


9.INCOME TAXES

For the United States, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act) was signed into law on December 22, 2017. Effective January 1, 2018, the Tax Act imposes a broad number of changes in tax law, including the permanent reduction of the U.S. federal statutory corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%.

The Company expects to complete its accounting for the effects of the Tax Act over the measurement period of up to one year from the enactment date, as permitted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (SAB 118). As of the enactment date, the Company estimated provisional amounts for its deferred taxes, including related valuation allowance, resulting in a reduction of its deferred tax assets (DTAs) by approximately $1.0 billion and its deferred tax liabilities (DTLs) by $2.9 billion, for a net DTL reduction of approximately $1.9 billion. The Company believes that these amounts represent reasonable estimates in accordance with SAB 118. The provisions of ASC 740-10, Income Taxes, require that the effects of changes in tax law on deferred taxes be recognized as a component of the income tax provision in the period the tax rate change was enacted. Therefore, the $1.9 billion provisional amount of net DTL reduction was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017 as a reduction in the “Income tax expense, Deferred” line item of the Company’s consolidated statement of earnings. As of the third quarter of 2018, the Company has no update to this estimated benefit.

The following includes an overview of the existing current and deferred balances for which calculation of income tax effects of the Tax Act has not been completed:

Japan deferred tax balances: The Tax Act reduces the U.S. tax rate to 21%, effective January 1, 2018. Prior to the reduction in rate, the Japan deferred tax balances were completely offset by an anticipatory foreign tax credit. As a result of the rate reduction, the Japan deferred tax balance will no longer be offset by an anticipatory foreign tax credit as all of the foreign tax credits will be used to offset the U.S. deferred tax balance of the Aflac Japan branch.

The Company has not yet completed its analysis of the components of the Japan tax computation, including a complete validation of the Aflac Japan tax basis. Additional time is needed to collect, analyze, and validate the detailed data underlying the deferred tax amounts in the Aflac Japan branch. As of the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company had recorded a provisional amount of $4.5 billion of net DTL related to this item.

Valuation allowances: The Company must assess whether its valuation allowance analyses are impacted by various aspects of the Tax Act with a primary focus on any unused anticipatory foreign tax credits. As the Company has recorded provisional amounts related to the Japan deferred tax balances, any corresponding determination of the need for or change in a valuation allowance is also provisional. As of the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company had recorded a provisional valuation allowance of $.7 billion against its anticipatory foreign tax credit asset.

The impact of the Tax Act may differ, possibly materially, from the recorded provisional amounts.

10.SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

See Note 1 for a discussion of the stock split that occurred in March 2018. All share and per-share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the stock split for any of the periods presented.

The following table is a reconciliation of the number of shares of the Company's common stock for the nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30.

(In thousands of shares)2018 20172019 2018
Common stock - issued:      
Balance, beginning of period1,345,762
 1,342,498
1,347,540
 1,345,762
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares1,614
 2,840
1,504
 1,299
Balance, end of period1,347,376
 1,345,338
1,349,044
 1,347,061
Treasury stock:      
Balance, beginning of period564,852
 530,877
592,254
 564,852
Purchases of treasury stock:      
Open market20,443
 27,796
Share repurchase program17,179
 13,441
Other361
 872
574
 328
Dispositions of treasury stock:      
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan(850) (1,392)(836) (400)
Exercise of stock options(430) (526)(305) (327)
Other(113) (39)(287) (105)
Balance, end of period584,263
 557,588
608,579
 577,789
Shares outstanding, end of period763,113
 787,750
740,465
 769,272


Outstanding share-based awards are excluded from the calculation of weighted-average shares used in the computation of basic earnings per share (EPS). The following table presents the approximate number of share-based awards to purchase shares, on a weighted-average basis, that were considered to be anti-dilutive and were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the following periods.
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(In thousands)2018 20172018 20172019 20182019 2018
Anti-dilutive share-based awards 46
 532
 34
 670
  1
 48
 12
 28
 


Share Repurchase Program

During the first ninesix months of 2018,2019, the Company repurchased 20.417.2 million shares of its common stock in the open market for $923$847 million as part of its share repurchase program. During the first ninesix months of 2017,2018, the Company repurchased 27.813.4 million shares of its common stock in the open market for $1.0 billion$601 million as part of its share repurchase program. In August 2017, the Company's board of directors authorized the purchase of an additional 40 million shares of its common stock, which increased to 80 million shares in February 2018 in connection with the Company's stock split scheduled for March 2018. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, a remaining balance of 77.651.9 million shares of the Company's common stock was available for purchase under share repurchase authorizations by its board of directors.



Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The tables below are reconciliations of accumulated other comprehensive income by component for the following periods.

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2018
(In millions)Unrealized Foreign
Currency Translation
Gains (Losses)
 Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Investment Securities
 Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Derivatives
 Pension
Liability
Adjustment
 Total
Balance, beginning of period $(1,766)   $4,836
   $(23)   $(195)   $2,852
 
Other comprehensive
income (loss) before
reclassification
 (347)   (569)   (1)   (2)   (919) 
Amounts reclassified from
accumulated other
comprehensive income
(loss)
 0
   (27)   0
   3
   (24) 
Net current-period other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 (347)   (596)   (1)   1
   (943) 
Balance, end of period $(2,113)   $4,240
   $(24)   $(194)   $1,909
 

All amounts in the table above are net of tax.


Three Months Ended
September 30, 2017
(In millions)Unrealized Foreign
Currency Translation
Gains (Losses)
 Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Investment Securities
 Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Derivatives
 Pension Liability Adjustment Total
Balance, beginning of period $(1,580)   $5,173
   $(23)   $(169)   $3,401
 
Other comprehensive
income (loss) before
reclassification
 (135)   296
   0
   (2)   159
 
Amounts reclassified from
accumulated other
comprehensive income
(loss)
 0
   (32)   0
   3
   (29) 
Net current-period other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 (135)   264
   0
   1
   130
 
Balance, end of period $(1,715)   $5,437
   $(23)   $(168)   $3,531
 
All amounts in the table above are net of tax.


Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2019
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2019
(In millions)Unrealized Foreign
Currency Translation
Gains (Losses)
 Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Investment Securities
 Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Derivatives
 Pension
Liability
Adjustment
 TotalUnrealized Foreign
Currency Translation
Gains (Losses)
 Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Investment Securities
 Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Derivatives
 Pension
Liability
Adjustment
 Total
Balance, beginning of period $(1,750) $5,964
 $(23) $(163) $4,028
  $(1,848) $6,561
 $(26) $(206) $4,481
 
Cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle -
financial instruments
 0
 (148) 0
 0
 (148) 
Cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle -
tax effects from tax reform
 (325) 734
 (3) (32) 374
 
Other comprehensive
income (loss) before
reclassification
 (38) (2,302) 2
 (7) (2,345)  393
 1,512
 (1) (5) 1,899
 
Amounts reclassified from
accumulated other
comprehensive income
(loss)
 0
 (8) 0
 8
 0
  0
 (18) 0
 2
 (16) 
Net current-period other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 (38) (2,310) 2
 1
 (2,345)  393
 1,494
 (1) (3) 1,883
 
Balance, end of period $(2,113) $4,240
 $(24) $(194) $1,909
  $(1,455) $8,055
 $(27) $(209) $6,364
 

All amounts in the table above are net of tax.

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2018
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(In millions)Unrealized Foreign
Currency Translation
Gains (Losses)
 Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Investment Securities
 Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Derivatives
 Pension Liability Adjustment TotalUnrealized Foreign
Currency Translation
Gains (Losses)
 Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Investment Securities
 Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Derivatives
 Pension Liability Adjustment Total
Balance, beginning of period $(1,983) $4,805
 $(24) $(168) $2,630
  $(1,303) $5,206
 $(21) $(197) $3,685
 
Other comprehensive
income (loss) before
reclassification
 268
 653
 1
 (8) 914
  (463) (391) (2) (1) (857) 
Amounts reclassified from
accumulated other
comprehensive income
(loss)
 0
 (21) 0
 8
 (13)  0
 21
 0
 3
 24
 
Net current-period other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 268
 632
 1
 0
 901
  (463) (370) (2) 2
 (833) 
Balance, end of period $(1,715) $5,437
 $(23) $(168) $3,531
  $(1,766) $4,836
 $(23) $(195) $2,852
 
All amounts in the table above are net of tax.

For
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2019
(In millions)Unrealized Foreign
Currency Translation
Gains (Losses)
 Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Investment Securities
 Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Derivatives
 Pension
Liability
Adjustment
 Total
Balance, beginning of period $(1,847)   $4,234
   $(24)   $(212)   $2,151
 
Other comprehensive
income (loss) before
reclassification
 392
   3,853
   (3)   (2)   4,240
 
Amounts reclassified from
accumulated other
comprehensive income
(loss)
 0
   (32)   0
   5
   (27) 
Net current-period other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 392
   3,821
   (3)   3
   4,213
 
Balance, end of period $(1,455)   $8,055
   $(27)   $(209)   $6,364
 

All amounts in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, see Note 1 for discussiontable above are net of tax.

Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(In millions)Unrealized Foreign
Currency Translation
Gains (Losses)
 Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Investment Securities
 Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Derivatives
 Pension Liability Adjustment Total
Balance, beginning of period $(1,750)   $5,964
   $(23)   $(163)   $4,028
 
Cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle -
financial instruments
 0
   (148)   0
   0
   (148) 
Cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle -
tax effects from tax reform
 (325)   734
   (3)   (32)   374
 
Other comprehensive
income (loss) before
reclassification
 309
   (1,733)   3
   (5)   (1,426) 
Amounts reclassified from
accumulated other
comprehensive income
(loss)
 0
   19
   0
   5
   24
 
Net current-period other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 309
   (1,714)   3
   0
   (1,402) 
Balance, end of period $(1,766)   $4,836
   $(23)   $(195)   $2,852
 

All amounts in the amounts reclassified between AOCI and retained earnings upon the adoptiontable above are net of new accounting pronouncements.tax.

The tables below summarize the amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income into net earnings for the following periods.



Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
(In millions)Three Months Ended
June 30, 2019
 
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ComponentsAmount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeAffected Line Item in the
Statements of Earnings
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale
securities
 $0
 Other-than-temporary impairment
losses realized
  25
 Other gains (losses)
  25
 Total before tax
  (7) 
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
  $18
 Net of tax
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:    
       Actuarial gains (losses) $(3) 
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
       Prior service (cost) credit 0
 
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
  1
 
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
  $(2) Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period $16
 Net of tax

(1)Based on 26% blended tax rate
(2)These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 11 for additional details).

(In millions)Three Months Ended
June 30, 2018
 
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ComponentsAmount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeAffected Line Item in the
Statements of Earnings
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale
securities
 $(2) Other-than-temporary impairment
losses realized
  (26) Other gains (losses)
  (28) Total before tax
  7
 
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
  $(21) Net of tax
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:    
       Actuarial gains (losses) $(4) 
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
       Prior service (cost) credit 0
 
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
  1
 
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
  $(3) Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period $(24) Net of tax

(In millions)Three Months Ended
September 30, 2018
 
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ComponentsAmount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeAffected Line Item in the
Statements of Earnings
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale
securities
 $0
 Other-than-temporary impairment
losses realized
  37
 Other gains (losses)
  37
 Total before tax
  (10) 
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
  $27
 Net of tax
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:    
       Actuarial gains (losses) $(5) 
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
       Prior service (cost) credit 0
 
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
  2
 
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
  $(3) Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period $24
 Net of tax
(1)Based on 26% blended tax rate
(2)These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 11 for additional details).


(In millions)Six Months Ended
June 30, 2019
 
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ComponentsAmount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeAffected Line Item in the
Statements of Earnings
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale
securities
 $0
 Other-than-temporary impairment
losses realized
  43
 Other gains (losses)
  43
 Total before tax
  (11) 
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
  $32
 Net of tax
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:    
       Actuarial gains (losses) $(7) 
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
Prior service (cost) credit 0
 
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
  2
 
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
  $(5) Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period $27
 Net of tax

(1) Based on 26% blended tax rate
(2) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 1211 for additional details).

(In millions)Three Months Ended
September 30, 2017
 
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ComponentsAmount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeAffected Line Item in the
Statements of Earnings
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale
securities
 $(6) Other-than-temporary impairment
losses realized
  56
 Other gains (losses)
  50
 Total before tax
  (18) 
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
  $32
 Net of tax
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:    
       Actuarial gains (losses) $(4) 
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
       Prior service (cost) credit 0
 
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
  1
 
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
  $(3) Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period $29
 Net of tax
(1) Based on 35% tax rate
(2) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 12 for additional details).

(In millions)Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018
 Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
 
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ComponentsAmount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeAffected Line Item in the
Statements of Earnings
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeAffected Line Item in the
Statements of Earnings
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale
securities
 $(2) Other-than-temporary impairment
losses realized
 $(2) Other-than-temporary impairment
losses realized
 13
 Other gains (losses) (24) Other gains (losses)
 11
 Total before tax (26) Total before tax
 (3) 
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
 7
 
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
 $8
 Net of tax $(19) Net of tax
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:      
Actuarial gains (losses) $(13) 
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
 $(8) 
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
Prior service (cost) credit 0
 
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
 0
 
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
 5
 
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
 3
 
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
 $(8) Net of tax $(5) Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period $0
 Net of tax $(24) Net of tax

(1) Based on 27% blended tax rate
(2) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 12 for additional details).

(In millions)Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
 
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ComponentsAmount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeAffected Line Item in the
Statements of Earnings
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale
securities
 $(23) Other-than-temporary impairment
losses realized
  56
 Other gains (losses)
  33
 Total before tax
  (12) 
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
  $21
 Net of tax
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:    
       Actuarial gains (losses) $(12) 
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
Prior service (cost) credit 0
 
Acquisition and operating expenses(2)
  4
 
Tax (expense) or benefit(1)
  $(8) Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period $13
 Net of tax

(1) Based on 35% tax rate
(2) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 1211 for additional details).

11.10.    SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

See Note 1 for a discussion of the stock split that occurred in March 2018. All share and per-share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the stock split for any of the periods presented.

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, the Company has outstanding share-based awards under the Aflac Incorporated Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”)Plan). Share-based awards are designed to reward employees for their long-term contributions to the Company and provide incentives for them to remain with the Company. The number and frequency of share-based awards are based on competitive practices, operating results of the Company, government regulations, and other factors.

The Plan, as amended on February 14, 2017, allows for a maximum number of shares issuable over its term of 75 million shares including 38 million shares that may be awarded in respect of awards other than options or stock


appreciation rights. If any awards granted under the Plan are forfeited or are terminated before being exercised or settled for any reason other than tax forfeiture, then the shares underlying the awards will again be available under the Plan.

The Plan allows awards to Company employees for incentive stock options (ISOs), non-qualifying stock options (NQSOs), restricted stock, restricted stock units, and stock appreciation rights. Non-employee directors are eligible for grants of NQSOs, restricted stock, and stock appreciation rights. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, approximately 40.339.4 million shares were available for future grants under this plan. The ISOs and NQSOs have a term of 10 years, and the share-based awards generally vest upon time-based conditions or time and performance-based conditions. Time-based vesting generally occurs after three years. Performance-based vesting conditions generally include the attainment of goals related to Company financial performance. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, the only performance-based awards issued and outstanding were restricted stock awards.

Stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the amended Plan have an exercise price of at least the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant date and have an expiration date no later than 10 years from the grant date. Time-based restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock options granted after January 1, 2017 generally vest on a ratable basis over three years, and awards granted prior to the amendment vest on a three years cliff basis. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has the discretion to determine vesting schedules.

Share-based awards granted to U.S.-based grantees are settled with authorized but unissued Company stock, while those issued to Japan-based grantees are settled with treasury shares.

The following table provides information on stock options outstanding and exercisable at SeptemberJune 30, 2018.2019.
Stock
Option Shares
(in thousands)
 Weighted-Average
Remaining Term
(in years)
 Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in millions)
 Weighted-Average
Exercise Price Per
Share
Stock
Option Shares
(in thousands)
 Weighted-Average
Remaining Term
(in years)
 Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in millions)
 Weighted-Average
Exercise Price Per
Share
Outstanding 5,600
 5.2 $105
 $28.33
  4,072
 4.8 $103
 $29.49
 
Exercisable 4,084
 4.2 83
 26.87
  3,740
 4.5 97
 28.94
 


The Company received cash from the exercise of stock options in the amount of $42$30 million during the first ninesix months of 2018,2019, compared with $48$31 million in the first ninesix months of 2017.2018. The tax benefit realized as a result of stock option exercises and restricted stock releases was $17$25 million in the first ninesix months of 2018,2019, compared with $37$14 million in the first ninesix months of 2017.2018.

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, total compensation cost not yet recognized in the Company's financial statements related to restricted stock awards was $45$61 million, of which $20$28 million (799(769 thousand shares) was related to restricted stock awards with a performance-based vesting condition. The Company expects to recognize these amounts over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.11.3 years. There are no other contractual terms covering restricted stock awards once vested.

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity during the nine-monthsix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30.
(In thousands of shares) Shares 
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
Per Share
Restricted stock at December 31, 2017 3,635
  $32.40
 
Granted in 2018 1,074
  44.30
 
Canceled in 2018 (97)  34.27
 
Vested in 2018 (1,164)  31.72
 
Restricted stock at September 30, 2018 3,448
  $36.28
 
(In thousands of shares) Shares 
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
Per Share
Restricted stock at December 31, 2018 3,407
  $36.52
 
Granted in 2019 989
  49.34
 
Canceled in 2019 (23)  39.44
 
Vested in 2019 (1,811)  32.54
 
Restricted stock at June 30, 2019 2,562
  $44.25
 


In February 2018,2019, the Company granted 432399 thousand performance-based stock awards, which are contingent on the achievement of the Company's financial performance metrics and its market-based conditions. On the date of grant, the Company estimated the fair value of restricted stock awards with market-based conditions using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The model discounts the value of the stock at the assumed vesting date based on the risk-free interest rate. Based on estimates of actual performance versus the vesting thresholds, the calculated fair value percentage pay-out estimate will be updated each quarter.



The Company uses third-party analyses to assist in developing the assumptions used in, as well as calibrating, a Monte Carlo simulation model. The Company is responsible for determining the assumptions used in estimating the fair value of its share-based payment awards.

For additional information on the Company's long-term share-based compensation plans and the types of share-based awards, see Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 20172018 Annual Report.

12.11.BENEFIT PLANS

The Company has funded defined benefit plans in Japan and the United States, however the U.S. plan was frozen to new participants effective October 1, 2013. The Company also maintains non-qualified, unfunded supplemental retirement plans that provide defined pension benefits in excess of limits imposed by federal tax law for certain Japanese, U.S. and former employees, however the U.S. plan was frozen to new participants effective January 1, 2015. U.S. employees who are not participants in the defined benefit plan receive a nonelective 401(k) employer contribution.

The Company provides certain health care benefits for eligible U.S. retired employees, their beneficiaries and covered dependents ("other(other postretirement benefits")benefits). The health care plan is contributory and unfunded. Effective January 1, 2014, employees eligible for benefits included the following: (1) active employees whose age plus service, in years, equaled or exceeded 80 (rule of 80); (2) active employees who were age 55 or older and have met the 15 years of service requirement; (3) active employees who would meet the rule of 80 in the next five5 years; (4) active employees who were age 55 or older and who would meet the 15 years of service requirement within the next five5 years; and (5) current retirees. For certain employees and former employees, additional coverage is provided for all medical expenses for life.

