Aflac, Inc. (NYSE:AFL)

LegendPhoenix (66.70) Submitted: 8/13/2011 11:21:10 AM : Start Price: $42.31 AFL Score: +0.05

Aflac's stock has had a rough year and it's currently trading at a 52-week low.  The trajectory of Aflac's stock price is that of a company who may have disrespected their customers, disappointed their shareholders or got caught doing something illegal or financially dumb – but none of these are the case.  They have paid the claims of their policyholders affected by the disasters in Japan.  They continue to show their appreciation to investors in the form of a 3% dividend yield while maintaining very sustainable payout ratio of around 30%.  They paid a premium to sell their securities in risky European banks which tells me that they're looking out for their investors.  And despite their losses from the derisking, a rough economy and high unemployment, Aflac's earnings are still favorable.
Although the stock price may continue to drop for the short term, I feel the fundamentals of Aflac are strong and I can no longer resist the urge to buy at the current price.