Message from Management 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

2000 Results - Setting Records

Our challenges in 2000 were similar to those we faced in 1999. Japan's weak economy provided a difficult environment for growth, and we continued preparing for a deregulated market. In the United States, we faced the task of extending the tremendous record of growth we have produced in the last several years. By executing a proven strategy, we met these challenges while laying a foundation for future growth. Here are some of the highlights from 2000:

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    Adjusted for two-for-one stock
    split payable on March 16, 2001
  • Excluding the effect of foreign currency translation, operating earnings per share increased 18.0% on a diluted basis, exceeding our target of 15% to 17% growth.

  • Operating return on average shareholders' equity was 21.7% for the year.

  • We purchased 9.7 million shares of our stock during the year.

  • Our board of directors increased the quarterly cash dividend 13.2% in 2000, marking the 18th consecutive year we have increased the dividend.
We also enjoyed continued recognition for our accomplishments. For the third year in a row, we were rated as one of the top companies to work for by Fortune magazine in its annual listing of "The 100 Best Companies to Work For in America." In June our company was included as one of the "100 Best Places to Work in IT" by Computerworld magazine. In January 2001 Forbes ranked AFLAC 44th in its Platinum 400 listing of "America's Best Big Companies." We were especially pleased to be included in Fortune magazine's February 2001 list of the most admired insurance companies.

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