Zacks Research Issues Positive Estimate for AFG Earnings

American Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:AFG) – Investment analysts at Zacks Research increased their Q4 2027 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for American Financial Group in a note issued to investors on Thursday, March 26th. Zacks Research analyst Team now expects that the insurance provider will post earnings per share of $4.12 for the quarter, up from their prior estimate of $4.11. The consensus estimate for American Financial Group’s current full-year earnings is $10.50 per share.

American Financial Group (NYSE:AFG) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The insurance provider reported $3.65 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.18 by $0.47. American Financial Group had a return on equity of 18.64% and a net margin of 10.30%.The company had revenue of $2.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $1.79 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $3.12 earnings per share. The business’s quarterly revenue was down 4.0% compared to the same quarter last year.

Several other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on the stock. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of American Financial Group from a “hold (c+)” rating to a “buy (b-)” rating in a research report on Monday, March 16th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their price target on shares of American Financial Group from $134.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a “market perform” rating in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on shares of American Financial Group from $165.00 to $160.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $145.25.

American Financial Group Stock Down 2.6%

NYSE:AFG opened at $125.58 on Friday. The firm’s 50 day simple moving average is $129.35 and its 200 day simple moving average is $134.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 0.23 and a quick ratio of 0.23. American Financial Group has a one year low of $114.73 and a one year high of $150.02. The company has a market cap of $10.46 billion, a PE ratio of 12.47 and a beta of 0.69.

American Financial Group Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a special dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 25th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 16th were paid a $1.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, February 13th. American Financial Group’s payout ratio is currently 34.96%.

Insider Activity

In related news, CFO Brian S. Hertzman sold 1,663 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $133.70, for a total transaction of $222,343.10. Following the sale, the chief financial officer owned 12,073 shares in the company, valued at $1,614,160.10. This represents a 12.11% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 17.40% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On American Financial Group

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AFG. Global Retirement Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of American Financial Group by 904.8% during the 4th quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 211 shares of the insurance provider’s stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 190 shares in the last quarter. Alpine Bank Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of American Financial Group in the 3rd quarter valued at $30,000. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of American Financial Group during the 3rd quarter valued at $34,000. Clearstead Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of American Financial Group by 87.7% during the 4th quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 259 shares of the insurance provider’s stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 121 shares during the period. Finally, Smartleaf Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in American Financial Group by 165.0% during the third quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 273 shares of the insurance provider’s stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 170 shares in the last quarter. 64.37% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

American Financial Group Company Profile

American Financial Group, Inc (NYSE: AFG) is a diversified holding company primarily engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. Through its flagship subsidiary, Great American Insurance Company, the firm underwrites a broad range of specialty insurance products for commercial and industrial clients, including inland marine, excess and surplus lines, executive liability, and environmental liability coverage. In addition, American Financial Group offers supplemental accident and health insurance and assumes reinsurance risks from other insurers, helping to diversify its underwriting portfolio.

The company traces its roots to 1946, when it was founded by Carl Lindner, Sr.