Zacks Research Issues Positive Forecast for AFG Earnings

American Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:AFG) – Research analysts at Zacks Research lifted their Q3 2026 earnings per share estimates for shares of American Financial Group in a note issued to investors on Friday, July 31st. Zacks Research analyst Team now forecasts that the insurance provider will post earnings per share of $2.75 for the quarter, up from their prior estimate of $2.74. The consensus estimate for American Financial Group’s current full-year earnings is $11.37 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for American Financial Group’s Q4 2026 earnings at $3.37 EPS, Q1 2027 earnings at $2.67 EPS, Q3 2027 earnings at $2.81 EPS, Q4 2027 earnings at $3.73 EPS, Q1 2028 earnings at $2.77 EPS and FY2028 earnings at $11.67 EPS.

Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of American Financial Group from $158.00 to $173.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Thursday, July 9th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price objective on shares of American Financial Group from $140.00 to $148.00 and gave the company a “market perform” rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 8th. Piper Sandler lifted their price objective on shares of American Financial Group from $135.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a report on Tuesday, May 26th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a “buy (b-)” rating on shares of American Financial Group in a research report on Thursday, June 11th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $150.75.

American Financial Group Stock Up 0.3%

AFG stock opened at $142.09 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 0.48, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The company’s 50 day moving average is $137.58 and its 200 day moving average is $132.97. The stock has a market cap of $11.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.51 and a beta of 0.62. American Financial Group has a 1-year low of $122.74 and a 1-year high of $150.02.

Institutional Trading of American Financial Group

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AFG. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System bought a new position in American Financial Group in the first quarter worth $2,567,000. UBS Group AG boosted its holdings in shares of American Financial Group by 10.1% during the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 581,805 shares of the insurance provider’s stock valued at $79,521,000 after buying an additional 53,431 shares in the last quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of American Financial Group by 281.1% during the 1st quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 28,243 shares of the insurance provider’s stock valued at $3,607,000 after buying an additional 20,832 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. grew its position in shares of American Financial Group by 377.6% in the 4th quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 49,681 shares of the insurance provider’s stock worth $6,790,000 after buying an additional 39,279 shares during the period. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP grew its position in shares of American Financial Group by 433.2% in the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 316,974 shares of the insurance provider’s stock worth $40,481,000 after buying an additional 257,522 shares during the period. 64.37% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Insider Activity at American Financial Group

In other American Financial Group news, insider David Lawrence Thompson, Jr. sold 11,370 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $135.05, for a total transaction of $1,535,518.50. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 584,098 shares in the company, valued at $78,882,434.90. This trade represents a 1.91% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, SVP Michelle A. Gillis sold 2,247 shares of American Financial Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $139.00, for a total transaction of $312,333.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 13,135 shares in the company, valued at $1,825,765. This trade represents a 14.61% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 16.90% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

American Financial Group Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 24th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, July 15th were paid a $0.88 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, July 15th. This represents a $3.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.5%. American Financial Group’s dividend payout ratio is currently 33.46%.

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.