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American Financial Group, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

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American Financial Group (AFG) reported strong Q4 and full-year 2024 results, with net earnings of $3.03 per share in Q4 and $10.57 per share for the full year. Core net operating earnings reached $3.12 per share in Q4 2024, up from $2.84 in Q4 2023, driven by higher P&C net investment income and improved returns on alternative investments.

The company achieved a full-year ROE of 19.0% and maintained strong underwriting performance with an 89.0% combined ratio in Q4. AFG's specialty P&C operations saw premium growth, with full-year gross and net written premiums increasing by 9% and 7% respectively, setting new records. Average renewal pricing excluding workers' compensation increased by 8%.

AFG returned approximately $791 million to shareholders in 2024, including $545 million in special dividends ($6.50 per share). The company's book value per share was $53.18 at year-end, with growth in book value plus dividends reaching 23.0% for the year.

American Financial Group (AFG) ha riportato risultati solidi nel quarto trimestre e per l'intero anno del 2024, con un utile netto di $3.03 per azione nel Q4 e di $10.57 per l'intero anno. Gli utili operativi netti core hanno raggiunto i $3.12 per azione nel Q4 2024, in aumento rispetto ai $2.84 nel Q4 2023, grazie a un incremento del reddito netto da investimenti in P&C e a rendimenti migliorati sugli investimenti alternativi.

L'azienda ha raggiunto un ROE annuo del 19.0% e ha mantenuto una forte performance di sottoscrittura con un rapporto combinato dell'89.0% nel Q4. Le operazioni specializzate in P&C di AFG hanno visto una crescita dei premi, con i premi lordi e netti scritti per l'intero anno in aumento rispettivamente del 9% e del 7%, stabilendo nuovi record. I prezzi medi di rinnovo, esclusa l'assicurazione contro gli infortuni sul lavoro, sono aumentati dell'8%.

AFG ha restituito circa $791 milioni agli azionisti nel 2024, inclusi $545 milioni in dividendi speciali ($6.50 per azione). Il valore contabile per azione dell'azienda era di $53.18 a fine anno, con una crescita del valore contabile più i dividendi che ha raggiunto il 23.0% per l'anno.

American Financial Group (AFG) reportó resultados sólidos en el cuarto trimestre y para todo el año 2024, con ganancias netas de $3.03 por acción en el Q4 y de $10.57 por acción para el año completo. Las ganancias operativas netas fundamentales alcanzaron los $3.12 por acción en el Q4 2024, un aumento respecto a los $2.84 en el Q4 2023, impulsadas por mayores ingresos netos por inversiones en P&C y mejores rendimientos en inversiones alternativas.

La empresa logró un ROE anual del 19.0% y mantuvo un sólido desempeño en suscripción con una ratio combinada del 89.0% en el Q4. Las operaciones especializadas en P&C de AFG vieron crecimiento en las primas, con primas brutas y netas escritas para el año completo aumentando un 9% y un 7% respectivamente, estableciendo nuevos récords. El precio promedio de renovación, excluyendo la compensación de trabajadores, aumentó un 8%.

AFG devolvió aproximadamente $791 millones a los accionistas en 2024, incluyendo $545 millones en dividendos especiales ($6.50 por acción). El valor contable por acción de la empresa era de $53.18 al final del año, con un crecimiento en el valor contable más dividendos que alcanzó el 23.0% para el año.

미국 재무 그룹(AFG)은 2024년 4분기 및 전체 연도에 대해 강력한 실적을 보고했으며, 4분기 주당 순이익은 $3.03, 전체 연도 주당 $10.57에 달했습니다. 핵심 운영 순이익은 2024년 4분기에 주당 $3.12로 증가하였으며, 이는 2023년 4분기의 $2.84에서 상승한 것으로, 높은 P&C 순 투자 수익과 대체 투자에서 개선된 수익률에 힘입었습니다.

회사는 2024년 전체 연도의 ROE 19.0%을 달성하였고, 4분기에는 89.0%의 결합 비율로 강력한 인수 성과를 유지했습니다. AFG의 전문 P&C 사업은 프리미엄 증가를 경험하였으며, 전체 연도의 총 및 순 기재 프리미엄은 각각 9% 및 7% 증가하여 새로운 기록을 세웠습니다. 근로자의 보상을 제외한 평균 갱신 가격은 8% 상승했습니다.

