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Jun 30, 2023
AFG Q2 2023 Earnings Report
American Financial Group reported mixed results for Q2 2023, with decreased core operating earnings but increased net earnings.
Key Takeaways
American Financial Group's Q2 2023 net earnings increased to $200 million ($2.34 per share) compared to $167 million ($1.96 per share) in Q2 2022. However, core net operating earnings decreased to $202 million ($2.38 per share) from $243 million ($2.85 per share) in the prior year, primarily due to elevated catastrophe losses and lower prior year reserve development in the Specialty P&C insurance operations. The company revised its full-year 2023 core net operating earnings guidance to $10.15 to $11.15 per share.
Net earnings per share were $2.34, including a $0.04 per share loss from after-tax non-core items.
Core net operating earnings per share were $2.38.
Annualized ROE was 17.9%, with a core operating ROE of 18.2%.
Net written premiums increased by 10% year-over-year.
AFG
AFG
Forward Guidance
AFG revised its full year 2023 core net operating earnings guidance to $10.15 to $11.15 per share.
Positive Outlook
- The higher interest rate environment contributed to meaningfully higher year-over-year investment income.
- The company is pleased with the performance of its alternative investment portfolio, where returns exceeded expectations during the quarter.
- New business opportunities contributed to double-digit growth in premiums during the quarter.
- A continued favorable pricing environment contributed to double-digit growth in premiums during the quarter.
- Payroll growth contributed to double-digit growth in premiums during the quarter.
Challenges Ahead
- Elevated catastrophe losses are expected to continue for the second half of the year.
- Lower profitability in the Specialty Casualty Group is expected to continue.
- Lower favorable prior year reserve development in workers’ compensation is expected to continue.
- The impact of social inflation on selected businesses is expected to continue.
- Overall 2023 calendar year combined ratio is now expected in the range of 89% to 91%, revised upward from previous guidance.