We caution readers that the following factors , in addition to other factors mentioned from time to time , could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements : difficult conditions in global capital markets and the economy generally ; governmental actions for the purpose of stabilizing the financial markets ; defaults and downgrades in certain securities in our investment portfolio ; impairment of financial institutions ; credit and other risks associated with Aflac 's investment in perpetual securities ; differing judgments applied to investment valuations ; subjective determinations of amount of impairments taken on our investments ; realization of unrealized losses ; limited availability of acceptable yen-denominated investments ; concentration of our investments in any particular sector ; concentration of business in Japan ; ongoing changes in our industry ; exposure to significant financial and capital markets risk ; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates ; significant changes in investment yield rates ; deviations in actual experience from pricing and reserving assumptions ; subsidiaries ' ability to pay dividends to the Parent Company ; changes in regulation by governmental authorities ; ability to attract and retain qualified sales associates and employees ; ability to continue to develop and implement improvements in information technology systems ; changes in U.S. and / or Japanese accounting standards ; decreases in our financial strength or debt ratings ; level and outcome of litigation ; ability to effectively manage key executive succession ; catastrophic events ; and failure of internal controls or corporate governance policies and procedures .