Pension and other postretirement benefit expenses are included in acquisition and operating expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings, which includes other components of net periodic pension cost and postretirement costs (other than service costs) of $7 million for both of the three-month periods and $20$12 million and $22$13 million for the nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. Total net periodic cost includes the following components:
  Three Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended June 30,
 Pension Benefits Other Pension Benefits Other
 Japan U.S. Postretirement Benefits Japan U.S. Postretirement Benefits
(In millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
Components of net periodic
benefit cost:
                          
Service cost $4
 $4
 $7
 $6
 $0
 $0
  $5
 $5
 $6
 $7
 $0
 $0
 
Interest cost 1
 2
 9
 8
 0
 0
  2
 1
 9
 8
 1
 1
 
Expected return on plan
assets
 (1) (1) (7) (6) 0
 0
  (1) (1) (7) (6) 0
 0
 
Amortization of net actuarial
loss
 1
 1
 4
 3
 0
 0
  1
 0
 2
 4
 0
 0
 
Net periodic (benefit) cost  $5
 $6
   $13
 $11
   $0
 $0
   $7
 $5
   $10
 $13
   $1
 $1
 
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 Pension Benefits Other Pension Benefits Other
 Japan U.S. Postretirement Benefits Japan U.S. Postretirement Benefits
(In millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
Components of net periodic
benefit cost:
                          
Service cost $14
 $13
 $21
 $18
 $0
 $0
  $10
 $10
 $12
 $14
 $0
 $0
 
Interest cost 4
 5
 26
 24
 1
 1
  3
 3
 18
 17
 1
 1
 
Expected return on plan
assets
 (4) (3) (20) (17) 0
 0
  (3) (3) (14) (13) 0
 0
 
Amortization of net actuarial
loss
 1
 2
 12
 10
 0
 0
  2
 0
 5
 8
 0
 0
 
Net periodic (benefit) cost  $15
 $17
   $39
 $35
   $1
 $1
   $12
 $10
   $21
 $26
   $1
 $1
 


During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, Aflac Japan contributed approximately $22$17 million (using the weighted-average yen/dollar exchange rate for the nine-monthsix-month period ending SeptemberJune 30, 2018)2019) to the Japanese funded defined benefit plan, and Aflac U.S. contributed $60$10 million to the U.S. funded defined benefit plan.

As a result of U.S. tax reform legislation enacted in December 2017, the Company announced it would make a one-time contribution of $500 to the U.S. 401(k) plan to all employees active on December 31, 2017. This contribution was made by January 31, 2018. The Company also announced that it would increase its matching contributions to 100% of each employee's contributions which were not in excess of 4% of the employee's annual cash compensation. This increase became effective on January 1, 2018.

For additional information regarding the Company's Japanese and U.S. benefit plans, see Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20172018 Annual Report.

13.12.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Effective for 2019, the Company entered into an outsourcing agreement with an information technology and data services company to provide application maintenance and development services for its Japanese operation. As of June 30, 2019, the agreement has a remaining term of four years and an aggregate remaining cost of 6.6 billion yen ($61 million using the June 30, 2019, exchange rate).

The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits considered to be in the normal course of business. Members of the Company's senior legal and financial management teams review litigation on a quarterly and annual basis. The final results of any litigation cannot be predicted with certainty. Although some of this litigation is pending in states where large punitive damages, bearing little relation to the actual damages sustained by plaintiffs, have been awarded in recent years, the Company believes the outcome of pending litigation will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details on certain investment commitments.

Guaranty Fund Assessments

The United States insurance industry has a policyholder protection system that is monitored and regulated by state insurance departments. These life and health insurance guaranty associations are state entities (in all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia) created to protect policyholders of an insolvent insurance company. All insurance companies (with limited exceptions) licensed to sell life or health insurance in a state must be members of that state’s guaranty association. Under state guaranty association laws, certain insurance companies can be assessed (up to prescribed limits) for certain obligations to the policyholders and claimants of impaired or insolvent insurance companies that write the same line or similar lines of business.

In 2009, the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner placed long-term care insurer Penn Treaty Network America Insurance Company and its subsidiary American Network Insurance Company (collectively referred to as Penn Treaty), neither of which is affiliated with Aflac, in rehabilitation and petitioned a state court for approval to liquidate Penn Treaty. A final order of liquidation was granted by a recognized judicial authority on March 1, 2017, and as a result, Penn Treaty is in the process of liquidation. The Company estimated and recognized the impact of its share of guaranty fund assessments resulting from the liquidation using a discounted rate of 4.25%. The Company recognized a discounted liability for the assessments of $62 million (undiscounted $94 million), offset by discounted premium tax credits of $48 million (undiscounted $74 million), for a net $14 million impact to net income in the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The Company paid a majority of these assessments by March 31, 2018, and a majority of the tax credits will be realized over

the next four years.2019. The Company used the cost estimate provided as of the liquidation date by the National Organization of Life and Health Guaranty Associations (NOLHGA) to calculate its estimated assessments and tax credits.

Guaranty fund assessments for the nine-monthsix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 were immaterial.

14.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In October 2018, the Parent Company issued $550 million of senior notes through a U.S. public debt offering. The notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.750% per annum, payable semi-annually, and have a 30-year maturity. These notes are redeemable at the Parent Company's option in whole at any time or in part from time to time at a redemption price equal to the greater of: (i) the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be redeemed or (ii) the amount equal to the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments for principal of and interest on the notes to be redeemed, not including any portion of the payments of interest accrued as of such redemption date, discounted to such redemption date on a semiannual basis at the yield to maturity for a United States Treasury security with a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the notes, plus 25 basis points, plus in each case, accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed to, but excluding, such redemption date.

In October 2018, the Parent Company issued three series of senior notes totaling 53.4 billion yen through a public debt offering under its U.S. shelf registration statement. The first series, which totaled 29.3 billion yen, bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.159% per annum, payable semi-annually, and has a 12-year maturity. The second series, which totaled 15.2 billion yen, bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.488% per annum, payable semi-annually, and has a 15-year maturity. The third series, which totaled 8.9 billion yen, bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.750% per annum, payable semi-annually, and has a 20-year maturity. These notes may only be redeemed before maturity, in whole but not in part, upon the occurrence of certain changes affecting U.S. taxation, as specified in the indenture governing the terms of the issuance.




Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” to encourage companies to provide prospective information, so long as those informational statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. The Company desires to take advantage of these provisions. This report contains cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected herein, and in any other statements made by Company officials in communications with the financial community and contained in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Forward-looking statements are not based on historical information and relate to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments. Furthermore, forward-looking information is subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. In particular, statements containing words such as the following or similar words as well as specific projections of future results, generally qualify as forward-looking. Aflac undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements.
• expect• anticipate• believe• goal• objective
• may• should• estimate• intends• projects
• will• assumes• potential• target• outlook

The Company cautions readers that the following factors, in addition to other factors mentioned from time to time, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements:

difficult conditions in global capital markets and the economy
exposure to significant interest rate risk
concentration of business in Japan
foreign currency fluctuations in the yen/dollar exchange rate
operation of the former Japan branch as a legal subsidiary
limited availability of acceptable yen-denominated investments
U.S. tax audit risk related to conversion of the Japan branch to a subsidiary
deviations in actual experience from pricing and reserving assumptions
ability to continue to develop and implement improvements in information technology systems
governmental actions forcompetitive environment and ability to anticipate and respond to market trends
ability to protect the purpose of stabilizingAflac brand and the financial marketsCompany's reputation
ability to attract and retain qualified sales associates, brokers, employees, and distribution partners
interruption in telecommunication, information technology and other operational systems, or a failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data residing on such systems
ongoing changes in the Company's industry
failure to comply with restrictions on patient privacy and information security
extensive regulation and changes in law or regulation by governmental authorities
tax rates applicable to the Company may change
defaults and credit downgrades of investments
ability to attract and retain qualified sales associates, brokers, employees and distribution partners
decline in creditworthiness of other financial institutions
significant valuation judgments in determination of amount of impairments taken on the Company's investments
subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends to Aflac Incorporatedthe Parent Company
decreases in the Company's financial strength or debt ratings
inherent limitations to risk management policies and procedures
concentration of the Company's investments in any particular single-issuer or sector
differing judgments applied to investment valuations
ability to effectively manage key executive succession
significant valuation judgments in determination of amount of impairments taken on the Company's investments
catastrophic events including, but not necessarily limited to, epidemics, pandemics, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, war or other military action, terrorism or other acts of violence, and damage incidental to such events
changes in U.S. and/or Japanese accounting standards
loss of consumer trust resulting from events external to the Company's operations
increased expenses and reduced profitability resulting from changes in assumptions for pension and other postretirement benefit plans
level and outcome of litigation
failureallegations or determinations of internal controls or corporate governance policies and proceduresworker misclassification in the United States


MD&A OVERVIEW
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is intended to inform the reader about matters affecting the financial condition and results of operations of Aflac Incorporated and its subsidiaries for the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year. As a result, the following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes that are included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (20172018 (2018 Annual Report). In this MD&A, amounts may not foot due to rounding. This MD&A is divided into the following sections:
 Page


THE COMPANY'S BUSINESS
Aflac Incorporated (the Parent Company) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) primarily sell supplemental health and life insurance in the United States and Japan. The Company's insurance business is marketed and administered through American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (Aflac) in the United States (Aflac U.S.) and, effective April 1, 2018, through Aflac Life Insurance Japan Ltd. (ALIJ) in Japan (Aflac Japan).Japan. Prior to April 1, 2018, the Company's insurance business was marketed in Japan as a branch of Aflac. (For more information about the conversion of Aflac Japan to a legal subsidiary, see the Insurance Operations subsection of this MD&A). The Company’s operations consist of two reportable business segments: Aflac U.S., which includes Aflac, and Aflac Japan, which includes ALIJ. American Family Life Assurance Company of New York (Aflac New York) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aflac. Most of Aflac’s policies are individually underwritten and marketed through independent agents. Additionally, Aflac U.S. markets and administers group products through Continental American Insurance Company (CAIC), branded as Aflac Group Insurance. The Company's insurance operations in the United States and Japan service the two markets for the Company's insurance business.
   
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
Yen-denominated income statement accounts are translated to U.S. dollars using a weighted-average Japanese yen/U.S. dollar foreign exchange rate, while yen-denominated balance sheet accounts are translated to U.S. dollars using a spot Japanese yen/U.S. dollar foreign exchange rate.rate(1). The spot yen/dollar exchange rate at SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 was 113.57,107.79, or .5% weaker3.0% stronger than the the spot yen/dollar exchange rate of 113.00111.00 at December 31, 2017.2018. The weighted-average yen/dollar exchange rate for the three-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 was 111.48,109.94, or .4%.7% weaker than the weighted-average yen/dollar exchange rate of 111.03109.14 for the same period in 2017. 2018. The weighted-average yen/dollar exchange rate for the nine-monthsix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 was 109.54,110.09, or 2.1% stronger1.3% weaker than the weighted-average yen/dollar exchange rate of 111.89108.61 for the same period in 2017.2018.
Total revenues were $5.5 billion in the second quarter of 2019, compared with $5.6 billion in the thirdsecond quarter of 2018, compared with $5.5 billion in the third quarter of 2017.2018. Net earnings were $845$817 million, or $1.09 per diluted share in the thirdsecond quarter of 2018,2019, compared with $716$832 million, or $.90$1.07 per diluted share, in the thirdsecond quarter of 2017.2018.
Total revenues were $16.6$11.2 billion in the first ninesix months of 2018,2019, compared with $16.2$11.1 billion in the first ninesix months of 2017.2018. Net earnings were $2.4$1.7 billion, or $3.08$2.32 per diluted share in the first ninesix months of 2018,2019, compared with $2.0$1.6 billion, or $2.52$1.98 per diluted share, in the first ninesix months of 2017.2018.






(1) Yen/U.S. dollar exchange rates are based on the published MUFG Bank, Ltd. telegraphic middle rate (TTM).

Results in the thirdsecond quarter of 20182019 included pretax net realized investment gainslosses of $56$66 million, compared with net realized investment gains of $30$3 million in the thirdthe second quarter of 2017.2018. Net investment gainslosses in the thirdthe second quarter of 20182019 included $5$2 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses and changes in loan loss reserves. Effective January 1, 2018 upon the adoption of new accounting guidance, changesreserves and $78 million in fair value ofnet losses from derivatives and foreign currency gains or losses. The Company reported net losses on equity securities are recordedof $11 million in earnings as a componentthe the second quarter of 2019.

Results in the first six months of 2019 included pretax net realized investment gains of $5 million, compared with net realized investment losses of $131 million in the first six months of 2018. Net investment gains in the first six months of 2019 included $4 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses and changes in loan loss reserves and $80 million in net losses from derivatives and foreign currency gains or losses. The Company reported net gains on equity securities of $27 million in the third quarter of 2018.


Results in the first nine months of 2018 included pretax net realized investment losses of $76 million, compared with net realized investment losses of $166$47 million in the first ninesix months of 2017. Net investment losses in the first nine months of 2018 included $17 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses and changes in loan loss reserves. The Company reported net losses on equity securities of $1 million in the first nine months of 2018.

On February 13, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Parent Company declared a two-for-one stock split of the
Company’s common stock in the form of a 100% stock dividend payable on March 16, 2018 to shareholders of record at
the close of business on March 2, 2018. The stock split was paid in the form of one additional common stock share
for every share of common stock held. All equity and share-based data, including the number of shares outstanding and per share amounts, have been adjusted to reflect the stock split for all periods presented in this report.2019.

In the first ninesix months of 2018,2019, the Company repurchased 20.417.2 million shares of its common stock in the open market for $923$847 million under its share repurchase program.


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). These principles are established primarily by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). In this MD&A, references to U.S. GAAP issued by the FASB are derived from the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates based on currently available information when recording transactions resulting from business operations. The estimates that the Company deems to be most critical to an understanding of Aflac’s results of operations and financial condition are those related to the valuation of investments and derivatives, deferred policy acquisition costs (DAC), liabilities for future policy benefits and unpaid policy claims, and income taxes. The preparation and evaluation of these critical accounting estimates involve the use of various assumptions developed from management’s analyses and judgments. The application of these critical accounting estimates determines the values at which 95% of the Company's assets and 80%81% of its liabilities are reported as of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, and thus has a direct effect on net earnings and shareholders’ equity. Subsequent experience or use of other assumptions could produce significantly different results.

There have been no changes in the items that the Company has identified as critical accounting estimates during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018.2019. For additional information, see the Critical Accounting Estimates section of MD&A included in the 20172018 Annual Report.
New Accounting Pronouncements
For information on new accounting pronouncements and the impact, if any, on the Company's financial position or results of operations, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion includes references to the Company's performance measures, adjusted earnings, adjusted earnings per diluted share, and amortized hedge costs,costs/income, which are not calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These measures exclude items that the Company believes may obscure the underlying fundamentals and trends in the Company's insurance operations because they tend to be driven by general economic conditions and events or related to infrequent activities not directly associated with its insurance operations. The Company's management uses adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per diluted share to evaluate the financial performance of its insurance operations on a consolidated basis, and the Company believes that a presentation of these measures is vitally important to an understanding of its underlying profitability drivers and trends of its insurance business. The Company believes that amortized hedge costs,costs/income, which are a component of adjusted earnings, measure the periodic currency risk management costs associated withcosts/income related to hedging a portion of Aflac Japan’s U.S. dollar-denominated investmentscertain foreign currency exchange risks and are an important component of net investment income.

Beginning with the first quarter of 2018, theThe Company began utilizing the term “adjusted earnings” for the measure formerly referred to as "operating earnings" on both a pretax and after-tax basis, as well as an absolute and per-share basis. This change only pertained to the label of the measure and did not alter its definition or calculation.

Aflac defines adjusted earnings (a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure) as the profits derived from operations. The most comparative U.S. GAAP measure is net earnings. Adjusted earnings are adjusted revenues less benefits and adjusted expenses. The adjustments to both revenues and expenses account for certain items that cannot be predicted or that are outside management’s control. Adjusted revenues are U.S. GAAP total revenues excluding realized investment

gains and losses, except for amortized hedge costscosts/income related to foreign currency exposure management strategies and net interest cash flows from derivatives associated with certain investment strategies. Adjusted expenses are U.S. GAAP total acquisition and operating expenses including the impact of interest cash flows from derivatives associated

with notes payable but excluding any nonrecurring or other items not associated with the normal course of the Company’s insurance operations and that do not reflect Aflac’sthe Company's underlying business performance.

The Company defines adjusted earnings per share (basic or diluted) to be adjusted earnings for the period divided by the weighted average outstanding shares (basic or diluted) for the period presented. The most comparable U.S. GAAP measure is net earnings per share.

Amortized hedge costscosts/income represent costscosts/income incurred or recognized in using foreign currency forward contracts to hedge thecertain foreign exchange risk of a portion of U.S. dollar-denominated assetsrisks in the Company’sCompany's Japan segment investment portfolio.(costs) or in the Corporate and Other segment (income). These amortized hedge costscosts/income are derived from the difference between the foreign currency spot rate at time of trade inception and the contractual foreign currency forward rate, recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the hedge. There is no comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure for amortized hedge costs.costs/income.

Because a significant portion of the Company's business is conducted in Japan and foreign exchange rates are outside of management’s control, the Company believes it is important to understand the impact of translating Japanese yen into U.S. dollars. Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per diluted share excluding current period foreign currency impact are computed using the average yen/dollar exchange rate for the comparable prior year period, which eliminates fluctuations driven solely by yen-to-dollar currency rate changes.

The following table is a reconciliation of items impacting adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per diluted share to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures of net earnings and net earnings per diluted share, respectively.


Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Adjusted Earnings(1) 
In Millions Per Diluted Share In Millions Per Diluted Share In Millions Per Diluted Share In Millions Per Diluted Share
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 
Net earnings$845
 $716
 $1.09
 $.90
 $2,395
 $2,021
 $3.08
 $2.52
 $817
 $832
 $1.09
 $1.07
 $1,745
 $1,550
 $2.32
 $1.98
 
Items impacting net earnings:                                
Realized investment (gains)
losses
(2),(3),(4),(5)
(88) (71) (.11) (.09) (25) 57
 (.03) .07
 33
 (35) .04
 (.04) (70) 63
 (.09) .08
 
Other and non-recurring
(income) loss
3
 10
 .00
 .01
 73
 38
 .09
 .05
 0
 41
 .00
 .05
 1
 70
 .00
 .09
 
Income tax (benefit)
expense on items excluded
from adjusted earnings
21
 21
 .03
 .03
 (7) (33) (.01) (.04) (5) (4) (.01) (.01) 18
 (28) .02
 (.04) 
Tax reform adjustment (6)
11
 0
 .01
 .00
 11
 0
 .01
 .00
 
Adjusted earnings792
 676
 1.03
 .85
 2,447
 2,083
 3.15
 2.60
 846
 835
 1.13
 1.07
 1,695
 1,655
 2.25
 2.12
 
Current period foreign currency impact (7)
1
 N/A
 .00
 N/A
 (27) N/A
 (.03) N/A
  
Adjusted earnings excluding
current period foreign
currency impact
(8)
$793
 $676
 $1.03
 $.85
 $2,420
 $2,083
 $3.11
 $2.60
 
Current period foreign currency
impact
(6)
4
 N/A
 .01
 N/A
 13
 N/A
 .02
 N/A
 
Adjusted earnings excluding
current period foreign
currency impact
(7)
$851
 $835
 $1.14
 $1.07
 $1,708
 $1,655
 $2.27
 $2.12
 
(1) "Adjusted earnings" was formerly referred to as "operating earnings." Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
(2) Excludes amortizedAmortized hedge costs of $59$62 and $60$55 for the three-month periods and $168$124 and $168$110 for the nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, and 2017,2018, respectively, related to hedging U.S. dollar-denominated investments heldcertain foreign currency exposure management strategies have been reclassified from realized investment gains (losses) and included in Aflac Japan which are classifiedadjusted earnings as a component of adjusted earningsdecrease to conform to current year reporting.net investment income. See "Hedge Costs"Costs/Income" discussion below for further information.
(3) Amortized hedge costs in Aflac Japan were partially offset by derivatives entered into as partincome of corporate activities$20 and resulted in a benefit of$7 for the three-month periods and $40 and $9 for the three-month periodsix-moth periods ended June 30, 2019 and $18 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, respectively, which hasrelated to certain foreign currency exposure management strategies have been reclassified from realized investment gains (losses) and reportedincluded in adjusted earnings as an increase into net investment income when analyzing operations.income. See "Hedge Costs/Income" discussion below for further information.
(4) An immaterial amount of netNet interest cash flows from derivatives associated with certain investment strategies inof $(7) for the three-month period and $(14) for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019, and an immaterial amount for the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended September 30,in 2018, respectively, have been reclassified from realized investment gains (losses) intoand included in adjusted earnings as a component of net investment income when analyzing operations.income.
(5) Excludes aA gain of $17 and $19 for the three-month periods and $50 and $60$33 for the nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively, related to the interest rate component of the change in fair value of foreign currency swaps on notes payable which is classifiedhave been reclassified from realized investment gains (losses) and included in adjusted earnings as an operating gain when analyzing segment operationsa component of interest expense.
(6)The estimated impact of Tax Reform is a preliminary estimate and may be adjusted, possibly materially, due to, among other things, further refinement of the Company’s calculations, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, tax guidance that may be issued and actions the Company may take as a result of Tax Reform. An adjustment of $11 was made in the three- month period ended September 30, 2018, as a result of return-to-provision adjustments and various amended returns filed by the Company.
(7) Prior period foreign currency impact reflected as “N/A” to isolate change for current period only.
(8)(7) Amounts excluding current period foreign currency impact are computed using the average yen/dollar exchange rate for the comparable prior-year period, which eliminates fluctuations driven solely by yen-to-dollar currency rate changes.

Realized Investment Gains and Losses

The Company's investment strategy is to invest primarily in fixed maturity securities to provide a reliable stream of investment income, which is one of the drivers of the Company’s growth and profitability. This investment strategy incorporates asset-liability matching (ALM) to align the expected cash flows of the portfolio to the needs of the Company's liability structure. The Company does not purchase securities with the intent of generating capital gains or losses. However, investment gains and losses may be realized as a result of changes in the financial markets and the creditworthiness of specific issuers, tax planning strategies, and/or general portfolio management and rebalancing. The realization of investment gains and losses is independent of the underwriting and administration of the Company's insurance products. Realized investment gains and losses include securities transactions, impairments, changes in loan loss reserves, and derivative and foreign currency activities. Effective January 1, 2018,activities and changes in fair value of equity securities are also included in earnings as a component of realized investment gains and losses.securities.


Securities Transactions, Impairments, and Gains (Losses) on Equity Securities

Securities transactions include gains and losses from sales and redemptions of investments where the amount received is different from the amortized cost of the investment. Impairments include other-than-temporary-impairment losses on investment securities as well as changes in loan loss reserves for loan receivables. Starting in the first quarter of 2018, gains and losses from changes in fair value of equity securities are recorded in earnings.


Certain Derivative and Foreign Currency Gains (Losses)

The Company's derivative activities include foreign currency forwards and options on certain fixed maturity securities; foreign currency forwards and options that economically hedge certain portions of forecasted cash flows denominated in yen and hedge the Company's long-term exposure to a weakening yen; foreign currency swaps associated with certain senior notes and subordinated debentures; foreign currency swaps and credit defaults swaps held in consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs); and interest rate swaps used to economically hedge interest rate fluctuations in certain variable-rate investments.investments; and interest rate swaptions to hedge changes in the fair value associated with interest rate changes for certain dollar-denominated available-for-sale securities. Gains and losses are recognized as a result of valuing these derivatives, net of the effects of hedge accounting. The Company also excludes the accounting impacts of remeasurement associated with changes in the yen/dollar exchange rate from adjusted earnings. Certain derivative andAmortized hedge costs/income related to certain foreign currency exposure management strategies (see Amortized Hedge Cost/Income section below), and net interest cash flows from derivatives associated with certain investment strategies and notes payable are reclassified from realized investment gains (losses) exclude amortized hedge costs (see Hedge Cost section below) and the interest rate component of the change in fair value of foreign currency swaps on notes payable that are both included in adjusted earnings.

Amortized Hedge CostsCosts/Income

Effective January 1, 2017, adjustedAdjusted earnings includes the impact of amortized hedge costs.costs/income. Amortized hedge costscosts/income represent costscosts/income incurred or recognized in using foreign currency forward contracts to hedge thecertain foreign currency exchange risk of a portion of U.S. dollar-denominated assetsrisks in the Company'scompany's Japan segment investment portfolio. Amortized hedge costs are offset by a hedge cost amortization benefit recognized for foreign currency forwards that economically hedge(costs) or in the Company's long-term exposure to a weakening yen.Corporate and Other segment (income). These amortized hedge costscosts/income are derived from the difference between the foreign currency spot rate at time of trade inception and the contractual foreign currency forward rate, recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the hedge. There is no comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure for amortized hedge costs.costs/income.

Hedge costsAmortized hedge costs/income can fluctuate based upon many factors, including the derivative notional amount, the length of time of the derivative contract, changes in both U.S. and Japan interest rates, and supply and demand for dollar funding. HedgeAmortized hedge costs and income have increased in recent periods due to changes in the previously mentioned factors. In late 2017, the Company
took steps to mitigate rising hedge costs by increasing the amount of unhedged U.S. dollar-denominated investments held
in Aflac Japan and to reduce hedge cost volatility by extending hedge duration. For additional information regarding
foreign currency hedging, refer to Hedging Activities in the Analysis of Financial Condition section of this MD&A.

For additional information regarding realized investment gains and losses, including details of reported amounts for the periods presented, see Notes 3 and 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Other and Non-recurring Items

The United States insurance industry has a policyholder protection system that provides funds for the policyholders of insolvent insurers. The system can result in periodic charges to the Company as a result of insolvencies/bankruptcies that occur with other companies in the life insurance industry. Some states permit member insurers to recover assessments paid through full or partial premium tax offsets. These charges neither relate to the ordinary course of the Company’s business nor reflect the Company’s underlying business performance, but result from external situations not controlled by the Company.

Based on the underlying nature of these assessments, effective January 1, 2017, the The Company adopted a policy of excludingexcludes any charges associated with U.S. guaranty fund assessments and the corresponding tax benefit or expense from adjusted earnings.

ForIn Japan, the Penn Treaty liquidationgovernment also requires the insurance industry to contribute to a policyholder protection corporation that was recognized by judicial authorityprovides funds for the policyholders of insolvent insurers; however, these costs are calculated and administered differently than in March 2017,the United States. In Japan, these costs are not directly related to specific insolvencies or bankruptcies, but are rather a regular operational cost for an insurance company. Based on this structure, the Company estimated and recognized a discounted liability for assessments of $62 million (undiscounted $94 million), offset by discounted premium tax credits of $48 million (undiscounted $74 million), for a net $14 million impact to net income indoes not remove the quarter ended March 31, 2017. For additional information regarding guaranty fund assessments, see Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.Japan policyholder protection expenses from adjusted earnings.


Effective January 1, 2017, nonrecurringNonrecurring items also include conversion costs related to legally converting the Company's Japan business to a subsidiary; these costs primarily consist of expenditures for legal, accounting, consulting, integration of systems and processes and other similar services. These Japan branch conversion costs amounted to $3 millionwere an immaterial amount for 2019 and $10$41 million for the three-month periodsperiod and $73 million and $24$70 million for the nine-month periodssix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.2018.


Foreign Currency Translation

Aflac Japan’s premiums and a significant portion of its investment income are received in yen, and its claims and most expenses are paid in yen. Aflac Japan purchases yen-denominated assets and U.S. dollar-denominated assets, which may be hedged to yen, to support yen-denominated policy liabilities. These and other yen-denominated financial statement items are, however, translated into dollars for financial reporting purposes. The Company translates Aflac Japan’s yen-denominated income statement into dollars using the average exchange rate for the reporting period, and the Company translates its yen-denominated balance sheet using the exchange rate at the end of the period.
Due to the size of Aflac Japan, whose functional currency is the Japanese yen, fluctuations in the yen/dollar exchange rate can have a significant effect on the Company's reported results. In periods when the yen weakens, translating yen into dollars results in fewer dollars being reported. When the yen strengthens, translating yen into dollars results in more dollars being reported. Consequently, yen weakening has the effect of suppressing current period results in relation to the comparable prior period, while yen strengthening has the effect of magnifying current period results in relation to the comparable prior period. Management evaluates the Company's financial performance both including and excluding the impact of foreign currency translation to monitor, respectively, cumulative currency impacts on book value and the currency-neutral operating performance over time.

Income Taxes

The Company's combined U.S. and Japanese effective income tax rate on pretax earnings was 26.3% for the three-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, compared with 33.4%26.4% for the same period in 2017.2018. The Company's combined U.S.
and Japanese effective income tax rate on pretax earnings was 26.5%25.8% for the nine-monthsix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018, 2019,
compared with 33.1%26.7% for the same period in 2017. The reduction in the2018. This combined effective tax rate fordiffers from the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 wasU.S. statutory rate primarily due to the decrease in the U.S. federal statutory corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The impact of the Tax Act, including the preliminary estimate for the change in tax rate that was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2017, and the Company's combined U.S. and Japanese effective income tax rate, may be adjusted in future periods, possibly materially, due to, among other things, further refinement of the Company's calculations, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, tax guidance that may be issued and actions the Company make take as a result of the Tax Act. Without limiting the foregoing, additional forthcoming guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and/or the U.S. Internal Revenue Service related to the Tax Act could significantly impact the level of valuation allowance respecting the amount of foreign tax credits claimed by the Company with regard to the operations of Aflac Japan.earnings taxed at different rates. For further information, about the impact of tax reform, see the Critical Accounting Estimates - Income Taxes section of the MD&A and Note 10 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20172018 Annual Report, and Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.Report.

INSURANCE OPERATIONS

U.S. GAAP financial reporting requires that a company report financial and descriptive information about operating segments in its annual and interim period financial statements. Furthermore, the Company is required to report a measure of segment profit or loss, certain revenue and expense items, and segment assets. Aflac's insurance business consists of two segments: Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. Aflac Japan is the principal contributor to consolidated earnings. Operating business segmentsBusinesses that are not individually reportable, such as the Parent Company, and business activities, including reinsurance retrocession activities, not included in the Aflac Japan or Aflac U.S. are included in the "CorporateCorporate and other" category.

On December 2, 2016,other segment. See the Company publicly announced that it would pursueItem 1. Business section of the Company's 2018 Annual Report for a summary of each segment's products and distribution channels, and a discussion of the conversion of Aflac Japan from a branch structure to a subsidiary structure, withand the subsidiary incorporated as a “Kabushiki Kaisha,” or Japanese stock corporation. The conversion was completed on April 1, 2018. While the branch structure remains an acceptable legal form, the subsidiary structure has emerged as the more prevalent structure for both domestic and foreign companies operating in Japan. In addition, emerging global regulatory standards generally favor the subsidiary structure for foreign insurance and financial service companies. The adoptioncreation of this new organizational framework is expected to be tax-neutral and not to have a material impact on the daily operations of either Aflac Japan or Aflac U.S. as a result of this conversion. In addition, the Company expects to obtain enhanced flexibility in capital management and business development as a result of the conversion. Effective January 1, 2018, investments of Aflac U.S. as well as certain sub-advised assets of Aflac Japan, are managed by the Company’s U.S. asset management subsidiary, Aflac Asset

Management LLC (AAM), and investments of Aflac Japan are managed pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between Aflac Japan and the Company's asset management subsidiarysubsidiaries in Japan, Aflac Asset Management Japan Ltd. (AAMJ). AAMJ is licensed as a discretionary asset manager under the Japan Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and is subject to rules of the Japan Investment Advisors Association, a self-regulatory organization with mandatory membership for Japan investment managers. Beginning with the first quarter of 2018, AAM and AAMJ are reported in the "Corporate and other segment" category; however, the assets that they manage will be reported in the respective Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. business segments. Effective April 1, 2018, Aflac Life Insurance Japan Ltd., a Japanese stock corporation, has assumed the business of Aflac Japan. The Parent Company had also formed wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary Aflac Holdings LLC, which is the parent company of Aflac Life Insurance Japan Ltd.

U.S. GAAP financial reporting requires that a company report financial and descriptive information about operating
segments in its annual and interim period financial statements. Furthermore, the Company is required to report a measure
of segment profit or loss, certain revenue and expense items, and segment assets.2018.

The Company evaluates its premium growth and sales efforts using newthe following performance measures:

Annualized premiums in force is defined as the amount of gross premium that a policyholder must pay over a full year in order to keep coverage. The growth of net premiums (defined below) is directly affected by the change in premiums in force and by the change in weighted-average yen/dollar exchange rates.

New annualized premium sales (sometimes referred to as new sales or sales) is an industry operating measure whichthat is not directly reflected on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Earnings.financial statements. New annualized premium sales which include both new sales and the incremental increase ingenerally represents annual premiums due to conversions, generally represent the premiums thaton policies the Company sold and incremental increases from policy conversions that would collectbe collected over a 12-month period assuming the policies remain in force.force for that entire period. For Aflac Japan, new annualized premium sales are determined by applications submitted during the reporting period. For Aflac U.S., new annualized premium sales are determined by applications that are issued during the reporting period. Policy conversions are defined as the positive difference in the annualized premium when a policy upgrades in the current reporting period.

Net premiums (sometimes referred to as net premium income or net earned premiums, as reflectedpremium) is a financial measure that appears on the Company's Consolidated StatementsStatement of Earnings is a financial performanceand in segment reporting. This measure that reflects collected or due premiums that have been earned ratably on policies in force during the reporting period.period, reduced by premiums that have been ceded to third parties and increased by premiums assumed through reinsurance.



AFLAC JAPAN SEGMENT
Aflac Japan Pretax Adjusted Earnings
The Company defines pretax adjusted earnings, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, as adjusted earnings before the application of income taxes. See the Results of Operations section of this MD&A for the Company's definition of adjusted earnings and a reconciliation of adjusted earnings to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure of net earnings.
Changes in Aflac Japan’s pretax adjusted earnings and profit margins are primarily affected by morbidity, mortality, expenses, persistency and investment yields. The following table presents a summary of operating results for Aflac Japan.

Aflac Japan Summary of Operating Results
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(In millions)2018 2017 2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018 
Net premium income$3,159
 $3,200
 $9,649
 $9,616
 $3,172
 $3,227
 $6,352
 $6,490
 
Net investment income:                
Yen-denominated investment income318
 326
 975
 972
 311
 326
 628
 657
 
U.S. dollar-denominated investment income347
 295
 994
 872
 360
 335
 715
 647
 
Net investment income665
 621
 1,969
 1,844
 671
 661
 1,343
 1,304
 
Amortized hedge costs related to foreign currency denominated investments59
 60
 168
 168
 
Amortized hedge costs related to certain foreign currency
exposure management strategies
62
 55
 124
 110
 
Net investment income, less amortized hedge costs606
 561
 1,801
 1,676
 609
 606
 1,219
 1,194
 
Other income (loss)10
 11
 31
 31
 11
 11
 22
 22
 
Total adjusted revenues3,775
 3,772
 11,481
 11,323
 3,792
 3,844
 7,593
 7,706
 
Benefits and claims, net2,232
 2,300
 6,763
 6,859
 2,185
 2,237
 4,384
 4,530
 
Adjusted expenses:                
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs182
 155
 530
 477
 177
 180
 359
 348
 
Insurance commissions185
 186
 568
 559
 179
 194
 362
 383
 
Insurance and other expenses420
 383
 1,209
 1,120
 420
 397
 822
 791
 
Total adjusted expenses787
 724
 2,307
 2,156
 776
 771
 1,543
 1,522
 
Total benefits and expenses3,019
 3,024
 9,070
 9,015
 
Total benefits and adjusted expenses2,961
 3,008
 5,927
 6,052
 
Pretax adjusted earnings(1)
$756
 $748
 $2,411
 $2,308
 $831
 $836
 $1,666
 $1,654
 
Weighted-average yen/dollar exchange rate111.48
 111.03
 109.54
 111.89
 109.94
 109.14
 110.09
 108.61
 
 In Dollars In Yen
Percentage change over
 previous period:
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net premium income(1.3)% (11.0)% .3% (5.5)% (.9)% (3.5)% (1.8)% (2.4)%
Net investment income,
less amortized hedge
costs
8.0
 (7.6) 7.5
 (7.0) 8.3
 1.1
 4.9
 (3.4)
Total adjusted revenues.1
 (10.5) 1.4
 (5.7) .4
 (2.8) (.8) (2.5)
  Pretax adjusted
    earnings(1)
1.1
 (9.6) 4.5
 (5.3) 1.4
 (1.3) 2.0
 (1.8)
(1) Aflac defines pretax adjusted earnings (a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure) as adjusted earnings before the application of income taxes. See the Results of Operations section of this MD&A for the Company's definition of adjusted earnings and a reconciliation of adjusted earnings to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure of net earnings.
 In Dollars In Yen
Percentage change over
 previous period:
Three Months Ended June 30, 
Six Months
Ended June 30,
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
Net premium income(1.7)% .2% (2.1)% 1.2% (.9)% (1.7)% (.9)% (2.2)%
Net investment income, less
   amortized hedge costs
.5
 8.8
 2.1
 7.1
 .8
 6.4
 3.1
 3.2
Total adjusted revenues(1.4) 1.5
 (1.5) 2.1
 (.7) (.5) (.3) (1.4)
  Pretax adjusted earnings(.6) 5.7
 .7
 6.0
 (.1) 3.6
 1.9
 2.2
In the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, Aflac Japan's net premium income decreased, in yen terms, with growth in third sector premium more than offset by theprimarily due to an anticipated reductiondecrease in first sector premium due toas savings products reachingreached premium paid-up status. Net investment income, net of amortized hedge costs, increased largelyprimarily due to higher income fromincreased investments in U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate assets. Pretax adjusted earnings in yen increased, driven byassets and higher netvariable investment income and a favorable third sector benefit ratio.income.
Annualized premiums in force decreased 1.6%2.0% to 1.531.51 trillion yen as of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, compared with 1.561.54 trillion yen as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018. The decrease in annualized premiums in force in yen was driven primarily by

limited-pay policies becoming paid-up during the year. Annualized premiums in force, translated into dollars at respective period-end exchange rates, were $13.5$14.0 billion at SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, compared with $13.8$13.9 billion a year ago.