AFG는 2024년에 약 $791백만을 주주에게 환원했으며, 이 중 $545백만은 특별 배당금(주당 $6.50)으로 지급되었습니다. 연말에 회사의 주당 장부 가치는 $53.18이었으며, 장부 가치와 배당금의 성장은 연간 23.0%에 달했습니다.

American Financial Group (AFG) a annoncé de solides résultats pour le quatrième trimestre et pour l'année 2024, avec un bénéfice net de 3,03 $ par action au Q4 et de 10,57 $ par action pour l'année entière. Les bénéfices opérationnels nets de base ont atteint 3,12 $ par action au Q4 2024, en hausse par rapport à 2,84 $ au Q4 2023, grâce à une augmentation des revenus nets d'investissement en P&C et des rendements améliorés sur les investissements alternatifs.

L'entreprise a atteint un ROE annuel de 19,0% et a maintenu une forte performance en assurance avec un ratio combiné de 89,0% au Q4. Les opérations spécialisées en P&C d'AFG ont connu une croissance des primes, avec des primes brutes et nettes écrites pour l'année entière en hausse de 9% et de 7%, établissant de nouveaux records. Le prix moyen de renouvellement, hors assurance accidents du travail, a augmenté de 8%.

AFG a retourné environ 791 millions de dollars aux actionnaires en 2024, dont 545 millions de dollars en dividendes spéciaux (6,50 $ par action). La valeur comptable par action de l'entreprise était de 53,18 $ à la fin de l'année, avec une croissance de la valeur comptable plus les dividendes atteignant 23,0% pour l'année.

American Financial Group (AFG) berichtete über starke Ergebnisse im vierten Quartal und für das gesamte Jahr 2024, mit einem Nettogewinn von $3,03 pro Aktie im Q4 und $10,57 pro Aktie für das Gesamtjahr. Die operativen Kernerträge betrugen im vierten Quartal 2024 $3,12 pro Aktie, ein Anstieg von $2,84 im vierten Quartal 2023, angetrieben durch höhere Nettoerträge aus P&C-Investitionen und verbesserte Renditen aus alternativen Anlagen.

Das Unternehmen erzielte eine Gesamtjahres-Roe von 19,0% und hielt eine starke Underwriting-Performance mit einer kombinierten Quote von 89,0% im Q4. AFGs Spezial-P&C-Operationen verzeichneten Prämienwachstum, wobei die gesamten Brutto- und Netto-Prämien für das Jahr um 9% bzw. 7% stiegen und damit neue Rekorde aufstellten. Die durchschnittlichen Erneuerungspreise ohne die Arbeiterunfallversicherung stiegen um 8%.

AFG gab 2024 etwa $791 Millionen an die Aktionäre zurück, darunter $545 Millionen an Sonderdividenden ($6,50 pro Aktie). Der Buchwert pro Aktie des Unternehmens betrug zum Jahresende $53,18, wobei das Wachstum des Buchwerts plus Dividenden für das Jahr 23,0% erreichte.

Positive
  • Core net operating earnings increased to $3.12 per share in Q4 2024 from $2.84 in Q4 2023
  • Strong full-year ROE of 19.0% and core operating ROE of 19.3%
  • Record premium production with 9% gross and 7% net written premium growth
  • Returned $791 million to shareholders in 2024
  • Book value per share plus dividends grew 23.0% for the year
  • P&C net investment income increased 21% year-over-year in Q4
Negative
  • Q4 underwriting profit decreased to $204 million from $212 million in Q4 2023
  • 1.8 points of adverse prior year reserve development in Q4 2024
  • Estimated losses of $60-70 million from Southern California wildfires
  • After-tax unrealized losses of $212 million on fixed maturities at year-end

Insights

American Financial Group's Q4 2024 results showcase exceptional financial performance and strategic execution. The company's core net operating earnings of $3.12 per share represent a 9.9% increase from Q4 2023, driven by improved investment returns and strong underwriting discipline.

The P&C operations delivered impressive results with an 89.0% combined ratio, despite facing $60-70 million in estimated losses from Southern California wildfires. The ability to maintain sub-90 combined ratios across all specialty segments demonstrates superior risk selection and pricing power.

Investment performance was particularly noteworthy, with P&C net investment income increasing 21% year-over-year. The 5.75% reinvestment rate and 8% expected return on alternative investments for 2025 indicate a well-positioned portfolio in the current rate environment. The five-year average return of 12% on alternative investments showcases consistent outperformance in this asset class.

Capital management remains a key strength, with AFG returning $791 million to shareholders in 2024, including $545 million in special dividends. The 12.7% increase in quarterly dividends, combined with share repurchases, reflects management's commitment to shareholder returns while maintaining financial flexibility for growth opportunities.

