American Financial Group, Inc. (AFG) closed at $136.2 on Thursday, near its 52-week high of $137.95. This proximity underscores investor confidence. It has the ingredients for further price appreciation. The stock is trading above the 50-day and 200-day simple moving average (SMA) of $130.68 and $126.96, respectively, indicating solid upward momentum. SMA is a widely used technical analysis tool to predict future price trends by analyzing historical price data.AFG has a solid surprise history. The property ...

A month has gone by since the last earnings report for American Financial Group (AFG) . Shares have added about 8.2% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is American Financial due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts. American Financial Q2 Earnings T ...

Shares of American Financial Group, Inc. (AFG) have gained 12.4% in the past year, underperforming the industry’s growth of 28.7% and the Zacks S&P 500 composite’s rise of 24.4%.AFG Lags Industry and S&PImage Source: Zacks Investment ResearchBased on the forward 12-month price-to-book ratio, AFG is currently trading at 2.53X, above its 2.31X five-year median and industry average of 1.61X.Its earnings have traditionally been affected by catastrophes. Even drought, which does not otherwise qualify as a catast ...

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Dividend Increase and Shareholder Returns - American Financial Group (AFG) announced a 12.7% increase in its annual common stock dividend, raising it to $3.20 per share from $2.84 [1] - The company will disburse the increased dividend quarterly at 80 cents per share starting October 2024 [1] - AFG's dividend yield is 2.1%, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.2% [1] - The company has a 10-year compound annual growth rate for dividends of 12.4% [2] - AFG returned $59 million to shareholders through regular quarterly dividends and paid a special dividend of $2.50 per share, totaling approximately $209 million in Q2 2024 [4] Financial Strength and Capital Management - AFG maintains a moderate adjusted financial leverage of around 20% and has strong cash flow and interest coverage ratios [3] - As of June 30, 2024, the parent company held approximately $438 million in cash and investments [3] - The company has increased its dividends for 18 consecutive years [3] - AFG's return on equity (ROE) was 21.6% in the trailing 12 months, compared to the industry average of 7.9% [4] - The company expects to generate significant excess capital in 2024, providing opportunities for additional share repurchases or special dividends [4] Industry Comparison and Performance - AFG shares have gained 14.4% in the past year, while the industry has grown by 27.5% [5] - MGIC Investment Corporation (MTG) also increased its quarterly dividend by 13% to 13 cents per share, reflecting strong financial performance and capital position [7] - NMI Holdings Inc (NMIH) and Arch Capital Group Ltd (ACGL) are better-ranked stocks in the property and casualty insurance industry, each carrying a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [8] - NMIH shares have jumped 37.8% in a year, with earnings surpassing estimates in the last four quarters by an average of 10.15% [8] - ACGL shares have jumped 40.3% in a year, with earnings surpassing estimates in the last four quarters by an average of 28.93% [8]

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q ☑ Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2024 or ☐ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from ____ to ____ Commission File No. 1-13653 AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. Incorporated under the Laws of Ohio IRS Employer I.D. No. 31-1544320 301 East Fourth Street, Cinci ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - AFG reported core net operating earnings of $2.56 per share for Q2 2024, with an annualized core operating return on equity of 18.5% [7][5] - Property and Casualty (P&C) net investment income increased by 15% year-over-year, excluding alternative investments, driven by higher interest rates and increased asset balances [7][8] - The combined ratio for the Specialty Property and Casualty insurance businesses improved to 90.5%, a 1.4-point enhancement from Q2 2023 [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Specialty Property and Transportation group achieved a combined ratio of 92.9, improving by 1.3 points from the previous year, with gross and net written premiums up by 2% [11] - Specialty Casualty group reported an excellent combined ratio of 85.4, improving by 1.2 points year-over-year, with gross written premiums flat and net written premiums up by 2% [12] - Specialty Financial group maintained a strong combined ratio of 89.7, with gross written premiums flat and net written premiums up by 3% [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average renewal pricing across the P&C group, excluding workers' compensation, increased by 8% for the quarter, while overall renewal rates were up 6% [10] - The company expects net written premium growth of 7% for the full year 2024, despite some timing issues in crop premium recognition [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - AFG emphasizes long-term value creation through disciplined capital management and a focus on underwriting profitability [5][15] - The company is cautious in social inflation-exposed businesses, adjusting its appetite for risk in response to changing loss trends [18][19] - AFG continues to explore M&A opportunities while considering share repurchases and special dividends as part of its capital management strategy [48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the crop year, citing improved conditions compared to previous years and favorable commodity pricing [24] - The company remains focused on improving underwriting results in commercial auto liability, which has seen significant rate increases [20][55] - Management noted that while there are challenges in certain lines, the overall outlook for the P&C business remains positive [15][18] Other Important Information - AFG returned $59 million to shareholders through dividends in Q2 2024 and expects to generate significant excess capital throughout the year [8] - The company reported minimal loss exposure related to the CrowdStrike event, indicating strong operational resilience [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: What has changed regarding the pullback in certain lines of business, especially social inflationary lines? - Management indicated that loss ratio trends have moved upward, prompting a more cautious approach in certain areas, despite achieving double-digit rate increases [18] Question: How is commercial auto pricing trending currently? - Commercial auto liability rates increased by 16% in Q2, following a 21% increase in Q1, with a focus on improving underwriting results [20] Question: Were there material crop reserve releases this quarter? - Favorable development in crop reserves was noted, with higher levels than typical for the second quarter due to conservative booking practices [23] Question: Can you provide insights on the favorable development in the casualty business? - The casualty group experienced net favorable development, particularly in workers' compensation, with some adverse development in excess liability [27] Question: What does a bad year in specialty financial look like? - A major hurricane could negatively impact results, but the company has mechanisms in place to mitigate downside risks through commission structures [30] Question: How is the competitive environment in the excess and surplus lines market? - Submission flow remains consistent, with no significant encroachment from the admitted market noted [64] Question: What is the outlook for the multifamily real estate portfolio? - The multifamily operations are performing well despite new supply, with long-term prospects remaining optimistic due to housing shortages [70]

American Financial Group, Inc. (AFG) reported second-quarter 2024 net operating earnings per share of $2.56, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.2%. The bottom line increased 8% year over year.American Financial’s results reflected higher premiums, lower catastrophe losses and improved underwriting profit at Property & Transportation Group, Specialty Casualty Group and Specialty Financial Group, partially offset by lower net investment income.Behind the Headlines  Total revenues of $1.8 billion ros ...

Exhibit 99.1 American Financial Group, Inc. Announces Second Quarter Results CINCINNATI – August 6, 2024 – American Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: AFG) today reported 2024 second quarter net earnings of $209 million ($2.49 per share) compared to $200 million ($2.34 per share) for the 2023 second quarter. Net earnings for the 2024 second quarter included after-tax non-core losses of $6 million ($0.07 per share loss). By comparison, net earnings in the 2023 second quarter included net after-tax non-core items t ...

teekid/E+ via Getty Images Shares of American Financial Group (NYSE:AFG) have been a moderate performer over the past year, rising by 13%, though it has also paid $4 in special dividends alongside its quarterly $0.71 payout. I last covered AFG in May, rating shares a “buy,” though shares have underperformed a bit, down 4% in a flat market environment. While growth was slow, Q2 results were solid, and a potential turn in apartment rents should provide added benefit to 2025 earnings. I remain bullish. S ...