Aflac Japan's investment portfolios include U.S. dollar-denominated securities and reverse-dual currency securities (yen-denominated debt securities with dollar coupon payments). In years when the yen strengthens in relation to the dollar, translating Aflac Japan's U.S. dollar-denominated investment income into yen lowers growth rates for net investment income, total adjusted revenues, and pretax adjusted earnings in yen terms. In years when the yen weakens, translating U.S. dollar-denominated investment income into yen magnifies growth rates for net investment income, total adjusted revenues, and pretax adjusted earnings in yen terms.
The following table illustrates the effect of translating Aflac Japan’s U.S. dollar-denominated investment income and related items into yen by comparing certain segment results with those that would have been reported had yen/dollardollar/yen exchange rates remained unchanged from the comparable period in the prior year. In order to compare the current period to the prior period without the impact ofAmounts excluding foreign currency impact on U.S. dollar denominated investment income were determined using the current period income statement is translated ataverage dollar/yen exchange rate for the comparable prior year's comparable period average exchange rate.year period.
Aflac Japan Percentage Changes Over Previous Period
(Yen Operating Results)
For the Periods Ended SeptemberJune 30,,
Including Foreign
Currency Changes
 
Excluding Foreign
Currency Changes(2)
 Including Foreign
Currency Changes
 
Excluding Foreign
Currency Changes(1)
 
Three Months Nine Months Three Months Nine MonthsThree Months Six Months Three Months Six Months
2018 2017
 2018
 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
 2019
 2018
 2019
 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
 
Net investment income, less
amortized hedge costs
8.3% 1.1
% 4.9
% (3.4)% 8.1% (3.2)% 6.1
% (4.9)%.8
% 6.4
% 3.1
% 3.2
% .4
% 7.5
% 2.3
% 5.0
%
Total adjusted revenues.4 (2.8) (.8) (2.5) .4 (3.4) (.6) (2.8) (.7) (.5) (.3) (1.4) (.7) (.3) (.4) (1.1) 
Pretax adjusted earnings(1)
1.4 (1.3) 2.0
 (1.8) 1.3 (4.4) 2.8
 (2.9) (.1) 3.6
 1.9
 2.2
 (.4) 4.3
 1.3
 3.5
 
(1)Aflac defines pretax adjusted earnings (a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure) as adjusted earnings before the application of income taxes. See the Results of Operations section of this MD&A for the Company's definition of adjusted earnings and a reconciliation of adjusted earnings to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure of net earnings.
(2) Amounts excluding foreign currency impact on U.S. dollar-denominated itemsinvestment income (a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure) were determined using the same yen/dollar exchange rate for the current period as the comparable period in the prior year.
The following table presents a summary of operating ratios in yen terms for Aflac Japan.
  
Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  
Ratios to total revenues:2018  2017  2018  2017  
Benefits and claims, net59.1% 60.9% 58.9% 60.5% 
Adjusted expenses:            
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs4.8  4.1  4.6  4.2  
Insurance commissions4.9  4.9  5.0  4.9  
Insurance and other expenses11.1  10.1  10.5  9.9  
Total adjusted expenses20.8  19.2  20.1  19.0  
Pretax adjusted earnings(1)
20.1  19.9  21.0  20.4  
Ratios to total premiums:            
Benefits and claims, net70.7% 71.9% 70.1% 71.3% 
Adjusted expenses:            
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs5.7  4.9  5.5  5.0  
(1) Aflac defines pretax adjusted earnings (a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure) as adjusted earnings before the application of income taxes. See the Results of Operations section of this MD&A for the Company's definition of adjusted earnings and a reconciliation of adjusted earnings to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure of net earnings.
  
Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
  
Ratios to total adjusted revenues:2019  2018  2019  2018  
Benefits and claims, net57.7% 58.2% 57.7% 58.8% 
Adjusted expenses:            
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs4.7  4.7  4.7  4.5  
Insurance commissions4.7  5.0  4.8  5.0  
Insurance and other expenses11.0  10.3  10.8  10.3  
Total adjusted expenses20.5  20.0  20.3  19.7  
Pretax adjusted earnings21.9  21.8  21.9  21.5  
Ratios to total premiums:            
Benefits and claims, net68.9% 69.3% 69.0% 69.8% 
Adjusted expenses:            
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs5.6  5.6  5.7  5.4  

In the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, the benefit ratio decreased, compared with the same respective periods in the prior year, primarily due to the continued change in mix of first and third sector business as first sector products become paid-up, as well as continued favorable claims trends for the Company's third sector claims trends.products in Japan. In the three- and nine-

monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, the adjusted expense ratio increased due to lower premium income impacted bymainly from paid-up first sector products becoming paid-up, and higher expenses primarily related to increased system development and outsourcing costs and DAC amortization.for advanced technology implementation. In total, the pretax adjusted profit margin (calculated by dividing adjusted earnings by adjusted revenues) increased in the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, reflecting the decrease in the benefit ratio partially offset by a smaller increase in the expense ratio. For the full year of 2018,2019, the Company anticipates the Aflac Japan pretax adjusted profit margin (calculated by dividing adjusted earnings by adjusted revenues) to remain stable.


Aflac Japan Sales
The following table presents Aflac Japan’s new annualized premium sales for the periods ended SeptemberJune 30.
In DollarsIn YenIn DollarsIn Yen
Three Months Nine Months Three MonthsNine Months Three Months Six Months Three MonthsSix Months 
(In millions of dollars and billions of yen)2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 20172018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 20182019 2018 
New annualized premium sales$212
 $214
 $655
 $637
 23.6
 23.7
71.7
 71.2
 $218
 $265
 $388
 $443
 23.9
 29.0
42.7
 48.1
 
Increase (decrease) over prior period(1.0)% (17.3)% 2.8% (21.3)% (.7)% (10.5)%.7% (19.0)% (17.9)% 16.1% (12.4)% 4.7% (17.6)% 14.0%(11.4)% 1.4% 
The following table details the contributions to Aflac Japan's new annualized premium sales by major insurance product for the periods ended SeptemberJune 30.
Three Months Nine Months Three Months Six Months 
2018  2017 2018 2017 2019  2018 2019 2018 
Cancer65.8% 58.2% 65.6% 54.9% 65.3% 72.2% 62.6% 65.5% 
Medical23.6
 32.9
 25.5
 35.0
 26.5
 21.3
 28.0
 26.4
 
Income support1.9
 2.5
 1.8
 2.2
 1.0
 1.3
 1.2
 1.7
 
Ordinary life:

               
WAYS.4
 .4
 .5
 .6
 .4
 .5
 .5
 .6
 
Child endowment.3
 .4
 .3
 .6
 .2
 .3
 .2
 .3
 
Other ordinary life (1)
7.5
 5.1
 5.8
 6.0
 6.1
 4.1
 6.9
 5.0
 
Other.5
 .5
 .5
 .7
 .5
 .3
 .6
 .5
 
Total100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 
(1) Includes term and whole life
The foundation of Aflac Japan's product portfolio has been, and continues to be, third sector products, which include cancer, medical and Income Supportincome support insurance products. Sales of third sector products on a yen basis decreased 2.6% during the third quarter and increased1.8% in the first nine months of 2018, compared with the same respective periods in 2017. Third sector sales included growth in the new cancer insurance product that was launched in April 2018, however medical sales have declined compared with 2017 as a result of strong sales in 2017 driven by the introduction of the new medical insurance product in the second quarter of 2017. Aflac Japan has been focusing more on promotion of cancer and medical insurance products in this low-interest-rate environment. These products are less interest-rate sensitive and more profitable compared to first sector savings products. With continued cost pressure on Japan’s health care system, the Company expects the need for third sector products will continue to rise in the future and that the medical and cancer insurance products Aflac Japan provides will continue to be an important part of its product portfolio.
Sales of protection-type first sector and third sector products on a yen basis decreased 17.3% in the second quarter of 2019, compared with the same period in 2018. Comparable results reflect a strong second quarter 2018 driven by the launch of Aflac Japan's refreshed cancer product.
Independent corporate agencies and individual agencies contributed 38.7%39.2% of total new annualized premium sales for Aflac Japan in the thirdsecond quarter of 2018,2019, compared with 39.9%38.2% for the same period in 2017.2018. Affiliated corporate agencies, which include Japan Post, contributed 55.3%57.8% of total new annualized premium sales in the thirdsecond quarter of 2018,2019, compared with 53.3%58.3% in the thirdsecond quarter of 2017.2018. Japan Post offers Aflac's cancer insurance products in more than 20,000 post offices. The Company believes this alliance with Japan Post has and will further benefit its cancer insurance sales. During the three-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, Aflac Japan recruited 2313 new sales agencies. At SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, Aflac Japan was represented by more than 10,1009,400 sales agencies, with approximatelymore than 109,000 licensed sales associates employed by those agencies.

At SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, Aflac Japan had agreements to sell its products at 371369 banks, approximately 90% of the total number of banks in Japan. Bank channel sales accounted for 6.0%3.0% of new annualized premium sales in the thirdsecond quarter of 20182019 for Aflac Japan, compared with 6.8%3.5% during the thirdsecond quarter of 2017.2018.



Strategic Alliance with Japan Post Holdings

On December 19, 2018, the Parent Company and Aflac Japan entered into a Basic Agreement with Japan Post Holdings Co., Ltd., a Japanese corporation (Japan Post Holdings). Pursuant to the terms of the Basic Agreement, Japan Post Holdings agreed to form a capital relationship with the Parent Company, and Japan Post Holdings and Aflac Japan agreed to reconfirm existing initiatives regarding cancer insurance and to consider new joint initiatives, including leveraging digital technology in various processes, cooperation in new product development to promote customer-centric business management, cooperation in domestic and/or overseas business expansion and joint investment in third party entities and cooperation regarding asset management.

On February 28, 2019, the Parent Company entered a Shareholders Agreement with Japan Post Holdings, J&A Alliance Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation, solely in its capacity as trustee of J&A Alliance Trust, a New York voting trust (Trust), and General Incorporated Association J&A Alliance, a Japanese general incorporated association. Pursuant to the terms of the Shareholders Agreement, the Trust will use commercially reasonable efforts to acquire, through open market or private block purchases in the United States, beneficial ownership of approximately 7% of the outstanding shares of the Parent Company’s outstanding common stock within a period of 12 months following the date the Trust begins acquiring such stock. On May 7, 2019, a press release issued by Japan Post Holdings announced that purchases of shares of the Parent Company’s common stock commenced on April 29, 2019 through the Trust and that it planned to complete such purchases within Japan Post’s fiscal year 2019 (which ends March 31, 2020).

The Trust has agreed not to own more than 10% of the Parent Company’s outstanding shares for a period expiring on the earlier of four years after the Trust acquires 7% of such shares, five years after it acquires 5% of such shares, or ten years after the Trust begins acquiring the Parent Company’s stock. After expiration of such period, the Trust has agreed not to own more than the greater of 10% of the Parent Company’s outstanding shares or such shares representing 22.5% of the voting rights in the Parent Company.

In light of the fact that the shares acquired by the Trust, like all Aflac Incorporated common shares, will be eligible for 10-for-1 voting rights after being held for 48 consecutive months, the Shareholders Agreement further provides for voting restrictions that effectively limit the trustee’s voting rights to no more than 20% of the voting rights in the Parent Company and further restrict the trustee’s voting rights with respect to certain change in control transactions. Japan Post Holdings will not have a Board seat on the Parent Company’s Board of Directors and will not have rights to control, manage or intervene in the management of the Parent Company.

This strategic investment is subject to certain regulatory approvals in Japan and the U.S. The Company anticipates that regulatory approvals will be received in the second half of 2019.

Aflac Japan Investments

The level of investment income in yen is affected by available cash flow from operations, the timing of investing the cash flow, yields on new investments, the effect of yen/dollar exchange rates on U.S. dollar-denominated investment income, and other factors.

As part of the Company's portfolio management and asset allocation process, Aflac Japan invests in yen and U.S. dollar-denominated investments. Yen-denominated investments primarily consist of JGBs and public and private fixed maturity securities. Aflac Japan's U.S. dollar-denominated investments include fixed maturity investments and growth assets, including public equity securities and alternative investments in limited partnerships or similar investment vehicles. Aflac Japan has been investing in both publicly-traded and privately originated U.S. dollar-denominated investment-grade and below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities and loan receivables, and has entered into foreign currency forwards and options to hedge the currency risk on the fair value of a portion of the U.S. dollar investments.

The following table details the investment purchases for Aflac Japan.
   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
(In millions) 2018 2017  2018 2017 
Yen-denominated:          
  Fixed maturity securities:          
     Japan government and agencies $42
 $212
  $3,441
 $3,439
 
     Other fixed maturity securities 721
 359
  1,755
 1,268
 
  Equity securities 110
 21
  216
 173
 
        Total yen-denominated $873
 $592
  $5,412
 $4,880
 
           
U.S. dollar-denominated:          
  Fixed maturity securities:          
     Other fixed maturity securities $114
 $138
  $1,152
 $219
 
     Infrastructure debt 0
 40
  0
 134
 
     Bank loans (1)
 0
 0
  346
 0
 
  Equity securities 0
 2
  80
 153
 
  Other investments:          
     Transitional real estate loans 610
 85
  2,759
 231
 
     Commercial mortgage loans 0
 0
  13
 48
 
     Middle market loans 352
 186
  627
 437
 
     Limited partnerships 29
 24
  201
 65
 
        Total dollar-denominated $1,105
 $475
  $5,178
 $1,287
 
            Total Aflac Japan purchases $1,978
 $1,067
  $10,590
 $6,167
 
(1) In 2017, represents funding made to unit trust structures

Aflac Japan purchased $1.1 billion of yen-denominated private placements for the first nine months of 2018 and for
the full year of 2017.
   Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(In millions) 2019 2018  2019 2018 
Yen-denominated:          
  Fixed maturity securities:          
     Japan government and agencies $0
 $212
  $583
 $3,399
 
     Private placements 469
 388
  893
 550
 
     Other fixed maturity securities 107
 234
  356
 484
 
  Equity securities 12
 8
  121
 106
 
        Total yen-denominated $588
 $842
  $1,953
 $4,539
 
           
U.S. dollar-denominated:          
  Fixed maturity securities:          
     Other fixed maturity securities $854
 $998
  $1,522
 $1,038
 
     Infrastructure debt 10
 0
  10
 0
 
     Bank loans 0
 193
  0
 373
 
  Equity securities 2
 39
  29
 80
 
  Commercial mortgage and other loans:          
     Transitional real estate loans 347
 579
  670
 2,149
 
     Commercial mortgage loans 38
 0
  38
 13
 
     Middle market loans 313
 161
  688
 278
 
  Other investments 32
 45
  73
 172
 
        Total dollar-denominated $1,596
 $2,015
  $3,030
 $4,103
 
            Total Aflac Japan purchases $2,184
 $2,857
  $4,983
 $8,642
 

See the Analysis of Financial Condition section of this MD&A for further discussion of these investment programs, and see Notes 3 and 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes 1, 3 and 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20172018 Annual Report for more information regarding loans and loan receivables.


The following table presents the results of Aflac Japan’s investment yields for the periods ended SeptemberJune 30.
Three Months Nine Months Three Months Six Months 
2018
 2017
 2018
 2017
 2019
 2018
 2019
 2018
 
Total purchases for the period (in millions) (1)
$1,949
 $1,043
 $10,389
 $6,102
 $2,152
 $2,812
 $4,910
 $8,470
 
New money yield (1), (2)
3.77
% 3.02
% 3.01
% 1.79
%3.77
% 3.55
% 3.50
% 2.88
%
Return on average invested assets (3)
2.35
 2.29
 2.31
 2.31
 2.28
 2.30
 2.31
 2.29
 
Portfolio book yield, including U.S. dollar-denominated investments,
end of period (1)
2.63
% 2.55
% 2.63
% 2.55
%2.59
% 2.59
% 2.59
% 2.59
%
(1) Includes fixed maturity securities, loan receivables,commercial mortgage and other loans, equity securities, and excludes alternative investments in limited partnerships
(2) Reported on a gross yield basis; excludes investment expenses, external management fees, and amortized hedge costs
(3) Net of investment expenses and amortized hedge costs, year-to-date number reflected on a quarterly average basis

The increase in the Aflac Japan new money yield in the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 was primarily due to increased allocations to higher yielding U.S. dollar-denominated asset classes.

See Notes 3, 4 and 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Analysis of Financial Condition section of this MD&A for additional information on the Company's investments and hedging strategies.


AFLAC U.S. SEGMENT
Aflac U.S. Pretax Adjusted Earnings
The Company defines pretax adjusted earnings, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, as adjusted earnings before the application of income taxes. See the Results of Operations section of this MD&A for the Company's definition of adjusted earnings and a reconciliation of adjusted earnings to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure of net earnings.
Changes in Aflac U.S. pretax adjusted earnings and profit margins are primarily affected by morbidity, mortality, expenses, persistency and investment yields. The following table presents a summary of operating results for Aflac U.S.
Aflac U.S. Summary of Operating Results
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(In millions)2018 2017 2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018 
Net premium income$1,426
 $1,393
 $4,280
 $4,172
 $1,459
 $1,426
 $2,920
 $2,853
 
Net investment income187
 181
 544
 539
 180
 182
 357
 357
 
Other income3
 1
 7
 3
 2
 2
 4
 4
 
Total adjusted revenues1,616
 1,575
 4,831
 4,714
 1,641
 1,610
 3,281
 3,214
 
Benefits and claims722
 731
 2,163
 2,156
 732
 744
 1,452
 1,441
 
Adjusted expenses:                
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs133
 116
 402
 371
 131
 123
 290
 269
 
Insurance commissions146
 146
 439
 436
 150
 145
 299
 292
 
Insurance and other expenses281
 266
 816
 795
 290
 258
 579
 535
 
Total adjusted expenses560
 528
 1,657
 1,602
 571
 526
 1,168
 1,096
 
Total benefits and expenses1,282
 1,259
 3,820
 3,758
 
Total benefits and adjusted expenses1,303
 1,270
 2,620
 2,537
 
Pretax adjusted earnings(1)
$334
 $316
 $1,011
 $956
 $338
 $340
 $661
 $677
 
Percentage change over previous period:                
Net premium income2.4
%2.1
%2.6
%1.9
%2.3
%2.7
%2.3
%2.7
%
Net investment income3.3
 2.8
 .9
 2.5
 (1.1) 1.1
 .0
 (.3) 
Total adjusted revenues2.6
 2.1
 2.5
 1.9
 1.9
 2.5
 2.1
 2.4
 
Pretax adjusted earnings(1)
5.7
 (2.2) 5.8
 1.1
 (.6) 3.0
 (2.4) 5.8
 
(1) Aflac defines pretax adjusted earnings (a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure) as adjusted earnings before the application of income taxes. See the Results of Operations section of this MD&A for the Company's definition of adjusted earnings and a reconciliation of adjusted earnings to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure of net earnings.
In the three-month period ended September 30, 2018, net investment income increased, driven by higher income from floating rate assets partially offset from the drawdown of excess capital in the U.S. segment. Annualized premiums in force increased 2.5%2.3% to $6.1$6.2 billion at SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, compared with $5.9$6.0 billion at SeptemberJune 30, 2017.

2018.
The following table presents a summary of operating ratios for Aflac U.S.
  
Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Ratios to total revenues:2018  2017  2018  2017 
Benefits and claims44.7% 46.4% 44.8% 45.7%
Adjusted expenses:           
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs8.2  7.4  8.3  7.9 
Insurance commissions9.0  9.3  9.1  9.2 
Insurance and other expenses17.5  16.9  16.9  16.9 
Total adjusted expenses34.7  33.5  34.3  34.0 
  Pretax adjusted earnings(1)
20.7  20.1  20.9  20.3 
Ratios to total premiums:           
Benefits and claims50.6% 52.5% 50.5% 51.7%
Adjusted expenses:           
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs9.3  8.3  9.4  8.9 
(1) Aflac defines pretax adjusted earnings (a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure) as adjusted earnings before the application of income taxes. See the Results of Operations section of this MD&A for the Company's definition of adjusted earnings and a reconciliation of adjusted earnings to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure of net earnings.
  
Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
Ratios to total adjusted revenues:2019  2018  2019  2018 
Benefits and claims44.6% 46.2% 44.3% 44.8%
Adjusted expenses:           
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs8.0  7.6  8.8  8.4 
Insurance commissions9.1  9.0  9.1  9.1 
Insurance and other expenses17.7  16.0  17.7  16.6 
Total adjusted expenses34.8  32.7  35.6  34.1 
  Pretax adjusted earnings
20.6  21.1  20.1  21.1 
Ratios to total premiums:           
Benefits and claims50.2% 52.2% 49.7% 50.5%
Adjusted expenses:           
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs9.0  8.6  9.9  9.4 

For the three-month periodthree- and six-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, the benefit ratio decreased when compared with the same periodperiods in 2017. For the same period, the adjusted expense ratio increased compared with the same period in 2017, primarily related to planned spending increases reflecting elevated investment in the platform. The pretax adjusted profit margin (calculated by dividing adjusted earnings by adjusted revenues) increased during the period compared with the same period in 2017, as decreased benefit ratios were not quite offset by increased expense ratios.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, the benefit ratio decreased when compared with the same period in 2017, due in large part to benefit reserve releases related to slightly elevated lapses of older individual cancer policies in the first quarter of 2018. The adjusted expense ratio increased slightly for the nine-month periodthree- and six-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019, when

compared to the same periods in 2018, primarily due to anticipated spending increases reflecting ongoing investments in the U.S. platform, distribution, and customer experience. The pretax adjusted profit margin declined in the three- and six- month periods, when compared to the same periodperiods in 2017, primarily2018, due to planned spending increases reflecting elevated investments in the platform. The pretax adjusted profit margin increased slightly when compared to the same period in 2017, primarily due tohigher expense ratios, offset somewhat by lower benefit ratios.

Note (Note that all of these ratios-to-revenue reflect reduced net investment income due to the Company's planned drawdown of excess capital to lower Risk-Based Capital (RBC) ratios. (SeeSee the Capital Resources and Liquidity section of this MD&A for further discussion of the planned reduction of RBC.)

Aflac U.S. Sales
The following table presents Aflac's U.S. new annualized premium sales for the periods ended SeptemberJune 30.
Three Months      Nine Months Three Months      Six Months 
(In millions)2018 2017
 2018 2017
  2019 2018
 2019 2018
  
New annualized premium sales$359
 $348
 $1,064
 $1,037
 $362
 $370
 $702
 $705
 
Increase (decrease) over prior period3.3
% 7.5
% 2.6
% 3.8
% (2.0)% 3.9
% (.3)% 2.3
% 
The following table details the contributions to Aflac's U.S. new annualized premium sales by major insurance product category for the periods ended SeptemberJune 30.

Three Months      Nine Months Three Months      Six Months 
2018  2017 2018 2017 2019  2018 2019 2018 
Accident29.7% 29.9% 29.5% 29.6% 28.7% 29.5% 28.7% 29.4% 
Short-term disability23.3 23.6 23.3 24.1 23.8 23.5 23.7 23.3 
Critical care(1)
20.6 21.8 21.1 21.2 19.9 20.8 20.4 21.4 
Hospital indemnity15.6 14.1 15.2 14.0 16.0 15.1 15.6 15.0 
Dental/vision5.0 5.1 5.3 5.7 5.2 5.4 5.1 5.4 
Life5.8 5.5 5.6 5.4 6.4 5.7 6.5 5.5 
Total100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 
(1) Includes cancer, critical illness, and hospital intensive care products

New annualized premium sales for accident insurance, the leading Aflac U.S. leading product category, increased 2.5%decreased 4.8%; short-term disability sales increased 2.4%decreased 1.2%; critical care insurance sales (including cancer insurance) decreased 2.6%6.7%; and hospital indemnity insurance sales increased 13.6%3.8% in the thirdsecond quarter of 2018,2019, compared with the same period in 2017.2018.

The addition of group products has expanded Aflac U.S.'s reach and enabled Aflac U.S. to generate more sales opportunities with larger employers and through broker and sales agent channels. The Company anticipates that the appeal of Aflac U.S. group products will continue to enhance opportunities to connect with larger businesses and their employees. The Aflac U.S. portfolio of group and individual products offers businesses the opportunity to give their employees a more valuable and comprehensive selection of benefit options.

In the thirdsecond quarter of 2018,2019, the Aflac U.S. sales force included more thanan average of approximately 8,200 U.S. agents, including brokers, who were actively producing business on a weekly basis. The Company believes that this average weekly producer equivalent metric allows sales management to monitor progress and needs.

One Day PaySM is a claims initiative that Aflac U.S. has focused on to process, approve and pay eligible claims in just one day. The Company believes that this claims practice enhances the Aflac U.S. brand reputation and the trust policyholders have in Aflac, and it helps Aflac stand out from competitors.

Aflac U.S. products provide cash benefits that can be used to help with increasing out-of-pocket medical expenses, help cover household costs, or protect against income and asset loss. Group products and relationships with insurance brokers that handle the larger-case market are helping Aflac U.S. expand its reach by selling to larger businesses. Aflac U.S. is regularly evaluating the marketplace to identify opportunities to bring the most relevant, cost-effective products to customers. The Company believes the need for its products remains very strong, and Aflac U.S. continues to work on enhancing its distribution capabilities to access employers of all sizes, including initiatives that benefit the field force and the broker community. At the same time, the Company is seeking opportunities to leverage its brand strength and attractive product portfolio in the evolving health care environment.


In July 2019, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire Argus Holdings, LLC and its subsidiary Argus Dental & Vision, Inc., a benefits management organization and national network dental and vision company. This transaction represents a commitment of $75 million in capital at closing and an additional $21 million in consideration paid over three years based on achieving certain performance targets. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other closing conditions. Tampa, Florida will serve as the home for the Aflac U.S. Network Dental and Vision platform. This acquisition is expected to provide opportunities for sales growth, improved account penetration and distribution productivity.

U.S. Regulatory Environment

Healthcare Reform Legislation

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), federal health care legislation, was intended to give Americans of all ages and income levels access to comprehensive major medical health insurance and gave the U.S. federal government direct regulatory authority over the business of health insurance. While the ACA was enacted in 2010, the major elements of the law became effective on January 1, 2014. The ACA included major changes to the U.S. health care insurance marketplace. Among other changes, the ACA included an individual medical insurance coverage mandate (which(the monetary penalty for noncompliance with which has since been repealed effective 2019 by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act)), provided for penalties on certain employers for failing to provide adequate coverage, created health insurance exchanges, and addressed coverage and exclusions as well as medical loss ratios. It also imposed an excise tax on certain high cost plans, known as the “Cadillac tax,” that is currently scheduled to begin in 2020.2022. The ACA also included changes in government reimbursements and tax credits for individuals and employers and altered federal and state regulation of health insurers. The ACA, as enacted, does not require material changes in the design of the Company's insurance products. However, indirect consequences of the legislation and regulations could present challenges that could potentially have an impact on the Company's sales model, financial condition and results of operations. The United StatesMembers of Congress has considered and may continue to consider legislation that would repeal and replace key provisions of the ACA. There can be no assurance that any legislation affecting the ACA will be passed by

Congress, nor as to the ultimate timing or provisions of any such legislation, nor as to the effect of any such legislation on the design or marketability of the Company's insurance products. Further, certain provisions of the ACA have been and may continue to be subject to challenge through litigation, the ultimate effects of which on the ACA are uncertain.

While the current U.S. presidential administration has pursued a stated policy of attempting to create more competition in the marketplace through executive orders and rule making, it is unclear what impact these will have on the U.S. healthcare market, nor is it known whether proposed or final rules will be challenged or withstand judicial scrutiny.  The President Trump signed an Executive Order in October 2017 directing federal regulatory agencies to review and modify certain regulations issued under the ACA. The stated objectives of the Executive Order are to increase competition and consumer choices in health care markets, and to lower costs for health care, by making association health plans available to more employers, allowing employers to make better use of health reimbursement arrangements, and expanding coverage through short-term insurance. The Executive Order tasks three federal agencies, the Departments of Labor (DOL), Treasury, and Health and Human Services (HHS) with reviewing current rules and developing guidance to implement the order. While the details of anyThese agencies have since proposed modifications willor finalized certain rules and guidance, although their ultimate impact on healthcare markets is not be known, until further action by the agencies, the Company anticipatescontinues to anticipate that the Executive Order will not have a significant impact on the availability or marketability of its products. The U.S. Department of Justice recently indicated its support for a previous U.S. district court ruling that the individual mandate is unconstitutional and that the remainder of the ACA is invalid.

Tax Reform Legislation

The Tax Act was signed into law on December 22, 2017. Among other things, effective January 1, 2018, the Tax Act reduced the U.S. federal statutory corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, eliminated or reduced certain deductions and credits and limited the deductibility of interest expense and executive compensation.

The Tax Act also transitions international corporate taxation from a worldwide system to a modified territorial system, which in light of the current tax treatment of Aflac Japan as a branch has the effect of subjecting the earnings of Aflac Japan to Japan taxation and subjecting the Company's other earnings, including the consolidated earnings of the Parent Company, to U.S. taxation. The treatment of Aflac Japan as a branch for U.S. tax purposes did not change following the completion of its conversion from a branch structure to a subsidiary structure for legal purposes on April 1, 2018.

Aflac U.S. prices its business on an internal rate of return basis. The Aflac U.S. business has a financial structure that the Company expects to be neutral on a pricing basis from these tax changes. The Aflac U.S. products have high initial costs for marketing, underwriting and administration, which will have less tax relief under the changes and will increase

the amount required to invest in new business. In addition, the Company expects that RBC requirements will increase on an after-tax basis, being another source of initial funding required for these products. The tax basis for reserves and DAC may also change the timing of tax payments in an accelerated or unfavorable direction. All of these effects will offset a favorable lower tax rate on income in later years. The overall impact is expected to be neutral on a pricing basis from these various effects.

The Tax Act changes became effective on January 1, 2018. However, because changes to tax rates are accounted for in the period of enactment, during the period ended December 31, 2017, the Company revalued its deferred tax assets and liabilities and recorded as its current reasonable estimate, a net deferred tax liability reduction of $1.9 billion as of that date. In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company recorded an immaterial adjustment to the provisional Japan deferred tax balances and no valuation allowance adjustment related to anticipatory foreign tax credit asset, rendering final values for the Company's deferred tax liability.For information on the effects of the Tax Act during the period ended December 31, 2017,2018, see Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements presented in the 20172018 Annual Report. For information on the conversion of Aflac Japan from a branch to a subsidiary, see General Business under Item 1, Business, in the 20172018 Annual Report and the Insurance Operations subsection of this MD&A.Report.

Dodd-Frank Act

Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act and regulations issued thereunder, in particular rules to require central clearing for certain types of derivatives, may have an impact on Aflac's derivative activity, including activity on behalf of Aflac Japan. In addition, in 2015 and 2016, six U.S. financial regulators, including the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), issued final rules regarding the exchange of initial margin (IM) and variation margin (VM) for uncleared swaps that impose greater obligations on swap dealers regarding uncleared swaps with certain counterparties, such as Aflac. The requirements of such rules with respect to VM, as well as similar regulations in Europe, became effective on March 1, 2017. Full compliance with respect to all counterparties was required by September 1, 2017. The requirements of such rules with respect to IM are currently being phased in and will be fully implemented by September 1, 2020.2020, although an extension to September 1, 2021 is expected for covered entities with an aggregate average notional amount below $50 billion. In October of 2017, the CFTC and the European Commission each finalized comparability determinations that permit certain swap dealers who are subject to both regulatory margin regimes to take advantage of substituted compliance by complying with one set of margin requirements. The margin requirements are expected to result in more stringent collateral requirements and to affect other aspects of Aflac's derivatives activity.

The Dodd-Frank Act also established a Federal Insurance Office (FIO) under the U.S. Treasury Department to monitor all aspects of the insurance industry and of lines of business other than certain health insurance, certain long-term care insurance and crop insurance. Traditionally, U.S. insurance companies have been regulated primarily by state insurance

departments. The FIO does not directly regulate the insurance industry, but under Dodd-Frank it has the power to preempt state insurance regulations that are inconsistent with international agreements reached by the federal government, subject to certain requirements and restrictions. The FIO and certain federal agencies must achieve consensus positions with the state insurance regulators when taking positions on insurance proposals by certain international forums. In December 2013, the FIO released a report entitled "How To Modernize And Improve The System Of Insurance Regulation In The United States." The report was required by the Dodd-Frank Act, and included 18 recommended areas of near-term reform for the states, including addressing capital adequacy and safety/soundness issues, reform of insurer resolution practices, and reform of marketplace regulation. The report also listed nine recommended areas for direct federal involvement in insurance regulation. Some of the recommendations outlined in the FIO report released in December 2013 have been implemented. The National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act, signed into law in January 2015, simplifies the agent and broker licensing process across state lines. The FIO has also engaged with the supervisory colleges to monitor financial stability and identify regulatory gaps for large national and internationally active insurers. The President and Congress have stated proposals to reform or repeal certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, some of which have been implemented. The Company cannot predict with any degree of certainty what impact, if any, such proposals willmight have on Aflac's business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Insurance Guaranty Laws

Under state insurance guaranty association laws and similar laws in international jurisdictions, Aflac is subject to assessments, based on the share of business it writes in the relevant jurisdiction, for certain obligations of insolvent insurance companies to policyholders and claimants. In the United States, some states permit member insurers to recover assessments paid through full or partial premium tax offsets. The Company's policy is to accrue assessments when the entity for which the insolvency relates has met its state of domicile's statutory definition of insolvency, the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable and the related premium upon which the assessment is based is written. In most states, the definition is met with a declaration of financial insolvency by a court of competent jurisdiction.


Aflac U.S. Investments

The level of investment income is affected by available cash flow from operations, the timing of investing the cash flow, yields on new investments, and other factors.

As part of the Company's portfolio management and asset allocation process, Aflac U.S. invests in fixed maturity investments and growth assets, including public equity securities and alternative investments in limited partnerships. Aflac U.S. has been investing in both publicly traded and privately originated investment-grade and below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities and loan receivables.

The following table details the investment purchases for Aflac U.S.
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(In millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017  2019 2018 2019 2018 
Fixed maturity securities:                  
Other fixed maturity securities $113
 $284
 $791
 $770
  $279
 $560
 $874
 $679
 
Infrastructure debt 0
 10
 97
 25
  14
 80
 74
 96
 
Equity securities(1) 6
 16
 55
 54
  11
 26
 27
 49
 
Other investments:         
Commercial mortgage and other loans:         
Transitional real estate loans 377
 30
 547
 71
  94
 98
 142
 170
 
Commercial mortgage loans 65
 18
 120
 18
  44
 55
 69
 55
 
Middle market loans 43
 67
 118
 161
  27
 44
 56
 75
 
Limited partnerships 4
 3
 31
 13
 
Other investments 4
 4
 8
 26
 
Total Aflac U.S. Purchases $608
 $428
 $1,759
 $1,112
  $473
 $867
 $1,250
 $1,150
 
(1) Includes FHLB purchases

See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes 1 and 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20172018 Annual Report for more information regarding loans and loans receivables.


The following table presents the results of Aflac's U.S. investment yields for the periods ended SeptemberJune 30.
Three Months      Nine Months Three Months      Six Months 
2018 2017 2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018 
Total purchases for period (in millions) (1)
$604
 $425
 $1,728
 $1,099
 $469
 $863
 $1,242
 $1,124
 
New money yield (1), (2)
5.44
% 4.40
% 4.72
% 4.40
%4.45
% 4.21
% 4.47
% 4.33
%
Return on average invested assets (3)
5.25
 5.05
 5.14
 5.03
 5.05
 5.14
 5.07
 5.09
 
Portfolio book yield, end of period (1)
5.55
% 5.50
% 5.55
% 5.50
%5.43
% 5.53
% 5.43
% 5.53
%
(1) Includes fixed maturity securities, loan receivables,commercial mortgage and other loans, equity securities, and excludes alternative investments in limited partnerships
(2) Reported on a gross yield basis; excludes investment expenses and external management fees
(3) Net of investment expenses, year-to-date number reflected on a quarterly average basis

The increase in the Aflac U.S. new money yield for the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 was primarily due to increased allocations to higher yielding floating rate assets.asset classes. See Notes 3 and 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Analysis of Financial Condition section of this MD&A for additional information on the Company's investments.


CORPORATE AND OTHER

InThe Company defines pretax adjusted earnings, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, as adjusted earnings before the three-month period ended September 30, 2018, total revenue increased 18.8%application of income taxes. See the Results of Operations section of this MD&A for the Company's definition of adjusted earnings and a reconciliation of adjusted earnings to $82 million, reflectingthe most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure of net earnings. Changes in the pretax adjusted earnings of Corporate and other are primarily affected by investment incomeincome. The following table presents a summary of $27 million. results for Corporate and other.
Corporate and Other Summary of Operating Results
  
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(In millions)2019 2018 2019 2018 
Premium income$50
 $53
 $100
 $107
 
Net investment income20
 20
 42
 39
 
Amortized hedge income related to certain foreign currency
   management strategies
20
 7
 40
 9
 
Net investment income, including amortized hedge income40
 27
 82
 48
 
Other income5
 5
 8
 9
 
Total adjusted revenues95
 85
 190
 164
 
Benefits and claims, net48
 50
 95
 102
 
Adjusted expenses:        
Interest expense33
 29
 66
 59
 
Other adjusted expenses40
 45
 74
 88
 
Total adjusted expenses73
 74
 140
 147
 
Total benefits and adjusted expenses121
 124
 235
 249
 
Pretax adjusted earnings$(26) $(38) $(45) $(84) 

Net investment income which increased $17 million, benefited from a $9 million pretax contribution from the Company’s corporate yen hedging program in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. See the Hedging Activities subsection of this MD&A for further information on the Parent Company's foreign currency hedge program.

In December 2018, the Parent Company invested assets transferred as$20 million in Singapore Life Pte. Ltd. (Singapore Life), a digitally-focused life insurance company based in Singapore. The Parent Company made an additional investment of $16 million in the second quarter of 2019, bringing the total investment to $36 million. As part of the drawdownrelationship, Aflac also plans to enter into a reinsurance agreement on certain protection products with Singapore Life. However, the Company does not currently expect the equity investment or the reinsurance agreement to have a material impact on its financial position or results of excess capital in the U.S. segment beginning in the fourth quarter of 2017. Pretax adjusted earnings were a loss of $29 million, compared with a loss of $50 million a year ago.

In the first nine months of 2018, total revenue increased 20.1% to $245 million, reflecting net investment income of $74 million. Net investment income, which increased $50 million, benefited from an $18 million pretax contribution from the Company’s corporate yen hedging program and invested assets transferred as part of the drawdown of excess capital in the U.S. segment beginning in the fourth quarter of 2017. Pretax adjusted earnings were a loss of $113 million, compared with a loss of $150 million a year ago.operations.

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
The Company's financial condition has remained strong in the functional currencies of its operations. The yen/dollar exchange rate at the end of each period is used to translate yen-denominated balance sheet items to U.S. dollars for reporting purposes.