Looking ahead to 2025, the projected 5% premium growth and 18% core operating ROE guidance suggest continued momentum, supported by favorable pricing trends particularly in the Specialty Casualty segment where rate increases excluding workers' compensation reached 11%.

  • Net earnings per share of $3.03 in the fourth quarter; full year net earnings per share of $10.57
  • Core net operating earnings per share of $3.12 in the fourth quarter; full year core net operating earnings per share of $10.75
  • Full year 2024 ROE of 19.0%; 2024 core operating ROE of 19.3%
  • Overall average renewal rate increases excluding workers’ compensation of 8%
  • Full year total capital returned to shareholders approximately $791 million, includes $545 million ($6.50 per share) in special dividends

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: AFG) today reported 2024 fourth quarter net earnings of $255 million ($3.03 per share) compared to $263 million ($3.13 per share) in the 2023 fourth quarter. Net earnings for the 2024 fourth quarter included net after-tax non-core realized losses of $7 million ($0.09 per share loss). By comparison, net earnings for the 2023 fourth quarter included net after-tax non-core realized gains of $25 million ($0.29 per share). Net earnings for the full year of 2024 were $10.57 per share, compared to $10.05 per share in 2023. Return on equity was 19.0% and 18.8% for the full years of 2024 and 2023, respectively, and is calculated excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). Other details may be found in the table on the following page.

Core net operating earnings were $262 million ($3.12 per share) for the 2024 fourth quarter, compared to $238 million ($2.84 per share) in the 2023 fourth quarter. The year-over-year increase reflects higher P&C net investment income, including improved returns on alternative investments, partially offset by lower P&C underwriting profit. Additional details for the 2024 and 2023 fourth quarters may be found in the table below. Core net operating earnings generated returns on equity of 19.3% and 19.8% for the full years of 2024 and 2023, respectively, calculated excluding AOCI.

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

Components of Pretax Core Operating Earnings

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

In millions, except per share amounts

Before Impact of

Alternative

Core Net Operating

 

Alternative Investments

Investments

Earnings, as reported

 

P&C Pretax Core Operating Earnings

$

345

 

$

352

 

$

33

$

5

$

378

 

$

357

 

Other expenses

 

(29

)

 

(34

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(29

)

 

(34

)

Holding company interest expense

 

(19

)

 

(19

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(19

)

 

(19

)

Pretax Core Operating Earnings

 

297

 

 

299

 

 

33

 

 

5

 

 

330

 

 

304

 

Related provision for income taxes

 

61

 

 

65

 

 

7

 

 

1

 

 

68

 

 

66

 

Core Net Operating Earnings

$

236

 

$

234

 

$

26

 

$

4

 

$

262

 

$

238

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Core Operating Earnings Per Share

$

2.81

 

$

2.79

 

$

0.31

 

$

0.05

 

$

3.12

 

$

2.84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Avg Diluted Shares Outstanding

 

84.0

 

 

83.8

 

 

84.0

 

 

83.8

 

 

84.0

 

 

83.8

 

AFG’s book value per share was $53.18 at December 31, 2024. AFG paid cash dividends of $4.80 per share during the fourth quarter, which included a $4.00 per share special dividend paid in November. For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, AFG’s growth in book value per share plus dividends was 3.4% and 23.0%, respectively.

Book value per share excluding AOCI was $56.03 at December 31, 2024. For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, AFG’s growth in book value per share excluding AOCI plus dividends was 5.4% and 19.6%, respectively.

AFG’s net earnings, determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), include certain items that may not be indicative of its ongoing core operations. The table below identifies such items and reconciles net earnings to core net operating earnings, a non-GAAP financial measure. AFG believes that its core net operating earnings provides management, financial analysts, ratings agencies, and investors with an understanding of the results from the ongoing operations of the Company by excluding the impact of net realized gains and losses and other items that are not necessarily indicative of operating trends. AFG’s management uses core net operating earnings to evaluate financial performance against historical results because it believes this provides a more comparable measure of its continuing business. Core net operating earnings is also used by AFG’s management as a basis for strategic planning and forecasting.

