Aflac Stock Slides 0.60% with 60.22% Volume Jump Ranks 321st in Trading Activity as Buybacks Expand to 130.9M Shares

Aflac (AFL) saw a 0.60% decline in its stock price on August 12, 2025, with a trading volume of $0.34 billion, a 60.22% increase from the previous day, ranking 321st in market activity. The company announced a significant expansion of its share repurchase program, authorizing an additional 100 million common shares, bringing the total available for repurchase to approximately 130.9 million shares. This move, complementing the remaining 30.9 million shares from a prior authorization, signals management’s confidence in the stock’s valuation and aims to enhance shareholder value. The repurchase strategy will be executed through open market or negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions.

The decision to increase buybacks aligns with Aflac’s long-term capital allocation priorities, reflecting its strong cash flow generation and disciplined approach to returning capital to investors. Analysts note that such aggressive repurchase programs often stabilize investor sentiment, particularly in volatile markets. However, the 0.60% decline on the day suggests potential counterforces, such as broader market sell-offs or sector-specific pressures, may have offset the positive news.

Aflac also introduced temporary relief measures for policyholders in multiple U.S. regions affected by natural disasters, including wildfires, floods, and storms. These initiatives, while primarily customer-focused, could indirectly impact operational costs and claims management. The company extended premium grace periods, relaxed administrative requirements, and provided out-of-network access for affected members. While these actions reinforce Aflac’s brand reputation, their financial implications are likely manageable given the company’s robust reserves.

The strategy of buying the top 500 stocks by daily trading volume and holding them for one day generated a total profit of $2,300 from 2022 to the present. The maximum drawdown of -15.7% occurred in early 2023, underscoring the strategy’s exposure to market volatility. This historical performance highlights the risks inherent in high-volume trading approaches, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty.