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StockCall Scans Unum Group and AFLAC Inc.: Health Insurance Sector Rebounds

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Wed Feb 13, 2013 8:00am EST

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LONDON,  February 13, 2013  /PRNewswire/ --

Health insurance stocks are responding well to the recovering economic
conditions. While the sector's performance is heavily dependent on macroeconomic
and regulatory factors, the companies are also working to improve their
efficiencies and margins. Unum Group (NYSE: UNM) reported strong Q4 results but
still expects its short-term growth to be lower than its long-term growth
targets. AFLAC Inc. (NYSE: AFL), on the other hand, is expanding its business in
overseas market, specifically in  Japan. The company derives over 80 percent of
its total revenue from the Japanese insurance market. The sector looks robust
with improving economic conditions. StockCall has taken an interest in these
companies and you can now sign up to download the free technical research on
Unum Group and AFLAC Inc. at  http://www.stockcall.com/registration   

Unum Group Reports Good Q4 Results

Unum Group performed well despite weak economic scenario. The company recently
reported its fourth quarter financial numbers and its net income jumped to 
$233.9 million, up from a net loss reported in the corresponding quarter of last
year. Unum Group expects its 2013 after tax operating income to grow in the
range of 0 to 6 percent. The company also reported improvement in its
low-performing divisions. Unum Group's U.S. disability business also showed
better-than-expected growth. Register to download the free technical analysis on
Unum Group at  http://www.StockCall.com/UNM021313.pdf   

Unum Group stock grew 7.7 percent in the past 52 weeks. However, the company
also provided additional value to its stockholders by buying back its shares.
The insurance company bought  $600 million  worth of its stock in 2012.
Shareholders also stand to benefit as the company responds to general
improvement in the overall economy.

Unum Group has paid  13 cents  per share in quarterly dividend. It is taking a
conservative approach towards growth and is keeping its risk profile low. The
strategy is designed to bring long-term value to its stock. Unum Group stock is
also a good buy at this point as it trades at a discount to its book value,
showing good upside potential. Its P/E ratio is quite conservative at 7.90. Unum
Group offers good growth prospects for long-term investors.

AFLAC Grows its EPS

AFLAC Inc. is an ideal candidate for an income portfolio. While the stock
tumbled more than 75 percent during the recession, it still retained its
dividend payment and its dividend growth rate stands at 30 percent. The company
also has the record of increasing its annual dividend for past 30 years. AFLAC
expects to grow its earnings annually at 6.51 percent and plans to boost its
dividend payments accordingly. In short, the company offers high assurance level
for its dividend stability. Sign up today to read the free research report on
AFLAC Inc. at  http://www.StockCall.com/AFL021313.pdf   

The company recently reported its quarterly results and its EPS stood at  $1.24,
up from  $1.15  per share it had earned a year earlier. The company is also
driving its international business up. Its venture in the Japanese insurance
market is thriving. However, it also leaves the business vulnerable to
dollar-yen exchange rate risks. The company currently holds a leadership
position in the Japanese cancer and medical insurance market. AFLAC stock trades
at P/E ratio of 8.1, which is considerably lower than the industry average of
12.60.  Despite its recent gains, the stock is still off its pre-recession highs
and thus offers a very good investment opportunity.

About StockCall.com

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SOURCE  StockCall.com


William T. Knight, Email: info@stockcall.com, Contact Number: +1-646-396-9857
(9:00 am EST - 01:30 pm EST)

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