 

In millions, except per share amounts

Three months ended
December 31,

Twelve months ended
December 31,

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Components of net earnings:

 

 

 

 

Core operating earnings before income taxes

$

330

 

$

304

$

1,138

 

$

1,127

 

Pretax non-core items:

 

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses)

 

(10

)

 

31

 

 

-

 

 

(40

)

Gain on retirement of debt

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1

 

Special A&E charges

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(14

)

 

(15

)

Earnings before income taxes

 

320

 

 

335

 

 

1,124

 

 

1,073

 

Provision (credit) for income taxes:

 

 

 

 

Core operating earnings

 

68

 

 

66

 

 

236

 

 

232

 

Non-core items

 

(3

)

 

6

 

 

1

 

 

(11

)

Total provision for income taxes

 

65

 

 

72

 

 

237

 

 

221

 

Net earnings

$

255

 

$

263

 

$

887

 

$

852

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings:

 

 

 

 

Core net operating earnings(a)

$

262

 

$

238

 

$

902

 

$

895

 

Non-core items:

 

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses)

 

(7

)

 

25

 

 

(4

)

 

(32

)

Gain on retirement of debt

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1

 

Special A&E charges

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(11

)

 

(12

)

Net earnings

$

255

 

$

263

 

$

887

 

$

852

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Components of earnings per share:

Core net operating earnings(a)

$

3.12

 

$

2.84

 

$

10.75

 

$

10.56

 

Non-core Items:

 

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses)

 

(0.09

)

 

0.29

 

 

(0.05

)

 

(0.37

)

Gain on retirement of debt

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

0.01

 

Special A&E Charges

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(0.13

)

 

(0.15

)

Diluted net earnings per share

$

3.03

 

$

3.13

 

$

10.57

 

$

10.05

 

Footnote (a) is contained in the accompanying Notes to Financial Schedules at the end of this release.

Carl H. Lindner III and S. Craig Lindner, AFG’s Co-Chief Executive Officers, issued this statement: “We are very pleased with AFG’s performance in the 2024 fourth quarter and full year. In addition to producing an annual core operating return on equity in excess of 19%, net written premiums grew by 7% during the year. Excellent underwriting results, record P&C net investment income and effective capital management enable us to continue to create long-term value for our shareholders. We are thankful for our talented insurance and investment professionals, who have positioned us well as we enter 2025. Our thoughts and prayers continue to include those who have been impacted by the devastation caused by the wildfires in Southern California. We are grateful to our claims professionals and insurance specialists who are helping our policyholders recover, restore their businesses and rebuild their communities.”

Messrs. Lindner continued: “AFG continued to have significant excess capital at December 31, 2024. Returning capital to shareholders in the form of regular and special cash dividends and through opportunistic share repurchases is an important and effective component of our capital management strategy. In addition, our capital will be deployed into AFG’s core businesses as we identify potential for healthy, profitable organic growth, and opportunities to expand our specialty niche businesses through acquisitions and start-ups that meet our target return thresholds. Over the past year, we increased our quarterly dividend by 12.7% and paid special dividends of $6.50 per share. Growth in book value per share (excluding AOCI) plus dividends was a very strong 20% during 2024.”

While AFG does not provide earnings guidance, for 2025 we expect that performance in line with the assumptions underlying our 2025 business plan would result in core operating earnings per share of approximately $10.50 and generate a very strong core operating return on equity excluding AOCI of approximately 18%. These assumptions include 5% growth in net written premiums compared to 2024, a 92.5% calendar year combined ratio, a reinvestment rate of approximately 5.75%, and a return of approximately 8% on our $2.7 billion portfolio of alternative investments. Our current estimate for losses related to the Southern California wildfires is $60 to $70 million, acknowledging that this remains a developing situation. This range is embedded in our 2025 assumptions.

Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance Operations

The Specialty P&C insurance operations generated a strong 89.0% combined ratio in the fourth quarter of 2024, 1.3 points higher than the 87.7% reported in the prior year quarter. Fourth quarter results include 1.1 points related to catastrophe losses (primarily the result of Hurricane Milton), compared to 1.4 points in the 2023 fourth quarter. Fourth quarter 2024 results include 1.8 points of adverse prior year reserve development, compared to 3.3 points of favorable prior year reserve development in the fourth quarter of 2023. Underwriting profit was $204 million for the 2024 fourth quarter compared to $212 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Higher underwriting profit in our Property and Transportation and Specialty Financial Groups was more than offset by lower year-over-year underwriting profit in our Specialty Casualty Group, which was impacted by adverse prior year reserve development in certain social inflation-exposed businesses.

Fourth quarter 2024 gross and net written premiums were up 3% and 1%, respectively, when compared to the same period in 2023. Gross and net written premiums increased 9% and 7%, respectively, for the full year in 2024 and established new records for premium production for AFG. We continue to achieve year-over-year premium growth as a result of a combination of new business opportunities, a good renewal rate environment, and increased exposures in many of our businesses.

