Debt-to-Equity Ratio
Higher than 43% of Financial Services sector peers
Updated 20h ago
Sector Performance
43th percentileAFL
0.35x
Sector Median
0.41x
Sector Avg
0.70x
Deep Analysis
Aflac’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.35x means that for every dollar of shareholder equity, the company carries 35 cents of debt, measuring financial leverage.
This sits below the Financial Services sector median of 0.43x, placing the firm at the 41st percentile among peers—indicating a lower debt load than most competitors. The metric is stable, with the same 0.35x value for the past eight quarters, no year-over-year change (+0.0%), and no quarter-over-quarter change (+0.0%). The combination of a below-median debt level and a flat trend implies a consistent, low-leverage profile that reduces financial risk but also suggests the company is not actively using debt to pursue growth opportunities. Because the ratio is both low and stable, it does not contradict the overall CAUTIOUS verdict—rather, it supports caution by showing no recent improvement or deterioration, leaving other risk factors to drive the full view.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Debt-to-Equity Ratio tell investors about AFL?
Shows how much a company is financing its operations through debt vs shareholder funds. High D/E can amplify returns — and losses.
How is the Debt-to-Equity Ratio calculated?
Debt-to-Equity Ratio is calculated as: Total Debt / Shareholders' Equity.
How does AFL's Debt-to-Equity Ratio compare to its sector?
AFL's Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.35x compares to a Financial Services sector median of 0.41x, placing it in the 43th percentile.
Who are AFL's closest peers by Debt-to-Equity Ratio?
The closest Financial Services peers by Debt-to-Equity Ratio include: RJF (0.43x), AIZ (0.38x), SPGI (0.44x), COF (0.45x), RF (0.34x).
The Formula
Total Debt / Shareholders' Equity
Why It Matters
Shows how much a company is financing its operations through debt vs shareholder funds. High D/E can amplify returns — and losses.
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0.35x
Sector Median
0.41x
Sector Avg
0.70x
How AFL's Debt-to-Equity Ratio compares to sector peers.
Also Analyze
Not financial advice. Research tool only. Data may be delayed.