Investments

The Company’s investment strategy utilizes disciplined asset and liability management while seeking long-term risk-adjusted investment returns and the delivery of stable income within regulatory and capital objectives, and preserving shareholder value. In attempting to optimally balance these objectives, the Company seeks to maintain on behalf of Aflac Japan a diversified portfolio of yen-denominated investment assets, U.S. dollar-denominated investment portfolio hedged back to yen and a portfolio of unhedged U.S. dollar-denominated assets. As part of the Company's portfolio management and asset allocation process, Aflac U.S. invests in fixed maturity investments and growth assets, including public equity securities and alternative investments in limited partnerships. Aflac U.S. has been investinginvests in both publicly traded and privately originated investment-grade and below-investment-grade fixed maturity securities and loans.



The following table details investments by segment.

Investments by Segment
 Aflac Japan Aflac U.S.  Aflac Japan Aflac U.S. 
(In millions)September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Available for sale, fixed maturity securities,
at fair value
(1)
 $68,325
 $69,338
 $12,568
 $13,606
  $77,144
 $69,409
 $13,822
 $12,132
 
Held to maturity, fixed maturity securities,
at amortized cost
 30,421
 31,430
 0
 0
  31,007
 30,318
 0
 0
 
Equity securities (1)
 894
 868
 151
 92
  868
 806
 156
 137
 
Other investments:         
Commercial mortgage and other loans:         
Transitional real estate loans 3,397
 986
 731
 249
  3,838
 3,621
 735
 756
 
Commercial mortgage loans 768
 767
 258
 141
  793
 763
 367
 301
 
Middle market loans 1,015
 527
 348
 332
  1,602
 1,144
 287
 334
 
Other investments:         
Policy loans 210
 198
 13
 12
  232
 219
 14
 13
 
Short-term investments 0
 57
 2
 0
 
Short-term investments (1)
 383
 0
 293
 141
 
Limited partnerships 415
 333
 46
 37
 
Other 211
 98
 48
 31
  0
 0
 33
  26
 
Total other investments 5,601
 2,633
 1,400
 765
 
Total investments 105,241
 104,269
 14,119
 14,463
  116,282
 106,613
 15,753
 13,877
 
Cash and cash equivalents 1,400
 636
 1,003
 1,011
  1,541
 1,779
 453
 641
 
Total investments and cash (2)
 $106,641
 $104,905
 $15,122
 $15,474
  $117,823
 $108,392
 $16,206
 $14,518
 
(1)Includes perpetual securities lending collateral
(2)Excludes investments and cash held by the Parent Company and other business segments of $2,451$2,568 in 20182019 and $3,280$3,333 in 20172018

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $3.4$3.0 billion, or 2.8%2.2% of total investments and cash, as of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, compared with $3.5$4.3 billion, or 2.8%3.4%, at December 31, 2017.2018. For a discussion of the factors affecting the Company's cash balance, see the Operating Activities, Investing Activities and Financing Activities subsections of this MD&A.

In 2017, Aflac U.S. became a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLB). As a member, Aflac U.S. can access low-cost funding and also receive dividends on FHLB membership stock. Additional FHLB stock purchases are required based on funding activity with the FHLB. Aflac U.S. will be required to post acceptable forms of collateral for any funding from the FHLB. The FHLB stock purchased by the Company is classified as a restricted investment and is included in "other investments" in the consolidated balance sheets.

For additional information concerning the Company's investments, see Notes 3, 4, and 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The ratings of the Company's securities referenced in the table below are based on the ratings designations provided by major Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (NRSROs) (Moody's, S&P and Fitch) or, if not rated, are determined based on the Company's internal analysis of such securities. When the ratings issued by the rating agencies differ, the Company utilizes the second lowest rating when three or more rating agency ratings are available or the lowest rating when only two rating agency ratings are available.


The distributions of debt securities the Company owns, by credit rating, were as follows:

Composition of Securities Portfolio by Credit Rating
 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017  June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 
Amortized
Cost
   Fair    
  Value    
 Amortized
Cost
   Fair    
  Value    
Amortized
Cost
   Fair    
  Value    
 Amortized
Cost
   Fair    
  Value    
AAA .9% .9% 1.0% .9%  1.0% .9% 1.0% .9% 
AA 4.0
 4.1
 3.9
 4.0
  3.9
 4.0
 3.9
 4.0
 
A 66.8
 68.0
 65.8
 66.9
  68.8
 70.6
 67.9
 69.9
 
BBB 23.9
 22.9
 24.0
 23.3
  22.8
 21.4
 23.2
 21.6
 
BB or lower 4.4
 4.1
 5.3
 4.9
  3.5
 3.1
 4.0
 3.6
 
Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%  100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 


As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, the Company's direct and indirect exposure to securities in its investment portfolio that were guaranteed by third parties was immaterial both individually and in the aggregate.

The following table presents the 10 largest unrealized loss positions in the Company's portfolio as of SeptemberJune 30, 2018.2019.
(In millions)Credit
Rating
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized    
Loss    
Credit
Rating
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized    
Loss    
Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc. B $141
 $98
 $(43)  B $145
 $82
 $(63) 
AXA BBB 288
 255
 (33)  BBB 300
 268
 (32) 
Noble Holdings International Ltd. CCC 97
 73
 (24) 
Baker Hughes Inc. A 120
 103
 (17)  A 124
 107
 (17) 
Transocean Inc. CCC 72
 57
 (15) 
Kommunal Landspensjonskasse (KLP) BBB 132
 119
 (13)  BBB 139
 125
 (14) 
National Oilwell Varco Inc. BBB 85
 73
 (12) 
Time Warner Cable Inc. BBB 115
 103
 (12)  BBB 122
 111
 (11) 
Weatherford Bermuda Holdings Ltd. CCC 49
 37
 (12) 
Microsoft Corp. AAA 212
 200
 (12) 
Abbvie Inc. BBB 174
 163
 (11) 
National Oilwell Varco Inc. BBB 82
 71
 (11) 
Tyco Electronics Group SA A 107
 96
 (11) 
Intesa Sanpaolo Spa BBB 145
 135
 (10) 
Teva Pharmaceutical LLC BB 67
 58
 (9) 

Generally, declines in fair values can be a result of changes in interest rates, yen/dollar exchange rate, and changes in net spreads driven by a broad market move or a change in the issuer's underlying credit quality. As the Company believes these issuers have the ability to continue making timely payments of principal and interest, the Company views these changes in fair value to be temporary and does not believe it is necessary to impair the carrying value of these securities. See the Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses section in Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussions of unrealized losses related to financial institutions and other corporate investments.

Below-Investment-Grade Securities

The Company's portfolio of below-investment-grade securities includes debt securities purchased while the issuer was rated investment grade plus other loans and bonds purchased as part of an allocation to that segment of the market. The following is the Company's below-investment-grade exposure.

Below-Investment-Grade Investments
September 30, 2018June 30, 2019 
(In millions)Par
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Gain
(Loss)
Par
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Unrealized
Gain
(Loss)
 
Investcorp Capital Limited$376
 $376
 $393
 $17
$393
 $393
 $442
 $49
 
Republic of South Africa352
 352
 367
 15
371
 371
 382
 11
 
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines264
 194
 230
 36
278
 205
 238
 33
 
Navient Corp.206
 111
 144
 33
Barclays Bank PLC186
 115
 155
 40
 
Republic of Tunisia185
 108
 132
 24
186
 109
 117
 8
 
Barclays Bank PLC176
 109
 159
 50
Telecom Italia SpA176
 176
 223
 47
186
 186
 228
 42
 
Transnet132
 132
 132
 0
139
 139
 140
 1
 
Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc.124
 141
 98
 (43)124
 145
 82
 (63) 
IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG114
 48
 97
 49
121
 51
 96
 45
 
Arconic Inc.100
 82
 99
 17
100
 86
 104
 18
 
Noble Holdings International Ltd.94
 97
 73
 (24)
Petrobras International Finance Company84
 84
 81
 (3)
EMC Corp.80
 79
 74
 (5)
Generalitat de Catalunya70
 26
 63
 37
Teck Resources Ltd.70
 74
 69
 (5)
Teva Pharmaceuticals68
 65
 64
 (1)
Transocean Inc.68
 72
 64
 (8)
National Gas Co. Trinidad and Tobago52
 50
 52
 2
Votorantim Overseas Trading IV Ltd.50
 49
 52
 3
CF Industries Inc.50
 48
 48
 0
Other Issuers (below $50 million in par value)304
 288
 286
 (2)
Other Issuers663
 620
 644
 24
 
Subtotal (1)
3,195
 2,761
 3,000
 239
2,747
 2,420
 2,628
 208
 
Senior secured bank loans1,342
 1,330
 1,342
 12
830
 864
 822
 (42) 
High yield corporate bonds514
 499
 511
 12
623
 627
 634
 7
 
Middle market loans, net of reserves (2)
1,382
 1,363
 1,363
 0
1,916
 1,889
 1,888
 (1) 
Grand Total$6,433
 $5,953
 $6,216
 $263
$6,116
 $5,800
 $5,972
 $172
 
(1) Securities initially purchased as investment grade, but have subsequently been downgraded to below investment grade
(2) Middle market loans are carried at amortized cost

The Company invests in senior secured bank loans and middle market loans primarily to U.S. corporate borrowers, most of which have below-investment-grade ratings. The objectives of these programs include enhancing the yield on invested assets, achieving further diversification of credit risk, and mitigating the risk of rising interest rates and hedge costs through the acquisition of floating rate assets.

The Company maintains an allocation to higher yielding corporate bonds within the Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. portfolios. Most of these securities were rated below-investment-grade at the time of purchase, but the Company also purchased several that were rated investment grade which, because of market pricing, offer yields commensurate with below-investment-grade risk profiles. The objective of this allocation was to enhance the Company's yield on invested assets and further diversify credit risk. All investments must have a minimum rating of low BB using the Company's above described rating methodology and are managed by the Company's internal credit portfolio management team.


Fixed Maturity Securities by Sector

The Company maintains diversification in investments by sector to avoid concentrations to any one sector, thus managing exposure risk. The following table shows the distribution of fixed maturities by sector classification.
  June 30, 2019
(In millions) Amortized Cost   % of
Total
 
Government and agencies $54,960    49.0% 
Municipalities 2,559    2.3  
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 399    .3  
Public utilities 8,568    7.6  
Electric 6,598    5.8  
Natural Gas 308    .3  
Other 741    .7  
Utility/Energy 921    .8  
Sovereign and Supranational 2,207    1.9  
Banks/financial institutions 9,984    8.9  
Banking 5,920    5.3  
Insurance 1,910    1.7  
Other 2,154    1.9  
Other corporate 33,525    30.0  
Basic Industry 3,585    3.2  
Capital Goods 3,123    2.8  
Communications 4,051    3.6  
Consumer Cyclical 3,382    3.0  
Consumer Non-Cyclical 6,267    5.6  
Energy 4,707    4.2  
Other 1,304    1.2  
Technology 3,120    2.8  
Transportation 3,986    3.6  
        Total fixed maturity securities $112,202    100.0% 

Securities by Type of Issuance
The Company has investments in both publicly and privately issued securities. The Company's ability to sell either type of security is a function of overall market liquidity which is impacted by, among other things, the amount of outstanding securities of a particular issuer or issuance, trading history of the issue or issuer, overall market conditions, and idiosyncratic events affecting the specific issue or issuer.



The following table details investment securities by type of issuance.

Investment Securities by Type of Issuance 
 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017  June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 
(In millions)Amortized
Cost
 Fair   
Value   
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair  
Value  
Amortized
Cost
 Fair   
Value   
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair  
Value  
Publicly issued securities:                  
Fixed maturity securities (1)
 $82,166
 $90,901
 $81,454
 $93,025
 
Equity securities (1)
 1,037
 1,037
 831
 1,006
 
Fixed maturity securities $91,665
 $107,577
 $83,482
 $93,255
 
Equity securities 1,079
 1,079
 936
 936
 
Total publicly issued 83,203
 91,938
 82,285
 94,031
  92,744
 108,656
 84,418
 94,191
 
Privately issued securities: (2)(1)
                  
Fixed maturity securities (1)
 24,507
 27,645
 25,108
 29,360
 
Equity securities (1)
 22
 22
 15
 17
 
Fixed maturity securities 20,537
(2) 
 23,893
(2) 
 23,692
 26,362
 
Equity securities 8
 8
 51
 51
 
Total privately issued 24,529
 27,667
 25,123
 29,377
  20,545
 23,901
 23,743
 26,413
 
Total investment securities $107,732
 $119,605
 $107,408
 $123,408
  $113,289
 $132,557
 $108,161
 $120,604
 
(1)Includes perpetual Primarily consists of securities owned by Aflac Japan
(2)Includes Rule Excludes 144A securities

The Company held $1,657 million and $1,789 million of perpetual securities at fair value ($1,474 million and $1,462 million at amortized cost) as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The perpetual securities the Company holds were largely issued by banks that are systemically important to the financial markets of the sovereign country of domicile of the issuer. Generally, the Company believes regulatory changes made starting in the banking industry following the Global Financial Crisis and the European Sovereign Crisis, including increased capital and liquidity requirements and a reductionfirst quarter of business risk, have improved overall bank creditworthinessHowever, bank capital securities may be subject to varying bail-in/resolution regimes in their home countries, which may include conversion or write-down provisions when bank regulators determine that the institution has reached the point of non-viability. Such actions could result in lower cash flows and ratings downgrades of the affected securities, which in turn could result in a reduction of fair value of the securities and increase the Company’s regulatory capital requirements. These factors are an integral part of the Company's credit review process.2019

The following table details the Company's privately issued investmentreverse-dual currency securities.

Privately Issued Securities
(Amortized cost, in millions)September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Privately issued securities as a percentage of total investment securities 22.8%   23.4% 
Privately issued securities held by Aflac Japan $21,714
   $22,354
 
Privately issued securities held by Aflac Japan as a percentage of total
investment securities
 20.2%   20.8% 

Reverse-Dual Currency Securities(1) 
(Amortized cost, in millions)September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Privately issued reverse-dual currency securities $5,313
 $5,669
  $5,273
 $5,120
 
Publicly issued collateral structured as reverse-dual currency securities 1,620
 1,390
  1,706
 1,657
 
Total reverse-dual currency securities $6,933
 $7,059
  $6,979
 $6,777
 
Reverse-dual currency securities as a percentage of total investment
securities
 6.4% 6.6%  6.2% 6.3% 
(1) Principal payments in yen and interest payments in dollars


Aflac Japan has a portfolio of privately issued securities to better match liability characteristics and secure higher yields than those available on Japanese government or other public corporate bonds. Aflac Japan’s investments in yen-denominated privately issued securities consist primarily of non-Japanese issuers, are rated investment grade at purchase and have longer maturities, thereby allowing the Company to improve asset/liability matching and overall investment returns. These securities are generally either privately negotiated arrangements or issued under medium-term note programs and have standard documentation commensurate with credit ratings of the issuer, except when internal credit analysis indicates that additional protective and/or event-risk covenants were required. Many of these investments have protective covenants appropriate to the specific investment. These may include a prohibition of certain activities by the borrower, maintenance of certain financial measures, and specific conditions impacting the payment of the Company's notes.

Hedging Activities

The Company uses derivative contracts to hedge foreign currency exchange rate risk and interest rate risk. Derivative hedges are designed to reduce risk on an economic basis while minimizing the impact on financial results. The Company’s derivative hedge programs vary depending on the type of risk being hedged.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Hedge Program
The Company has deployed the following hedging strategies to mitigate exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk:
Aflac Japan hedges U.S. dollar-denominated investments back to yen (see Aflac Japan’s U.S. Dollar-Denominated Hedge Program below).


Aflac Japan maintains certain unhedged U.S. dollar-denominated securities, which serve as an economic currency hedge of a portion of the Company's investment in Aflac Japan (see Aflac Japan’s U.S. Dollar-Denominated Hedge Program below).

The Parent Company designates yen-denominated liabilities (notes payable and loans) as non-derivative hedging instruments and designates certain foreign currency forwards and options as derivative hedges of the Company’s net investment in Aflac Japan (see Parent Company’s Foreign Currency Hedge Program below).

The Parent Company enters into forward contracts to accomplish a dual objective of hedging foreign currency exchange rate risk related to dividend payments by its subsidiary, ALIJ, and reducing enterprise-wide hedge costs. (see Parent Company’s Foreign Currency Hedge Program below).

Aflac Japan’s U.S. Dollar-Denominated Investments

Most of Aflac Japan's cash, investments, and liabilities are yen-denominated. However, Aflac Japan also ownsbuys U.S. dollar-denominated investments, a portion of which Aflac Japantypically corporate bonds, and hedges them back to yen with foreign currency forwards and options.options to hedge foreign currency exchange rate risk. This economically creates yen assets that match yen liabilities during the life of the derivative and provides liquidity and capital relief. The currency risk being hedged is generally based on fair value of hedged investments.investments. The following table summarizes the U.S. dollar-denominated investments held by Aflac Japan.

 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
(In millions)
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Available-for-sale securities:        
  Fixed maturity securities (excluding bank loans) (1)
$17,154
 $17,593
 $17,972
 $19,314
 
  Fixed maturity securities - bank loans (floating rate)1,548
 1,556
 1,936
 1,865
 
  Fixed maturity securities - economically converted to yen1,641
 2,341
 1,650
 2,549
 
Equity securities (1),(2)
197
 197
 147
 173
 
Other investments:        
  Transitional real estate loans (floating rate)3,397
 3,413
 986
 984
 
  Commercial mortgage loans768
 730
 767
 753
 
  Middle market loans (floating rate)1,015
 1,018
 527
 530
 
  Alternative investments211
 211
 97
 97
 
      Total U.S. dollar-denominated investments in Aflac Japan$25,931
 $27,059
 $24,082
 $26,265
 
(1) Includes perpetual securities
(2) Equities reported at carrying value starting in 2018
 
June 30,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
 
(In millions)Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 
Available-for-sale securities:        
  Fixed maturity securities (excluding bank loans)$17,912
 $18,674
 $17,101
 $17,003
 
  Fixed maturity securities - bank loans (floating rate)1,094
 1,039
 1,296
 1,238
 
Equity securities205
 205
 177
 177
 
Commercial mortgage and other loans:        
  Transitional real estate loans (floating rate)3,838
 3,851
 3,621
 3,625
 
  Commercial mortgage loans793
 802
 763
 736
 
  Middle market loans (floating rate)1,602
 1,605
 1,144
 1,146
 
Other investments415
 415
 333
 333
 
      Total U.S. Dollar Program25,859
 26,591
 24,435
 24,258
 
Available-for-sale securities:        
  Fixed maturity securities - economically converted to yen1,729
 2,525
 1,679
 2,269
 
      Total U.S. dollar-denominated investments in Aflac Japan$27,588
 $29,116
 $26,114
 $26,527
 

U.S. Dollar Program includes all U.S. dollar-denominated investments in Aflac Japan other than the investments in certain consolidated VIEs where the instrument is economically converted to yen as a result of a derivative in the consolidated variable interest entity. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, Aflac Japan had $10.0$9.1 billion outstanding notional amounts of foreign currency forwards and $9.7$11.9 billion outstanding notional amounts of foreign currency options, of which none were in-the-money, hedging the U.S. dollar-denominated investments, resulting in the unhedgedinvestments. The fair value of theAflac Japan's unhedged U.S. dollar Japan portfolio of $15.0was $17.5 billion excluding(excluding certain U.S. dollar-denominated assets shown in the table above as a result of consolidation that have been economically converted to yen using derivatives.derivatives).

Foreign exchange derivatives used for hedging are periodically settled, which results in cash receipt or payment at maturity or early termination. The Company had net cash settlements of $105$11 million and $203$35 million for the three-month periods and $141$23 million and $356$36 million for the nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively, associated with the currency derivatives used for hedging Aflac Japan’s U.S. dollar-denominated investments.