Average renewal pricing across our P&C Group, excluding workers’ compensation, was up approximately 8% for the quarter. Including workers’ compensation, renewal rates were up approximately 7% overall; both measures were in line with renewal rates in the previous quarter. We believe we are achieving overall renewal rate increases in excess of prospective loss ratio trends to meet or exceed targeted returns.

The Property and Transportation Group reported an underwriting profit of $82 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $67 million in the comparable prior year period. The improvement was attributable to higher year-over-year underwriting profitability in our crop insurance operations. Catastrophe losses in this group were $10 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $5 million in the prior year period. The businesses in the Property and Transportation Group achieved a strong 89.2% calendar year combined ratio overall in the fourth quarter, an improvement of 1.1 points over the 90.3% achieved in the comparable period in 2023.

Fourth quarter 2024 gross and net written premiums in this group were both down 6% from the comparable prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of lower year-over-year commodity pricing on winter wheat premiums, coupled with elevated pricing competition and the non-renewal of certain under-performing accounts in our transportation businesses. Overall renewal rates in this group increased 7% on average for the fourth quarter of 2024, in line with pricing the previous quarter. Pricing for the full year for this group was up 8% overall.

The Specialty Casualty Group reported an underwriting profit of $82 million in the 2024 fourth quarter compared to $114 million in the comparable 2023 period. Higher year-over-year underwriting profits in our targeted markets businesses were more than offset by lower underwriting profit in our excess liability, workers’ compensation, and executive liability businesses. Underwriting profitability in our workers’ compensation and executive liability businesses continues to be excellent despite the lower year-over-year profitability in these businesses. Catastrophe losses for this group, including the impact of lower than previously anticipated estimated losses from Hurricane Helene, had a favorable impact of $5 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to catastrophe losses of $8 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The businesses in the Specialty Casualty Group achieved a very strong 89.0% calendar year combined ratio overall in the fourth quarter, 4.4 points higher than the excellent 84.6% reported in the comparable period in 2023.

Fourth quarter 2024 gross and net written premiums in this group increased 5% and 4%, respectively, when compared to the same prior year period. The primary drivers of growth were new business opportunities and favorable renewal pricing in several of our targeted markets businesses and in our excess & surplus lines business. Our mergers & acquisitions business also benefited from an increase in M&A activity. This growth was tempered by lower year-over-year workers’ compensation premiums. Excluding workers’ compensation, fourth quarter gross and net written premiums in this group both grew 8% year over year. Excluding workers’ compensation, renewal pricing for this group was up 11% in the fourth quarter, an improvement of about a point from the previous quarter. Pricing in this group, including workers’ compensation, was up 8%, in line with the third quarter. For the full year, pricing in this group excluding workers’ compensation was 9%.

The Specialty Financial Group reported an underwriting profit of $54 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $45 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, primarily as a result of higher underwriting profit in our financial institutions business. Catastrophe losses for this group were $17 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $4 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. This group continued to achieve excellent underwriting margins and reported an outstanding 80.7% combined ratio for the fourth quarter of 2024, an improvement of 0.6 points over the prior year period.

Gross and net written premiums in this group increased by 11% and 12%, respectively, in the 2024 fourth quarter when compared to the same 2023 period, primarily due to growth in our financial institutions business. Renewal pricing in this group was up 3% in the fourth quarter and up 6% for the full year of 2024.

Carl Lindner III stated, “We closed 2024 on a strong note, with each of our Specialty P&C businesses reporting fourth quarter calendar year combined ratios less than 90%. In addition to these strong underwriting margins, we are finding opportunities to grow through new business opportunities, a continued favorable pricing environment and increased exposures. Nearly all the businesses in our diversified Specialty P&C portfolio continue to meet or exceed targeted returns, and we set new records for premium production in 2024. We continue to feel confident about the strength of our reserves, and I am especially pleased that we achieved a fourth quarter average renewal rate increase of 11% in our Specialty Casualty Group, excluding workers’ compensation, which is our most social inflation-exposed group of businesses.”

Further details about AFG’s Specialty P&C operations may be found in the accompanying schedules and in our Quarterly Investor Supplement, which is posted on our website.

