American Financial Group, Inc. Declares Special Dividend

Rhea-AI Summary

American Financial Group (NYSE: AFG) declared a special cash dividend of $2.00 per share, payable on August 2, 2021, to shareholders on record as of July 26, 2021. This one-time dividend totals approximately $170 million and supplements AFG’s regular quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share, scheduled for the same date. In the first half of 2021, AFG returned $1.58 billion to shareholders via dividends and stock repurchases, reflecting a robust financial position and commitment to returning capital.

Positive

• Declared a special cash dividend of $2.00 per share, totaling $170 million.
• Continued commitment to shareholder returns with $1.58 billion returned in H1 2021.
• Strong core operating earnings in Specialty P&C business indicating financial stability.

Negative

• None.

American Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: AFG) announced today that it has declared a special, one-time cash dividend of $2.00 per share of American Financial Group Common Stock. The dividend is payable on August 2, 2021, to holders of record on July 26, 2021. The aggregate amount of the payment to be made in connection with this special dividend will be approximately $170 million. This special dividend is in addition to the Company’s regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share that is scheduled to be paid on July 26, 2021.

Additionally, the Company repurchased $114 million of its common stock during the second quarter of 2021. Through the first six months of 2021, AFG returned $1.58 billion to shareholders in the form of regular and special dividends and share repurchases.

AFG Co-CEOs S. Craig Lindner and Carl H. Lindner III stated: “Returning excess capital to shareholders in the form of this $2.00 special dividend is a key component of AFG’s capital management strategy; it reflects AFG’s strong financial position and our confidence in the Company’s financial future. Our Specialty P&C businesses continue to produce strong core operating earnings and generate excess capital. Our excess capital remains at a significant level, which affords us the financial flexibility to grow our Specialty P&C business organically and through acquisitions and start-ups that meet our target return thresholds, make opportunistic repurchases of AFG’s stock and pay additional dividends.”

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 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; 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: 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; the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, including the effects on the international and national economy and credit markets, legislative or regulatory developments affecting the insurance industry, quarantines or other travel or health-related restrictions; 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 other factors identified in AFG’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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.

 

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FAQ

What is the amount of the special dividend declared by AFG?

American Financial Group declared a special dividend of $2.00 per share.

When will the special dividend be paid by AFG?

The special dividend will be payable on August 2, 2021.

What is the total amount of the special dividend payout?

The total payout for the special dividend is approximately $170 million.

How much did AFG return to shareholders in the first half of 2021?

AFG returned $1.58 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends and stock repurchases in H1 2021.

What is the regular quarterly dividend amount for AFG?

AFG’s regular quarterly dividend is $0.50 per share.