For additional discussion of the risks associated with the foreign currency exposure refer to the Currency Risk section in Item 7A., Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, and the Risk Factor sections titled “The Company is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations in the yen/dollar exchange rate" and “Lack of availability of acceptable yen-denominated investments could adversely affect the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity" in the 20172018 Annual Report. For discussion of the Company’s view on the stressed economic surplus in Aflac Japan, refer to the Investments subsection within Item 1., Business, in the 20172018 Annual Report.

The following table presents metrics related to Aflac Japan hedge costs for the periods ended September 30.

Aflac JapanParent Company's Foreign Currency Hedge Cost Metrics(1)
 Three Months      Nine Months
 2018 2017 2018 2017
FX forward notional at end of period (in billions of dollars)(2)
10.0 11.4 10.0 11.4
Weighted average original tenor (in months)(3)
27.4 32.6 27.4 32.6
Weighted average remaining tenor (in months)(4)
16.8 25.2 16.8 25.2
Annualized amortized hedge costs (in basis points)(5)
236 217 229 201
Amortized hedge costs for period (in millions of dollars)(59) (60) (168) (168)
(1) See the Results of Operations section of this MD&A for the Company's definition of amortized hedge costs.
(2) Notional is reported net of any offsetting positions
(3) Tenor based on derivative's original execution date to settlement date
(4) Tenor based on period reporting date to settlement date
(5) Based on annualized amortized hedge costs divided by average FX forward notional for the period
In order to economically mitigate currency risk of future yen dividends from Aflac Japan while lowering consolidated hedge costs associated with Aflac Japan's U.S. dollar investment hedging, starting in the first quarter of 2018, the Parent Company began entering into offsetting hedge positions using foreign exchange forwards. This activity is reported in the Corporate and other segment. As this program matures, the Company installs controls and, as has been the case with the U.S. dollar-denominated investments hedge program, includes third-party review to ensure the efficacy of the program.Program

Net Investment Hedge
The Company's investment in Aflac Japan is affected by changes in the yen/dollar exchange rate. To mitigate this exposure, the Company has taken several courses of action. First, Aflac Japan maintains certain unhedged U.S. dollar-denominated securities, which serve as an economic currency hedge of a portion of the Company's investment in Aflac Japan. Second, the Company has designated the majority of the Parent Company’scertain yen-denominated liabilities (notes payable and, loans) as non-derivative hedging instruments and certainprior to April 1, 2018, foreign currency forwards and options of the Parent Company as derivativeaccounting hedges of the Company'sits net investment in Aflac Japan. The Company's consolidated yen-denominated net asset position was partially hedged at $1.9 billion as of June 30, 2019, compared with $1.8 billion as of December 31, 2018, with hedging instruments comprised completely of yen-denominated debt.

The Company makes its accounting designation of net investment hedge at the beginning of each quarter. If the total of the designated Parent Company non-derivative and derivative notional is equal to or less than the Company's net investment in Aflac Japan, the hedge is deemed to be effective, and the currency exchange effect on the yen-denominated liabilities and the change in estimated fair value of the derivatives are reported in the unrealized foreign currency component of other comprehensive income. The Company's net investment hedge was effective during the three- and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively.
For
In order to economically mitigate risks associated with the enterprise-wide exposure to the yen and the level and volatility of hedge costs, the Parent Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts. By buying U.S. dollars and selling yen, the Parent Company is effectively lowering its overall economic exposure to the yen, while Aflac Japan's U.S dollar exposure remains reduced as a result of Aflac Japan's U.S. dollar-denominated hedge program that economically creates yen assets. Among other objectives, this strategy is intended to offset the enterprise-wide amortized hedge costs by generating amortized hedge income. The portion of the enterprise-wide amortized hedge income contributed by this strategy was $20 million and $7 million for the three-month periods and $40 million and $9 million for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. This activity is reported in Corporate and Other. As this program evolves, the Company will continue to evaluate the program’s efficacy, including third-party review. See the Results of Operations section of this MD&A for the Company's definition of amortized hedge costs/income.

The following table presents metrics related to Aflac Japan amortized hedge costs and the Parent Company amortized hedge income for the periods ended June 30.

Amortized Hedge Costs/Income Metrics(1)
 Three Months      Six Months
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Aflac Japan:       
   FX forward (sell USD, buy yen) notional at end of period (in billions)(2)
$9.1 $9.9 $9.1 $9.9
   Weighted average remaining tenor (in months)(3)
11.2 19.8 11.2 19.8
   Amortized hedge costs for period (in millions)$(62) $(55) $(124) $(110)
Parent Company:       
   FX forward (buy USD, sell yen) notional at end of period (in billions)(2)
$3.0 $1.3 $3.0 $1.3
   Weighted average remaining tenor (in months)(3)
10.6 9.9 10.6 9.9
   Amortized hedge income for period (in millions)$20 $7 $40 $9
(1) See the Results of Operations section of this MD&A for the Company's definition of amortized hedge costs/income.
(2) Notional is reported net of any offsetting positions within Aflac Japan or the Parent Company, respectively.
(3) Tenor based on period reporting date to settlement date

Interest Rate Risk Hedge Program

To mitigate the risk of investment inincome volatility, the Company economically hedges interest rate fluctuations for certain variable-rate investments. To manage interest rate risk associated with its U.S. dollar-denominated investments held by Aflac Japan, the Company has designated certain of the Parent Company's yen-denominated liabilities and foreign currency forwards and options as accounting hedges of its net investment in Aflac Japan. The Company's consolidated yen-denominated net asset position was partially hedged at $1.3 billion as of September 30, 2018, with hedging instruments comprised completely of yen-denominated debt, compared with a hedge of $1.8 billion as of December 31, 2017, with hedging instruments comprised of $1.4 billion of yen-denominated debt and $.4 billion of foreign currency forwards and options.also utilizes interest rate swaptions.

See Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Company's hedging activities. For additional discussion of the risks associated with the foreign currency exposure refer to the Currency Risk section in Item 1A. Risk Factors in the 2018 Annual Report.



Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
The following table presents deferred policy acquisition costs by segment.
(In millions)September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 % Change      June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 % Change      
Aflac Japan $6,195
 $6,150
 .7%
(1) 
 $6,623
 $6,384
 3.7%
(1) 
Aflac U.S. 3,427
 3,355
 2.1
  3,505
 3,491
 .4
 
Total $9,622
 $9,505
 1.2%  $10,128
 $9,875
 2.6% 
(1)Aflac Japan’s deferred policy acquisition costs increased 1.2%.8% in yen during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018.2019.

See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20172018 Annual Report for additional information on the Company's deferred policy acquisition costs.

Policy Liabilities
The following table presents policy liabilities by segment.
(In millions)September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 % Change      June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 % Change      
Aflac Japan $90,277
 $89,132
 1.3%
(1) 
 $96,421
 $92,791
 3.9%
(1) 
Aflac U.S. 10,885
 10,625
 2.4
  11,141
 10,981
 1.5
 
Other 171
 138
 23.9
  212
 183
 15.8
 
Intercompany eliminations(2)
 (749) (748) .1
  (785) (767) 2.3
 
Total $100,584
 $99,147
 1.4%  $106,989
 $103,188
 3.7% 
(1) Aflac Japan’s policy liabilities increased 1.8%.9% in yen during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018.2019.
(2) Elimination entry necessary due to recapture of a portion of policy liabilities ceded externally, as a result of the reinsurance retrocession transaction as described in Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Notes Payable

Notes payable totaled $5.3$6.2 billion at SeptemberJune 30, 2018 and2019, compared with $5.8 billion at December 31, 2017.

Subsequent to September 30, 2018, in October 2018, the Parent Company issued $550 million of senior notes through a U.S. public debt offering. The notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.750% per annum, payable semi-annually, and have a 30-year maturity. These notes are redeemable at the Parent Company's option in whole at any time or in part from time to time at a redemption price equal to the greater of: (i) the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be redeemed or (ii) the amount equal to the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments for principal of and interest on the notes to be redeemed, not including any portion of the payments of interest accrued as of such redemption date, discounted to such redemption date on a semiannual basis at the yield to maturity for a United States Treasury security with a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the notes, plus 25 basis points, plus in each case, accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed to, but excluding, such redemption date. The Parent Company intends to use the proceeds from this debt issuance to redeem $550 million of its 2.40% senior notes due in 2020, and to use the remaining proceeds, if any, for general corporate purposes.

Subsequent to September 30, 2018, in October 2018, the Parent Company issued three series of senior notes totaling 53.4 billion yen through a public debt offering under its U.S. shelf registration statement. The first series, which totaled 29.3 billion yen, bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.159% per annum, payable semi-annually, and has a 12-year maturity. The second series, which totaled 15.2 billion yen, bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.488% per annum, payable semi-annually, and has a 15-year maturity. The third series, which totaled 8.9 billion yen, bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.750% per annum, payable semi-annually, and has a 20-year maturity. These notes may only be redeemed before maturity, in whole but not in part, upon the occurrence of certain changes affecting U.S. taxation, as specified in the indenture governing the terms of the issuance.2018.

See Note 8 of the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Company's notes payable. See Note 1 of the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the change in accounting for leases.


In April 2019, ALIJ issued 30.0 billion yen (par value) of perpetual subordinated bonds. These bonds bear interest at a fixed rate of .963% per annum and then at six-month Euro Yen LIBOR plus an applicable spread on and after the day immediately following April 18, 2024. The bonds will be callable on each interest payment date on and after April 18, 2024.

Benefit Plans

Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. have various benefit plans. For additional information on the Company's Japanese and U.S. plans, see Note 1211 of the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20172018 Annual Report.

Policyholder Protection

Policyholder Protection Corporation

The Japanese insurance industry has a policyholder protection system that provides funds for the policyholders of insolvent insurers. Legislation enacted regarding the framework of the Life Insurance Policyholder Protection Corporation (LIPPC) included government fiscal measures supporting the LIPPC. On March 30, 2012, the Diet approved legislation to enhance the stability of the LIPPC by extending the government's fiscal support of the LIPPC through March 2017. On November 25, 2016, Japan's Diet passed legislation that again extendsextended the government's fiscal support of the LIPPC through March 2022. Effective April 2014, the annual LIPPC contribution amount for the total life industry was lowered from 40 billion yen to 33 billion yen. Aflac Japan recognized an expense of .9 billion yen and 1.0 billion yen for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, for LIPPC assessments.


Guaranty Fund Assessments

Under U.S. state guaranty association laws, certain insurance companies can be assessed (up to prescribed limits) for certain obligations to the policyholders and claimants of impaired or insolvent insurance companies that write the same line or similar lines of business. The amount of the guaranty fund assessment that an insurer is assessed is based on its proportionate share of premiums in that state. Guaranty fund assessments for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, were immaterial.

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, the Company has estimated and recognized the impact of its share of guaranty fund assessments resulting from the liquidation of a long-term care insurer. See Note 1512 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the assessment.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, the Company had no material letters of credit, standby letters of credit, guarantees or standby repurchase obligations. See Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20172018 Annual Report for information on material unconditional purchase obligations that are not recorded on the Company's balance sheet.


CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. provide the primary sources of liquidity to the Parent Company through dividends and management fees. The following table presents the amounts provided for the nine-monthsix-month periods ending SeptemberJune 30.

Liquidity Provided by Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. to Parent Company
(In millions)2018 2017 
Dividends declared or paid by Aflac$664
 $1,400
 
Management fees paid by Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S.104
 219
 

The decline in dividends in the first nine months of 2018 was driven by a change in the dividend regulatory approval process subsequent to the conversion of Aflac Japan from a branch to a subsidiary on April 1, 2018. The Company expects to resume dividend payments from Aflac Japan in the fourth quarter of 2018. Management fees decreased during the nine-month period ending September 30, 2018, compared to prior year due to changes in the administration of intercompany expenses between legal entities subsequent to the conversion of Aflac Japan from a branch to a subsidiary on April 1, 2018.
(In millions)2019 2018 
Dividends declared or paid by Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S.$1,612
 $258
 
Management fees paid by Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S.74
 98
 

The primary uses of cash by the Parent Company are shareholder dividends, the repurchase of its common stock and interest on its outstanding indebtedness and operating expenses.


At the end of SeptemberIn 2018, the Company announced a change in its internal dividend policy which allows the Company to increase the proportion of regulatory earnings transferred from Aflac U.S. and Aflac Japan to the Parent Company. The Company plans to decrease the regulatory capital held at Aflac and transfer a commensurate amount of capital to the Parent Company in the fourth quarter of 2018. The Company also intends to maintain higher than historical levels of capital and liquidity at the Parent Company with the goals of addressing the Company’s hedge costs and related potential need for collateral and mitigating against long-term weakening of the Japanese yen. Further, the Company plans to continue to maintain a portfolio of unhedged U.S. dollar based investments at Aflac Japan and consider whether the amount of such investments should be increased or decreased relative to the Company’s view of economic equity surplus in Aflac Japan in light of potentially rising hedge costs and other factors. See Item 2., Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under “Forward-Looking Information,” for a description of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the Company in regards to its capital management intentions.

The Parent Company accesses debt security markets to provide additional sources of capital. In September 2018, the Parent Company filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC that allows the Company to issue an indefinite amount of debt securities, in one or more series, from time to time until September 2021. In August 2018, the Parent Company filed a shelf registration with Japanese regulatory authorities that allows the Parent Company to conduct public offerings of bonds in Japan, including yen-denominated Samurai notes, up to 200 billion yen or its equivalent through August 2020. The shelf registration statement is for possible public offerings in Japan, but the bonds issued under the shelf may be transferred by the bondholders to U.S. persons in compliance with U.S. law. The Company believes outside sources for additional debt and equity capital, if needed, will continue to be available. For additional information, see Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The principal sources of cash for the Company's insurance operations are premiums and investment income. The primary uses of cash by the Company's insurance operations are investments, policy claims, commissions, operating expenses, income taxes and payments to the Parent Company for management fees and dividends. Both the sources and uses of cash are reasonably predictable.


When making an investment decision, the Company's first consideration is based on product needs. The Company's investment objectives provide for liquidity through the purchase of investment-grade debt securities. These objectives also take into account duration matching, and because of the long-term nature of the Company's business, the Company has adequate time to react to changing cash flow needs related to benefits and expenses.needs.

As a result of policyholder aging, claims payments are expected to gradually increase over the life of a policy. Therefore, future policy benefit reserves are accumulated in the early years of a policy and are designed to help fund future claims payments. The Company expects its future cash flows from premiums and its investment portfolio to be sufficient to meet its cash needs for benefits and expenses.

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, the Parent Company and Aflac had four lines of credit with third parties as well as two intercompany lines of credit. For additional information on the Company's lines of credit, see Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

As part of an arrangement with Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLB), Aflac U.S. obtains low-cost funding from FHLB supported by acceptable forms of collateral pledged by Aflac U.S. In the FHLB funding arrangement as discussed previously in the Analysisfirst six months of Financial Condition section of this MD&A,2019, Aflac U.S. borrowed and repaid $86$88 million duringunder this program. As of June 30, 2019, Aflac U.S. had outstanding borrowings of $484 million reported in its balance sheet. For more information on the first nine monthsFHLB program, refer to the Investments subsection within Analysis of 2018.Financial Condition in Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the 2018 Annual Report.

The Company's financial statements convey its financing arrangements during the periods presented. The Company has not engaged in material intra-period short-term financings during the periods presented that are not otherwise reported in its balance sheet or disclosed therein. The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants of its notes payable and lines of credit at SeptemberJune 30, 2018.2019. The Company has not entered into transactions involving the transfer of financial assets with an obligation to repurchase financial assets that have been accounted for as a sale under applicable accounting standards, including securities lending transactions. See Notes 3 and 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes 1, 3, and 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20172018 Annual Report for more information on the Company's securities lending and derivative activities. With the exception of disclosed activities in those referenced footnotes and the Risk Factors in the 2018 Annual Report entitled, "The Company is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations in the yen/dollar exchange rate" and "Lack of availability of acceptable yen-denominated investments could adversely affect the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity," the Company does not have a known trend, demand, commitment, event or uncertainty that would reasonably result in its liquidity increasing or decreasing by a material amount. As of June 30, 2019, the Parent Company had $1.0 billion as a capital reserve and an additional $1.0 billion of contingent liquidity in order to mitigate liquidity risk of derivative positions that are reducing enterprise-wide foreign currency exposure. The Company's cash and cash equivalents include unrestricted cash on hand, money market instruments, and other debt instruments with a maturity of 90 days or less when purchased, all of which has minimal market, settlement or other risk exposure.

Consolidated Cash Flows
The Company translates cash flows for Aflac Japan’s yen-denominated items into U.S. dollars using weighted-average exchange rates. In periods when the yen weakens, translating yen into dollars causes fewer dollars to be reported. When the yen strengthens, translating yen into dollars causes more dollars to be reported.
The following table summarizes consolidated cash flows by activity for the nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30.
(In millions)2018 2017 2019 2018 
Operating activities$4,659
 $4,596
 $2,357
 $2,807
 
Investing activities(3,172) (2,887) (2,727) (1,443) 
Financing activities(1,513) (1,613) (978) (988) 
Exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents(36) (28) 30
 (20) 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents$(62) $68
 $(1,318) $356
 

Operating Activities
The following table summarizesprincipal cash inflows for the Company's insurance activities come from insurance premiums and investment income. The principal cash outflows are the result of policy claims, operating expenses, income tax, as well as interest expense. The Company expects its future cash flows by sourcefrom premiums and investment portfolios to be sufficient to meet its cash needs for the nine-month periods ended September 30. 
(In millions)2018 2017 
Aflac Japan$4,059
 $3,657
 
Aflac U.S. and other operations600
 939
 
Total$4,659
 $4,596
 
benefits and expenses.
Investing Activities
Operating cash flow is primarily used to purchase investments to meet future policy obligations. The following table summarizes investing cash flows by source for the nine-month periods ended September 30.
(In millions)2018 2017 
Aflac Japan$(2,565) $(2,212) 
Aflac U.S. and other operations(607) (675) 
Total$(3,172) $(2,887) 

Prudent portfolio management dictates that the Company attempts to match the duration of its assets with the duration of its liabilities. Currently, when the Company's fixed maturity securities mature, the proceeds may be reinvested at a yield below that required for the accretion of policy benefit liabilities on policies issued in earlier years. However, the long-term nature of the Company's business and its strong cash flows provide the Company with the ability to minimize the effect of mismatched durations and/or yields identified by various asset adequacy analyses. From time to time or when market opportunities arise, the Company disposes of selected fixed maturity securities that are available for sale to improve the duration matching of assets and liabilities, improve future investment yields, and/or re-balance its portfolio. As a result, dispositions before maturity can vary significantly from year to year.

As part of its overall corporate strategy, the Company announced in September 2018 that it intends to increase its original investment in the Aflac Ventures Fund from $100 million over three years to $250 million over three to four years, as opportunities emerge. These investments are included in equity securities or the other investments line in the consolidated balance sheets. The Aflac Ventures Fund is a subsidiary of Aflac Corporate Ventures which is reported in the "CorporateCorporate and other" businessother segment. The central mission of Aflac Corporate Ventures is to support the organic growth and business development needs of Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. with emphasis on digital applications designed to improve the customer experience, gain efficiencies, and develop new markets in an effort to enhance and defend long-term shareholder value.

See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details on certain investment commitments.


Financing Activities

Consolidated cash used by financing activities was $1.5 billion$978 million in the first ninesix months of 2018,2019, compared with consolidated cash used by financing activities of $1.6 billion$988 million for the same period of 2017.2018.

