How would you characterize 2005?

From Aflac's perspective, 2005 was an excellent year all around. It brought a strong conclusion to our first 50 years of operations and built a solid bridge into Aflac's future. In 2005, the entire Aflac team joined together and accomplished many great things. First and foremost, we achieved all of our major objectives — most importantly, our earnings objective — but also our revenues and new sales goals. Second, advertising took on the important task of defining how our products work and how they can help people. Third, we developed innovative products that we think will make a difference in consumers' lives. And finally, we leveraged technology to make us that much more efficient at what we do.

But when I think of 2005, there is something else. Many policyholders, members of our sales force, and shareholders were affected by several hurricanes. But I am proud to say that our sales force and headquarters' employees were there to help. They made donations, supported our company's response, and tried to smooth out as many rough spots as possible for those impacted by the hurricanes.

Why has it been so important to bring greater definition to Aflac's brand?

Most people know the Aflac name, but not enough know exactly what we do. So we want to tell people how our products work so they can see how Aflac differs from other kinds of insurance. Our 2005 commercials delivered a message that better defines Aflac while continuing to entertain. Initial testing tells us that our brand message is reaching consumers. Our unaided awareness among general consumers has doubled in the last five years to 49%. And we were encouraged that many consumers and employers tell us that they finally understand how we can help them.

Can Aflac continue its strong rate of growth?

Success can be a double-edged sword. It can create difficult comparisons for the future. Having said that, our size is beneficial to us because of the financial stability it provides and the administrative efficiency that allows us to offer low-cost products, both of which give us a competitive edge. Simply put, we see enormous potential in both of our markets. With rising copayments, deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses in the United States and Japan, there is still great opportunity ahead. We stick to what we do best, which is a strategy that has helped us achieve our earnings targets. It's also one we believe will extend our record of growth over the long term.

In 2005, Aflac celebrated its 50^th anniversary. Why is Aflac here to stay for the next 50 years?

Over the years, our product line may have expanded, but Aflac's mission is unchanged. Our products are based on the concept of paying cash when a health event disrupts life. Although some of the policy details will be different years from now as specific consumer needs evolve, I believe the concept on which our products are based will be just as relevant in 2055 as it is today. We'll continue our strategy of keeping our products in tune with market trends and maintaining an effective sales force to deliver them. Add to that our financial strength, brand recognition, and operational efficiencies, and Aflac is positioned to provide a measure of financial security to millions. Additionally, many signs point to future trends that may involve larger gaps in health care coverage. As a result, I believe the United States and Japan afford us enormous opportunities.