American Financial (AFG) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - AFG's core net operating earnings were $10.29 per share for the full year 2025, with a core operating return on equity of 18.2% [5] - For Q4 2025, core net operating earnings per share were $3.65, resulting in an annualized fourth quarter core return on equity of 25.2% [5] - The company returned over $700 million to shareholders in 2025, including $334 million in special dividends and $274 million in regular dividends [6][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Underwriting profit in specialty property and casualty insurance grew 41% in Q4 2025, with a combined ratio of 84.1%, an improvement of nearly 5 points from the prior year [12][13] - Gross written premiums for Q4 2025 increased by 2%, while net written premiums decreased by 1% compared to the same period in 2024 [13] - The property and transportation group achieved a combined ratio of 70.6% in Q4 2025, an improvement of nearly 19 points from the prior year [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The annualized return on alternative investments in the P&C portfolio was 0.9% for Q4 2025, down from 4.9% in the prior year [8] - The company expects a growth in net written premiums of 3%-5% for 2026, with a combined ratio target of approximately 92.5% [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - AFG aims to maintain a disciplined focus on underwriting profitability while pursuing growth opportunities in 2026 [24] - The company is optimistic about several startup businesses and expects to see progress in areas like Specialty Construction and Embedded Solutions [45] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of reserves and the ability to navigate changing economic conditions [12] - The company is mindful of softening rates and competitive conditions but believes its reserve strength and healthy rate environment will support growth [24] Other Important Information - AFG's leverage ratio is less than 28%, with no debt maturities until 2030, and insurance company financial strength ratings at A+ [10] - The company declared a special dividend of $1.50 per share, payable on February 25, 2026 [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: What does the 2026 business plan assume in terms of rates relative to the 5% P&C renewal pricing? - Management indicated that they are not specifically identifying amounts for prior development but expect favorable development based on their reserving strategy [27] Question: Was there any change in loss picks for the casualty underlying loss ratio? - Management noted continued caution around social inflation-exposed businesses and adjustments in loss picks, particularly in California workers' compensation [30][31] Question: What drove the inflection in pricing in the lender-placed business? - Management stated that pricing can vary based on client property types and that the business remains extremely profitable despite some lumpiness in pricing [56] Question: Are the social inflation-related businesses stabilized? - Management indicated that corrective steps have been taken, and there is potential for mid-single-digit growth in these businesses moving forward [62] Question: What is the outlook for the alternative investment portfolio? - Management expects a return to historical levels of returns on alternatives will require a better rate environment for multifamily properties [66]