In April 2019, ALIJ issued 30.0 billion yen (par value) of perpetual subordinated bonds. These bonds bear interest at a fixed rate of .963% per annum and then at six-month Euro Yen LIBOR plus an applicable spread on and after the day immediately following April 18, 2024. The bonds will be callable on each interest payment date on and after April 18, 2024.

See the preceding discussion in this Capital Resources and Liquidity section of MD&A for details and any outstanding balances as of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, for the Company's lines of credit and FHLB financing arrangement.

The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants of its notes payable and lines of credit at SeptemberJune 30, 2018.2019.

Cash returned to shareholders through dividends and treasury stock purchases was $1.5$1.2 billion during the nine-month periodssix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.2019, compared with $1.0 billion during the six-month period ended June 30, 2018.

The following tables present a summary of treasury stock activity during the nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30.

Treasury Stock Purchased
(In millions of dollars and thousands of shares)2018 2017 2019 2018 
Treasury stock purchases$923
 $1,053
 $847
 $601
 
Number of shares purchased:        
Open market20,443
 27,796
 
Share repurchase program17,179
 13,441
 
Other361
 872
 574
 328
 
Total shares purchased20,804
 28,668
 17,753
 13,769
 


Treasury Stock Issued
(In millions of dollars and thousands of shares)2018 2017 2019 2018 
Stock issued from treasury:        
Cash financing$36
 $23
 $26
 $12
 
Noncash financing17
 45
 27
 15
 
Total stock issued from treasury$53
 $68
 $53
 $27
 
Number of shares issued1,393
 1,957
 1,428
 832
 

During the first ninesix months of 2018,2019, the Company repurchased 20.417.2 million shares of its common stock for $923$847 million as part of its share repurchase program. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, a remaining balance of 77.651.9 million shares of the Company's common stock was available for purchase under share repurchase authorizations by its board of directors. The Company currently plans to repurchase a total of $1.1$1.3 billion to $1.4$1.7 billion of its common stock in 2018,2019, assuming stable capital conditions and the absence ofabsent compelling alternatives.

Cash dividends paid to shareholders were $.27 per share in the second quarter of 2019, compared with $.26 per share in the thirdsecond quarter of 2018, compared with $.22 per share in the third quarter of 2017.2018. The following table presents the dividend activity for the nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30.

(In millions)2018 2017 2019 2018 
Dividends paid in cash$595
 $491
 $389
 $396
 
Dividends through issuance of treasury shares8
 22
 14
 8
 
Total dividends to shareholders$603
 $513
 $403
 $404
 

In October 2018,July 2019, the board of directors declared the fourththird quarter cash dividend of $.26$.27 per share, an increase of 18.2%3.8% compared with the same period in 2017.2018. The dividend is payable on DecemberSeptember 3, 20182019 to shareholders of record at the close of business on NovemberAugust 21, 2018.2019.


Regulatory Restrictions

Aflac and CAIC are domiciled in Nebraska and are subject to its regulations. Subsequent to the Japan branch conversion to a subsidiary, Aflac Japan is domiciled in Japan and subject to local regulations. See further discussion below. A life insurance company’s statutory capital and surplus is determined according to rules prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), as modified by the insurance department in the insurance company’s state of domicile. Statutory accounting rules are different from U.S. GAAP and are intended to emphasize policyholder protection and company solvency. Similar laws apply in New York, the domiciliary jurisdiction of Aflac's New York insurance subsidiary.

The continued long-term growth of the Company's business may require increases in the statutory capital and surplus of its insurance operations. Aflac’s insurance operations may secure additional statutory capital through various sources, such as internally generated statutory earnings, capital contributions by the Parent Company from funds generated through debt or equity offerings, or reinsurance transactions. The NAIC’s risk-based capital (RBC) formula is used by insurance regulators to help identify inadequately capitalized insurance companies. The RBC formula quantifies insurance risk, business risk, asset risk and interest rate risk by weighing the types and mixtures of risks inherent in the insurer’s operations.

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, Aflac’s U.S.-only RBC ratio remains high and reflects a strong capital and surplus position, even reflecting the full negative impact of the U.S. Tax Act, which is expected to bewas fully adopted in 2018. This reduction occurs as a result of writing down deferred tax assets and the increase in required capital due to the reduction in tax rates. However, Aflac expects to recover from this negative impact over a period of three to five years through additional statutory income, assuming that the additional income is fully retained. The Company expects to continue to draw down RBC levels through dividends for the remainder of 2018; however, the RBC level is still expected to be strong at the end of the year.

The maximum amount of dividends that can be paid to the Parent Company by Aflac without prior approval of Nebraska's director of insurance is the greater of the net income from operations, which excludes net realized investment gains, for the previous year determined under statutory accounting principles, or 10% of statutory capital and surplus as of the previous year-end. Dividends declared by Aflac during 20182019 in excess of $2.6$1.3 billion would be considered extraordinary and require such approval. Subsequent toFollowing the Japan branch conversion to a subsidiary, the Company intends to use used

extraordinary dividends as needed to actively manage to appropriate RBC levels that are lower yet sufficient to maintain ratings and support prudent capital management.

In addition to limitations and restrictions imposed by U.S. insurance regulators, after the Japan branch conversion as ofon April 1, 2018, the new Japan subsidiary is required to meet certain financial criteria as governed by Japanese corporate law in order to provide dividends to the Parent Company. Under these criteria, dividend capacity at the Japan subsidiary is basically defined as retained earnings plustotal equity excluding common stock, accumulated other comprehensive income amounts, capital reserve lessreserves (representing statutorily required amounts in Japan) but reduced for net after-tax unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities. These dividend capacity requirements are generally aligned with the solvency margin ratio (SMR). Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) maintains its own solvency standard which is quantified through the SMR. Aflac Japan's SMR is sensitive to interest rate, credit spread, and foreign exchange rate changes, therefore the Company continues to evaluate alternatives for reducing this sensitivity. In the event of a rapid change in market risk conditions causing SMR to decline, the Company has two senior unsecured revolving credit facilities in the amounts of 100 billion yen and 55 billion yen, respectively, and a committed reinsurance facility in the amount of approximately 110 billion yen as a capital contingency plan. Additionally, the Company could take action to enter into derivatives on unhedged U.S. dollar-denominated investments with foreign currency options or forwards. (See Notes 7 and 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.)

The Company has already undertaken various measures to mitigate the sensitivity of Aflac Japan's SMR. For example, the Company employs policy reserve matching (PRM) investment strategies, which is a Japan-specific accounting treatment that reduces SMR interest rate sensitivity since PRM-designated investments are carried at amortized cost consistent with corresponding liabilities. In order for a PRM-designated asset to be held at amortized cost, there are certain criteria that must be maintained. The primary criteria relates to maintaining the duration of designated assets and liabilities within a specified tolerance range. If the duration difference is not maintained within the specified range without rebalancing, then a certain portion of the assets must be re-classified as available for sale and held at fair value with any associated unrealized gain or loss recorded in surplus. To rebalance, assets may need to be sold in order to maintain the duration with the specified range, resulting in realizing a gain or loss from the sale. For U.S. GAAP, PRM investments are categorized as available-for-sale.available for sale. The Company also uses foreign currency derivatives to hedge a portion of its U.S. dollar-denominated investments. (See Notes 3, 4 and 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20172018 Annual Report for additional information on the Company's investment strategies, hedging activities, and reinsurance, respectively.)


As of SeptemberJune 30, 2018,2019, Aflac Japan's SMR remains high and reflects a strong capital and surplus position. As part of the conversion of Aflac Japan from a branch to a subsidiary on April 1, 2018, the Company experienced an accounting-driven decline in the SMR of approximately 130 points, based on the SMR as of December 31, 2017. The Company expects to be able to pay dividends out of certain accounts, thus restoring this accounting impact over an estimated three-year period. The FSA has been conducting field testing with the insurance industry concerning the introduction of an economic value-based solvency regime. The field testing will assist the FSA in determining if an economic value-based solvency regime in Japan will be appropriate for the insurance industry.

Payments are made from Aflac Japan to the Parent Company for management fees, allocated expenses and remittances of earnings. Prior to the Aflac Japan branch conversion on April 1, 2018, Aflac Japan paid allocated expenses and profit remittances to Aflac U.S. The following table details Aflac Japan remittances for the nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30.
Aflac Japan Remittances 
(In millions of dollars and billions of yen)2018 2017 
Aflac Japan management fees paid to Parent Company$40
 $73
 
Expenses allocated to Aflac Japan (in dollars)8
 80
 
Aflac Japan profit remittances to the Parent Company or Aflac U.S. (in dollars)312
 933
 
Aflac Japan profit remittances to the Parent Company or Aflac U.S. (in yen)33.4
 104.6
 

The Company had foreign exchange forwards and options as part of an economic hedge of foreign exchange risk on 30.0 billion yen of profit remittances received from Aflac Japan in the first nine months of 2018, resulting in $2 million more funds received when the yen were exchanged into dollars relative to what would have been received at the then-current exchange rate.
(In millions of dollars and billions of yen)2019 2018 
Aflac Japan management fees paid to Parent Company$60
 $40
 
Expenses allocated to Aflac Japan (in dollars)3
 8
 
Aflac Japan profit remittances to the Parent Company or Aflac U.S. (in dollars)1,362
 312
 
Aflac Japan profit remittances to the Parent Company or Aflac U.S. (in yen)147.6
 33.4
 
For additional information on regulatory restrictions on dividends, profit repatriations and other transfers, see Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Regulatory Restrictions subsection of MD&A, both in the 20172018 Annual Report.

Other

For information regarding commitments and contingent liabilities, see Note 1312 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Additional Information

Investors should note that the Company announces material financial information in its SEC filings, press releases and public conference calls. In accordance with SEC guidance, the Company may also use the Investor Relations section of the Company's website (http://investors.aflac.com) to communicate with investors about the Company. It is possible that the financial and other information the Company posts there could be deemed to be material information. The information on the Company's website is not part of this document. Further, the Company's references to website URLs are intended to be inactive textual references only.

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The Company is exposed primarily to the following types of market risks: currency risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and equity risk. The Company regularly monitors its market risks and uses a variety of strategies to manage its exposure to these market risks. A description of the Company's market risk exposures may be found under “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in Part II, Item 7A, of the 20172018 Annual Report. There have been no material changes to the Company's market risk exposures from the market risk exposures previously disclosed in the 20172018 Annual Report.


Item 4.Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”)Evaluation Date). Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the thirdsecond fiscal quarter of 20182019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, with the exception of the new and revised internal controls related to the implementation of a new investment accounting reporting system. The Company had also implemented new and revised internal controls related to the upgrade to a newer version of the Company's financial accounting and reporting consolidation system effective January 2018. The Company's management believes that the implementation of these systems has improved and enhanced its internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.Legal Proceedings

On December 14, 2017, three former independent sales contractors filed a shareholders derivative complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York naming the Parent Company as nominal defendant and the Parent Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, several of its directors, and a former officer and director as defendants. The complaint alleges breaches of fiduciary duty, misstatements and omissions in the Company’s public disclosures, and insider trading. The Company’s Board of Directors had previously established a special litigation committee (SLC) in July 2017 to investigate certain allegations underlying the derivative action. The SLC issued a report of its investigation in September 2017 and another report in February 2018, each of which determined that it was not in the best interests of the Company to pursue the action demanded by the shareholders. An amended complaint was filed on January 31, 2018. On February 12, 2018, this litigation was transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. The SLC issued a third report of its investigation in May 2018 regarding certain additional allegations raised in the amended complaint, in which the SLC also determined that it was not in the best interests of the Company to pursue the action demanded by the shareholders. On August 31, 2018, the District Court granted the Company's motion and the amended complaint was dismissed. The plaintiffs have filed a notice of appealappealed the dismissal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The Company believes the outcome of this litigation will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operation or cash flows.

The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits considered to be in the normal course of business. Members of the Company's senior legal and financial management teams review litigation on a quarterly and annual basis. The final results of any litigation cannot be predicted with certainty. Although some of this litigation is pending in states where large punitive damages, bearing little relation to the actual damages sustained by plaintiffs, have been awarded in recent years, the Company believes the outcome of pending litigation will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.


Item 1A.Risk Factors

ReadersThe following should carefully considerbe read in conjunction with and supplements and amends the risk factors that may affect the
Company’s business or operations described under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A. of the Company's 20172018 Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20172018.

Events, including those external to the Company's operations, could damage the Company's reputation.

The Company has made significant investments in the Aflac brand over a long period of time. Because insurance products are intangible, the Company's ability to compete for and maintain policyholders relies to a large extent on consumer trust in Part II, Item 1A.the Company's business, including its alliance partners, sales associates and other distribution partners. The perception of unfavorable business practices or financial weakness with respect to the Company, its alliance partners, sales associates or other distribution partners could create doubt regarding the Company's ability to honor the commitments it has made to its policyholders. Such a perception could also negatively impact the Company’s ability to attract and retain qualified sales associates, brokers and other distribution partners, including its alliance partners in Japan, and could have a material adverse effect on the Company's sales, results of operations and financial condition. Maintaining the Company's stature as a trustworthy insurer and responsible corporate citizen, which helps support the strength of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Qbrand, is critical to the Company's reputation and the failure or perceived failure to do so could adversely affect the Company's brand value, financial condition and results of operations. For example, negative publicity or allegations of unfavorable business practices or poor governance can be rapidly and widely shared over social or traditional media or other means, and could reduce demand for the quarter ended March 31, 2018Company's insurance products, reduce the Company's ability to recruit and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q forretain employees, or lead to greater regulatory scrutiny of the quarter ended June 30, 2018.Company's operations.

Sales of the Company's products and services are dependent on its ability to attract, retain and support a network of qualified sales associates, brokers and employees in the United States and sales associates and other distribution partners in Japan.

The Company's sales could be adversely affected if its sales networks deteriorate or if the Company does not adequately provide support, training and education for its existing network. In the United States, competition exists for sales associates and brokers with demonstrated ability. In Japan, the Company's sales results are dependent upon its relationship with sales associates and other distribution partners, including its alliance partner, Japan Post, which in recent periods has accounted for approximately 25% of Aflac Japan's third sector sales. The Company has become aware of news reports and other public comments regarding improper sales practices relating to products offered by Japan Post

Insurance Co., Ltd., an affiliate of Japan Post Holdings. The Japan Post Group has voluntarily undertaken to refrain from actively offering Japan Post Insurance products to customers for a temporary period and is evaluating other corrective measures. It is uncertain what effect, if any, these developments will have on the Company’s sales of cancer insurance in Japan, results of operations, or financial condition.

The Company competes with other insurers and financial institutions primarily on the basis of its products, compensation, support services and financial rating. The Company's inability to attract and retain qualified sales associates, brokers and other distribution partners, including its alliance partners in Japan, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's sales, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company's sales associates and brokers are independent contractors and may sell products of its competitors. If the Company's competitors offer products that are more attractive, or pay higher commissions than the Company does, any or all of these distribution partners may concentrate their efforts on selling the Company's competitors' products instead of the Company's. In addition to the Company's commissioned sales force in the United States, Aflac has expanded its sales leadership team to include a salaried sales force of over 200 market directors and broker sales professionals. The Company's ability to attract and retain top talent in these salaried roles has a material impact on its sales success.

Additionally, as the Japan and U.S. employment markets continue to evolve, there is risk that the Company's practices regarding attracting, developing, and retaining employees may not be fully effective. Failure to successfully meet and maintain sufficient levels of employees may diminish the Company's ability to achieve its financial and compliance objectives, both of which are time consuming and personnel-intensive.

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
During the first ninesix months of 2018,2019, the Company repurchased shares of its common stock as follows:

PeriodTotal
Number of
Shares
Purchased
 Average
Price Paid
Per Share
 Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
 Maximum    
Number of    
Shares that    
May Yet Be    
Purchased    
Under the    
Plans or    
Programs    
 Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
 Average
Price Paid
Per Share
 Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
 Maximum    
Number of    
Shares that    
May Yet Be    
Purchased    
Under the    
Plans or    
Programs    
 
January 1 - January 312,370,284
 $44.31
 2,370,284
 95,626,488
 4,465,400
 $46.44
 4,465,400
 64,582,487
 
February 1 - February 282,349,600
 44.70
 2,349,600
 93,276,888
 4,170,417
 48.65
 3,624,583
 60,957,904
 
March 1 - March 311,937,161
 44.49
 1,920,400
 91,356,488
 2,162,830
 49.50
 2,147,500
 58,810,404
 
April 1 - April 302,082,500
 44.62
 2,082,500
 89,273,988
 2,177,000
 49.21
 2,177,000
 56,633,404
 
May 1 - May 312,558,472
 45.17
 2,542,900
 86,731,088
 2,813,277
 50.99
 2,812,850
 53,820,554
 
June 1 - June 302,175,100
 44.99
 2,175,100
 84,555,988
 1,964,259
 54.44
 1,952,000
 51,868,554
 
July 1 - July 312,008,123
 43.52
 1,994,900
 82,561,088
 
August 1 - August 312,358,317
 46.64
 2,352,500
 80,208,588
 
September 1 - September 302,668,990
 47.20
 2,654,401
 77,554,187
 
Total20,508,547
(2) 
$45.15
 20,442,585
 77,554,187
(1) 
17,753,183
(1) 
$49.28
 17,179,333
 51,868,554
 
(1)The total remaining shares available for purchase at September 30, 2018, consisted of 77,554,187 shares related to an 80,000,000 share repurchase authorization by the board of directors announced in 2017.
(2)During the first ninesix months of 2018, 65,9622019, 573,850 shares were purchased in connection with income tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of restricted-share-based awards during the period.




Item 6.Exhibits
(a)EXHIBIT INDEX
 
- Articles of Incorporation, as amended – incorporated by reference from Form 10-Q for June 30, 2008, Exhibit 3.0 (File No. 001-07434).
 
- Bylaws of the Corporation, as amended and restated – incorporated by reference from Form 8-K dated November 10, 2015, Exhibit 3.1 (File No. 001-07434).
 
- Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated asThere are no instruments with respect to long-term debt not being registered in which the total amount of October 18, 2018 betweensecurities authorized exceeds 10% of the total assets of Aflac Incorporated and The Bankits subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. We agree to furnish a copy of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (includingany long-term debt instrument to the form of 1.159% Senior Notes due 2030) - incorporated by reference from Form 8-K dated October 18, 2018, Exhibit 4.1 (File No. 001-7434)
-Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 18, 2018 between Aflac IncorporatedSecurities and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (including the form of 1.488% Senior Notes due 2033) - incorporated by reference from Form 8-K dated October 18, 2018, Exhibit 4.2 (File No. 001-7434)
-Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 18, 2018 between Aflac Incorporated and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (including the form of 1.750% Senior Notes due 2038) - incorporated by reference from Form 8-K dated October 18, 2018, Exhibit 4.3 (File No. 001-7434)Exchange Commission upon request.
 
- Letter from KPMG LLP regarding unaudited interim financial information.
 
- Certification of CEO dated November 1, 2018,July 26, 2019, required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
- Certification of CFO dated November 1, 2018,July 26, 2019, required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
- Certification of CEO and CFO dated November 1, 2018,July 26, 2019, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 101.INS
- XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
 101.SCH
- XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
 101.CAL
- XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
 101.DEF
- XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
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- XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
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- XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
  
    


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
  Aflac Incorporated
   
November 1, 2018July 26, 2019 
/s/ Frederick J. Crawford
  (Frederick J. Crawford)
  
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
   
November 1, 2018July 26, 2019 
/s/ June Howard
  (June Howard)
  Senior Vice President, Financial Services; Chief Accounting Officer


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