Insurer AFLAC Inc. Declares Quarterly Increase in Dividend.(Originated from Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, Ga.)

Apr. 9--AFLAC Inc. at its annual meeting Monday declared a 14.9 percent quarterly cash dividend increase to 10 cents a share.

The increase -- which set the tone for an optimistic message from Chief Executive Officer Daniel Amos -- continued a string of 14 consecutive years the dividend has climbed. It is payable June 3 to shareholders of record May 17.

"AFLAC's corporate objective is to increase the cash dividend 10 percent to 15 percent annually," said Amos. "The board of director's decision to increase the dividend at the high end of that range is a reflection of our optimism for the future."

In Japan, where AFLAC does about 80 percent of its business …