Investments

Net Investment Income – For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, property and casualty net investment income was approximately 21% higher than the comparable 2023 period as a result of improved returns on alternative investments and the impact of rising interest rates and higher balances of invested assets. The annualized return on alternative investments was approximately 4.9% for the 2024 fourth quarter compared to 0.8% for the prior year quarter. Earnings from alternative investments may vary from quarter to quarter based on the reported results of the underlying investments and generally are reported on a quarter lag.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, P&C net investment income was approximately 8% higher than the comparable 2023 period due primarily to the impact of rising interest rates and higher balances of invested assets. The return on alternative investments was 6.1% for 2024 compared to 7.0% earned on P&C alternative investments in 2023. The average annual return on alternative investments over the five calendar years ended December 31, 2024, was approximately 12%.

Non-Core Net Realized Gains (Losses) – AFG recorded fourth quarter 2024 net realized losses of $7 million ($0.09 per share) after tax, which included less than $1 million ($0.01 per share) in after-tax net losses to adjust equity securities that the Company continued to own at December 31, 2024, to fair value. AFG recorded net realized gains of $25 million ($0.29 per share) after tax in the comparable 2023 period.

After-tax unrealized losses related to fixed maturities were $212 million at December 31, 2024. Our portfolio continues to be high quality, with 94% of our fixed maturity portfolio rated investment grade and 96% of our P&C fixed maturity portfolio with a National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ designation of NAIC 1 or 2, its highest two categories.

More information about the components of our investment portfolio may be found in our Quarterly Investor Supplement, which is posted on our website.

About American Financial Group, Inc.

American Financial Group is an insurance holding company, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Through the operations of Great American Insurance Group, AFG is engaged primarily in property and casualty insurance, focusing on specialized commercial products for businesses. Great American Insurance Group’s roots go back to 1872 with the founding of its flagship company, Great American Insurance Company.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release, and any related oral statements, contains certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements in this press release not dealing with historical results are forward-looking and are based on estimates, assumptions, and projections. Examples of such forward-looking statements include statements relating to: the Company's expectations concerning market and other conditions and their effect on future premiums, revenues, earnings, investment activities and the amount and timing of share repurchases or special dividends; recoverability of asset values; expected losses and the adequacy of reserves for asbestos, environmental pollution and mass tort claims; rate changes; and improved loss experience.

Actual results and/or financial condition could differ materially from those contained in or implied by such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to: the risks and uncertainties AFG describes in the “Risk Factors” section of its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated by its other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission; changes in financial, political and economic conditions, including changes in interest and inflation rates, currency fluctuations and extended economic recessions or expansions in the U.S. and/or abroad; performance of securities markets; new legislation or declines in credit quality or credit ratings that could have a material impact on the valuation of securities in AFG’s investment portfolio; the availability of capital; changes in insurance law or regulation, including changes in statutory accounting rules, including modifications to capital requirements; changes in the legal environment affecting AFG or its customers; tax law and accounting changes; levels of natural catastrophes and severe weather, terrorist activities (including any nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological events), incidents of war or losses resulting from pandemics, civil unrest and other major losses; disruption caused by cyber-attacks or other technology breaches or failures by AFG or its business partners and service providers, which could negatively impact AFG’s business and/or expose AFG to litigation; development of insurance loss reserves and establishment of other reserves, particularly with respect to amounts associated with asbestos and environmental claims; availability of reinsurance and ability of reinsurers to pay their obligations; competitive pressures; the ability to obtain adequate rates and policy terms; changes in AFG’s credit ratings or the financial strength ratings assigned by major ratings agencies to AFG’s operating subsidiaries; the impact of the conditions in the international financial markets and the global economy relating to AFG’s international operations; and effects on AFG’s reputation, including as a result of environmental, social and governance matters.

The forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements.

Conference Call

The Company will hold a conference call to discuss 2024 fourth quarter and full year results at 11:30 a.m. (ET) tomorrow, Wednesday, February 5, 2025. There are two ways to access the call.

Participants should register for the call here now, or any time up to and during the time of the call, and will immediately receive the dial-in number and a unique pin to access the call. While you may register at any time up to and during the time of the call, you are encouraged to join the call 10 minutes prior to the start of the event.

The conference call and accompanying webcast slides will also be broadcast live over the internet. To access the event, click the following link: https://www.afginc.com/news-and-events/event-calendar. Alternatively, you can choose Events from the Investor Relations page at www.AFGinc.com.

A replay of the webcast will be available via the same link on our website approximately two hours after the completion of the call.

Websites:
www.AFGinc.com
www.GreatAmericanInsuranceGroup.com

(Financial summaries follow)

This earnings release and AFG’s Quarterly Investor Supplement are available in the Investor Relations section of AFG’s website: www.AFGinc.com.

