American Financial Group (NYSE:AFG) Stock Price Expected to Rise, Wells Fargo & Company Analyst Says

Key Points

• Wells Fargo raised its price target on American Financial Group from $155 to $158 and maintained an "overweight" rating, implying roughly a 19.58% upside from the current share price.
• Despite some target increases from other firms, the consensus remains a Hold with a consensus price target of $143.75 (two Buy ratings, three Hold ratings).
• In the latest quarter AFG reported EPS of $2.47 (missing by $0.07) while revenue of $1.83B topped estimates; the stock trades near $132 with a PE of 12.56 and a market cap of about $11B.

American Financial Group (NYSE:AFG - Get Free Report) had its price objective increased by stock analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $155.00 to $158.00 in a report issued on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an "overweight" rating on the insurance provider's stock. Wells Fargo & Company's target price indicates a potential upside of 19.58% from the company's current price.

Other equities analysts have also issued reports about the company. Piper Sandler boosted their price target on shares of American Financial Group from $129.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a "neutral" rating in a report on Friday. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted 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 research report on Wednesday, March 25th. Finally, Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of American Financial Group from a "hold (c+)" rating to a "buy (b-)" rating in a research note on Monday, March 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, American Financial Group presently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $143.75.

American Financial Group Stock Performance

Shares of American Financial Group stock opened at $132.13 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 0.23 and a current ratio of 0.23. American Financial Group has a 1 year low of $120.52 and a 1 year high of $150.02. The firm's 50-day simple moving average is $129.85 and its 200-day simple moving average is $132.38. The firm has a market cap of $10.98 billion, a PE ratio of 12.56 and a beta of 0.65.

American Financial Group (NYSE:AFG - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 29th. The insurance provider reported $2.47 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.54 by ($0.07). American Financial Group had a net margin of 10.76% and a return on equity of 19.49%. The firm had revenue of $1.83 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.70 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.81 earnings per share. The firm's quarterly revenue was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that American Financial Group will post 10.98 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CFO Brian S. Hertzman sold 1,663 shares of the company's stock in a transaction on Friday, February 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $133.70, for a total value of $222,343.10. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 12,073 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,614,160.10. This represents a 12.11% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 16.90% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Global Retirement Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of American Financial Group by 904.8% in the fourth quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 211 shares of the insurance provider's stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 190 shares during the period. Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new position in American Financial Group during the third quarter worth $34,000. Clearstead Advisors LLC raised its stake in 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 purchasing an additional 121 shares during the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC raised its stake in American Financial Group by 165.0% during the 3rd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 273 shares of the insurance provider's stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 170 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd bought a new stake in American Financial Group in the 3rd quarter valued at $44,000. Institutional investors own 64.37% of the company's stock.

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.

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