BlackRock Inc. Takes Position in American Financial Group, Inc. $AFG

BlackRock Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of American Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:AFG - Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 7,712,799 shares of the insurance provider's stock, valued at approximately $1,079,329,000. BlackRock Inc. owned approximately 9.28% of American Financial Group at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of AFG. Cassaday & Co Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of American Financial Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC lifted its position in American Financial Group by 904.8% during the fourth quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 211 shares of the insurance provider's stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 190 shares during the period. Clearstead Advisors LLC grew its stake in American Financial Group by 87.7% during the fourth quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 259 shares of the insurance provider's stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 121 shares in the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. bought a new position in American Financial Group in the 2nd quarter valued at about $46,000. Finally, Los Angeles Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of American Financial Group in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $45,000. Institutional investors own 64.37% of the company's stock.

Key Stories Impacting American Financial Group

Here are the key news stories impacting American Financial Group this week:

• Positive Sentiment: American Financial announced its 21st consecutive dividend increase. Strong underwriting margins, excess capital and continued shareholder returns support the case for sustainable dividend growth. American Financial's Robust Financial Strength Fuels Dividend Growth
• Positive Sentiment: Zacks Research raised its FY2026 EPS estimate to $11.72 from $11.00, FY2027 EPS to $11.95 from $11.77, and FY2028 EPS to $11.83 from $11.67. It also increased its Q3 2026, Q1 2027 and Q4 2027 forecasts, signaling improved expectations for near-term insurance profitability.
• Positive Sentiment: The earnings outlook is supported by AFG’s latest reported results: quarterly EPS of $2.82 exceeded the $2.32 consensus estimate, while revenue grew 5.5% year over year to $2.03 billion. The company also reported a 20.35% return on equity.

Analyst Ratings Changes

AFG has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Wall Street Zen raised American Financial Group from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a research note on Saturday, August 15th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on shares of American Financial Group from $158.00 to $173.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating in a research report on Thursday, July 9th. Piper Sandler increased their price objective on shares of American Financial Group from $140.00 to $156.00 and gave the company a "neutral" rating in a research note on Monday, August 10th. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of American Financial Group from a "buy (b-)" rating to a "buy (b)" rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 11th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on shares of American Financial Group from $148.00 to $153.00 and gave the stock a "market perform" rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 11th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of "Hold" and a consensus target price of $156.00.

American Financial Group Stock Down 0.0%

AFG opened at $143.59 on Friday. The business's fifty day simple moving average is $141.29 and its 200 day simple moving average is $134.41. American Financial Group, Inc. has a 52 week low of $123.09 and a 52 week high of $150.02. The company has a quick ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 0.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. The stock has a market cap of $11.91 billion, a PE ratio of 12.55 and a beta of 0.62.

American Financial Group (NYSE:AFG - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 4th. The insurance provider reported $2.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $2.32 by $0.50. The firm had revenue of $2.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $1.85 billion. American Financial Group had a return on equity of 20.35% and a net margin of 11.51%.The company's revenue for the quarter was up 5.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.14 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that American Financial Group, Inc. will post 11.87 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

American Financial Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 24th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, July 15th were given a dividend of $0.88 per share. This represents a $3.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.5%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 15th. American Financial Group's dividend payout ratio is presently 30.77%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, VP Mark A. Weiss sold 2,813 shares of the business's stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $144.76, for a total transaction of $407,209.88. Following the transaction, the vice president owned 6,648 shares in the company, valued at $962,364.48. The trade was a 29.73% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, SVP Michelle A. Gillis sold 2,247 shares of the company's stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $139.00, for a total value of $312,333.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 13,135 shares of the company's stock, valued at $1,825,765. The trade was a 14.61% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold a total of 16,430 shares of company stock worth $2,255,061 in the last ninety days. 16.90% of the stock is owned by insiders.

About American Financial Group

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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