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUMMARY OF EARNINGS AND SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA

(In Millions, Except Per Share Data)

 

 

 

 

Three months ended
December 31,

Twelve months ended
December 31,

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

P&C insurance net earned premiums

$

1,850

 

$

1,732

$

7,036

$

6,531

 

Net investment income

 

194

 

 

159

 

 

780

 

 

742

 

Realized gains (losses) on:

 

 

 

 

Securities

 

(10

)

 

31

 

 

-

 

 

(36

)

Subsidiaries

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(4

)

Income of managed investment entities:

 

 

 

 

Investment income

 

84

 

 

100

 

 

380

 

 

421

 

Gain (loss) on change in fair value of

 

 

 

 

assets/liabilities

 

(1

)

 

15

 

 

4

 

 

27

 

Other income

 

32

 

 

46

 

 

124

 

 

146

 

Total revenues

 

2,149

 

 

2,083

 

 

8,324

 

 

7,827

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses

 

 

 

P&C insurance losses & expenses

 

1,661

 

 

1,549

 

 

6,467

 

 

5,968

 

Interest charges on borrowed money

 

19

 

 

19

 

 

76

 

 

76

 

Expenses of managed investment entities

 

71

 

 

102

 

 

338

 

 

405

 

Other expenses

 

78

 

 

78

 

 

319

 

 

305

 

Total costs and expenses

 

1,829

 

 

1,748

 

 

7,200

 

 

6,754

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

320

 

 

335

 

 

1,124

 

 

1,073

 

Provision for income taxes

 

65

 

 

72

 

 

237

 

 

221

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

$

255

 

$

263

 

$

887

 

$

852

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share

$

3.03

 

$

3.13

 

$

10.57

 

$

10.05

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average number of diluted shares

 

84.0

 

 

83.8

 

 

83.9

 

 

84.8

 

 

Selected Balance Sheet Data:

December 31, 2024

December 31, 2023

Total cash and investments

$

15,852

$

15,263

Long-term debt

$

1,475

 

$

1,475

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity(b)

$

4,466

 

$

4,258

 

Shareholders’ equity (excluding AOCI)

$

4,706

 

$

4,577

 

 

 

 

Book value per share(b)

$

53.18

 

$

50.91

 

Book value per share (excluding AOCI)

$

56.03

 

$

54.72

 

 

 

 

Common Shares Outstanding

 

84.0

 

 

83.6

 

Footnote (b) is contained in the accompanying Notes to Financial Schedules at the end of this release.

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

SPECIALTY P&C OPERATIONS

(Dollars in Millions)

 

 

Three months ended
December 31,

Pct.
Change

Twelve months ended
December 31,

Pct.
Change

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross written premiums

$

2,043

 

$

1,992

 

3

%

$

10,533

 

$

9,656

 

9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net written premiums

$

1,460

 

$

1,445

 

1

%

$

7,139

 

$

6,692

 

7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios (GAAP):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss & LAE ratio

 

63.7

%

 

60.7

%

 

 

63.3

%

 

61.5

%

 

Underwriting expense ratio

 

25.3

%

 

27.0

%

 

 

27.9

%

 

28.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Combined Ratio

 

89.0

%

 

87.7

%

 

 

91.2

%

 

90.3

%

 

 

 

 

Combined Ratio – P&C Segment

 

89.1

%

 

87.8

%

 

 

91.2

%

 

90.4

%

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Information:(c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Written Premiums:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property & Transportation

$

585

 

$

623

 

(6

%)

$

4,735

 

$

4,146

 

14

%

Specialty Casualty

 

1,126

 

 

1,069

 

5

%

 

4,543

 

 

4,368

 

4

%

Specialty Financial

 

332

 

 

300

 

11

%

 

1,255

 

 

1,142

 

10

%

 

$

2,043

 

$

1,992

 

3

%

$

10,533

 

$

9,656

 

9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Written Premiums:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property & Transportation

$

399

 

$

426

 

(6

%)

$

2,811

 

$

2,551

 

10

%

Specialty Casualty

 

725

 

 

700

 

4

%

 

3,043

 

 

2,944

 

3

%

Specialty Financial

 

279

 

 

250

 

12

%

 

1,045

 

 

935

 

12

%

Other

 

57

 

 

69

 

(17

%)

 

240

 

 

262

 

(8

%)

 

$

1,460

 

$

1,445

 

1

%

$

7,139

 

$

6,692

 

