May 1 (Reuters) - Insurance provider Aflac ( AFL )

reported first-quarter profit above analysts' estimates on

Wednesday, helped by improved premiums earned in the United

States.

Aflac's ( AFL ) shares rose 1.42% in extended trading.

Its U.S. unit earned net premiums of $1.5 billion for the

quarter ended March 31, up 3.3% from a year earlier.

Net earnings in the first quarter came in at $1.9 billion,

compared with $1.18 billion a year earlier.

On an adjusted basis, the Georgia-based company reported a

quarterly per share profit of $1.66, topping analysts' average

estimate of $1.58 per share, according to LSEG data.

According to Jefferies analyst Suneet Kamath, long-term

interest rates will remain high for longer, helping life sector

insurers pivot to growth in 2024.

The company lowered its 2026 sales expectations for its

Japan business in February, owing to slower sales recovery.

However, Aflac ( AFL ) did not provide commentary for its Japan

business's 2026 sales forecast this quarter.

Improved net premiums earned in its U.S. businesses partly

contributed to Aflac's ( AFL ) overall net premiums.