American Financial (US:AFG)2026-02-04 17:32Financial 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 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 profits in specialty property and casualty businesses grew 41% in Q4 2025, with a combined ratio of 84.1%, an improvement of nearly 5 points from the prior year [14] - Gross written premiums for Q4 2025 were up 2%, while net written premiums were down 1% compared to the same period in 2024 [14] - The Property and Transportation Group achieved a 70.6% combined ratio 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] - AFG's investment portfolio totaled $17.2 billion, with approximately 65% invested in fixed maturities yielding about 5.25% [7][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - AFG aims for premium growth of 3%-5% in 2026, with a combined ratio target of approximately 92.5% [23] - The company is optimistic about several startup businesses and expects to see growth opportunities in specialty casualty and other lines [24][68] - AFG's strategy includes maintaining a disciplined focus on underwriting profitability while pursuing growth opportunities [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of reserves and the ability to navigate competitive conditions while pursuing profitable growth [24] - The company anticipates a stable crop year in 2026, which is expected to positively impact the crop insurance business [47] - Management acknowledged pockets of softening rates but remains focused on disciplined growth strategies [24] Other Important Information - AFG declared a special dividend of $1.50 per share, payable on February 25, 2026, with an aggregate amount of approximately $125 million [9] - The company has declared $55.50 per share in special dividends since 2021, totaling $4.7 billion [10] 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 do not specifically identify amounts for prior development in the combined ratio but expect favorable development based on historical trends [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][32] Question: What drove the inflection in pricing for the lender-placed business? - Management expressed confidence in the profitability of the lender-placed business and noted that pricing can vary based on client property characteristics [53][55] Question: Are the social inflation-related businesses stabilized? - Management indicated that corrective steps have been taken, and there are opportunities for mid-single-digit growth in these businesses [60] Question: What is the outlook for the alternative investment portfolio? - Management expects a return to historical levels of 10% or better, contingent on improvements in the multifamily property market [62][63]