7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combined Ratio (GAAP):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property & Transportation

 

89.2

%

 

90.3

%

 

 

92.4

%

 

92.8

%

 

Specialty Casualty

 

89.0

%

 

84.6

%

 

 

88.5

%

 

87.0

%

 

Specialty Financial

 

80.7

%

 

81.3

%

 

 

87.1

%

 

87.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregate Specialty Group

 

89.0

%

 

87.7

%

 

 

91.2

%

 

90.3

%

 

 

 

 

Three months ended
December 31,

Twelve months ended
December 31,

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Reserve Development (Favorable)/Adverse:

 

 

 

Property & Transportation

$

(3

)

$

(12

)

$

(94

)

$

(84

)

Specialty Casualty

 

36

 

 

(37

)

 

(10

)

 

(110

)

Specialty Financial

 

(8

)

 

(8

)

 

(11

)

 

(32

)

Other Specialty

 

9

 

 

-

 

 

45

 

 

-

 

Specialty Group

 

34

 

 

(57

)

 

(70

)

 

(226

)

Other

 

2

 

 

1

 

 

6

 

 

2

 

Total Reserve Development

$

36

 

$

(56

)

$

(64

)

$

(224

)

 

Points on Combined Ratio:

 

 

 

Property & Transportation

 

(0.5

)

 

(1.8

)

 

(3.4

)

 

(3.3

)

Specialty Casualty

 

4.8

 

 

(5.0

)

 

(0.4

)

 

(3.8

)

Specialty Financial

 

(2.9

)

 

(3.4

)

 

(1.1

)

 

(3.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregate Specialty Group

 

1.8

 

 

(3.3

)

 

(1.0

)

 

(3.4

)

Total P&C Segment

 

1.9

 

 

(3.2

)

 

(0.9

)

 

(3.4

)

Footnote (c) is contained in the accompanying Notes to Financial Schedules at the end of this release.

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

Notes to Financial Schedules

 

 

 

 

a)

Components of core net operating earnings (dollars in millions):

 

Three months ended
December 31,

Twelve months ended
December 31,

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Core Operating Earnings before Income Taxes:

 

 

 

P&C insurance segment

$

378

 

$

357

 

$

1,328

 

$

1,304

 

Interest and other corporate expenses

 

(48

)

 

(53

)

 

(190

)

 

(177

)

 

 

 

 

 

Core operating earnings before income taxes

 

330

 

 

304

 

 

1,138

 

 

1,127

 

Related income taxes

 

68

 

 

66

 

 

236

 

 

232

 

 

Core net operating earnings

$

262

 

$

238

 

$

902

 

$

895

 

b)

Shareholders’ Equity at December 31, 2024, includes ($240 million) ($2.85 per share loss) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) compared to ($319 million) ($3.81 per share loss) at December 31, 2023.

 

 

c)

Supplemental Notes:

  • Property & Transportation includes primarily physical damage and liability coverage for buses and trucks and other specialty transportation niches, inland and ocean marine, agricultural-related products, and other commercial property coverages.
  • Specialty Casualty includes primarily excess and surplus, general liability, executive liability, professional liability, umbrella and excess liability, specialty coverages in targeted markets, customized programs for small to mid-sized businesses and workers’ compensation insurance.
  • Specialty Financial includes risk management insurance programs for lending and leasing institutions (including equipment leasing and collateral and lender-placed mortgage property insurance), surety and fidelity products and trade credit insurance.
  • Other includes an internal reinsurance facility.

 

Diane P. Weidner, IRC, CPA (inactive)

Vice President - Investor & Media Relations

513-369-5713

Source: American Financial Group, Inc.

FAQ

What was AFG's net earnings per share for Q4 2024?

AFG reported net earnings of $3.03 per share for Q4 2024, compared to $3.13 per share in Q4 2023.

How much did AFG return to shareholders in 2024?

AFG returned approximately $791 million to shareholders in 2024, including $545 million ($6.50 per share) in special dividends.

What was AFG's combined ratio for Q4 2024?

AFG reported a combined ratio of 89.0% for Q4 2024, which was 1.3 points higher than the 87.7% reported in Q4 2023.

What is AFG's premium growth forecast for 2025?

AFG expects 5% growth in net written premiums for 2025 compared to 2024.

How much did AFG's book value per share grow in 2024?

AFG's book value per share plus dividends grew by 23.0% for the full year 2024.

American Financial Group, Inc.

NYSE:AFG

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Insurance - Property & Casualty
Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance
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United States of America
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