COLUMBUS, Ga., Oct. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aflac Incorporated announced today that it will take early delivery of 10.7 million common shares that were acquired through a previously announced repurchase agreement. The company will also receive $141.8 million of unused funds. This will bring the total number of shares Aflac has repurchased in 2008 to 23.2 million.

Commenting on the announcement, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Daniel P. Amos stated: "Given the uncertainties in the marketplace, we felt it was best to take early delivery of the shares and terminate the agreement at this time. However, we still believe that repurchasing our shares is the best use of excess capital, and we will continue to purchase our shares in a way that is consistent with our financial objectives. At the same time, we continue to believe we are well-positioned to achieve our objectives for earnings-per-share growth for this year and next. Our goal for 2008 is a 14% to 15% increase in operating earnings per share, excluding the impact of foreign currency. Our objective for 2009 is to increase operating earnings per share 13% to 15%, excluding the impact of foreign currency."

For more than 50 years, Aflac products have given policyholders the opportunity to direct cash where it is needed most when a life-interrupting medical event causes financial challenges. Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States and the number one insurance company in terms of individual insurance policies in force in Japan. Our insurance products provide protection to more than 40 million people worldwide. Aflac has been included in Fortune magazine's list of America's Most Admired Companies for seven years and in Fortune magazine's list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for ten consecutive years. Aflac has been recognized three times by both Fortune magazine's list of the Top 50 Employers for Minorities and Working Mother magazine's list of the 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers and has also been included in Ethisphere magazine's list of the World's Most Ethical Companies for two consecutive years. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com.

Source: Aflac Incorporated

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